Bay Area Skeptics Information Sheet - 1982 08

Magazine Overview

Title: BASIS
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 3
Date: August 1982
Publisher: Bay Area Skeptics

This issue of "BASIS", the newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics, serves as an informative document for individuals interested in critical thinking and the scientific investigation of paranormal claims. It introduces the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP) and details the mission and activities of the Bay Area Skeptics.

AND JUST WHAT IS CSICOP?

The article "AND JUST WHAT IS CSICOP?" defines CSICOP as an organization founded in 1976 by people dedicated to the critical investigation of paranormal and fringe-science claims. Its goal is to disseminate factual information to the scientific community and the public. CSICOP is associated with scientists, writers, professors, magicians, and doctors, all united by a common interest in finding and disseminating the truth. The organization is noted for alerting the public to critically analyze unsubstantiated claims. The "Skeptical Inquirer" is highlighted as CSICOP's excellent quarterly publication, with subscription details provided.

TRACKING A "PSYCHIC"

Authored by Dr. Kenneth D. Bomben, this section critically examines the predictions made by psychic Jeanne Borger on Channel 7's "AM San Francisco" for events in 1982. The article notes that two specific predictions—a Reagan assassination attempt in April and the stock market hitting 700 in April—did not occur. It also points out several major events that Borger missed, including the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, the Falklands War, and the resignation of Alexander Haig. Other predictions mentioned include Reagan's health issues, government control over money, earthquakes, rising unemployment, a dispute involving Barbara Walters, and a potential conflict between Egypt and Libya. The article concludes that some predictions are difficult to verify due to vague phrasing and the use of conditional language like "probably" and "likely," which provide ample room for interpretation and denial.

MORE TRACKING

Written by Michael McCarthy, this piece, with an editorial note by Bob Steiner, further analyzes Jeanne Borger's predictive methods. McCarthy emphasizes that many of Borger's predictions are hard to check due to her careful phrasing and choice of topics. He illustrates her stylistic mark of "either/or" predictions, where a statement is made conditional on an event either happening or not happening, effectively creating an out for the prediction. The article also notes that some predictions are vague or involve personal issues of public figures, making confirmation or denial difficult. The example of Jean Kirkpatrick being in danger is cited as an instance of a prediction that is hard to disprove, even if no specific threat is reported.

THE SKEPTICS WHO DEBUNK PSEUDO-SCIENCE

This article by Michael Robertson, drawn from the "San Francisco Chronicle," describes the founding party of the Bay Area Skeptics at Bob Steiner's apartment. The event brought together 35 people who questioned various pseudoscientific notions, including the Shroud of Turin, UFOs, psychic surgery, creationism, telepathy, palm reading, astrology, and the Bermuda Triangle. The article highlights that the skeptics, while enjoying card tricks and magic demonstrations by individuals like psychologist Terry Sandbek and UFO researcher Robert Sheaffer, approach these deceptions with a critical purpose. They understand they are being tricked but find enjoyment in the process of understanding how it's done. The Bay Area Skeptics are presented as an organization seeking a broader approach beyond just being a local chapter of CSICOP.

Dr. Wallace Sampson, one of the group's directors, advocates for concentrating on teaching and debunking newsworthy cases to expose unfounded claims. Robert Sheaffer expresses frustration with the media's acceptance of outrageous claims, viewing it as an irresponsible element that reaches for sensationalism. He recalls his own past belief in flying saucers, which he later modified after serious research, feeling "had" by misinformation.

The article profiles several key members: Dr. Wallace Sampson, a hematologist and oncologist at Stanford University Medical Center; Terry Sandbek, a clinical psychologist specializing in anorexia and bulimia; Robert Sheaffer, a science writer and programmer; Lawrence Jerome, a writer, instructor, and consultant trained as an engineer; and Andy Fraknoi, executive officer of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. Bob Steiner, the catalyst for the group, is described as a CPA and part-time professional psychic debunker, while also being a militant atheist, contrasting with Sandbek, an evangelical Christian, illustrating the group's diverse views.

The group's approach to criticism, such as the teaching of creationism in public schools, is discussed, with Sampson stating that "religion claiming to be a science" is a valid criticism, but "prayer in the schools" is outside the organization's scope. Sampson expresses discomfort with the word "skeptic," suggesting it implies a reluctance to believe. Sandbek agrees the word is loaded and expresses a desire to see psychic phenomena proved true, but acknowledges the lack of definitive proof. Sheaffer uses the UFO controversy to illustrate the difference between healthy skepticism and uncritical belief, noting that skeptics can be proven wrong, while believers often dismiss counter-evidence. The article also touches upon the dangers of pseudoscience, such as law enforcement wasting time on psychic crime-solvers and the seriously ill being diverted from traditional medicine by psychic healers or unproven treatments like laetrile.

