Righteous Indignation is the podcast that aims to critically examine extraordinary claims and the people who surround them. These include ideas related to conspiracy, the paranormal, the supernatural and attempts to redefine the boundaries of science and understanding.
Guest Simon Singh: One of the most versatile figures in British skepticism, Simon Singh is a former producer of the BBC science show 'Tomorrow's World'. He is the author of 'The Code Book', 'Big Bang' and 'Fermat's Last Theorem'. His most recent book 'Trick or Treatment', co-authored with Edzard Ernst, lays bare the body of evidence related to a range of complementary and alternative therapies.
A Massage therapist convinced a dying woman he could cure her of cancer, so she came off her pain relief meds, and then died an incredibly painful death.
How can something like this happen in 2009!
Unfortunately with people like Schindler it does happen.
All I can say is that people must not put their faith in such people, this poor woman spent the last 10 days of her life hundreds of miles from her family, in excruciating pain.
I was recently made aware of Sparrow, a man who has run for President 5 times!! He is a soapbox orator and satirical writer
His most recent campaing journal included the following which made me chuckle.
ONE OF THE PRINCIPLES of homeopathic medicine is that a smaller dose is considered more effective than a larger dose. This has profound implications for U.S. foreign policy. At the moment, we have 158,000 troops in Iraq. Imagine if we had only six! According to homeopathic logic, this presence would be much more successful.
Let’s try it: Reduce troop levels to six soldiers and see what happens! Adopt a homeopathic foreign policy! Sparrow for president!
In late 2007 I reported on a story that shocked and disturbed me, the sad tale of Gloria Thomas, a 9 month old baby girl who had chronic eczema. She died needlessly after her ignorant parents treated her with homeopathic remedies instead of real medicine which could have saved her life.
She had suffered with her eczema her whole life, and it had slowly destroyed her natural defences, and when she developed an eye infection her body simply couldn't fight it.
Even a few hours before her death she could have been saved, but instead her parents used homeopathy. The poor girl died.
Now over a year later some justice has been done. Glorias parents have been found guilty of manslaughter by gross criminal negligence.
Simon Singh is a man who deserves the recent widespread support and acclaim he has received for his impending fight against the UK libel laws BadPsychics and many others believe he has unfairly fallen foul of.
BP and its members would like to add their support to the growing list of scientists, journalists, academics, skeptics and concerned members of the public who support Simon Singh’s appeal against the ruling of Justice Eady who upheld the recent libel action raised by the BCA against Mr Singh surrounding his article in the Guardian which questioned the scientific validity of BCA’S claims to be able to cure several ailments.
You can add your name to the list in support for Simon and sign up to the full statement they have sent to the government and intend to resend every 1000 names signed on www.Senseaboutscience.org.uk
“We the undersigned believe that it is inappropriate to use the English libel laws to silence critical discussion of medical practice and scientific evidence.”
News networks scare everyone with their swine flu coverage, so sometimes it takes someone to put things into perspective, and for that we have the excellent Jon Stewart on The Daily Show.
So is Swine Flu really something we should worry about? Is it really a pandemic that will kill millions?
And how long before we start hearing of ridiculous vaccinations?
The following video is a news report from Australia. It makes me so sad to see parents refusing to vaccinate their children due to religious beliefs, or just plain ignorance.
Unfortunately we are now living in societies where Homeopathic Vaccinations are becoming more popular due to misinformation, and ignorance of science.
Homoeopathic Vaccination is a lie and a fraud. Do not do it.
We know that “Sir” Adrian’s title is as fake as a three-pound note, but I’ve been informed that he does have other links to the nobility. Would it surprise you to learn that he’s on first name terms with a titled lady to whom he gives healing treatments?
First of all, let’s give Pengelly the benefit of the doubt for a moment. Yes, I know it’s difficult after what we’ve discovered so far, but humour me... Let’s assume that this lady – whose full name was rather foolishly given to me by a Pengelly supporter outraged by the BadPsychics articles about her hero – is indeed one of his clients. The fact that her name is being bandied about in this manner speaks volumes about Pengelly’s attitude to patient confidentiality. But is the claim true?
We know from his testimonials that Adrian's clients are full of praise for his honesty and integrity:
Quote:
"He is an honest and straight-talking man" "He is without guile and his presence is wholesome and ordinary in the most extraordinary way" "...someone who has integrity, honesty and who truly wants to help people vs. make money"
Surely such a paragon of virtue wouldn't dream of lying about having inherited a title?
Yes, both Gary and his former associate in the Unity of UK Psychic Surgeons have had their knuckles rapped.
Last year Gary appeared at a Mind/Body/Spirit fair at London's Olympia. The publicity material he used to promote this New Age baloneyfest still featured his thoroughly debunked claim to have "worked with leading medical professionals" - you may remember that Gary named them as Dr Gowri Motha (who didn't want to be associated with him), the imaginary "Manesh Naidoo" and that strangely elusive doctor of homeopathy "Glen Davies".
