Bay Area Skeptics Information Sheet - 1987 02

Magazine Overview

This issue of "BASIS", the newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics, dated February 1987, is Volume 6, Number 2, and is edited by Kent Harker. The newsletter covers a range of topics related to skepticism, pseudoscience, and critical thinking.

BAS CALENDAR: FEBRUARY

The calendar section announces a presentation on February 27th by Jim Lowell, described as a "HEALTH-QUACK INVESTIGATOR," who will be speaking on "medical absurdities." The event is scheduled for 7:30 pm at the El Cerrito Public Library, with detailed directions provided. The newsletter promises the event will be "fun and informative."

BALLOONS UP YOUR NOSE AND OTHER MEDICAL ABSURDITIES

This section details the presentation by James Lowell, with a write-up attributed to Bob Steiner. The title of Lowell's presentation is "Balloons Up Your Nose and Other Medical Absurdities." The author assures readers that despite the humorous approach, Jim Lowell is serious in his fight against medical quackery. Lowell is described as a brain surgeon who, after a lobotomy, moved into the "alternative medical underground," practicing methods like psychic surgery and pyramid power. The tone is satirical, suggesting these practices are unorthodox and questionable.

"PSYCHICS" PREDICTIONS by Bob Steiner

Bob Steiner critiques the predictions made by psychics for the previous year (1986), noting they were generally vague or incorrect. He mentions that Robert Sheaffer has done a masterful job analyzing these predictions and will share his findings in a later issue. Steiner focuses on the nature of psychic predictions, looking at those from Jeane Dixon and Sylvia Brown. He points out that Dixon's predictions, such as the strain on political figures due to the Iran/Arms/Hostages/Contras scandal or AIDS victims including public figures, are often obvious or highly probable statements rather than true predictions. Similarly, predictions about tax laws or a tax increase are presented as being so general as to be meaningless. Dixon's prediction about Dolly Parton and a rumor is also highlighted for its triviality. Steiner also notes Dixon's prediction about an illness striking someone close to Vanna White, and a potential wedding for Rue McClanahan, as being predictable or sensationalized.

Sylvia Brown's predictions are similarly scrutinized. Her predictions for 1986 about President Reagan being "more ill than we know," the cancellation of the TV show "Dynasty," and a major power blackout in New York City all failed and were subsequently re-predicted for 1987. Brown's prediction of "a lot of rain condensed in early spring" is mocked for its obviousness, with the author sarcastically suggesting it would revolutionize the arts and lead to songs like "April Showers." The article quotes T.S. Eliot, Geoffrey Chaucer, and Thomas Tusser to contrast genuine poetry with Brown's simplistic predictions. The author concludes by noting that Brown's misses include major events like the Challenger disaster and the Chernobyl disaster.

OH-THAT-EXPLAINS-IT department:

This section questions how ufologists explain the government's alleged "UFO coverup" for 40 years, given other government leaks. It presents a transcription from Dale Goudie, director of UFO Information Service, heard on KKUP radio. Goudie speculates that in 1952, President Truman might have signed something into effect related to the National Security Agency's formation that allowed for a special effect to be kept secret, though he admits "we just don't know that."

PSYCHIC MARKETING by Yves Barbero

Yves Barbero discusses the nature of salesmanship and its integrity. He argues that while some salespeople are dishonest, most are honest and operate within a system where customers use their intelligence to get the best bargain. He contrasts this with the marketing of psychic goods and services, which he views as problematic because the "goods and services are figments of the salesperson's imagination." Barbero considers psychics, astrologers, and faith healers as examples where the service is not measurable and often based on common-sense psychology or personal charisma. He suggests two solutions: state restriction of psychics, which carries risks to free speech, or public education to expose pseudoscience and encourage scientific thinking. He believes public education is more effective in helping consumers protect their money and think scientifically.

