Bay Area Skeptics Information Sheet - 1982 09

Magazine Overview

This document contains selected articles from the September 1982 issue of "BASIS", the monthly publication of the Bay Area Skeptics. The Bay Area Skeptics is identified as the first local chapter of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP).

"The Case of the UFOs"

The lead article focuses on the upcoming NOVA television documentary "The Case of the UFOs," scheduled to air on PBS on October 12, 1982. The documentary is described as television's first rigorous, scientific investigation into the fact, fiction, and hoax of unidentified flying objects. It aims to present a serious investigation, distinguishing itself from sensationalist newspaper reports. The article highlights that while one scientist believes 99 percent of UFO reports have normal explanations, the remaining one percent is of interest. The documentary will examine famous UFO reports, including whether Apollo astronauts were shadowed by spacecraft, the abduction of Travis Walton (who passed a lie-detector test), and an encounter involving Police Deputy Val Johnson and a "brilliant ball of light." The article notes that although the U.S. military closed its official UFO investigation 13 years prior, NOVA's study indicates serious research into these phenomena is ongoing and potentially on the verge of significant discoveries. Robert Sheaffer is quoted expressing optimism about the show's objective researcher, Groom, and the aim to present facts fairly. Key figures appearing in the show include Philip J. Klass of CSICOP, Allan Hendry, and Bruce Maccabee of the Center for UFO Studies.

Calendar and Events

The issue includes a calendar of upcoming events:

• October 12: "The Case of the UFOs" on TV.
• November 20: "The UFO Verdict: Examining the Evidence" at the Gorilla Grotto, sponsored by Robert Sheaffer.
• December 15: "Does ESP Exist? A Demonstration and Debate" at the Gorilla Grotto, sponsored by Bay Area Skeptics.

The UFO Verdict: Examining the Evidence

This program, scheduled for November 20, 1982, at 8:00 PM at the Habitat Center in San Francisco, will examine theories and controversies surrounding UFOs, close encounters, and human abductions. It will feature slides of famous UFO cases, a talk, and a Q&A session, exploring theories such as "extraterrestrial," "intraterrestrial," and "multi-dimensional." Robert Sheaffer is the speaker.

Does ESP Exist? A Demonstration and Debate

Scheduled for December 15, 1982, at 8:00 PM at the Gorilla Grotto in San Francisco, this event will include a demonstration of ESP (telepathy, clairvoyance, precognition, psychokinesis) followed by an examination and debate by a representative of the Bay Area Skeptics.

Library Proposed for BAS

Robert Sheaffer proposes the creation of a library for the Bay Area Skeptics, to be stocked with newspaper clippings and other information concerning local "psychics" and psychic researchers. The goal is to gather information on the success or failure of local psychics and the activities of local parapsychology labs. Sheaffer volunteers to help organize this effort and suggests that contributions (news clippings, not money) be sent to him at 1341 Poe Lane, San Jose, CA 95130. He hopes this will eventually lead to a published summary or index, possibly even a computer database.

Letters to the Editor

Dr. Kenneth D. Bomben writes to correct an implication in a previous editorial preface, clarifying that his article "Tracking a 'Psychic''' concerned Jeanne Borger, not Jeane Dixon. He also suggests that it would be wise editorial policy to allow individuals mentioned in "BASIS" articles the opportunity to respond. The editor apologizes for the misreading and agrees to implement a policy of notifying parties mentioned in future articles. Dr. Bomben also playfully questions the meaning of the acronym "H.A.N.D."

"And You Call Yourselves Skeptics"

This section explains the origin of the acronym "H.A.N.D.," which has appeared in "BASIS" without explanation. It was originated by Martin Grosswirth of New York as a shortened version of "Have a nice day," envisioned for computer sign-offs. The Southern version, "H.A.N.D.Y.," meaning "Have a nice day, y'all," is credited to Stan Bercovitch. The editor notes that only a few people, including Ken Bomben, inquired about its meaning.

Board of Directors

The issue lists the Board of Directors for the Bay Area Skeptics: Robert A. Steiner (Chair), Robert Sheaffer (Vice-Chair), Andrew Fraknoi, Lawrence Jerome, Wallace Sampson, and Terence Sandbek.

A Challenge to All Psychics

This significant section outlines a challenge issued by the Bay Area Skeptics to all psychics and psychic researchers in the Bay Area. The group, while skeptical of paranormal claims, is committed to finding the truth. They challenge anyone to demonstrate a genuine psychic power under controlled conditions. Robert A. Steiner, a professional magician, offers a $1,000 reward to anyone who can demonstrate any psychic power that he cannot duplicate or explain by normal means. The challenge also references James Randi's standing offer of $10,000 for proof of psychic ability under controlled conditions. The Bay Area Skeptics will report potential candidates to CSICOP for further testing. The text emphasizes the potential recognition and benefit to science if such powers could be proven.

The article details the prevalence of alleged psychics and belief in psychic powers in the Bay Area, mentioning San Francisco, Berkeley, and San Jose. It notes that scientific investigations are frequently carried out at SRI in Menlo Park and that local colleges offer courses in subjects like astrology and astral projection. The Bay Area Skeptics proclaim "The Emperor Has No Clothes" and challenge anyone to prove them wrong.

Welcome, Andy!

Andrew Fraknoi, Ph.D., Executive Officer of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, has joined the Board of BAS. His investigations into the paranormal and media appearances are noted, and his enthusiasm is welcomed.

We at Up-Over Received...

This section includes a message from Mark Plummer, Editor of "The Skeptic," the newsletter of the Australian Skeptics. Plummer congratulates the Bay Area Skeptics on forming a CSICOP chapter and compliments the chapter's name. He expresses pleasure that another group of "Skeptics" has emerged.

Sacramento Scene

Written by Terence J. Sandbek, Ph.D., this section discusses gullibility, stating that it transcends age, wealth, gender, and education. It reports on happenings in Sacramento, comparing the local gullibility to that found elsewhere. Bob Steiner and the author appeared on a local radio talk show where they claimed to be psychics. Steiner demonstrated a "cold reading" technique, which he later explained as a skill anyone can learn, not a supernatural ability. Despite the explanation, a caller still requested a reading, indicating a persistent belief in psychic abilities even after the explanation.

Next Month

The "Next Month" preview indicates an update on Scientific Consultants and media appearances.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards paranormal claims, particularly UFOs and psychic abilities, and the promotion of scientific investigation and critical thinking. The Bay Area Skeptics, as a chapter of CSICOP, actively engage in debunking pseudoscience and challenging unsubstantiated claims. The editorial stance is clearly one of critical inquiry, seeking evidence-based explanations, and exposing what they perceive as self-delusion, fraud, and sensationalism in the fields of ufology and parapsychology. The publication serves as a platform for disseminating information, organizing events, and issuing challenges to those who claim paranormal abilities.