“Documentary” Gets Bent Spoon Skeptical Teens Newspaper Survey Credence – Beyond Belief

number 7273 -- winterspring 20042004 content editorial

Not Rare – Just Another Medium 3 Getting a Word In The Media Creates a 4

Five Tips for Assessing ’M ASHAMED to say we put up a fight. The head of the local Mediums or 7 I community radio station wanted to know if we were interested in Skeptical Teenage Boys: putting together a skeptic show. A skeptic of many years’ standing himself, Hope for the Future 6 Phil Grey had taken on the job recently at Community Radio Hamilton Newsfront 10 and was wanting to get some balance into the airwaves.

Forum 14 We thought about our lives at present – running daughter to various activities, working, trying to pound an acre of garden into submission, Hokum Locum 16 cleaning up after the cat – all those little things that pass for existence Credence is Beyond these days. There was also the fear factor. A radio show? As in, public Belief 18 speaking? The thought was ghastly. After almost two decades in print Loose Talk from an media, the concept of having to think on one’s feet for a radio show was Old Smoothie 19 daunting. But Phil would not be put off. He was up to his ears in spiritual and alternative health shows, one could hear his teeth gnash over the emails he sent. And Lord knows there are countless subjects out there that one could poke a stick at. We’ve recorded four shows now, and, after a bit of skilful editing by Phil, they sound almost like real ones—and I’m sure we’ll improve. So for those who can pick it up, Contributions Through the Fog (an ap- Contributions are welcome and propriate name we thought, should be sent to: given the Waikato climate) can be heard Fridays at Annette Taylor 12.30pm on 1206AM. 122 Woodlands Rd RD1 Hamilton It is in fact, a rare luxury Email: [email protected] to have someone in the Deadline for next issue: media enthusiastically seek- January 10, 2005 (my birthday) ing such input from skeptics; Letters for the Forum may be ed- SPOON BENDERS: Through the Fog not many opportunities ited as space requires - up to 250 presenters, from left, David Riddell, Phil Grey present themselves. At the and Annette Taylor words is preferred. Please indicate recent conference journalist the publication and date of all clip- David McLoughlin gave a presentation on how the media take a generally pings for the Newsfront. sympathetic view of and pseudoscientific claims. For those, Material supplied by email or IBM- like us, who couldn’t get to Christchurch, his talk is reproduced in this compatible disk is appreciated. issue (page 8). Permission is given to other non- A classic example was the winner of this year’s Bent Spoon Award: profit skeptical organisations to re- print material from this publication Melanie Reid’s 20/20 item on Taranaki medium Jeanette Wilson (see provided the author and NZ Skeptic page 3). Wilson has continued to have a dream run in the media – chair- are acknowledged. entity Vicki Hyde was asked to be on Newstalk ZB with Wilson recently, but in the end didn’t even get a sound bite. More on that next issue. Opinions expressed in the New Zealand Skeptic are those of the We need more reporters who truly keep an open mind. individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of • www.communityradio.co.nz NZSCICOP or its officers.

number 73 - spring 2004 bent spoon Not Rare – Just Another Medium

Vicki Hyde

A new star on the circuit impressed the makers of TV3’s 20/20, but not the NZ Skeptics

gushy piece of infotainment any meaning for them”. Asking While 20/20 did include some A on what is claimed to be leading questions designed to elicit footage of the critique in the first New Zealand’s premier showcase information or agreement is a part of the programme, I was for investigative reporting has won common tactic aimed at building disappointed that the programme 20/20 the 2004 Bent Spoon confidence in the performer, and chose to focus extensively on one Award. Melanie Reid’s August 22 making it appear as if they are very emotional, but content-free segment “Back from the Dead”, revealing hidden knowledge. Telling reading in what they called a “test” profiling Taranaki medium Jeanette a middle-aged audience member of the medium’s ability. Real tests Wilson, was judged by the NZ that their parent or grandparent is of such skills have to be carefully Skeptics to be the year’s most watching over them is playing simple planned to avoid naïve or mis- outstanding example of gullible or demographics, as it is more than leading interpretations. It’s not so naive reporting in the paranormal likely that such people will have much the testing as the marking or area. older relatives who have died. that’s important. Take away the histrionics and it was a very poor We were looking forward to performance as far as a demon- seeing a solid journalistic treatment stration of goes. of this growing industry, in much the same manner that 20/20 in the US Of course these very powerful exposed the dubious practices of images were selected by 20/20 medium James van Praagh. It was precisely because they make great very disappointing to hear 20/20 entertainment. They didn’t screen describe similar techniques per- very much of the unimpressive formed here in New Zealand as readings, the one where Wilson “astonishing”. asked a lady twice if her father had died, the ones where she used the 20/20 asked me to comment on same names and stock phrases Wilson’s performance, citing how over and over again. impressed they had been with both Wilson’s presentation – they said If, indeed, the medium had she looked just like Lady Di – and definitive proof of the after-life, this her accuracy – they said she was Chair-entity Vicki Hyde: “It’s not so should have been world-shattering coming up with specific names and much the testing as the marking news. After all, with this sort of that’s important.” relationships. capability, it means there should be no unsolved murders, no missing What I saw was the same col- New Zealand Skeptics are children, no arguments over in- lection of staple techniques used always prepared to check such heritance. There should be no throughout the industry and well- performers out, in case someone innocent people in prison, no documented in many books such really is doing something as- unidentified child molesters. The as Peter Huston’s “Scams from the tonishing, which would be very world would certainly be a better Great Beyond”. One example is exciting, but that certainly wasn’t the place, and that’s something about that of fishing for names, where the case here, despite 20/20’s en- which there could be no doubt. medium will ask a client if a thusiastic endorsement. common name, such as John, “has

page 3 bent spoon The Media Creates a Miracle

The reading by Jeanette Wilson which featured most prominently on the 20/20 programme awarded the 2004 Bent Spoon (see page 3) was of a woman named Maria. It transpired after the reading that Maria’s mother had, two years previously, haemorrhaged to death from a perforated duodenal ulcer. It was Maria who found her, and Maria interpreted Jeanette Wilson’s very dramatic performance as relating to that event. But as can be seen from the following transcript, stripped of the histrionics, Wilson appeared to be talking about something quite different—the murder of two small boys.

Melanie Reid: We are running there longer to me, OK? M: Um, it would be another boy this mediumship reading unedited. that I know... It is intense. Some people may find M: That would be correct. JW: Yeah... it disturbing to watch. JW: Was she in a coma or some- Jeanette Wilson (JW) is handed thing then? M: ...but not to do with my family. a ring from Maria (M), to help M: No, but I understand what you JW: No. establish a connection. say... M: That would... JW: Now I’ve got a lady coming JW: OK. in on your mum’s side first, quite JW: But a similar age, do you strongly. OK. I’ve also got a M: About her feeling she was... understand? gentleman with her and I’m just JW: Yeah because she’s coming M: Yeah I do. trying to work out who’s who. through as a spirit that’s used to Alright. communicating. Alright. Now JW: Because I’m being shown a similar age and a similar situation M sits opposite, says nothing. she’s bringing with her a small boy. Do you understand who in the that happened? Alright? Under- JW: The lady I’ve got on your family that is? stand? mum’s side of the family, she’s M: Mm. coming through with a lot of M: Yeah I do. affection to you, she’s like, wanting JW: OK. And she’s showing me JW: (emotional) Oh goodness, to put her arms around you? It lots and lots of tears about this I’ve got blood on my hands. And feels like she’s being passed over young boy’s passing because there I don’t understand why I’ve got several years now, somewhere was a tragedy... blood on my hands... do you between five and 10 years. Has understand? your mum passed over first of all? M: Oh yeah... M: Mm. M: My mother? JW: You’ll see the hair’s on my arm starting to go on end. But it was JW: I just want to really break JW: Yeah. like that was something that should- down now and, uh, I’ve got a really really horrible feeling inside... um... M: She has. n’t have happened... yeah... (pause) JW: Yes, and is it between five M: Yes. M: Quite a macabre feeling, I and 10 years ago? JW: I’m asking her... I’ve got the would say. M: No. name John or Jonathon – does that make sense to you? JW: The blood on the hands is JW: OK, how long is it since she’s symbolic, I feel that somebody had passed? M: (pause) Um, not with my blood on their hands, does that mother, but it makes sense of make sense, it’s not... this isn’t like M: Two years. something else. a natural passing? Somebody had blood on their hands and you’ll see JW: OK, she feels as if she’s been JW: Is it to do with the little boy? the hairs on my arm, if the cameras

