Bay Area Skeptics Information Sheet - 1985 05

Magazine Overview

Title: BASIS
Issue: Vol. 4, No. 5
Date: May 1985
Publisher: Bay Area Skeptics
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of "BASIS", the newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics, features several articles examining claims of the paranormal from a skeptical perspective.

Skeptical Opportunity: UFOLOGISTS TO MEET IN BAY AREA by Robert Sheaffer

This article previews the National UFO Conference of 1985, scheduled to be held in Fremont, Bay Area. Robert Sheaffer expresses skepticism about the attendees' beliefs, characterizing them as convinced that UFOs are interplanetary spacecraft or something more bizarre. He notes that skepticism will be rare and warns that questioning these beliefs can lead to confrontation. Among the speakers mentioned are Bill Moore, co-author of "The Roswell Incident" and "The Philadelphia Experiment," and James Moseley, described as "UFO wit." Kal K. Korff, the Bay Area sponsor for the conference, is also highlighted as a pro-UFO organizer who has authored an expose of the Billy Meier "UFO Contact from the Pleiades" hoax. Sheaffer encourages Bay Area Skeptics to attend and suggests reading skeptical UFO literature, recommending titles like "UFOs Explained" by Phil Klass, "The UFO Verdict" by Sheaffer himself, and "UFOs & Outer Space Mysteries" by Oberg.

PSI AND NEWCOMB'S PARADOX by Mark Hodes

This extensive article explores Newcomb's Paradox, a thought experiment that challenges decision theory and the nature of free will and causality. The paradox is presented through a scenario involving a reliable machine that predicts a person's choice between taking one opaque box (containing $1,000,000 or nothing) or both boxes (one transparent with $10,000 and the opaque one). The machine places $1,000,000 in the opaque box only if it predicts the subject will take only the opaque box. The article contrasts two approaches: "Bird in the Hand" (BITH), which suggests taking both boxes to guarantee at least $10,000, and "A Business Decision" (ABD), which argues for taking only the opaque box based on expected payoff ($800,000 vs. $210,000).

Hodes argues that the BITH approach bets against the odds, while the ABD approach implies a belief in backward causation, which he finds suspect. He extends the paradox to include psychics, questioning whether a psychic claiming similar predictive abilities would make the paradox unresolvable. The article then discusses the claims of psi researchers Russell Targ and Keith Harary, who claim to predict commodity price fluctuations using associative remote viewing (ARV). Hodes sets up a scenario involving Targ and Harary and a commodities contract to illustrate how their claimed abilities could lead to a similar paradox, concluding that if such a paradox can be created, then Targ and Harary cannot possess the abilities they claim, thus deducing the impossibility of creating Newcomb's paradox in the real world.

Targ Replies

Following Hodes' article, Russell Targ provides a reply stating that the paradox is weaker than an outright contradiction. He identifies three irreconcilable elements: Bayesian analysis, the impossibility of backward causation, and precognition. Targ suggests that the irreconcilability may be apparent due to limited understanding and asserts that the phenomenology of precognition strongly suggests it should not be discarded.

EDITOR'S CORNER: by Ray Spangenburg

Ray Spangenburg recounts his experience in the late 1950s as a young journalist in Buffalo, NY, who attended a lecture sponsored by "UNDERSTANDING INC.," an organization promoting "understanding of the UFO phenomenon." He describes the audience as mostly middle-aged, middle-class, and anxious, seeking answers to fears about government secrecy and the unknown. The event featured a saucer abductee and a plea for money. Spangenburg admits to having written a scathing piece about the event, tearing into both the con artist and the audience. He expresses shame for his youthful cynicism and condescending superiority, realizing in retrospect that the audience were not "gullible dupes" but frightened human beings looking for understanding. He reflects on the thin line between skepticism and cynicism and how he opted for the easy put-down rather than providing genuine understanding.

BAS SUPPORTER SCOLDS STANFORD DAILY

This section presents a letter from Jean-Luc Bonnetain of Stanford to the "Stanford Daily" in response to an article by Niko Schiff about the work of Russell Targ and Keith Harary. Bonnetain criticizes the article for its lack of critical attitude and for not seeking a skeptical opinion. He suggests that Niko Schiff contact "The Bay Area Skeptics" and mentions that CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal) had a conference at Stanford. The letter also references Robert Steiner, Chairman of the Bay Area Skeptics, who believes that things do not have to be psychic powers just because their workings are not understood. Contact information for the Bay Area Skeptics and "The Skeptical Inquirer" are provided.

