News Front
Jessica Macfarlane (November 1, 2018)
More than 300 turn out for 1080 protest in Timaru
Where: www.stuff.co.nz
Who: Matthew Littlewood
When: 09/09/2018
Skeptic summary: Kimberley Collins went to the anti-1080 protest in Timaru, but not to join the side of the protesters. She was there to provide a scientific point of view, and to talk to the reporters and make sure they had a quote about how 1080 is saving our native wildlife. Among other things, she is a science communicator and Forest and Bird South Canterbury committee member. On twitter she has been active in holding the press to account, calling out @NewsroomNZ for not including enough quotes from scientists on this debate.
Is an obsession with cleanliness weakening our skin?
Where: www.rnz.co.nz
Who: Jesse Mulligan
When: 27/06/2018
Skeptic summary: Jesse interviews dermatologist Dr Sandy Skotnicki about our misunderstandings about cleaning products and our over use of them. Conclusion: Natural isn't necessarily better, soap is harsher than detergent, and we wash way too much. Seems using so many body washes and soaps isn't just overdoing it, it's making things worse.
Can acupuncture minimise wrinkles?
Where: Stuff.co.nz c/o Sydney morning Herald
Who: Nedahl Stelio
When: 21/06/2018
Skeptic summary: No. Poking needles in your face is a bad idea. Finding good advice on women's beauty products is hard as the area seems saturated with nonsense, and Stuff is just adding to the noise. The writer brings up ‘dermal rollers' which are horrible devices with little needles poking out all round— you can them buy online. With risk of infection and permanent scarring a real possibility these things should be banned. This is horrifying. This type of article gives me wrinkles.
Raw milk warning as campylobacter infections rise
Where: www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail
Who: Unknown
When: 10/07/2018
Skeptic summary: 24 cases in the last 4 weeks reported to Medical Officer of Health in Nelson.
Here's to the benefits of pasteurisation. A wonderful process that allows us to enjoy milk without the risk of intestinal infection, diarrhea, vomiting and so on. Apparently the most common way to get campylobacter infections is by eating or handling uncooked chicken. Fairly sure I won't find raw chicken sushi wherever raw milk is sold… or is it just a matter of time?!
Saying I do with a noodle of love pastafarians tie the knot in Wellington
Where: www.stuff.co.nz
Who: Tom Hunt
When: 14/07/2018
Skeptic summary: A joyous celebration of two people coming together under the law, who believe in a religion which does not use guilt, division, condemnation or crucifixion to achieve it's goals. Hope you two have a long and happy life together! Congratulations!
Dr Paul Offit on the Dangers of Science Denial
Where: www.rnz.co.nz
Who: Jesse Mulligan
When: 17/07/2018
Skeptic summary: RNZ's Jesse Mulligan interviewed Dr. Paul Offit about his new book. Paul took Jesse's devil's advocate comments about vaccines with good humour, and intelligently and calmly pointed out the facts. At one stage Jesse sided with people worried about vaccine dangers by bringing up the case of thalidomide, which is still used as a cancer treatment today but which was found to cause birth defects when given to pregnant women and resulted in a $96 million compensation payout.
Dr. Offit explained that yes mistakes have been made, but the scientific method is still the best way to find health solutions and vaccinations save lives every day. His book is “Bad Advice, Or why Celebrities, Politicians and Activists Aren't Your Best Source of Health Information.”
Kiwi chiropractic students giving free treatment to Cook Island locals
Where: tvnz.co.nz/one-news
Who: 1 News
When: 31/07/2018
Skeptic summary: Along with communicable diseases and chocolate flavoured cheese this has got to be up there with the worst exports out of New Zealand. Even if the treatment was free. We sincerely hope nobody is hurt.
This creationist claptrap has absolutely no place in a science class
Where: thespinoff.co.nz
Who: Richard Easther
When: 01/08/18
Skeptic summary: Richard, a cosmologist and academic eloquently writes about a creationist video shown in science class by opposition leader's sister, clearly pointing out that science belongs in science class, and not what ever that (pile of claptrap) video was about.