number 73 - spring 2004 bent spoon can pick it up, but they’re ab... Five Tips for Assessing Mediums or Psychics We’re in sunlight, it’s warm. But I’m really... There’s a lot of distress 1. Don’t judge them by their demeanour. The vast majority of people here, there’s a lot of distress. in this business are sincere, well-meaning individuals, and they are Somebody was absolutely terrified? very hard to distinguish from the con artists. They might well be honest, (sobs) ...absolutely terrified... but this doesn’t mean they can do what they think they are doing. (cries) and they weren’t very old. 2. Record, Rewind, Review. It’s very easy to interpret something Oh goodness, goodness, good- as far more accurate or amazing than it actually is (ie to remember ness... it’s very very emotional for more “hits” than “misses”). Record your interview and listen carefully me, it’s like why me? Why are you to the actual words used, how much information is given to the psychic/ doing this to me? (cries) Why are medium, and how often they reflect that back in a positive way to you doing... I have to put the ring make it sound as if they knew it all along. If you can, transcribe audio down sweetheart, it’s too hard for to paper, as this can make what is happening much more obvious. me, it’s too hard, it’s too hard. Oh God, oh God... (cries) 3. Listen for open-ended questions or ones asking for agreement. These phrases are designed to encourage you to hunt for a connection, M: Jeanette, Jeanette... even highly obscure ones, and to respond positively. They are common JW: It’s alright, it’s alright, it’s throughout the industry (sometimes deliberately taught) as they boost alright, it’s alright, they’re alright the chances of a positive response and give the impression that the now, they’re alright now... performer is doing well. Example: asking (of a male subject) “I see a needle. [pause] M: I know they’re alright. Understand? [pause] Did your mother do embroidery?” After extended JW: ...they’re alright now. discussion, the subject’s wife decided this referred to an aunt of hers who was diabetic! M: I know the feeling. 4. Think about the statistics Many psychics/mediums use, JW: Oh God – I need a tissue deliberately or sub-consciously, basic statistics to improve their “hit” somebody, sorry, I’ve got a runny rate. People live similar lives and have many things in common. Listen nose. for questions which make use of that and understand the likelihood of M: I can’t believe you broke getting a positive response. down and I didn’t... Example: “Is the name John familiar?” Many people know at least JW: God, I just want to hug you, I one John, and even apparently rare names can readily occur. You’re just want to hug you, can I give you likely to have 30-60 names in your extended family; add a partner’s a hug? family, and friends and colleagues, and you’ve probably got over 100 names which have some meaning for you. M: Mm you can. Example: “I see a father figure near you”, usually accompanied by JW: Oh my God, oh my God, a pause so you can identify the “father figure”. If you don’t, the next sweetheart, oh, I’m so sorry question is usually “Has your father passed on?”. This is almost always (cries). asked of an older person, so the odds are good that the father has. If M: It’s OK, I’m... not, the next question is usually “Has your grandfather passed on?” JW: Oh God. You know how to 5. Most of the information mediums provide is generalised and pick them, Melanie. designed to be comforting, such as the deceased spirit wishing their relative/friend well, or forgiving them for not being present when they M: She knows nothing, no one passed on (it’s increasingly rare to be present with a parent or know that story, only I and the grandparent when they die). Look for information that is specific, police – and my mother – know. unusual, detailed and, even then, be cautious, as the more unscrupulous people in this industry are not above researching their subjects (the Transcript by Annette Taylor and UK psychic scene circulates a database which contains personal details David Riddell of keen, rich clients!). - Vicki Hyde

page 5 bent spoon Skeptical Teenage Boys - hope for the future

One of our members (who was supposed to be teaching carbon chemistry at the time and wishes to remain nameless!) used Jeanette Wilson’s TV performances as a resource for teaching critical think- ing to her year ten class. The results were encouraging, and very educational.

n email from our illustrious would I tape the show for them (a names are always popular. (In the A chair-entity advised of an good way to get out of class work class, 19 out of 22 knew someone upcoming 20/20 piece on a me- for at least part of a period—boys named Scott, a third could think of dium, Jeanette Wilson. It also had are very pragmatic...). some friend or relative who could a list of five tactics to watch for, and be associated with needles, or had Just by chance, I noticed a TV1 examples (see Five Tips, page 5). an old watch from a relative at ad after the late news that night Despite some misgivings, I decided home, and half knew someone about a psychic being on the to mention the programme and involved in a serious or fatal breakfast show on Friday and some of the tips to my fourth form accident.) I also asked the boys to taking calls from the public, and (year 10) science class. They are judge the age of the people phoning slapped in a tape to try and get that, not a top academic class, but have in by their name and voice before too. With big gaps for other things always been keen to ask questions hearing Wilson’s response, as this like cooking and Red Seal health and accept answers with “I don’t was what she would be doing. They products, it provided three un- know” or “best evidence we have picked Kylie as mid-30s and edited “readings” by Wilson. gives this model of what is hap- Suzanne as late 20s. I also asked pening”. On the other hand, I’ve Due to the vagaries of the old the boys to tally the number of hits, found boys of that age often believe machine I have to use in my pre- misses, excuses, and pauses or in the ideas of Erich von Däniken fab lab at school, I started the tape delays. They were very enthusiastic (thankfully, that fad seems to be at the second of the three readings, to call out what they spotted, and dying out), , and which backed straight onto the 20/ on the two calls, came up with a assorted theories, and 20 clip I had promised to tape for total of four hits, 15 misses, three if so, they love to argue just for the them. I reminded my class of excuses, and one pause. A ripple fun of arguing or being their normal, Vicki’s tips, and also pointed out of laughter followed the “Jack/ rebellious selves against anything that certain age groups tend to have sometimes called John or Jonathan” seen as authority. “most popular names”, and some that Vicki had in her tip sheet (and The class was told about the TV show and that I had a list from the Skeptics of tactics to watch for. They listened to my description of the money charged by psychic hotlines, the amount to be made in one night if a large auditorium in the US could be filled, and tactics from Vicki’s tip sheet, then put up with some very bad acting out of some tactics. Their main response was to ask why we weren’t making lots of money by running our own hotline! (A hint on fundraising?) And

