Abc’s ‘Junk Science’ Pops Balloons
ABC’s John Stossel, prime time’s leading cynic, loves to burst balloons and remind us that just because you read something in the newspaper or saw it on television doesn’t mean it’s true.
One of the best examples of this is repeated in “Junk Science: What You Know That May Not Be So” (ABC at 10). It’s another eye-opening hour that will leave you wondering just whom to trust.
Stossel provides numerous examples of things we accept as fact that simply don’t hold up to scrutiny.
For example, the media reported that Vitamin C prevents colds. Why? Linus Pauling, a Nobel scientist said so. But there’s no medical evidence to prove it.
We’ve been led to believe that eating less salt is healthier and eating spinach promotes muscle growth. Again, no evidence.
Stossel confronts the head of a government lowsodium campaign with testimony from leading universities that reducing salt has no effect on most people’s health. The bureaucrat blandly waves off Stossel’s assertions.
Perhaps the hour’s most annoying revelation is that millions in tax dollars are being spent to incinerate dioxin-contaminated soil in Times Beach, Mo. In Italy, where a more serious dioxin spill occurred, the site was merely bulldozed over and turned into a public park. And no study has found that anyone has been harmed.
Stossel’s revealing specials are informative and entertaining. But I repeat my question from back when the special first aired: Why wasn’t he around to nip some of this junk science in the bud?
If newspapers, magazines and the networks had a few more watchdogs on guard, maybe some of this false science would never see the light of day.
Highlights
“High Incident,” ABC at 8: Marsh (David Keith) takes special interest in a new officer (Timothy Olyphant), a young undercover cop who blows two chances to nab a serial rapist. Repeat.
“Martin,” FOX at 8: In an hourlong repeat, Martin (Martin Lawrence) ends up on a cruise with Pam (Tichina Arnold) after Gina misses the boat.
“Diagnosis, Murder,” CBS at 9: Mike Connors guest-stars as Joe Mannix, an old pal of Sloan’s (Dick Van Dyke) who turns to the doctor to solve a 25-year-old crime. Clips from a 1973 “Mannix” episode are incorporated into the story.
Pernell Roberts (“Bonanza”) and Beverly Garland, who appeared in the 1973 “Mannix,” reprise their roles. Very clever. Repeat.
Cable Calls
“Basketball,” ESPN and LIF at 4:30: Charlotte takes on Houston, followed at 6:30 by New York and Phoenix in the WNBA semifinals. The championship airs Saturday at 12:30 p.m. on NBC.
“Biography,” A&E at 5 and 9: This great series always entertains when it takes a side trip into the world of fiction. “Flash Gordon: Journey to Greatness” traces the history of the sci-fi action hero in comics, radio, television and the movies.
Find out how the polo-playing Yale man and his companion, the beautiful Dale Arden, found their way to the planet Mongo from those who created, portrayed and chronicled the space hero.
“The Show” (1995), TMC at 9: Rap and hip-hop fans will excuse the erratic beat of this backstage/ performance documentary featuring the likes of Snoop Doggy Dogg, Naughty by Nature, RunDMC, Slick Rick, LL Cool J and Dr. Dre.
Brian Robbins directed the film, which aches to be boomed through bigger speakers than the ones that come with most sets.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor John Travolta and comedian Tom Dreesen. Repeat.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor Tom Arnold and comedian Dane Cooke.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:35 a.m. : Sammy Hagar and political activist Farai Chideya.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actor Billy Crystal and chef Wolfgang Puck. Repeat.
“The Late Late Show With Tom Snyder,” CBS at 2:05 a.m.: Actress Lisa Hartman-Black and author Thomas Mallon.