Bay Area Skeptics Information Sheet - 1982 10

Magazine Overview

This document is the October 1982 issue of "BASIS", the newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics. It serves as an information sheet for the organization, detailing upcoming events, organizational news, and articles that promote skepticism and critical thinking regarding paranormal claims.

Calendar of Events

The newsletter outlines several upcoming events for November and December 1982, and January 1983. These include:

• Sundays, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: "Exploring the Universe with Andrew Fraknoi" on KGO-FM (104).
• November 14-19: A mini-documentary investigating "psychics" on KGO-TV, Channel 7, during the 6:00 PM news.
• November 20, 8:00 PM: The Grotto is sponsoring Robert Sheaffer's talk, "The UFO Verdict: Examining the Evidence," at the Habitat Center, 3895 18th Street (at Sanchez), San Francisco. Admission is $3.00.
• December 1, 7:30 PM: A Bay Area Skeptics (BAS) meeting, open to the public, at the Campbell Public Library. The topic is "Psychics and Police Work." There is no admission charge.
• December 15, 8:00 PM: The Grotto is sponsoring "Does ESP Exist? Demonstration and Debate."
• January 8, 1983, 8:00 PM: A BAS Party in San Jose.

Andy Fraknoi's Radio Show

Andrew Fraknoi is launching his own two-hour radio show, "Exploring the Universe with Andrew Fraknoi," every Sunday at 11:00 AM on KGO-FM (104). The show will feature guests, commentary, and call-ins.

KGO-TV Investigates "Psychics"

KGO-TV News conducted an in-depth field study investigating "psychics" in the Bay Area. Bob Steiner observed the investigation, which resulted in a mini-documentary aired on Channel 7 from November 14-19 during the 6:00 PM news.

Sheaffer on UFOs

Robert Sheaffer's lecture, "The UFO Verdict: Examining the Evidence," sponsored by The Grotto, is scheduled for November 20th at 8:00 PM at the Habitat Center in San Francisco. Admission is $3.00.

"Psychics" and Police Work Meeting

In response to feedback, BAS is sponsoring an open meeting on December 1st at 7:30 PM at the Campbell Public Library. The topic will be "Psychics and Police Work."

Volunteers Needed

The newsletter highlights the growing needs of the Bay Area Skeptics, particularly for a Corresponding Secretary. The current editor, Bob Steiner, handles approximately 50 pieces of mail monthly regarding subscriptions and inquiries, in addition to media calls, challenges from individuals claiming psychic powers, and interviews. The role also involves bookkeeping and bank deposits.

Bay Area Skeptics Balance Sheet, October 27, 1982

The financial statement shows $5 in Cash in Bank, resulting in Total Assets of $5. Liabilities include an estimated $85 for printing and postage, a $200 loan payable to Bob Steiner, and a liability on unfulfilled subscriptions. Total Liabilities amount to $285, with a Deficit of ($280), leading to Total Liabilities and Deficit of $5.

"Psychic" Skeptic Gives Lessons in Reality

This article, reprinted from the "Sacramento Bee" (October 21, 1982) by Morgan Cartright, features psychologist Terence Sandbek, a member of the Bay Area Skeptics. Sandbek demonstrates "psychic" phenomena, such as mind-reading card tricks, to students, revealing them as fakes. He argues that many psychics, astrologers, and other paranormal practitioners are "fakes" and that people are often conned. Sandbek believes that while paranormal things might exist, he has "never seen it." He aims to teach people to critically analyze claims rather than blindly believe. The Bay Area Skeptics offer $11,000 to anyone who can prove psychic powers under laboratory conditions, a challenge no one has yet met. Sandbek emphasizes the strong "will to believe" in people, even after being told of fakery.

The Skeptics Want to Talk to You

This article, from "The Peninsula Times Tribune" (October 21, 1982) by Mary Schmich, introduces the Bay Area Skeptics as a group of "sophisticated doubters" who investigate and debunk paranormal claims. Led by Bob Steiner, a certified public accountant and magician, the group includes a doctor, an engineer, an astronomer, a professor, and a software designer. Steiner explains that the goal is not to convert people but to teach them critical analysis, as belief in the paranormal can lead to a loss of self-direction. The group uses demonstrations, like faked "psychic surgery," to illustrate how easily people can be fooled. Steiner offers a $1,000 reward for anyone who can demonstrate a psychic power under controlled conditions that he cannot duplicate or explain. The article notes that the group's members include agnostics, a Christian, and an atheist, and that belief in God is not a disqualifying characteristic.

Go Ahead, Indulge Yourself -- But Be a Little Skeptical

Written by John Askins for the "San Jose Mercury News" (October 24, 1982), this article discusses the $1,000 challenge offered by the Bay Area Skeptics for demonstrated psychic powers, and a $10,000 prize from "The Amazing Randi." The author expresses doubt that anyone will collect the reward, as BAS does not believe in psychic phenomena. Robert Sheaffer, BAS vice-chairman, states that belief in the paranormal is "the antithesis of a rational, open society," citing the dangers of widespread irrational beliefs. The article contrasts the need for inspiration with the dangers of "counterfeit miracles" and emphasizes the difference between being open to new ideas and being a fool. It advises believing in the possibility of things but not handing over money without tangible proof.

Compiler's Note

A compiler's note from Rick Moen, BAS Secretary, dated November 30, 1989, clarifies that Mr. Askins's article attributed certain positions to BAS that the organization has "NEVER maintained." These include the ideas that inspiration and imagination are bad, that people shouldn't be open to new ideas, or that reason should be emphasized at the expense of emotion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "BASIS" revolve around skepticism, critical thinking, and the debunking of paranormal claims. The Bay Area Skeptics, as represented by their newsletter, advocate for evidence-based reasoning and are highly critical of pseudoscience, including psychics, astrology, and UFO claims. They emphasize the importance of rational explanations and warn against being conned or scammed. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry but with a strong demand for proof and a deep skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims. The organization actively promotes its message through lectures, public meetings, and its newsletter, aiming to educate the public on how to critically evaluate extraordinary claims.