Five classified ads (ASA complaints)

[Cassus]

All from this month's issue of "Kindred Spirit" magazine (UK). As usual, links to the actual complaints submitted provided (pretty pictures, too) for those who might want them.

Mike Gibbard: sucker collector
scepticalletterwriter.blogspot.com/2010/03/mike-gibbard-sucker-collector.html

Mike Gibbard's website is full of glowing testimonials from his clients (did I say clients? I meant, "suckers").

In his Kindred Spirits Magazine advert, Mike claims he can heal all kinds of problems from the comfort of his own home. Naturally, the service isn't free.

"POWERFUL DISTANT HEALING for all problems. £20 per month. Mike and Zak Gibbard, Morwenna, Sidmouth Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3ES. Website www.powerfulhealing.net"

"Rainbow readings" cost another £65, but that isn't a lot of money for the services of a man who can apparently defy the laws of physics.

Bog-standard ASA complaint follows.

Eddy Healing Centre: modern witch doctor
scepticalletterwriter.blogspot.com/2010/03/eddy-healing-centre-modern-witch-doctor.html

A classified ad in Kindred Spirit Magazine offers a remarkable "solution" for HIV/AIDS.

Yes, it's another one of those miracle distance-healing services. Quite a distance, on this occasion. If you're stupid enough to send £50 to "Chief Eddy" in Nigeria, there's little I can do to help you.

Eddy can be reached on 00 234 80 35831490 (Nigerian number - cost of calling unknown). Perhaps the ASA will give him a bell.

Spirit Possession Clearing: at a price
scepticalletterwriter.blogspot.com/2010/03/spirit-possession-clearing-at-price.html

Among the classified ads in this month's Kindred Spirit Magazine is a remarkable Ghostbusters-style operation.

"SPIRIT RELEASING. Spirit entities/negative energies cleared from people and buildings. Attachments removed remotely using compassion and loving spiritual energy. Contact: 07702 017716/07976 327022 Mon-Fri 0830-1900 www.spiritpossession.co.uk"

Sounds about as credible as the psychic experiments near the beginning of the film, if you ask me. Time to ask the ASA...

Enlightenment" of Broadstairs: Part-time witchcraft
scepticalletterwriter.blogspot.com/2010/03/enlightenment-of-kent-part-time.html

A quick google search suggests that if you call 01843 601700, you'll find any of a number of psychic and clairvoyant telephone services.

However, according to their advert in Kindred Spirit Magazine, the same organisation also sells Macbeth-style magical spells!

"POWERFUL MAGIC SPELLS to solve any problem! Tel: [phone]. For every problem there is a solution! Believe in the magic!"

A slightly comical ASA complaint follows. (Maybe these spells are being promoted for all sorts of distressing problems: AIDS perhaps, or severe depression. In which case, the advert would be no laughing matter.)

Reg from New Horizons: Ozone technician
scepticalletterwriter.blogspot.com/2010/03/reg-from-new-horizons-ozone-technician.html

Reg, who describes himself as a "Wellness/Oxygen Practicioner", put a classified ad in this month's Kindred Spirit Magazine.


I've never been in any doubt that oxygen is good for my "wellness" - not since the last time I held my breath - but on this occasion, Reg is advertising an ozone-generating device.

"Simple, safe and effective using ozone generation. For drinking, bathing, youthful-looking skin, alkalizing [sic], aids respiration. No replacement parts required, one off payment £90.50 + P&P. Tel: [phone]"

I suspect these claims are balderdash, so I knocked off a letter to the ASA.