SELF-PROFESSED HEALER SAYS QUARTZ CRYSTALS HAVE HEALING POWER by Lisa Kaufman

This article from "The Sunol Enterprise" reports on Dale Walker, a self-professed healer and researcher from Sunol, CA, who claims that quartz crystals can solve problems ranging from bad luck to migraine headaches. Walker, author of "The Crystal Book," displays numerous quartz crystals in his cabin. He shares stories of miraculous recoveries, such as a man in a coma and a dissolved kidney stone, though he admits he cannot clinically verify these results. Walker expresses willingness to work with scientific or medical groups to prove or disprove his claims.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "BASIS" are skepticism towards paranormal claims, particularly UFOs and psychic phenomena, and the philosophical exploration of paradoxes related to decision-making and causality. The editorial stance is clearly one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to examine evidence rigorously and to distinguish between genuine skepticism and cynicism. The newsletter aims to provide a platform for rational analysis and to counter unsubstantiated claims, as exemplified by its coverage of the upcoming UFO conference and the discussion of Newcomb's Paradox. The personal reflection by Ray Spangenburg in the Editor's Corner highlights the newsletter's evolving perspective on how to engage with those who hold unconventional beliefs, emphasizing understanding over outright dismissal.

Title: BASIS
Issue Date: May 1985
Publisher: Bay Area Skeptics
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Articles and Content

Crystal Healing and Skepticism

The issue begins by discussing a man named Walker, who teaches crystal techniques to over 8,000 students. Walker, described as a large, stocky man with a casual and sincere style, lectures and sells crystal jewelry, promising sparkling results. He invites people to be "honest skeptics" and "prove it to me." For those who are skeptical, Walker proposes a test: hold a quartz crystal for half an hour while placing a hand on an ache or pain, and observe any change. Walker is hesitant to explain why crystals work, stating, "Whys aren't really necessary," as they "satisfy the logical brain."

Personal Note

A short piece titled "GOOD LUCK IN YOUR MOVE, RANDI!" by Bob Steiner offers well wishes to Randi for her move, hoping she will be effective in spreading "common sense and rationality."

Medical Quackery and License Revocation

An article from the "New York Times" dated September 23, 1984, clipped by Mark McDermand, reports on the revocation of a physician's license in Indianapolis. Dr. Ruth Bailey, 36, was stripped of her license by the Indiana Medical Licensing Board for diagnosing patients as possessed by "demons and evil spirits" and treating them with excessive amounts of controlled drugs. Evidence presented indicated that while practicing in Lapel, Indiana, she diagnosed a patient with demonic possession and prescribed an addictive painkiller. Lucia Lively, a former patient, testified that Dr. Bailey's diagnosis included possession by demons, one described as an "octopus with long tentacles that went into my body's molecular structure." Dr. Bailey reportedly treated her by smearing oil in the shape of crosses on doors and windows, grasping her chin, and praying for two hours.

Magnetism and Health Claims

An article sourced from a brochure on "E.T.M. Training Magnets," submitted by Molly Bishop, discusses the use of magnets. It states that for a quarter of a century, the Japanese have realized that wearing magnets makes them feel better, with over twenty million Japanese wearing them. Russians have used magnets as a training aid for athletes, and Swedish and German scientists have also explored their value in physical training. Professor Ivan Troeng of Sweden began research into magnetism in the 1960s, developing magnets for various purposes. A set of training magnets, including a pendant, wrist discs, and ankle discs, is claimed to increase oxygen intake by up to 38 percent while lowering the working pulse by up to 15 percent. The brochure explains that magnetism can break down molecular groupings in the bloodstream, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to enter the system and waste matter to be removed.

Quotes and Coincidences

A quote attributed to Georg Christoph Lichtenberg, submitted by Greg Morris, states, "Soothsayers make a better living than truthsayers."

Another section, "COINCIDENCE??," features a photo by Mark Plummer (Chairman, Australian Skeptics) taken between Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara. A note for the electronic edition explains that the photo shows a foreign auto repair shop called "Hummbug" with an adjoining establishment's sign: "Palmist."