number 73 - spring 2004 bent spoon given to them before either pro- bio after a derisive comment two separate “performances” on gramme had aired on TV), and greeted the idea that her husband two different stations, so had a burst out laughing when she tried had been drawn across the globe better sample than some people in exactly the same thing on 20/20, by a psychic pull to meet his ideal order to judge this.) and also went through “Bill or partner. 4. She isn’t telling them anything, William or maybe it’s a last name”. she’s asking. A lot of grandparents Similar hilarity and incredulity Most boys concentrated on been in war. Excuses about hard greeted the excuse of a “spirit comments rather than tallies, but hearing. She asks obvious ques- brother” to excuse the miss on a one boy gave her eight hits, but also tions. Asks names then says it can guess at a dead sibling. As Wilson 13 misses, six excuses, and three be another. rapidly moved on to more fertile pauses. ground, one boy exclaimed “what 5. These people have a few happened to the baby?” which had “Why ... would a lucky stabs and then lead on from suddenly disappeared from her spirit say to this lady, there. When they fail a few times, reading. They also pointed out the ‘My name is either Bill they start making up things and excuse “check your family tree” or William, possibly using excuses. She also questions when one name drew no response and does not actually tell people and later noticed that she used the Will or Willy’?” what they want to hear. They make same tactic when we eventually saw – Student up a few common names from their the 20/20 item. As Wilson fished parents and keep guessing. for information about one senior Some boys did not want their 6. What a nice trick! Wide citizen’s mother, a final derisive comments used, but made similar range of questions. Anyone can do comment came from one boy who comments to a selection of com- that with some skills. She’s nothing summed up their reaction - “Bet ments from the other boys, which better than weather tellers. (A you couldn’t tell me what my follows (sometimes with spelling or comment on the poor weather mother looks like!” Of course, a grammar corrected, but a copy of forecasting lately?!) very limited use of genetics would the originals will go to our chair- indicate his mother is blonde and entity). Some boys made just a few 7. Isn’t it unlikely for an elderly blue-eyed... but he’ll learn more comments , but two filled the page. person to be sick or unwell just about that next year in science. before death? (I think he meant 1. Asked lots of questions and likely, or is being ironic). This lady Based on their good observation made a lot of excuses. on just a first viewing, I decided to is not telling people things, she is continue the next period and see 2. Patterns repeating. Most old only asking. She asks for relations how much we could get through of men have been to the war and so to the most common names pos- the rest of the 20/20 item. Before have their friends. And they would sible. It’s all a bit suspicious how we started, I briefly reminded them be hard of hearing because of she happens to ask different age of Vicki’s tips, and said Vicki would gunfire. She picks obvious names groups for information or names like to have them see if they could and the most common. She chan- relating to their generation. How spot how Wilson was operating. ges the point a lot, changes the can people fall for this? Why ... Instead of calling out when they subject. would a spirit say to this lady, “My name is either Bill or William, spotted something, I gave out 3. Use of common names mak- sheets of paper and asked for possibly Will or Willy”? She uses ing it obvious. Asking elderly humour to lighten up a situation and individual tallies or comments to be people if their parents are dead. recorded, and for permission to use maybe change the subject. She Obviously they would be. (We had happens to only feel disturbed their responses and pass them on mentioned this point the previous to Vicki and the Skeptics. Most when she is going off track, “ I’m period when discussing the tip wrong, this is too much, I can’t go agreed to this. We still did not get about things common to people or through the entire 20/20 item, even on.” (The class hasn’t yet seen the age groups.) BAD ACTING! first TV1 interview where she ends though I fast-forwarded through Using the same names on each most of the “at home on the farm” up in tears again....) With the blood person. (Remember, the boys saw on the hands topic, the only thing

page 7 bent spoon she said was something about blood her questions, but these seemed to believe she is fake because if she is on hands, the rest was informed to be about a child’s death.) real then why didn’t she always get her. It is being made out like she it right. I am skeptic about the 20/ 8. (ESOL student) I think she is guessed the whole situation photo- 20 trial. If she really saw did what a very bad faker. Her trick is used graphically. The whole breaking on TV with the last person, I repeatedly and they’re not even down performance was a good believe she is real, but I doubt that. good trick. I think her trick work trick. (I haven’t had time to review You can see that she stumble on her only because people want to this myself, but just on a once-over, “question” I mean what kind of believe, think that are not real Wilson was fishing for something medium ask not answer!! because it help them. I believe since the “blood on the hands” can medium isn’t so bad if they don’t be taken so many ways sym- And the final comment goes to ask for so much money. I think it bolically—if someone causes, or Ben: okay to comfort other people and can’t prevent an accident, which make them come to an under- 9. I think she would make a she seemed to be fishing for with standing with their loved one. I better career as an actor. media The Mesmerisation of the Media

Journalists in New Zealand generally show a lack of scepticism when dealing with issues of science and pseudoscience - except for mainstream medicine. This article is based on a presentation to the New Zealand Skeptics Conference, 11 September, 2004

David McLoughlin

VERY day about a million Most journalists today are strong personalities and an anti- E people in New Zealand trained to have a healthy ques- establishment bent. watch the television news. Just tioning attitude towards politicians, Dr Neil Cherry from Lincoln under two million read a news- big business, experts of all kinds. university was one. He believed the paper. Hundreds of thousands more electromagnetic from high hear radio news bulletins. But how But when it comes to issues like tension power lines and microwave good is our news media? , genetic mod- ification, global warming or the radiation from cellphones caused On most levels, the public is supposed dangers of cellphone everything from brain tumours to reasonably well served. Most transmitters, there appears to be a premature births. He helped to fuel journalists do try to get the facts and great lack of scepticism. a panic in schools around the present them fairly. But on issues country, leading to mass protests such as medicine and scientific It leads to cases where the media about cellphone transmission tow- controversy, the media are not as seriously misinforms the public, ers. The media for the most part rigorous as they could and should such as in 2000 when Television saw only the word “radiation” and be. New Zealand and the New Zealand ran dozens of stories that fanned the Herald were totally taken in by the fears, many of them quoting Dr This is probably partly because promoters of the mussel extract Cherry. there are few, if any, journalists with Lyprinol, which racked up millions medical qualifications and few with of dollars in sales when gullible Another powerful personality any scientific qualification. Most journalists breathlessly announced who has mesmerised the media journalists have arts degrees, in it was a miracle cancer cure. over the years is forensic scientist subjects like English literature, Jim Sprott, who became prominent usually with a journalism course The media are also quite easily in the 1970s during the campaign added on. taken in by well-known people with to free Arthur Alan Thomas, a

