Thursday 12 March 2015

Pseudoscience still Bullshit, People still Idiots

The Guardian reports on a new study into the worthlessness of homeopathy:
Homeopathy is not effective for treating any health condition, Australia’s top body for medical research has concluded, after undertaking an extensive review of existing studies.
...
These claims have been widely disproven by multiple studies, but the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has for the first time thoroughly reviewed 225 research papers on homeopathy to come up with its position statement, released on Wednesday.
This, of course, is right up there with detailed studies about the religion of the Pope.  But I committed a basic error: I read the comments.  And then I wept for humanity.

Saturday 7 March 2015

Disappointing Titles

Sometimes, articles just don't live up to their titles.  In this case, I saw a headline on the BBC, Indian prisoners win right to cricket, which greatly amused me.  Then I actually clicked on the link, and found that it was not about being allowed to play cricket, but rather to watch the ongoing Cricket World Cup.  And I can't even get properly angry about them being given access to pay TV, as it will only apply to those awaiting trial.  Oh well.  At least they're sure to have matches to watch; if this had been an English gaol, by the time things were set up England would likely be eliminated on current form.