Editorial Transition and Thanks

Bob Steiner writes a "From the Chair" piece reflecting on the past and looking forward. He expresses gratitude to Michael McCarthy, the outgoing editor of BASIS, for his "masterpieces" and "skill" in editing over the past years. McCarthy will continue to be active in Bay Area Skeptics (BAS), writing for BASIS, and remaining on the Board. Steiner also thanks Wayne Howard, the volunteer computer typesetter, for his "insight" and "help."

New Editors and Volunteers

The publication welcomes new co-editors, Raymond Spangenburg and Diane Moser, who are described as long-time supporters of CSICOP and Bay Area Skeptics, skilled professional writers in science and technology, and having a "special warm feeling for the views of skeptics." They have written about the "nonsense of the Bermuda Triangle" and have an upcoming article in "The Skeptical Inquirer." The issue also thanks other volunteers who stepped in to help, including Dave Kilbridge of Abra Type for computer typesetting.

Meeting in the Woods

An account of a "MEETING IN THE WOODS" describes a campfire gathering at Tilden Park, where "COLD WINDS FAIL TO SUBDUE SKEPTICS." Despite the cold and damp weather, attendees enjoyed food, drink, and conversation, including a spirited game of Simon Says led by Robert Steiner.

Contest Announcement

A contest is announced with the theme "WHY DID YOU BECOME SKEPTICAL?" The best articles, 250 words or less, will be awarded by-lined publication in BASIS. Readers are encouraged to submit their entries.

Letters to BAS

Phil Klass writes a letter praising the "fine quality" of the publication and the "most interesting article by Mark Hodes." He expresses pride in the spread of the "grass-roots" skeptics movement and acknowledges the personal time drain BAS has been. He states that the founder's role will rate "equal credit with those of the original founders of CSICOP."

Publication Details and Calendar

The issue provides details for "BASIS," listing co-editors Ray Spangenburg and Diane Moser, typesetter Dave Kilbridge, publisher Ken Bomben, Executive Secretary Earl Hautala, Circulation Paul Giles, and Distribution Yves Barbero.

The "BAS CALENDAR: MAY" lists several upcoming events:

• May 23: "UFO Believers Speak to BAS," featuring James Moseley and Kal Korff, discussing UFO history and significant cases. This event is free and held at the Campbell Public Library.
• May 25: The 1985 National UFO Conference in Fremont, California, described as a "believers event skeptics may enjoy attending." Speakers include Moseley, Korff, and Bill Moore. The cost is $4.00.
• June 12: A panel discussion on "MEDICAL FRAUD" at Lucille M. Nixon Elementary School Auditorium in Palo Alto, featuring Wallace Sampson, M.D., Phyllis Ullman, Charles Finney, and Robert Steiner. Steiner will also demonstrate psychic surgery illusions.

Readers are advised to check the "LA TRUTH" skeptics' hotline for last-minute changes to event details.

Submission Information

The deadline for the June issue is May 15. Materials for publication should be sent to THE EDITOR, and other business to BAY AREA SKEPTICS, Box 2384, Martinez, CA 94553.

Disclaimer and Contact Information

Opinions expressed in "BASIS" are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of BAS, its board, or its advisors. The May 1985 issue is available as a sample copy by sending a name and address to BAY AREA SKEPTICS, 4030 Moraga, San Francisco, CA 94122-3928, or via "The Skeptic's Board" BBS or the 415-LA-TRUTH hotline.

Copyright (C) 1985 BAY AREA SKEPTICS. Reprints must credit "BASIS, newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of BASIS revolve around promoting skepticism and critical thinking, debunking pseudoscience, and highlighting instances of medical quackery and unsubstantiated claims. The publication actively encourages its readers to question extraordinary claims, as exemplified by the "prove it to me" challenge regarding crystal healing and the contest asking "why I became a skeptic." The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rational inquiry and scientific evidence, as demonstrated by the reporting on the revocation of a physician's license for unscientific diagnoses and treatments, and the promotion of events featuring skeptics and UFOlogists who approach subjects with a critical eye. The publication also emphasizes community building within the skeptic movement, celebrating volunteers and new editorial leadership.