number 73 - spring 2004 media farmer falsely convicted of murder. support. But there was no cover- quantum booster getting rid of his Dr Sprott went on to promote the up. Environment Minister Marion cancer. Exasperated doctors said bizarre claims of chelation therapy Hobbs had announced the ac- it was thanks to the initial chemo before making his life’s mission in cidental planting at a press con- course, but nobody wanted to listen the 1990s attempting to prove that ference the previous December. to them. Next, Liam’s parents cot death is caused by mysterious borrowed money and mortgaged emissions from mattresses in ba- The Liam Affair their house and took him to Tijuana bies’ cots. A sad example of the media in Mexico, a city dotted with quack clinics established there to milk rich There was no reliable evidence lacking scepticism was the case of little Liam Williams Holloway, who Americans wanting treatments that mattress gases cause cot death, banned in the US. but Dr Sprott has beaten much of developed neuroblastoma, an the media into giving credence to aggressive childhood cancer that The Rainbow Clinic said its his theories, to the extent he is stands a good chance of being cured business went up many-fold thanks regularly approached for comment if treated early enough. He was to the publicity about them treating on it. The manufacturers of plastic given one course of chemotheraphy mattress wraps have been the main beneficiary. The Bain Murder Then there is Joe Karam, a former all black who has become obsessed with his belief that David Bain did not murder his family in Dunedin in 1994. So successful has Karam’s campaign been that one opinion poll showed that 40 per cent of New Zealanders believed Bain was innocent while just 33 per cent thought him guilty. Fortunately we don’t have justice by opinion Just how good are our print media? poll in New Zealand because the scientific and forensic evidence of Liam. Their website even promoted at Dunedin Hospital but his parents, the quantum booster with the line Bain’s guilt is overwhelming. He left who followed various New Age blood, fingerprints and other “as seen on Holmes.” But when beliefs, withdrew him from treat- Holmes developed prostate cancer, evidence all over the house and on ment to seek alternative therapies. his victims, but you don’t hear much he did not try his luck with the about that in the media. His doctors went to court and quantum booster or head for got an order to have Liam treated. Tijuana. He went straight to a good The media also loves a con- His parents went into hiding amid a oncologist. spiracy and if it has something media uproar that was massively in controversial such as genetic At the same time Liam was favour of the parents’ right to modification in it, so much the dying, Tovia Laufau, a 13-year-old choose alternative therapies over better. During the 2002 election Samoan boy, was dying in South proven medicine. Holmes in campaign, political activist Nicky Auckland. Tovia had a cancerous particular was influential. The Hagar accused the Government of growth on his knees that doctors Holmes show visited the Rainbow covering up the accidental planting said could be treated with some Clinic in Rotorua where Liam was of genetically modified sweetcorn. confidence. But his parents, like being treated with a box of The media went crazy on it and Liam’s, did not believe in doctors. wires called a quantum booster. Hagar’s allegations are credited They didn’t believe in quantum with Labour losing significant voter Liam was shown on TV lump- boosters either, but they did believe free. Holmes put that down to the Continued on page 12

page 9 newsfront Compiled by David Riddell Hope Springs Eternal for Arkeologists

WHANGAREI computer Any evidence pointing to man- Dr Mack won a Pulitzer Prize A programmer is spearheading made structures beneath the surface for his biography of TE Lawrence, an expedition to prove Noah’s Ark would add credibility to Mr Wyatt’s better known as Lawrence of exists, and that it lies about 2000 research, he said. Arabia, and also wrote two books, metres above sea level in Turkey Abduction (1994) and Passport to If the expedition did not shed any (NZPA, 17 August). Ross Pat- the Cosmos: Human Transfor- light on the subject then those on terson is convinced that a mound mation and Alien Encounters the team would be the first to of earth about 12km from Mt (1999) detailing his work with accept it. “People can make up Ararat in Turkey contains the claimed alien abductees. He their own minds. The public are a remains of the Ark, and says there reported they came from all walks jury. Our job is to present the is strong evidence that the events of life, generally had no evidence evidence and the case. They make depicted in the Bible occurred. He of mental illness, and often had a up their own minds. It’s like in had twice visited the site, almost heightened sense of spirituality and court; you have to prove things 2000m above sea level and said a environmentalism. beyond reasonable doubt,” Mr need to prove the theory and the Patterson said. “We expect to find associated religious implications In 1994 the Harvard Medical something but, if we don’t find had taken over his life. School established a committee to something, we have to be fair. ” review his clinical investigation and Together with two other North- initiated proceedings to determine New Zealand Skeptics spokes- landers, Geoff McColl and Des whether he should retain tenure. man Denis Dutton was critical of Palamountain, he is fundraising to After the 14-month investigation the the expedition. He said the great revisit the site before the end of school “reaffirmed Dr Mack’s flood legend was older than the October, the end of the northern academic freedom to study what he Old Testament itself. It went back summer. The expedition hopes to wishes”. to a pre-Homeric epic originating add weight to earlier research by from the ancient civilisation of controversial American author, the Mesopotamia. “It’s a shame that late Ron Wyatt, who claimed to people can’t appreciate the rich Maori Spiritual Concerns Sink have identified petrified timber and literary and moral teachings of the Inlet Proposal – or Do They? rivets made of iron, as well as Old Testament for that. Moral structures resembling bulkheads, It’s always interesting to see information, yes; literal history ... by scanning with radar. Large media reports of events which have get a grip,” he said. stones found at nearby villages also a personal connection. This writer resembled anchor stones, Mr had a small role in assembling and Patterson said. assessing some of the ecological Abduction Researcher Dies evidence at the Environment Court The mound also matched meas- hearing into the plan to put flood- John Mack, the Harvard urements of the ark described in the gates across the mouth of the Medical School professor of Bible and a drilling operation Manukau Harbour’s Pahurehure psychiatry who conducted research revealed animal hair deep inside the Inlet, and was somewhat surprised on people who claimed to have mound. The Turkish Government at the prominence given in news- been abducted by aliens, has died had since acknowledged the site, paper articles to Maori spiritual (Waikato Times, 2 October). He Mr Patterson said. “What we concerns as a reason for the court’s was struck and killed by an alleged intend to do ... is to place a small finding against the plan (NZ Herald, drunk driver while attending a TE camera into the hole to see if there 29 July). are any man-made structures under Lawrence Society symposium in there,” he said. Oxford, England. He was 74. The proposal, which would have seen the inlet, near Papakura,

number 73 - spring 2004 newsfront flooded for up to four days at a of fair trading Deborah Battell, the letter said. time for recreational purposes, was however, said Mr Stoddard and opposed by the Ngati Tamaoho American company Smart Inven- The letter did not point out that Trust. Although concerns for the tions had been accused by the US its author featured on such websites “wairua” of the inlet and wider Federal Trade Commission of as Consumer Online’s scams page, harbour were a factor, the court making false or unsubstantiated and the NZ Consumer Affairs found the plan’s long-term eco- claims that Biotape treated or cured Ministry’s Scamwatch. And why logical effects had not been ade- severe pain. did someone who claims to be the quately addressed in the proposal. “only clairvoyant granted an aud- Changes to the inlet are being Volunteers were told they would ience by a representative of Pope driven by siltation from terrestrially- get the trial results in three days, but John Paul II” choose Ms Bell? derived sediments, and reducing four days later they were still waiting (Dominion Post, 26 July). “I did some research,” says the water flows by closing off the inlet letter. “I faced thousands of cases. will only exacerbate this. There “There was very little explanation People working really hard to earn was also no mention in the news- but we were told we would be just enough to live on... I can tell paper report that it was Council, informed in three days’ time whe- you it wasn’t an easy decision. But not Maori, who decided to pull out ther we had been given placebo or it’s you I’ve chosen...” of mediation and take the case to the tape,” said volunteer Peter the Environment Court. Another Kidd. “The funny thing is one of That doesn’t explain how she got reminder, if one was needed, that knees with the tape on does seem Ms Bell’s name, Fran Tyler com- media reports of anything need to to feel less painful. Though I ments. Perhaps it was in a vision. be taken with a pinch of salt. suppose it could be psychological.” Ms Bell said she was not tempt- Mr Stoddard said he could not ed at all. “If she’s so good, why doesn’t she just do the [Lotto] Healing Tape Comes Unstuck provide the information until a “distinguished local doctor ass- numbers herself instead of sending Darrell Stoddard, founder of the ociated with the study” – former out letters asking for money?” US-based Pain Research Institute, Cook Islands prime minister Sir The Dominion Post tried to invited sufferers of severe knee Tom Davis – returned from Auck- contact Ms Duval to give her the pain to take part in a free double- land. opportunity to prove her psychic blind placebo-controlled study at a ability, but her Auckland address, Wellington hotel, which he hoped listed as a suite in a building in would show his knee treatment, Psychic Scam Given Short Newmarket, turned out to be just Biotape, works (Dominion Post, 22 Shrift a mail box. Should’ve had a Bravo July). Award, this one. Dominion Post journalist Fran Only 40 people were needed, Tyler was unimpressed by “inter- many others were turned away. nationally renowned” psychic Maria There was an excited buzz as knees Duval’s latest mailout (Dominion Door-knocking Ghost Closes were shaved by Mormon elders Post, 11 August). Ngaio woman College before they strapped on the black Chrissy Bell was presumably one A ghost who knocks on doors tape. When asked why Mormons of thousands who received a letter and leaves the scent of aftershave were there, Mr Stoddard said they from Ms Duval promising to make in corridors has forced a prestigious were helping him. her rich beyond her wildest dreams college for statisticians to close A sheet of Biotape strips, which – for just $39.95 (plus $10 postage (Waikato Times, 27 September). costs about $15, is described as a and handling). Students of the Indian Statistical “space-age conductive mylar that Out of all the billions of people Institute said the ghost of a dead connects the broken circuits that on planet Earth, Ms Duval, who has classmate had knocked on doors, cause the pain.” Mr Stoddard said given up a very lucrative career jostled them on staircases and left it worked on the chi or energy force. foretelling the future, had chosen traces of aftershave lotion and Ms Bell for one final selfless act, cigarette smoke. Students linked Commerce Commission director the aftershave aroma to a first-year student who died recently. page 11 media