I sent Trading Standards all the info I've collected about this nonsensical claim and five months later I finally received a reply!
Does it work? Homeopathy, Theta Healing and the like.
"James Randi Speaks is a weekly video commentary of random topics that peaks James Randi's interest."
James Randi (born August 7, 1928) (stage name The Amazing Randi) is a stage magician and skeptic best known as a challenger of paranormal claims and pseudoscience.
The JREF sponsors the famous million dollar challenge offering a prize of US $1,000,000 to anyone who can demonstrate evidence of any paranormal, supernatural or occult power or event, under test conditions agreed to by both parties. As of this time, no one has claimed this prize, which is to be discontinued on March 6, 2010.
I'd never heard of the K-Test until yesterday, when I noticed that it was being offered - under the heading "Allergy Testing" - at the You Beauty salon in Trowbridge, an establishment which has the dubious distinction of hosting Nina Knowland's "Healing Clinic" every Thursday afternoon. So what exactly is the K-Test?
Remember Andy Porter, who with Gary Mannion and Nina Knowland was one of the three co-founders of the Unity of UK Psychic Surgeons?
If you were in any doubt that the terms "New Age" and "Dark Age" are interchangeable, here's a claim so obscene in its wilful ignorance you'll be left wondering why he hasn't been sent for a psychiatric evaluation himself:
Prepare yourself, this one will shock.
Schizophrenia, this condition in my experience is normally due to spirit possession and can be resolved within 1 hour
Nobody ever gets sick in China. Okay, that would be true if Eastern Medicine were actually worth a monkey's ass. But here’s the truth: sticking acupuncture needles in your feet will not cure your asthma; the Chinese practice of cupping does nothing more than leave ugly red marks on your back; and the Japanese “art” of reiki won’t channel your spiritual energy for healing – it’ll just channel your money into the reiki “artist’s” pocket.
At least Tiger Penis soup tastes delicious, even if it – like all the other Chinese herbal potions – doesn’t cure a damn thing. We're taking down the charlatans who prey on the seriously ill with this unproven, unscientific, and unbelievably dumb type of "medicine."
A CLAIRVOYANT has been banned from claiming she could cure everything from witchcraft to depression . . . because she can't prove it.
Sister Charlotte, a successful crystal ball, tarot card and palm reader from Chorlton, Manchester, claimed to be able to solve problems in love, marriage, business, exams and even immigration.
The Advertising Standards Authority challenged her to prove it. When she couldn't, it ordered her to tone down her extravagant ads.
The ASA have upheld a complaint against The Harborough Asthma and Eczema Clinic for Kids and Julia Wilson.
"We considered the ad was irresponsible, because it was likely to dissuade consumers from seeking medical advice about asthma and eczema by suggesting that conventional medicine was less effective than homeopathy in treating those conditions."
"Because Archway House were unable to provide signed and dated proof that the testimonials were genuine, or independent evidence of their accuracy, we concluded that they were misleading."
The following snippet of information about Gary Mannion (see www.badpsychicsgarymannion.co.uk for further details) recently appeared in “Psychic News”:
Gary is also taking part in research with Dr Harry Oldfield, which involves various tests including work on brain functions.
"When I worked with him, my brain produced multiple waves which is evidence of spirit," he [Gary] claimed...”
Oldfield’s name rang a bell but I couldn’t quite place it at first. Then I remembered – our own Tom Roberts, in his UK-Skeptics persona of “bindeweede”, recently quoted a New Age website which linked Oldfield’s name with Gary’s. With the help of microbiologist Tom Irving I did a bit of research into Dr Oldfield’s work, and it soon became abundantly clear why he was so eager to be impressed by Gary’s multiple brain waves...
"This is part 5/6 of a TLC series "Unmasked-Exploring the Secrets of Deception" This part shows the truth on how Psychic Surgeons do their so called operations. Just more sleight of hand stuff."
Potentially as DANGEROUS as the Funnel Web Spider!
HARDER ON YOUR WALLET than a whole barrel of the Amber Nectar!
I refer to Aussie “healer” Rosemary Edwards, a woman whose slick and well-designed website (nsr-energyhealing.com) is a compendium of more worthless New Age treatments than you can throw a boomerang at.
Does the name Lynda Jakiro ring a bell? Yes, she was third from the left in this lineup of "healers" dispensing Abraham Body Energy:
Aren't those matching t-shirts cute? But Lynda isn't merely a Mannion associate, she has a magic wand. And she's not afraid to use it! It's time for a closer look at "Lynda Jakiro NAET, EFT Adv. Allergy Therapist"
Many thanks to farsideofthemoon and bindeweede/tomroberts for bringing this to my attention over on UK Skeptics.
