Rats, Scientists and Experimental Design
1 August 2002
John Riddell learns about some dangerous chemicals
Fish but no Chips
1 May 2002
John Riddell learns to his cost that fishermen can be as easy to catch as the creatures they pursue
The Myth of Common Sense
1 February 2002
John Riddell reckons he's a sensible bloke. But then, doesn't everybody?
Whisky Galore
1 November 2001
In which John Riddell conducts an entirely unscientific experiment and saves himself quite a bit of money
Ghosts, Mediums and the Argument from Omniscience
1 August 2001
In which John Riddell reminisces about happy childhood days and reflects on the stories we tell to grown-ups
Religion, Drugs and a Build-up of Toxins
1 May 2001
Even in a secular age, it's hard to surrender the religious habits of old
Next time someone asks you your star sign
1 February 2001
Astronomy is the science of stars and outer space stuff. Not everybody knows this and so astronomers get insulted when they get called astrologers. Astrologers will tell you that astrology is also a science, but is it?
Plenty of things are better to drink than distilled water
1 November 2000
There are plenty of things which are better to drink than distilled water, says John Riddell. But then, most of you probably knew that anyway.
A considerable easing of international tensions
1 August 2000
There has been a considerable easing of international tensions since the dark days of the mid-twentieth century. John Riddell thinks he knows why.
Conservation of Energy by Remote Control
1 May 2000
John Riddell has a few confessions to make.
Continued pub night discussions
1 February 2000
In which John Riddell continues his pub night discussions.
Genetically Modified Food for Thought
1 November 1999
There are three types of people in this country. Those that can count and those that can't. It is common to blame the education system for this.
A costly alternative to glue sniffing
1 August 1999
John Riddell looks at a costly alternative to glue sniffing.
The Greedy and the Needy
1 May 1999
In which we look at another easy way to make money from home. No training or prior experience required!
Make Big Money From Home!
1 February 1999
A lucrative new career option!
A Flood of Improbabilities
1 November 1998
John Riddell finds some creationist claims really are testable, unfortunately for them.
The Strange Case of the Psychic Detectives
1 August 1998
John Riddell contemplates how the newspapers would read if psychics really had the powers they claim
May the Force be With You and Your Dead Rat
1 May 1998
When I was young enough to think Dr Who was scary, I remember thinking it was good to live in times when people didn't believe in superstitions anymore. Recently, US taxpayers coughed up US$350,000 testing the effectiveness of Therapeutic Touch. It's one of those alternative therapies. The practitioner waves his hands over the patient, without touching them, while thinking gooey thoughts.
Great Aunt Molly and her Magic Hazel Rods
1 February 1998
Have you ever had a go at water divining?
Beer and Skittles
1 November 1997
John Riddell spends a lot of time in the pub. Ask his wife. Often, over a pint or two, some bloke or blokess spouts forth some new age dogma which naturally requires correction.. Now a seasoned debater, he this month begins a regular series sharing his collection of responses honed to the mental capabilities of your average bar-room intellectual.