Continued from page 9 order to have him treated, saying medicine, many will say “Thal- in God. They refused medical they were too scared to do so after idomide” and “Cartwright Inquiry.” treatment for Tofia, saying God the uproar over Liam. While Thalidomide was certainly a med- would save him. Tovia’s parents were found not ical catastrophe but it was 40 years guilty of manslaughter, they were ago and it’s never been repeated. I compared Liam’s case with found guilty of failing to provide the But the Cartwright Inquiry, into the Tovia’s. There was no media outcry necessaries of life and given a 15- treatment of women with cervical supporting Tovia’s parents’ rights month suspended sentence. cancer at National Women’s Hos- to trust God to save him. My pital, had an enormous impact on research showed there had been the medical profession, on public many court cases over the years I’m glad she did not attitudes towards doctors, and on where Jehovah’s Witness parents die, but I couldn’t help the media, with good cause. had been forced by court orders noticing there were no to have their ill children given blood articles or newspaper It was the media that revealed transfusions. I could find no media the shameful activities of Professor editorials supporting Herb Green, who did not believe criticism of such actions, only the rights of adult criticisms of the parents. that pre-cancerous changes to the Jehovah’s Witnesses. cervix led to cervical cancer, so he The Bill of Rights Act gives an simply didn’t treat them, just adult the freedom to choose not to watched to see what developed, receive medical attention, yet one Deborah and Jan Moorehead, a with the inevitable results. case I found was of a mentally Seventh Day Adventist couple, sound Jehovah’s Witness woman were not treated so lightly two The writers who exposed this who was bleeding to death after a years later, in 2002, when their “unfortunate experiment” in their home birth and had refused a blood baby Caleb, six months old, died Metro magazine article became transfusion, as was her legal right of a simple vitamin B12 deficiency national heroes—Sandra Coney and her religious belief. She was caused by being breastfed by his and Philidda Bunkle. Judge Silvia arrested and taken to hospital by vegan mother. The Mooreheads Cartwright, who conducted the the police, where her life was saved were flayed mercilessly in the inquiry into the scandal, went on to by doctors forcibly giving her a media. They were also charged become governor general. The transfusion. with manslaughter. They were found fallout directly led to the great deal guilty and jailed for five years by a of scepticism about modern med- I’m glad she did not die, but I judge who could barely conceal his icine that exists in the media to this couldn’t help noticing there were no contempt for them as he castigated day, and that is a good thing in most articles or newspaper editorials them during sentencing. cases. supporting the rights of adult Jehovah’s Witnesses. The media I am not sympathising with It led directly to the campaign by comments were uniformly hostile. Caleb’s or Tovia’s parents. Their militant midwives to push doctors children would still be alive if not out of childbirth, a campaign I predicted that Liam’s parents for their parents’ fanatical beliefs, promoted favourably by the media were unlikely to face any legal but Liam would probably still be and which worked so well that consequences of his death, but that alive today too if not for his parents’ today, hardly any doctors want Tovia’s parents were likely to face fanatical beliefs. What I am ques- anything to do with childbirth, charges, simply because one lot of tioning is the media double stan- dramatically reducing women’s parents espoused publicly accep- dard that treats New Age believers choices. table New Age beliefs while the like Liam’s parents with reverence other espoused traditional religious Most journalists now are wo- while having harsh views towards faith. And, when Liam died, his men, including many editors and people with strong religious beliefs. parents were not even charged with senior news executives. Most health ignoring the court order to have him Spotlight on Medicine reporters, in print and broadcasting, treated. But Tovia’s parents were are women. The feminisation of the charged with manslaughter, despite If you ask journalists why they news media has been a good thing. his doctors not even seeking a court are so sceptical of doctors and When I started in 1977, women

number 73 - spring 2004 media journalists were largely confined to or scientific qualification. The Clear Results feature-writing or what was called “health page” had a reader’s the “women’s page”, while men, question about cold sores, with the The results were not good for most of them chain-smoking, beer inquirer being told to treat them with either skeptics or an informed swilling sports fanatics, reported fish, flax, spirulina, olive oil and readership (Table 1). Critical or what they felt was the “real” news. shiitake mushrooms. It didn’t say negative articles were in a notable Newsrooms are much better bal- whether you were meant to eat the minority, while many of the most anced than they were then. stuff, or mash it all together and critical articles I found were not by spread it on your cold sore. the papers’ journalists but by From my observations, jour- skeptics like Frank Haden and Bob nalists in general, and women Newspaper Survey Brockie. journalists in particular, appear to be favourably disposed to New I reviewed articles published in The Immunisation Awareness Age trends, alternative therapies 13 daily and weekly newspapers Society is an influential organisation and the like. Like most other New between 1 September 2003 and 31 and often seems to be the first call Zealand women, the women who August 2004 to see how scep- by journalists seeking comment on work in such large numbers in our tically they treated various issues of any new vaccination campaign, newsrooms today are a product of interest to Skeptics members. The despite most of its views being little the feminist revolution of the 1970s papers included the NZ Herald, the more thank and and were brought up with that Waikato Times, the Dominion Post, nonsense. It didn’t have as many journalistic phenomenon of which The Press and the Sunday Star positive articles as other issues I there is no male counterpart, the Times. studied and it had a higher share of women’s magazines. Magazines critical ones, but it also had a lot of I read articles on my chosen neutral articles. like Woman’s Day, New Idea, topics and classified them as either Woman’s Weekly, Dolly, Cosmo positive, where the subject was Fortunately for our children’s and Cleo sell in huge numbers and treated without scepticism or even health, the society is not as in- are read by hundreds of thousands glowingly; critical, where the fluential as it would like. Despite of women every week. subject was treated critically or Radio New Zealand in particular While they tend to be obsessed even with hostility; or neutral, where giving strong coverage to its recent with celebrities and sex, they are the article simply cited a subject with stand against the new mening- also packed with columns by neither positive nor negative com- ococcal vaccine, parents rushed to psychics, naturopaths, homeopaths ment. have their children vaccinated. and the like. A study in 2000 by Victoria University so- ciologist Allison Kirkman % Positive % Neutral % Critical 60 26 13 analysed women’s mag- 69 25 6 azines for two years and 68 10 23 concluded they aboun- 63 12 25 ded with information on Feng Shui 45 52 2 alternative therapies like Jeanette Wilson 93 0 7 Immunisation Awareness Society 36 29 36 iridology and aroma- therapy but had little Table 1. Reporting of alternative health and paranormal issues in NZ newspapers advice from doctors, nurses or I didn’t even bother looking for Given that vaccine rates are as midwives. critical articles on such subjects as low as 70 per cent in New Zealand, Nothing’s changed. Woman’s , which seems to be I put that rush down to parents Day has 850,000 readers a week completely mainstream now, or being convinced in favour of and is the biggest selling title of all. , as virtually every pub- vaccination by heart-wrenching One recent issue I studied had page lication carries the stars if for no publicity about two seriously after page of clairvoyants and astro- other reason than readers expect stricken children that came at the logers and the like but nothing I it. start of the campaign. could see by anyone with a medical