Jack Patterson, a professor of engineering at Iowa State University and a houseguest of Steiner's, is credited with indirectly influencing the group's formation. His experience in the 1970s during a debate with a fellow faculty member who treated psychic claims as fact led to Steiner's career as a debunker. Patterson views humanity's problem as gullibility rather than a lack of intelligence, emphasizing that critical thinking requires courage.

FOOLING THE BELIEVERS

By Michael Robertson, this article from the "San Francisco Chronicle" focuses on Robert Sheaffer's efforts to debunk UFO beliefs. Sheaffer's own photos of alleged flying saucers are analyzed. The article reveals that two presented UFO images were actually a single elliptical light source photographed twice in a darkened basement, with the background added later. The "flying saucer" was fabricated from common household items like an aluminum plate, cottage cheese container, and Ping-Pong balls. The article points out that without other objects for scale, it's impossible to determine the size or distance of the depicted UFO.

THE OTHER SIDE OF SKEPTICISM

Also by Michael Robertson from the "San Francisco Chronicle," this piece explores the perspective of psychologist Ray Hyman, a Fellow of CSICOP, who has spent over 30 years testing psychic claims. Hyman is presented as someone who is not in complete sympathy with the Bay Area Skeptics' goals. He doubts the effectiveness of headline-grabbing tactics against bogus psychics, likening it to chopping the head of a hydra. Hyman also expresses concern about potential conflicts of interest for professional debunkers like Bob Steiner. He suggests that some skeptics can be dogmatic and think they are "holier than thou." Hyman believes that skeptics can be fooled, contrasting with their belief that they cannot be. He recounts his own experience with palm reading, where he became convinced he had a genuine gift, illustrating how self-deception can occur. Hyman acknowledges the hazards of hard-core skepticism, drawing from his background in magic, and suggests that while medical fraud must be exposed, there might be a place for psychics who confine their ministrations to the spirit, as people may find comfort and new insights, though he notes a computer could provide similar results.

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE OTHER SIDE OF SKEPTICISM

This article directly addresses Ray Hyman's views, as presented in a newspaper article elsewhere in the newsletter. The author, likely Bob Steiner, refutes Hyman's "holier than thou" charge against skeptics, stating it's rare. The author argues that the skeptics' realization that anyone can be fooled is a driving force for refining their techniques. The potential conflict of interest Hyman raised regarding Bob Steiner's work as a debunker is countered by arguing that if this logic were applied, professionals like doctors, science writers, and psychologists would also be disqualified from their fields. The author points out that Hyman, as a professor who has spent over 30 years testing psychic claims, also benefits financially from his work, suggesting his ethical conflict might be greater. Finally, the article challenges Hyman's defense of psychics providing comfort, arguing that this "fallacy" can be harmful by promoting a reliance on external forces rather than self-determination and personal responsibility.

ANOTHER REPLY TO RAY

Authored by Terry Sandbek, this response addresses Ray Hyman's criticisms of the Bay Area Skeptics' (BAS) proposed methods. Sandbek finds it ironic that Hyman, who implies BAS is dogmatic, is himself dogmatic about confronting psychics. Sandbek argues that while polite debate and scholarly articles are important, they are not the only methods. He uses the hydra metaphor to illustrate that for every psychic confronted, a thousand more seem to appear. Sandbek suggests that BAS's methods, which aim to reach people directly and teach them to be less gullible, are necessary because the average American does not read professional journals or engage in scholarly debate. He emphasizes that in the media age, groups must grab public attention to be effective. Sandbek also addresses Hyman's concern about psychic readers being benign, stating that professional psychology is a learning process, and it's questionable what learning occurs in psychic readings. He argues that psychic readers often aim only to calm clients and make them feel good, masking problems rather than addressing them, which is harmful as it encourages giving up personal responsibility.

WHO KNOWS?

