Bay Area Skeptics Information Sheet - 1982 12

Magazine Overview

This document is the December 1982 issue of "BASIS", the newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics (BAS), a local chapter of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP). It is Vol. 1, No. 6, edited by Mike McCarthy and published by Dan Byrd. The newsletter covers the organization's activities, media interactions, and its stance on various paranormal and pseudoscientific claims.

FROM THE CHAIR: How do you judge the strength and health of this new organization known as the Bay Area Skeptics? Let me count the ways:

Bob Steiner, Chair of BAS, reflects on the organization's positive trajectory. He notes enthusiastic public reaction, with people seeking information, participation, and a desire to further the organization's interests. This enthusiasm is supported by words, deeds, and money from individuals across the country and around the world. Organizations have sought BAS for information and speakers, and the media has shown warm interest, often contacting BAS for appearances and information when mystics are involved. People are contributing letters and articles to "BASIS", and a cadre of skilled scientific consultants and investigators has been built. Steiner highlights the organization's health by noting that when founders were overwhelmed, Mike McCarthy stepped forward to be the Editor of "BASIS". McCarthy is described as a Scientific Consultant for BAS, a skeptic, and skilled in written and spoken communication. His knowledge of and access to a computer/word processor is also noted as beneficial. Earl Hautala is also recognized for stepping forward to handle much of the organization's correspondence. Volunteers are crucial, and the organization is preparing to finalize its recognition as a tax-exempt subsidiary of CSICOP, which will allow contributions to be tax-deductible. CSICOP and its magazine, "The Skeptical Inquirer", are acknowledged as supportive. Steiner anticipates other local groups will emerge and affiliate with CSICOP. He concludes by thanking the readers for their contributions of time, effort, and money, which have enabled BAS to make significant inroads for reason.

B.A.S. CALENDAR

The newsletter includes a calendar of upcoming events for the Bay Area Skeptics:

• December 1: BAS Meeting, open to the public, at Campbell Public Library, San Jose. Subject: "Psychics and Police Work."
• December 10: BAS Sacrament Subchapter Meet, at Terry Sandbek's home in Fair Oaks. Call for information. All welcome.
• December 15: BAS debate, "Does ESP Exist?", following an ESP "demonstration" at The Grotto, San Francisco. Admission $3.
• January 8: BAS Party at Robert Sheaffer's home in San Jose, described as "Social Gathering and Psychic Humbuggery." Free, with snacks provided. Members are encouraged to see "psychic events" occurring.
• February 28: Bob Steiner's Annual Leap Year Party. Details to follow.
• Every Sunday, 11 AM: Andy Fraknoi's radio show "Exploring the Universe" on KGO, FM-104, featuring skeptical commentary. Bob Steiner was a guest in November.

NOTICE -- CHANGE OF EDITORSHIP

Michael McCarthy is the new editor for "BASIS". Letters to the Editor and materials for publication, including calendar events, should be sent to him at 1222 Via Dolorosa, San Lorenzo, CA 94580. Other correspondence regarding BAY AREA SKEPTICS should be sent to the Chair, Bob Steiner, at Box 659, El Cerrito, CA 94530. The deadline for submissions for the January issue is December 18th.

NOVA: "THE CASE OF THE UFOs": STARTING THE SEASON OFF RIGHT!

By Robert Sheaffer

This article reviews the NOVA television program "The Case of the UFOs", a BBC production aired on PBS. Sheaffer praises the program for its refreshing departure from sensationalized UFO reporting, noting that it sought natural explanations for sightings. While UFO believers and skeptics appeared, the balance leaned towards skepticism. Sheaffer critiques the program for spending too much time on Dr. Persinger's hypothesis that UFOs are "earthquake lights" or balls of light caused by earth crustal strains. Sheaffer dismisses this, arguing that California's frequent earthquakes do not correlate with a high number of UFO sightings, suggesting UFOs correlate with population instead. He also mentions Persinger's attribution of the Travis Walton "UFO abduction" to geological effects on Walton's brain, contrasting it with a polygraph operator's finding of "gross deception" in Walton's account, a finding that APRO and the "National Enquirer" allegedly tried to suppress. Sheaffer encourages readers to catch the rerun and mentions BAS may host a showing.

ACTIVE MONTH FOR B.A.S.!