page 13 media forum

As a sceptical journalist, I don’t Ancient Celtic New Zealand – More think that publicity was a coin- cidence. It looked more like the Reasons Not To Believe health authorities manipulating the media to scare children into getting N connection with David suppress this material, and it won’t their children vaccinated. But that I Riddell’s article about “Ancient go away if we ignore it. Our only might be at least a more altruistic Celtic New Zealand” (Skeptic, option is to match it punch-for- kind of media manipulation than that Winter 2004) your readers may be punch. practised by the Greens, Green- interested in my more detailed peace and many other opponents examination of the twaddle in My articles are: of modern science and medicine. Martin Doutré’s book in two An Ancient Megalithic Obser- articles published in the Auckland Feng shui was interesting. There vatory Near Dargaville? I Don’t Astronomical Society Journal last were almost more articles men- Think So! AAS Journal, July 2003. year. tioning feng shui than any of the Secret Astronomical Number other topics, but most were cases In these I analysed the garbled Codes? Bunkum! AAS Journal, of the word simply being thrown in astronomy and contrived math- August 2003. willy nilly for journalistic effect ematics with some rigour. I did my rather than the story being spe- own survey of the Maunganui Bluff These can be read at the Auck- cifically about feng shui. site on the ground, identifying clear land Astronomical Society website examples of misrepresentation and (www.astronomy.org.nz). On the But Jeanette Wilson, the New , leaving me in no doubt home page select Journal, then Plymouth clairvoyant, gets just as that the Waitapu “stone obser- select the issue. good a run in our newspapers as vatory” and “survey network” are she got on 20/20. But then, not only Bill Keir pure invention. More recently I does she speak to the dead, she Hokianga have found other examples of campaigns against genetically deception on Doutré’s website. engineered food, a double plus for No doubt this is not deliberate Greenhouse Effect: What her with many journalists. deception – I’m sure these people would it take? I conclude that, while the media believe their own fabrications – but In this magazine, and at con- are good at covering most issues it is dangerous because many ferences, a number of skeptics and try their best, they’re not good gullible people are sucked in by it. seem to have classified the belief in on many scientific issues, with This grossly misleading material anthropogenic climate change as stories on alternative medicine or is widely available in bookshops, nonsense, together with spoon- environmental issues, and that things libraries and websites, giving it an bending and astrology. I wonder if won’t change fast anytime soon. air of respectability. But there is the opposition to a radical new This is because newsrooms tend no widely available corpus of scientific idea is not just a symptom to be getting smaller with less published work to counter it. May of conservatism – resistance to experienced staff, the emphasis is I suggest that NZCSICOP find change – as demonstrated by the increasingly on celebrity stories and some way to commission inves- historical reluctance of scientists to crime, many newsrooms have tigators to research, publish and accept other iconoclastic beliefs limited resources, and the pay is not disseminate definitive books to such as tectonic plate movement or particularly good, usually less than expose and correct these de- quantum theory. If so, this is a that of a teacher with similar ceptions case by case. We are desirable characteristic (in mod- qualifications and experience. It dealing here with a growing trend. eration), because science has means there will continue to be Crackpots are exploiting modern progressed only by slow, cautious plenty of opportunities for bent information and publishing tech- steps. spoon awards. nology, and freedom-of-speech Regrettably, the debate has principles, to spread fabrication David McLoughlin is a Wellington remained at the level of vikings and posing as fact. We cherish freedom journalist grapevines, rather than (say) of speech ourselves, so we can’t discussion as to whether increasing

number 73 - spring 2004 forum cloud cover constitutes a negative believes what comes out of the “sapiens” is part of nature, and not or a positive feedback loop. Pentagon”. Well, not exactly. separate from it. Remember that the theory of the Others include the ex-CEO of the Finally, environmentalism does enhanced Greenhouse Effect was UK Met Office and the Chief well established long before any scientist at the World Bank. The not “fundamentally oppose modern warming was actually observed (in Pentagon warns of chaos as global technology, such as GE and the 1990s). I first became aware warming continues. I am also “a nuclear energy”. It does, however, of it in 1970, but Sven Arrhenius sucker for disaster scenarios” advise the proper use of the published a paper on it back in because I quoted from a report in precautionary principle. 1896. Nature which estimated that a Alan P Ryan quarter of all species will become Kaiapoi The letter is an open challenge extinct by 2050. His scorn is to all Greenhouse skeptics, in- misplaced. I never suggested that cluding Vincent Gray, Chris de global warming would be the sole Personal Restraint Freitas, Owen McShane, Denis cause of this. The shift in climate It is good to see Forum getting Dutton and Jim Ring. What em- zones is too rapid for ecosystems letters but the tone of some recent pirical evidence would it require, to make corresponding shifts in ones is disturbing. It should be over and above that which has been location. He quotes from an un- possible to challenge somebody’s published in the first, second and named reference which estimates views without resorting to personal third IPCC reports, for these three to five extinctions per year. attack; a little more politeness people to publicly declare in these This was indeed worth citing in would help. In the last issue Vincent pages that they were wrong? more detail, since the best estimates Gray found it necessary to defend of the “background” extinction rate I assume that (being good sci- his moral values; this should not be are much higher than this! entists) skeptics would be quite necessary. willing to change their beliefs when His references to Darwinism and I am not asking for editorial confronted with compelling evi- to evolution derive from Herbert censorship, just personal restraint. dence. That being the case, there Spencer’s 19th century concept of Argue the case, do not attack the would be no loss of face if that Social Darwinism, which was an person, such attacks are somewhat eventuality should arise. What attempt to apply Darwinist ideas to self defeating. I may well believe would it take? politics. The is, of course, that my intellectual opponents are that “survival of the fittest” in a Piers Maclaren blithering idiots but saying so in print socioeconomic context has nothing merely gets them sympathy. to do with biological fitness. Over Moral Values a century later, Gray perpetuates Jim Ring this fallacy. Like it or not, Homo Nelson Vincent Gray asks which com- bination of moral values I support. My values are irrelevant to the topic of this discussion, which Words of Wisdom from the front line of the concerns the efforts by Bruce War on Terror Taylor to find a consensus on “I was in the US last year, talking in various cities about the work I environmental policy. Gray leaves do. I would be challenged from the audience on why I didn’t use us in little doubt as to his own values Ayurvedic medicine or or some other form of alternative - like the Model T Ford, they come medicine. In some social contexts traditional or alternative medicine in one colour only! He doesn’t is appropriate. But the bottom line is that a fragmentation grenade believe in consensus; in fact he doesn’t give a rat’s arse for alternative medicine.” opposes any environmental policy other than the continuing insanity of Jonathan Kaplan, trauma surgeon who recently worked in Iraq, author of placing scientific “progress” before The Dressing Station (Picador): excerpt from interview in New Scientist any other consideration. I am, it 15 Nov 2003 seems, “one of the few people who

page 15 hokum locum Dioxin “Poisoning” or Hormesis in action?