This brief section notes that newspaper articles about the Bay Area Skeptics attracted interested parties and potential scientific consultants. It also mentions that Bob Steiner was interviewed on Channel 7's "A.M. Weekend" on August 1st, discussing the nature and purpose of the Bay Area Skeptics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around skepticism, critical thinking, and the debunking of pseudoscientific claims, particularly psychic phenomena and UFOs. The editorial stance, as represented by the articles and the Bay Area Skeptics organization, is strongly in favor of scientific investigation, evidence-based reasoning, and educating the public to resist misinformation. There is a clear emphasis on the dangers of gullibility and the importance of personal responsibility. The newsletter also engages in a debate with psychologist Ray Hyman, defending its methods and challenging his views on the benign nature of psychic readings and the role of skeptics. The overall tone is one of intellectual rigor and a commitment to promoting rational thought against the backdrop of widespread belief in the paranormal.

Title: Bay Area Skeptic Informatoin Sheet
Issue: August 1982
Publisher: Bay Area Skeptics
Date: August 1982

This issue of the Bay Area Skeptic Informatoin Sheet, published in August 1982, contains selected articles from the monthly publication "BASIS". The content focuses on debunking pseudoscience and promoting rational inquiry, with a particular emphasis on UFO claims and psychic phenomena.

SPACE ALIENS INFILTRATE BAY AREA

This article, written by Robert Sheaffer, reports on an interview with "Psychic" Maria McKensie, who claims that space aliens disguised as humans are present in San Francisco. McKensie stated that she discovered them two years prior but withheld the information to prevent panic. She observed people walking strangely, as if not adjusted to Earth's gravity, and noted they stayed in a small area. She followed them into a Chinese restaurant's back room, where she discovered they had six fingers of identical length and shiny, moist skin. McKensie claims to have fought them with "psychic energy", after which their skins "began to dissolve into powder", leaving only their clothing. She has been unable to locate them since.

ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY MEETS

Authored by Andrew Fraknoi, this section details a two-day workshop offered at the 93rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. The workshop was designed for school teachers and focused on incorporating astronomy into the school curriculum. A significant portion, approximately 45 minutes, was dedicated to debunking pseudoscience, including the distribution of an annotated bibliography on scientific views of fringe areas. The "Skeptical Inquirer" was frequently recommended. Fraknoi reports that the teachers who attended highly praised this segment and urged for more such information to be made available. He notes that while some university professors may dismiss pseudoscience, elementary and high-school teachers are often overwhelmed with student questions on these topics and welcome objective, rational information from sources like CSICOP.

Fraknoi expresses hope that by providing this information to lower-level educators, fewer students will grow up believing in astrology or attributing ancient civilizations' achievements to extraterrestrial help.

"TRUISMS"

This section presents "truisms" that the author believes form the basis for much of the nonsense accepted as reality. The newsletter invites readers to submit additional "truisms". Two examples are provided:

1. Our ancestors lacked the intelligence, strength, skill, and tools to accomplish what they did, implying they must have had outside help.
2. Little children, especially girls, are always honest and would never deceive the adult world.

Additional points are made regarding psychic ability, suggesting that if someone claiming psychic powers is caught cheating multiple times, they are not cheating in experiments where they are not detected. The section also posits that the purpose of everything in the universe is to personally influence one's life, and that children and adults alike have a "NEED to believe in irrational things."

Subscription Information

The newsletter provides subscription details for "BASIS", the monthly publication of Bay Area Skeptics. A yearly subscription costs $5.00 and can be obtained by sending payment to Bay Area Skeptics, Box 659, El Cerrito, CA 94530. It is noted that if a label shows "I0882", the freebie subscription will expire with the August 1982 issue. Readers are encouraged to become scientific consultants and to spread the word about Bay Area Skeptics.

Editorial Stance and Contact Information

The issue includes a quote from Ray Hyman stating that "not a single report of [a psychic happening] over a period of 125 years has managed to stand up to scientific scrutiny." The publication clarifies that opinions expressed in "BASIS" are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of BAS, its board, or its advisors. Information on obtaining a free sample copy of "BASIS" is provided, including mailing addresses for Bay Area Skeptics in San Francisco and a phone number for "The Skeptic's Board" BBS and a voice hotline. Copyright is held by BAY AREA SKEPTICS for 1982.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of extraordinary claims, particularly those related to UFOs and psychic phenomena, and the promotion of scientific literacy and critical thinking, especially among educators and students. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, advocating for evidence-based reasoning and the debunking of pseudoscience. The newsletter aims to provide rational information to counter irrational beliefs and encourages an objective approach to evaluating claims.