This section highlights the Bay Area Skeptics' active media presence:

• Board member Andy Fraknoi's new radio show featured BAS Chair Bob Steiner discussing public education in logical thinking.
• Bob Steiner appeared for a week on KGO TV's "NEWS SPECIAL ON PSYCHICS", receiving praise for his commentary.
• Board member Robert Sheaffer hosted a discussion of his book "The UFO Verdict: Examining the Evidence" in San Francisco.
• Bob Steiner debated a "PSYCHIC POLICE-HELPER" on an SF TV show.
• Board member Terry Sandbek appeared on a Sacramento radio talk show, signing up the host for BAS and generating favorable mention in the "Sacramento Union".

Readers are encouraged to clip, tape, or record any mentions of BAS members or the organization in the media.

DON'T YOU BELIEVE IT

By Tony Bizjak, Sacramento Union Staff Writer

This article, reprinted from the November 8, 1982 issue of the Sacramento Union, details an experience where two psychics amazed callers on a Sacramento radio talk show with their apparent knowledge. Bob Steiner, a magician, and Terence Sandbek, a psychologist, revealed themselves as "fakes" and explained the technique of "cold readings." They described how tricksters use general statements and clues from the subject to create the illusion of psychic ability. Steiner and Sandbek are members of CSICOP and aim to counteract pseudo-scientific claims. The article mentions James Randi's $10,000 challenge to anyone who can perform a feat he cannot duplicate or explain, a challenge that has yet to be met. BAS also has a $1,000 challenge. Andrew Fraknoi, a BAS board member, states that scientists are tired of "amazing nonsense" and that their main aim is public education. Sandbek is forming a Sacramento spinoff of the BAS chapter. A skeptic is defined as someone with an open mind who interprets life by rules of logic and objective validation of senses.

The article recounts Jimmy Carter's reported UFO sighting, which Robert Sheaffer investigated and identified as Venus. It discusses psychics as "hucksters" using tricks, and notes that a challenger to Steiner's $1,000 bet has claimed his psychic powers won't work if Steiner gives off negative vibes. Steiner calls psychics "unsinkable rubber ducks." The article mentions James Randi coaching Johnny Carson on sleight of hand before Uri Geller's appearance, and how Randi later duplicated Geller's tricks. Psychic surgeons are called the worst kind of fakes, with Steiner demonstrating how psychic surgery can be faked.

DAMON RUNYON'S LAW:

"The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but that's the way to bet."

NEWS FROM SACTO

Board member Terry Sandbek reports on his appearance on the Eric St. John radio talk show in Sacramento. The show discussed psychics, and host Eric St. John, a skeptic, was impressed by BAS and wrote a check for the organization on air.

$MONEY!$ FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

By Robert Sheaffer

Robert Sheaffer addresses the financial state of BAS, noting that while it's a local group, it has subscribers nationwide and worldwide. Overseas postage is a significant cost, leading to a decision to send foreign subscribers (outside Mexico and Canada) by surface mail. Sheaffer states frankly that BAS is "broke and has always been broke; in the hole, in fact." Costs for publishing, postage, and a recent news release have exceeded assets. BAS Directors and other supporters have already contributed generously. The organization is seeking donations of $5, $10, or $20 to remain solvent. They believe they are a tax-deductible, non-profit organization, though the process is ongoing. Readers who support BAS's aims are asked to contribute.

Editorial: THE NEW YEAR AHEAD

The editorial reflects on the end of 1982, noting that the Bay Area Skeptics, less than six months old, has had a significant impact and is expanding. They have over 150 subscribers and distribute several hundred copies of the newsletter monthly. The "Skeptic's Challenge" is mentioned as gaining traction. The Bay Area journalist community is aware of BAS and has sought their input for skeptical counterbalance. The editorial expresses satisfaction that individuals now have a place to turn for confirmation against "dazzlingly fatuous tales of modern wonders." The author recounts attending a psychic demonstration where a third of the audience seemed uncomfortable, and how relief was palpable when the psychic revealed himself as a stage magician. The editorial concludes by noting that the "wildly improbable is marketed on every supermarket counter."

