Skeptics in the media

Twitter: @NZSkeptics

From psychics to naturopaths, NZ Skeptics has been retweeting news from NZ and overseas that highlights the real harm that pseudoscience can do.

Our twitter following is steadily growing, and by following skeptics groups all over the world, we are gaining insights into the topics skeptics most care about.

When tweeting about homeopathy used to treat farm animals, or Ireland's progress moving to ban fake cancer cures, followers have reinforced our motives to educate the public about the potential harm that can be caused by following hopes and dreams rather than evidence and science.

There was a big reaction to the Anti-vax billboard being taken down. Thanks to all those who complained to the Advertising Standards Authority. Together we can make a difference.

Of course negative reactions and trolls popped up, but have not dampened our passion for truth.

I even had a brush with fame. I'd commented on Botanist James Wong's book and show (find it on YouTube) ‘Grow your own drugs', about the medicine cabinet we have in our gardens, and why he mentioned Echinacea at all, given it doesn't do anything for colds and is a key money maker for ‘Big Supplement'.

He replied in quite a strong way to the fact that I suggested he was good at herbaceous borders, and not a medical doctor, but he didn't explain why he'd focused quite a few minutes of video and presumably pages in his book to echinacea, but did confirm that there is no cure for the common cold. (I'm still a big fan—on twitter his handle is @botanygeek).

On the activism side, we also called out a fake cancer cure website for their bullshit, and explained how the public (that means you) can report them as well.

NZ Skeptics on Seven Sharp

Our very own Russ, committee member and ‘firebrand' atheist volunteered to represent the NZ Skeptics for a fireside chat with a priest about the meaning of Christmas.

Russ was a great ambassador for us.

While the priest got easy questions like, what secular things do you like about Christmas ; answer—the Christmas lights, Russ had to answer the question ‘What religious thing do you like about Christmas?'. Answer in so many words, all the good bits, the secular bits are great and you don't need to add religious stuff at all.

It's an annual tradition now I suppose, to trot out the myth that atheists don't like Christmas, or that it's somehow meaningless (along with existence without God presumably). That's what that question implied to me anyway. And it tires this writer to say that of course that's a load of old codswallop. Russ did a good job clarifying pretty much that.

Russ's take on the interview: "It was a light-hearted, fun event, with a free bar tab! The theme was "the spirit of Christmas", and it's a pity that time-constraints and editing didn't allow for the true pagan, and non-Christian, history of the ancient mid-summer/winter festivals to be shared with the audience."

Watch the video for yourself:

TVNZ—A priest and a sceptic debate the meaning of Christmas https://tinyurl.com/skep125-9

Skeptical Thoughts on Radio Live

It's a sad thing to relate, but unfortunately, with the demise of RadioLive, Skeptical Thoughts has come to an end. The last episode aired on 16th December 2018, with Siouxsie joining Graeme Hill.

It's been an eventful last few shows. Not only have Mark Honeychurch and Siouxsie Wiles been filling their regular spots, but Jessica Macfarlane (Editor) and Craig Shearer (Chair) have filled in.

On Sunday 25th November Siouxsie talked with Graeme about the Pain Erazor. They were advertising it by comparing it to another device that also doesn't work apparently—a TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machine. Consumer magazine also tried to get evidence from the company and they didn't supply any.

Siouxsie mentioned also that because it produces a visible spark, it might be really dangerous in that it could ignite any flammable gas or liquid nearby.

Read more here: NZ Herald—Questions raised about pen's ability to click away pain without drugs https://tinyurl.com/skep125-10

Sports tape is next on the chopping block. Research showed there was no benefit in wearing the tape compared to not wearing any tape at all. Different coloured tapes were tested along with no tape, with no discernible difference whatsoever. D3tape or Kinesthesiology tape both seem too good to be true, but both seem to have a willing customer base in the sporting world.

Science Direct—Current evidence does not support the use of Kinesio Taping in clinical practice: a systematic review https://tinyurl.com/skep125-11

The CUSP podcast

Find the podcast here: https://thecusp.pinecast.co/

In Episode 65 Nathan, Siouxsie and Craig talk about these things and more:

• Tackling the Zika virus (spoilers, with anti-vaxxers in the mix it may be impossible to eradicate)
• A United States Bible Museum with deep pockets that tested its own dead sea scrolls and found five of them to be fakes. Oops!
• Antioxidant supplements cause serious liver damage to man. Take home: It's not clear whether taking antioxidants is beneficial and regulations aren't strict enough to prevent dangerous contaminants being included in them.
• Ireland vote for referendum about blasphemy laws. Stephen Fry was caught up in the blasphemy law's hooks a while ago (but was let off) following a comment about God: "Why should I respect a capricious, mean-minded, stupid god who creates a world so full of injustice and pain?"

Facebook: @nzskeptics

We have launched a new official Facebook page now, NZ Skeptics Inc., and it's proving to be popular. Thank you to the administrators for keeping this a fun and non-abusive place to be.