T will be interesting to see how would like to see a similar study A former manager of the Paritutu I the government handles the examining the levels of dioxin and chemical plant is quoted as saying latest health scare which is being mercury downwind from the local that he worked there for 30 years helped along by the usual sen- crematorium! and is still in perfect health at 85 sationalist media reporting. How years of age. Hormesis in action Hormesis is an effect where small about this example: “The men who surely? doses of a toxic substance seem to made the poisons that blighted a promote health. A good example New Plymouth community….” is alcohol, as was the Victorian (Sunday Star Times, 12 Sep- More Healthy Additives? habit of consuming small doses of tember 2004). arsenic and strychnine as a “tonic”. Britain is in the grip of such a There are many dioxins and the Rather than concentrating on serious depression that prescrip- most toxic is considered to be looking at ill-health, researchers tions for the anti-depressant “Pro- TCDD, a contaminant found during should be examining whether zac” (fluoxetine) have risen from the manufacture of the herbicide Paritutu residents are in fact health- nine million to 24 million per year. 2,4,5-T but also occurring naturally ier than most other New Zealanders. I read this as I sipped my ale in the as a result of combustion, forest Pint and Prozac, a quaint canal-side Nevertheless, research will be fires and smoking. Dioxin has been pub which I discovered while on ongoing and although not given to isolated from soot in prehistoric my recent overseas trip to research making predictions I offer the caves. Dioxin is found in body fat taro cultivation by the gay and following observations: (lipid) and has a half life of around lesbian community (funded by a 7-10 years, meaning that a total 1. Residents will claim that Community Education Grant— body load diminishes by half during every possible health problem they thanks Steve!). each such interval. The national have ever had was caused by Prozac is finding its way into average body level of TCDD is 3.5 dioxin exposure. picograms per gram of lipid. A ground water and hence into picogram is one trillionth of a gram 2. Residents will demand com- supplies of drinking water. -12 pensation in accordance with (ie. 1 x 10 grams, or if you like a It is clear that I have been on the Welch’s Law (Claims expand to lot of noughts: 0.000000000001 g). right track in calling for Ritalin take up the amount of compen- The mean TCDD level in residents (methyphenidate—a stimulant) to sation available). of Paritutu was 10.8 picograms per be added to the water supply as a gram of lipid with a range of 1.3- 3. Scientific evidence will be Public Health measure. This 33.3. To date, there is no evidence distorted and misinterpreted to combination of stimulant and of increased disease rates in the justify any possible viewpoint. antidepressant will surely lead to a studied population. To put it euphoric and happy population. I bluntly, the Paritutu residents have 4. The “Greens” will claim that am however concerned about 3-10 times the infinitesimal amount any amount of dioxin is “unsafe” and problems of dosage as the Au- found in the general population, still at some stage the phrase “cover- thorities have claimed that the well within international limits. I up” will be used. Prozac is so “watered down” that

number 73 - spring 2004 hokum locum it is unlikely to pose a health risk, migraine, cured her child’s squint In Brief except to those who believe in and cured another child’s gait homeopathy. abnormality! • Despite local doctors show- ering sick notes like confetti, Christchurch Press, 10 August With such gullible beliefs out in teachers at Hamilton’s Fraser High the community it is no wonder that School failed in their bid for chiropractors continue to work compensation from Maf for “ill- Touting for Business- their rich scams. ness” caused by the spray used to eradicate the Asian gypsy moth. “Chiropractic Kidz Week” Blenheim Sun, 11 August Sorry people, no money for mass Letter to Editor, Sunday Star What better way to build up hysteria. Better to track down the Times, 26 September business than to convince parents millionaire’s doctor and go for and children of the need for regular PTSD caused by unruly pupils. assessment and treatment of “sub- And the password for the (Dominion Post, 30 September) luxations”, the core tenet of chiro- NZ Skeptic website for practic pseudoscience. It is a • In France the Académie de 2004-2005 is: matter of concern that “chiro- Médecine has upset homeopaths practic kidz week” is a nationwide THINK by issuing a damning report chal- programme aimed at those “par- lenging the continued funding of Memorise it, then swallow ents or caregivers or the child homeopathy through the national this magazine! themselves (who) are not aware of health service. (Dominion Post, 9 a spinal problem.” June). • Acupuncture is ineffective for The reason such people are Anyone for Tennis? “unaware” is because they do not the treatment of tennis elbow. have any such “spinal problem”, A millionaire property owner has Hardly surprising given that “good which exists only in the self- been getting $600 per week from evidence indicates that acupuncture deluded imagination of the chiro- ACC since 1974, despite earning does not work.” (Bandolier 126 Vol practor. Chiropractors interpret $2400 per week from his in- 11, Issue 8, www.bandolier.com). minor postural variations as signs vestment portfolio. In a bizarre • Remember the Aoraki Poly- of “disease” and requiring treat- example of Welch’s Law, his claim technic and their stupid proposal to ment. I wonder if any chiropractor was accepted under medical mis- run a degree course in naturopathy? has ever diagnosed a “perfect spine” adventure for psychological dam- They are at it again. They got unless it was achieved at the age caused by prescription med- $8165 community education fund- expense of 60 “treatments”. It is a icines, in this case benzodiazepines ing for the New Zealand Council national disgrace that this pseudo- (Valium). His disability is “psych- of Homeopaths’ Conference. science is funded by ACC and ological” and prevents him from (Sunday Star Times, 3 October). chiropractors should not be al- working at all but readers will be lowed to either take or bill the thrilled to know that the poor fellow • For most of October I will Health Service for x-rays. is able to play tennis three days a be touring northern India by motor- week and in his own words “it’s cycle and I intend filming and Please keep an eye out for this better to have a peaceful life”. recording as much as possible. I scam next year and if possible get have been asked by Paul Trotman as many members as possible to ACC have done a great service to find him a “nose kettle”. If you take their children for a free to tennis as the claimant is now in want to know what that is you will assessment and report back to me the top third of senior players in just have to come to next year’s what happens. Some tape re- Auckland. Employers and tax- conference! cordings would be useful. A payers alike will be thrilled to know woman recently wrote to the paper that their ACC levies are being put John Welch lives in Picton and is a and took Frank Haden to task for to such good use. retired RNZAF medical officer. criticising alternative medicine. She went on to claim that chiropractic Sunday Star Times, 26 September manipulations had cured her of