Quote from Jeremy Bernstein

"In the past few years, there seems to have developed a growing tendency on the part of some people to see popular science writing as a kind of sensational escape literature. But quantum mechanics in NOT Zen Buddhism. Photons do NOT display manifestations of consciousness. Consciousness is NOT a rival scientific theory of the origin of species. Evolution is NOT speculation, and so on. If people read popular science with misguided expectations, in the long run this will manifest itself in a loss of popular support for, and interest in, real scientific research."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "BASIS" revolve around promoting skepticism, debunking paranormal and pseudoscientific claims, and highlighting the role of critical thinking and scientific methodology. The newsletter actively engages with the media to provide a counterpoint to sensationalism and credulity. There is a strong emphasis on public education as a primary goal. The editorial stance is clearly one of advocating for reason, logic, and evidence-based understanding, while actively challenging what are perceived as fraudulent or unsubstantiated claims in areas like psychic phenomena, UFOs, and psychic surgery. The organization's financial struggles are also a prominent theme, underscoring their reliance on donations to continue their work.

Title: BASIS
Issue: December 1982
Publisher: Bay Area Skeptics
Date: December 1982

This issue of "BASIS", the monthly publication of the Bay Area Skeptics (BAS), serves as an informational sheet detailing the organization's mission, activities, and upcoming events. It aims to foster a sense of community among those who feel isolated by conventional wisdom and to actively counter what they perceive as irrationality in media and public discourse.

Editorial Stance and Mission

The editorial content emphasizes a combative stance against "unreason" and a belief in the importance of rationality. The publication critiques the reliability of certain media outlets, such as "The National Enquirer," in reporting on paranormal phenomena. BAS positions itself as a valuable resource for information and experts on paranormal claims, advocating for responsible journalistic ethics when covering such events, rather than treating them as mere entertainment.

The organization's plans for 1983 include intensifying efforts to challenge gullible media reports, persuade journalists of BAS's utility, and highlight the flaws and failures of local "psychics" to impress upon the public a record of skepticism. They also actively seek opportunities to engage in public discourse through speeches and debates.

Subscriber Engagement and Support

The publication stresses the importance of its subscribers, who are described as experts in various paranormal fields, familiar with the literature, and capable of public engagement. However, it also encourages those who may not be experts but wish to learn more and contribute. These members can assist in research, provide moral support at events to counterbalance "true believers," and identify opportunities for action. The organization views its subscribers as a vital resource for BAY AREA SKEPTICS.

Upcoming Meetings and Events

A specific meeting scheduled for December 1st is highlighted, focusing on providing expert information on a "common object of our attentions." Future meetings are planned to include expert discussions on topics such as the use of psychics in police work. These themed meetings are intended to update subscribers, inform future BAS activities, and suggest ways the general membership can offer support. Readers are urged to attend at least one BAS event, described as an opportunity to meet bright, convivial, rational, and stimulating fellow subscribers and board members.

Subscription Information and Expiration

Details are provided for subscribers to check their mailing labels to determine their subscription status. Those whose first character is "I" are receiving the issue per inquiry or because they might be interested, and are encouraged to subscribe by sending a $5.00 check to Bob Steiner at the provided address. Subscribers with "S" on their label are reminded to renew their subscriptions in advance to save the organization's funds.

Scientific Consultants

A comprehensive list of BAS Scientific Consultants is presented, detailing their names, professions, and affiliations. This list includes psychologists, chemists, psychiatrists, astronomers, surgeons, educators, mechanical engineers, and technical writers from various institutions and colleges, including American River College, Stanford University Medical Center, The Exploratorium, Morrison Planetarium, and UCSF. The note clarifies that affiliations are for identification purposes only.

Disclaimer and Contact Information

An important disclaimer states that opinions expressed in "BASIS" are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of BAS, its board, or its advisors. The selected articles are from the December 1982 issue, and information on obtaining a free sample copy, leaving messages on "The Skeptic's Board" BBS, or contacting the 415-LA-TRUTH hotline is provided. Copyright is held by BAY AREA SKEPTICS for 1982, with reprints requiring credit to "BASIS, newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the promotion of skepticism and rationality, the critical examination of paranormal claims and media coverage, and the active engagement of a community of like-minded individuals. The editorial stance is one of reasoned inquiry, a commitment to evidence-based conclusions, and a proactive approach to challenging what is perceived as irrationality. The publication serves as a platform for education, discussion, and community building among skeptics.