Thursday 30 July 2009

Simon and the Skeptics

A few weeks ago I wrote about science journalist Simon Singh and his run-in with the British Chiropractic Association.

Simon’s currently on a tour of Australia as part of the 2009 Festival of Ideas, doing meet-and-greets, promoting his books and talking (in a limited way) about the BCA libel case.

This evening he spoke to the Victorian Skeptics about some of the topics from his book Trick or Treatment, focusing particularly on homeopathy and its somewhat ridiculous underlying theory.

I was hoping that we might get one or two homeopathists or chiropractors popping up for a bit of an argument, but no such luck. It was largely a case of preaching to the converted so it was a very entertaining, but far from controversial, evening.

Having been a huge fan of Simon’s for years (ever since The Code Book and Fermat’s Last Theorem … I’m such a maths nerd), after the talk I bucked up the fanboy courage for a quick chat.

I can’t remember what we talked about (fanboy, remember?) but it did happen. I’ve got the photo to prove it.

Alpha Nerd and Beta Nerd Simon’s the one with the cool haircut.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Loved The Code Book and Fermat's Last Theorem too, glad you enjoyed his talk.

I agree some errant nutbags might have added to the fun, but what is the chance of that?

catherineLd said...

was a great night indeed… only wished i had been quicker with a photo of Joel and Simon… dang!

Sean Wright said...

Bastards. He's already been to adelaide hasn't he?

Just read the chapter on accupuncture very good saved my a little bit of research