Narrated by Dweezil Zappa, and featuring expert opinion from the man the legend James Randi, this is an excellent documentary taking a look at lots of alternative medicines, and practices.
Includes Alternative Plastic Surgery, Body Modification, Acupuncture, Spiritual Healers, Alternative Healing and Psychic Surgery.
The documentary has been split up so you can watch the parts you are most interested in, or the whole thing.
Do you ever get that ‘dirty’ feeling when you see something? I don’t mean dirty as in naughty, I’m talking about dirty as in ‘unclean’ and ‘violated
Anyway, on another note, I thought I would check in on Andrew McKellar…. the ‘healer’. "andrewmckellar.com"
If you remember I had had a look at McKellar some time ago following his complete disregard of The Cancer Act 1939 by claiming he can cure cancer.. Not only did he claim to cure cancer but he also had a ‘Testimonial’ from one of his ‘patients’ on his site whom he claimed to have cured. I found, with a little research, that this particular patient had actually died shortly after, of cancer. Yet McKellar still used this gentlemans ‘testimonial’ to peddle his services.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Decency has left the building"
When not performing his favourite Elvis or Buddy Holly songs or combing his quiff, Andrew McKellar is curing the incurable.
andrewmckellar.com (best to use 'Wayback' to view his 'Tributes', his current site relies heavily on flash graphics and its easier to read the 'text only' sites)
McKellar has quite obviously never heard of the Cancer Act 1939:
Righteous Indignation is the podcast that aims to critically examine extraordinary claims and the people who surround them. These include ideas related to conspiracy, the paranormal, the supernatural and attempts to redefine the boundaries of science and understanding.
A Massage therapist convinced a dying woman he could cure her of cancer, so she came off her pain relief meds, and then died an incredibly painful death.
I was recently made aware of Sparrow, a man who has run for President 5 times!! He is a soapbox orator and satirical writer
In late 2007 I reported on a story that shocked and disturbed me, the sad tale of 
Simon Singh is a man who deserves the recent widespread support and acclaim he has received for his impending fight against the UK libel laws BadPsychics and many others believe he has unfairly fallen foul of.
News networks scare everyone with their swine flu coverage, so sometimes it takes someone to put things into perspective, and for that we have the excellent Jon Stewart on The Daily Show.
The following video is a news report from Australia. It makes me so sad to see parents refusing to vaccinate their children due to religious beliefs, or just plain ignorance.
We know that “Sir” Adrian’s title is as fake as a three-pound note, but I’ve been informed that he does have other links to the nobility. Would it surprise you to learn that he’s on first name terms with a titled lady to whom he gives healing treatments?
We know from his testimonials that Adrian's clients are full of praise for his honesty and integrity:
Adrian is seen here soaking up the magical vibrations at Glastonbury.
Yes, both Gary and his former associate in the Unity of UK Psychic Surgeons have had their knuckles rapped.
Does it work? Homeopathy, Theta Healing and the like.
A recent study of the long-term effects of homeopathic treatment and remedies have found that 32 participants of the study have since died!
I'd never heard of the K-Test until yesterday, when I noticed that it was being offered - under the heading "Allergy Testing" - at the You Beauty salon in Trowbridge, an establishment which has the dubious distinction of hosting Nina Knowland's "Healing Clinic" every Thursday afternoon. So what exactly is the K-Test? 
Remember Andy Porter, who with Gary Mannion and Nina Knowland was one of the three co-founders of the Unity of UK Psychic Surgeons? 
Nobody ever gets sick in China. Okay, that would be true if Eastern Medicine were actually worth a monkey's ass. But here’s the truth: sticking acupuncture needles in your feet will not cure your asthma; the Chinese practice of cupping does nothing more than leave ugly red marks on your back; and the Japanese “art” of reiki won’t channel your spiritual energy for healing – it’ll just channel your money into the reiki “artist’s” pocket. 
Here is a news clip from an Australian news report into Alternative medicine.
Fay Schlesinger 
"A healing therapist who refused to see a doctor died after developing gangrene in his leg.
The ASA have upheld a complaint against The Harborough Asthma and Eczema Clinic for Kids and Julia Wilson.
The following snippet of information about Gary Mannion (see 
"This is part 5/6 of a TLC series "Unmasked-Exploring the Secrets of Deception" This part shows the truth on how Psychic Surgeons do their so called operations. Just more sleight of hand stuff."
STRANGER than the Duck-Billed Platypus! 
Does the name Lynda Jakiro ring a bell? Yes, she was third from the left in this lineup of "healers" dispensing Abraham Body Energy: 
Narrated by Dweezil Zappa, and featuring expert opinion from the man the legend James Randi, this is an excellent documentary taking a look at lots of alternative medicines, and practices.
Do you ever get that ‘dirty’ feeling when you see something? I don’t mean dirty as in naughty, I’m talking about dirty as in ‘unclean’ and ‘violated
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Decency has left the building"