page 17 comment Credence is Beyond Belief

Raymond Richards

HE Break Free tour will be (CTE). He manages a website Doctors top Phillip Day’s list of Tcoming soon to a city near called Eclub to publicize these people who harm the public. He you. The week-long tour of lectures efforts. sees a “slaughter of the citizenry.” and book selling will start in He quotes approvingly an alter- Day’s CTE hates the European Christchurch at the end of No- native therapist who charges, “The Union and denounces Britain’s vember and proceed to Wellington, most dangerous place on planet “own conniving politicians” for Taupo, Hamilton and Auckland. Earth is the hospital – next is the permitting “the destruction of The person who will head the tour doctor’s office – followed closely Britain by giving their consent to be is Phillip Day, who supposedly is by the dentist’s office.” Although he ruled by an unelected, unaccoun- “an award-winning author, health lacks a suitable qualification, Day table European autocracy dom- researcher and world-class speak- knows better than doctors. His tour inated by Germany and France.” er.” promises to show audiences how The EU wants to hijack the success to “BREAK FREE from cancer, Day may be a good speaker. He of British athletes, Day complains, addiction, and depression.” Sadly, certainly has had enough practice, by making them compete under the Day also quotes Dr Bill Reeder, an since his tours regularly take him European flag at future Olympics. alternative therapist who offers from his base in Britain to several While such political views may be questionable chelation therapy near countries. He has been in New merely quirky, they offer a glimpse Hamilton, who says he will be Zealand before. Day also runs of a mindset gripped by con- “directing all my cancer patients to websites that sell books by himself spiracies. your site.” and a few associates. But what Day accuses the British gov- awards he has won or research he Perhaps the most dangerous ernment of conducting “a pro- has conducted is unclear. What he misinformation Phillip Day spreads gramme of coercion and terrorism says is not worth hearing and often concerns cancer. He condemns against the British farming industry” is dangerous. prescription drugs, radiation and because it slaughtered animals chemotherapy. He says mammo- Phillip Day says and writes a lot during the recent foot-and-mouth graphies do not detect cancer – about many things. He leads Cre- crisis. According to Day, the they cause it. Police officers dence, which claims to be “an disease is no worse than a bad cold supposedly get testicular cancer by independent research organisation for an animal, is not caused by a sitting in their squad cars with a dedicated to reporting contentious virus, and can be cured by good speed gun in their lap. Day insists issues that may harm the public. housing, bedding and food. The cancer is a deficiency disease. He [Their] goal is to report properly reality of the so-called outbreak, he recommends apricot seeds/laetrile/ annotated and verified information says, is the British government’s Amygdalin/vitamin B-17 as a cure of tremendous benefit to humanity.” criminal and treasonous decision to for cancer, praising the work of rid an independent Britain of its Day also runs the Campaign for Ernst Krebs. In fact, Krebs and livestock industry in order to laetrile long have been discredited. Truth in Medicine (CTM) and the promote a European federalist Campaign for Truth in Europe Ernst T Krebs, Jr never earned a agenda. graduate degree. Starting in the

number 73 - spring 2004 brockie

1950s, he and his father sold quack Loose Talk from an Old Smoothie “cures” for major diseases, esp- ecially cancer. Krebs spent time in jail. Laetrile, sometimes called Bob Brockie samples a health food that saw the dinosaurs come amygdalin or vitamin B-17 (it is not and go a vitamin), has been rigorously tested in the US by the National Cancer Institute and the Food and E’VE all seen the claims— Spinach or broccoli also contain Drug Administration. The tests Spirulina! Nature’s Health 100 nutrients, are a rich source of showed it to be medically useless. W Solution! The World’s Healthiest iron and vitamins, are extremely It even contains cyanide and has Superfood! Soulfood! alkalising in the stomach, support killed people. It is now illegal to sell the maintenance of the beneficial gut laetrile in the US. In the mind of “Spirulina—the ancient blue- flora, and are rich in antioxidants. Phillip Day, laetrile is outlawed only green micro-algae found growing in If you want protein it’s cheaper to to protect “the multi-billion dollar, the lakes of Africa and Central and eat an egg, which is 87% protein. world-wide cancer industry.” South America, derives its energy directly from the sun, contains 100 And what’s this? “Spirulina Day says there is no HIV virus nutrients, is a rich source of iron, contains antioxidant ammunition in —the “highly poisonous Aids is extremely alkalising, energy- the form of the enzyme Superoxide medications” are part of a “cal- packed, supports the maintenance dismutase!” Nobody can deny this culated and inhumane population of the beneficial gut flora, is rich in but it’s a silly claim. Superoxide control agenda which has been antioxidants, contains 65% protein, dismutase is the most abundant sanctioned at the highest political etc.” Many firms claim that Spi- enzyme in the world. Every green levels.” He praises South African rulina “will reduce diabetes, cancer, plant is full of the stuff. President Thabo Mbeki’s bizarre hives, cataracts, wrinkles, anaemia, views on Aids, which have led the eczema, HIV, hypertension, de- To be really pedantic, Spirulina South African government to refuse toxify the kidneys, help balance is not an alga at all, it’s a bacterium. medication to people with HIV. your RNA and DNA nucleic acids, Ancient? Yes. Because Spirulina Tragically, the World Health Org- and protect you against radiation.” has a long fossil history it is often anisation says Aids is the biggest promoted as a “Dinosaur Drink”. cause of death in South Africa. Small wonder that huge volumes “It must be good for you because of this cure-all are drunk or eaten it’s so old” but the promotion Also dangerous is Phillip Day’s daily. One US firm sells over $50 people got the date wrong. Spi- insistence that children do not need million worth of Spirulina every rulina was around 600 million years any vaccinations. Good food, water year. before dinosaurs trod the Earth. and love supposedly are sufficient. We should call it “The Proterozoic But most chemists and medicos Drink”. Yes, the Break Free tour is think these claims are laughable. coming to New Zealand. People Raw Spirulina tastes vile, which who value evidence, critical thinking “Found growing in the lakes of is why Spirulina smoothies must be and reason may want to attend— Africa and Central and South masked with pureed banana, to witness a bad example. America?” Yes, this is true but kiwifruit and apricot. These ad- Spirulina also grows in almost any ditives provide more energy and stagnant fresh or brackish pool near vitamins than the Spirulina itself. Dr Raymond Richards is a Senior you in New Zealand. Nevertheless, Lecturer in History and American a lot of the Spirulina sold in New Who’s for a broccoli smoothie? Studies at Waikato University . He Zealand is produced in industrial can be reached at [email protected] vats in the US. Originally published in the Dominion As for the nutritional claims—the Post, 11 November 2002 same could be said about almost any green vegetable on Earth.

page 19 If undelivered, return to: New Zealand NZ Skeptics Permit No. 3357 Permit PO Box 29-492 Christchurch

At Last - a Skeptical radio show! “People believe in a lot of weird things. Some of them are probably true, a lot of them probably aren’t, and they can swirl around you in a bewildering fog. But there are ways to cut through the fog.” Through the Fog a half-hour show on all matters skeptical

Fridays, 12.30pm Community Radio Hamilton AM1206

Coverage area: South Auckland to South Waikato, including the western Bay of Plenty

New Zealand Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (Inc.)

Chair-entity: Vicki Hyde (Christchurch), [email protected] Secretary: Claire Le Couteur (Christchurch) Treasurer: Ian Short (Kaiapoi)

Committee: Heather Mackay (Auckland) Bernard Howard (Christchurch) Robert Woolf (Auckland) Joanna Wojnar (Wellington) Warwick Don (Dunedin) Annette Taylor (Hamilton) Keith Garratt (Rotorua) John Welch (Picton) Wally Clark (Rangiora) Felicity Goodyear-Smith (Auckland) Denis Dutton (Christchurch) Paul Trotman (Dunedin)

Media Spokespeople: Denis Dutton (Christchurch), Heather Mackay (Auckland) NZ Skeptic Editor: Annette Taylor, [email protected] Video Librarian: Alastair Brickell Book Librarian: Claire Le Couteur