Over the next few weeks, I will be taking the Quackometer on tour around the UK and giving talks exploring what factors allow pseudo-medicines to survive despite their lack of specific effects and scientific absurdity. Giving examples of quacks and cures from the 18th and 19th Century, I will be comparing them to similar practices today. My first talk was last week in Sheffield (and thanks to all who braved he weather to turn up). I will then be taking the talk to Leicester, Cambridge, Oxford and Liverpool.

Details here.

But, the big event will take place in London, Saturday 30th of January where I will be proud to share the stage with Simon Singh and Professor John Garrow, founder member of HealthWatch. I think tickets will need to be booked, see details below on how to do this.

Really looking forward to meeting you all soon.

CFIUK/SPES PRESENT

TRICK OR TREATMENT:

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ON TRIAL

Saturday, 30^th January 2010

11am-3pm

A day discussing alternative medicine, with speakers:

11am SIMON SINGH, author of Trick or Treatment?: Alternative Medicine on Trial, currently being sued by British Chiropractic Association.

12pm ANDY LEWIS, runs Quackometer on the web.

2pm PROFESSOR JOHN GARROW, founder member of the charity “HealthWatch” which promotes proper testing of the health claims of all therapies, alternative or orthodox.

Venue: Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, Holborn, London WC1R 4RL – Main Hall. Lunch 1-2pm. Sandwiches can be bought on site.

£10 on the door. Free to Friends of CFI UK, PLUS GLHA, SPES, BHA, NEW HUMANIST SUBSCRIBERS.

To book go to www.cfiuk.org and hit button “support cfiuk” and follow instructions. Credit and debit cards welcome. Alternatively send a cheque payable to ‘Center for Inquiry London” to: Executive Director Suresh Lalvani, Center for Inquiry London, PO Box 49097 Centre for Inquiry London N11 9AX, and include names of those coming, phone number, return address, etc.