Arizona Skeptic - Vol 2 No 1 - 1988

Magazine Overview

Title: The Arizona Skeptic
Issue: Volume 2, Issue 1
Date: July/August 1988
Publisher: Phoenix Skeptics and the Tucson Skeptical Society (TUSKS)

This issue of The Arizona Skeptic delves into various skeptical investigations and critiques of paranormal claims and pseudoscience. It features a prominent article detailing the "disgrace" of Jim Lippard, a key figure in the skeptical movement, and explores the scientific validity of handwriting analysis. The publication also provides guidance on identifying and responding to destructive and manipulative groups, alongside updates on upcoming meetings for the Phoenix Skeptics and TUSKS.

Lippard Disgraced!

Ron Harvey reports on the recent meeting of the Phoenix Skeptics where evidence of Jim Lippard's belief in the Tooth Fairy was revealed. Mike Norton, a Fellow of the Phoenix Skeptics and former roommate of Lippard, recounts how Lippard's belief persisted despite attempts to disprove it through controlled tests. These tests, involving children and hidden cameras, failed to find evidence of the Tooth Fairy. Lippard's subsequent personal investigation, involving missing teeth, further fueled concerns. Consequently, Lippard was removed from his position as Executive Director, a move intended to protect the organization's reputation.

A Visit to the "Psychic Showcase"

Jim Lippard, in his own article, describes attending a "psychic showcase" organized by Truth Investigations Unlimited at the Biltmore Commerce Center. The event featured various paranormal practitioners, including palmists, tarot card readers, astrologers, and channelers, offering readings for admission fees. Lippard found the demonstrations, particularly Lee Earle's "mind transference techniques," to be the most interesting part. Earle demonstrated his abilities by having audience members think of numbers and draw figures, claiming it was not mystical but a demonstration of human potential. Lippard notes Earle's ambiguous presentation, which walks a fine line between illusion and explicit claims.

Joan Scibienski performed "channeling of Equinox," a "group consciousness" of approximately 300 entities. She described channeling as a draining experience requiring students as an energy source and warned against physical contact due to the intense energy. Scibienski's "unconscious channeling" involved her leaving her body to communicate with aliens. Her presentation was noted for inconsistencies in grammar and vocabulary, and her "Equinox" persona struggled with English syntax and morphology. Equinox also provided vague predictions and claimed not to do "what is known as prediction" for the U.S. in the 1990s.

Brian Myers and Tina Choate of the Center for UFO Research presented a slide show of UFO sightings, including the Travis Walton abduction and the "face on Mars," citing them as evidence for extraterrestrial visitation. The article notes that the presentation included questionable evidence and mentioned Maria Reiche in relation to the Nazca drawings, without fully representing her opposing views.

Jerry Wills, an alleged UFO contactee, shared his experiences of telepathic communication with aliens from 1965 to 1970, claiming to have received information on various scientific and theological subjects. He offered a light-up crystal called "The Guardian" for sale, claiming it was his invention, despite literature suggesting it was taught to him by aliens. Wills also spoke of contacts in 1971-1972 and mentioned new features like a ring given to him by aliens, which he traded for an arrowhead.

Gil E. Gilly, a "cryptotheologist," was scheduled but replaced by other demonstrations. Gilly, known to magicians, admits to being a magician but also claims to be a psychic, though he states he does not claim supernatural powers. He has made predictions, including a supposed "suicide or murder" in the White House and the discovery of the planet Vulcan, neither of which were accurate.

Handwriting Analysis

Jim Lippard's article examines the use and validity of handwriting analysis. While common in Europe for hiring decisions, its scientific support in the U.S. is questioned. Lippard contacted the Handwriting Resource Corporation (HRC), which admitted to lacking published scientific support and being actively engaged in research. HRC's "in-house research" consisted of summaries without specific methodological details. Lippard critiques the "personal validation" or "Barnum Effect" often used to justify graphology, where individuals interpret vague profiles to fit their own experiences. He cites studies by Ben-Shakhar et al. (1986) and Klimoski and Rafaeli (1983) which indicate that handwriting analysis performs no better than chance in predicting occupational success or measuring personality, and that its reliability is questionable. Despite some controversy regarding agreement among graphologists, the article concludes that enthusiasm for handwriting analysis appears premature given the lack of definitive scientific evidence.

Recognizing Destructive and Manipulative Groups

Al Seckel provides a guide to identifying and responding to destructive and manipulative groups, drawing parallels to the Jonestown incident. He warns that seemingly friendly groups can employ subtle psychological coercion. Seckel outlines characteristics of such groups, including immediacy, charismatic leadership, deception, alienation, fatigue, lack of privacy, financial and physical exploitation, totalitarianism, mystical manipulation, and a need for purity. He also details coercive tactics like confession and loaded language, and the stifling of opposition. The article offers advice on how to respond, emphasizing asking questions, recognizing group pressure, saying no, maintaining self-worth, looking for hidden agendas, keeping outside contacts, and avoiding physical abuse.

Other Sections

Upcoming Meetings: Listings for Phoenix Skeptics and TUSKS meetings are provided, including topics like hypnosis and "Applied Kinesiology and other Phony Medical Tests."

Ghost Busters or Lease Breakers: Ken Morse humorously discusses a case where "ghosts" in an apartment were suspected to be the landlord attempting to evict tenants.

June PS Meeting: Judy Sawyer reports on a meeting featuring Craig Nichols and Lee Earle, creators of "Manifestations," a theatrical recreation of a 19th-century séance. The discussion focused on marketing techniques and the distinction between entertainment and paranormal claims.

July PS Meeting: Judy Sawyer covers a talk by Anita O'Riordan of the state attorney general's Elderly Abuse Project, focusing on financial exploitation and health frauds targeting the elderly.

CORRECTION: An omission in a previous article by Jim Lippard regarding citations is noted.

Editor's Ramblings: The editor, Ron Harvey, discusses the newsletter's mix of content, solicits suggestions, and mentions Jim Lippard's departure to pursue a graduate degree in Philosophy. Michael Stackpole is introduced as the new Executive Director. The article also notes the participation of Phoenix Skeptics in the Westercon convention and mentions a book by magician Andre Kole critical of faith healers.

Bibliography and Further Reading: A list of cited works is provided.

Color it Absurd: Ken Morse describes an encounter with a "Rainbow" group that uses colored Rubik's puzzles and numerology, linking them to biblical prophecies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Arizona Skeptic revolve around the critical examination of paranormal claims, pseudoscience, and the promotion of skepticism and the scientific method. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and the debunking of fraudulent or unsubstantiated claims. The publication actively seeks to educate its readers about psychological phenomena, manipulative tactics, and the importance of critical thinking. The magazine also serves as a platform for local skeptical organizations, providing updates on their activities and discussions.