BBC takes homeopathy bias too far

For the first time, I have felt it necessary to write a complaint to the BBC.

Last night (22/02/10) just after 1930 on News24 an interview was broadcast on the subject of homeopathy. The interview was highly biased towards advocacy of homeopathy, despite the fact that it has no scientific basis and is proven to be ineffective. Of particular concern was the claim that homeopathic treatment could cure cancer. This claim was repeated an hour later in another interview, and not accompanied by any disclaimer. This is not just misleading but dangerous and irresponsible. Under the Cancer Act 1939 (specifically §4) it may even be criminal. It is utterly unacceptable, and I would like to know how you intend to correct this.

The interview itself is here, and it was also quoted as fact later on in the evening.

Social Skills 0 – Self Pity 1

This evening I managed to upset somebody I really care about. I made a joke which, it turns out, wasn’t funny. Worse still, I did so publicly. I don’t want to get bogged down with excuses about my mind being wired in a certain way and having relatively low social intelligence for someone of high IQ; at the end of the day I’m 30 years old, and I feel about 13. I don’t understand why I haven’t learnt the lessons of all the previous situations where I’ve made similar mistakes, and I feel like a complete idiot.

Increased Resolve

In my earlier post I expressed that I might “even organise a campaign or two of my own. Although if I’m honest that’s more likely to be next year.”

Reading that back made me feel a tad uncomfortable. I could hear myself saying something meant genuinely, but ultimately meaningless. “Tomorrow,” he said, “I’m going to quit procrastinating.”