EDITOR'S CORNER

Kent Harker, the editor, begins by stating "Statistics lie," a common phrase that makes mathematicians wince. He reflects on the ritual of watching sports playoffs and the associated advertising, particularly the Budweiser and Miller commercials for Superbowl XX. Harker recounts a "scientific test" presented in an ad where 100 Miller drinkers were asked to distinguish between Bud and Miller. The results showed 54% chose Bud, which was presented as proof that Bud is superior. Harker argues that this experiment only proved that beer aficionados couldn't distinguish between the beers and that the results were within the realm of random chance (50-50). He criticizes the interpretation of the statistic, calling it a "pernicious lie" that plays on people's "probabilistic naivete." He warns against pet theories promoted on a probabilistic foundation, citing advertising moguls as examples of those who use statistics deceptively.

AMICUS CURIAE

This section reports on the "Amicus Curiae" brief produced by the So. Cal. Skeptics, an affiliate of CSICOP. This brief, signed by 72 Nobel laureates, was submitted to the Supreme Court regarding Louisiana's "creationism" appeal. The case had been heard, and a decision was expected in mid-March. The brief is described as a limited edition that highlights the Christian dogma behind "scientific" creationism and outlines the legal questions involved. The main reason for its publication for sale to the public is to raise funds for the enormous legal fees, with copies costing $25 and available from So. Cal. Skeptics.

DATELINE TULSA.

This brief report mentions Oral Roberts, who is predicted to die by March if he doesn't receive $4.5 million. His ministry is described as being in financial trouble, with his hospital being a financial disaster. The report notes that it might be difficult to verify the financial outcome as Roberts would be alive in April, having received only $4.1 million. The report ends with a sarcastic remark about Oral not specifying which March.

BASIS

This section lists the staff for the BASIS newsletter: Editor Kent Harker, Coding Rick Moen, Paste-up Don Henvick, Typesetter Dave Kilbridge, Distribution Yves Barbero, Circulation Paul Giles, and Archivist Ken Bomben.

FROM THE CHAIR by Robert Sheaffer

Robert Sheaffer discusses the results of a reader survey published in the November issue. He thanks the readers who participated, noting that while the response wasn't as high as hoped, it provided valuable feedback. The survey asked about reading habits (how long they've read BASIS, subscription status, reading Skeptical Inquirer), what they liked best and least in recent issues, and their interest in helping with BASIS. Sheaffer reports that about half of the respondents have been reading BASIS since its beginning in 1982, and about three-quarters also read "The Skeptical Inquirer." For what readers liked best, Randi's exposé of Peter Popoff was the clear favorite, followed by a review of a Creationist Conference, book reviews, and articles by Steiner and Henvick. For what readers liked least, some objected to "picking on poor Colin Wilson," "attempts to be cute," irrelevant articles, and unimportant details. A reader pointed out an inaccuracy in a previous issue regarding Columbus's claims.

Sheaffer also asked about interest in helping with BASIS, seeking people with computer skills for editing and those with professional knowledge in fields where bizarre claims are made. The survey also inquired about attendance at BAS meetings, preferred times, locations, and frequency of attendance. Sheaffer concludes that most BAS members are not keen on attending meetings regularly, with only 30-50 people typically attending, and many of those are new attendees who read about meetings in the paper rather than being regular readers of BASIS. He notes that about two-thirds of respondents had attended at most one meeting, suggesting that readers are more likely to read the newsletter than attend meetings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around skepticism, the critical examination of pseudoscience, and the importance of scientific methodology. The newsletter actively debunks claims made by psychics, health quacks, and those who misuse statistics. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rational inquiry, evidence-based reasoning, and the protection of consumers from fraudulent or misleading claims. There is a strong emphasis on educating the public to think critically and scientifically, particularly in areas like alternative medicine, psychic phenomena, and advertising. The newsletter also engages with its readership through surveys and discussions about the organization's activities and content.

Title: BASIS
Issue: February
Year: 1987
Publisher: Bay Area Skeptics
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of BASIS, the monthly publication of the Bay Area Skeptics, includes feedback from members regarding meeting attendance and preferred locations, and features an in-depth article critiquing a faith-healer. The publication also provides information on how to obtain sample copies and copyright details.

Meeting Feedback and Future Planning

The editorial section addresses member responses to a survey, particularly concerning meeting frequency and locations. A significant gap exists between the number of meetings people say they would like to attend (six or more per year) and the number they actually do. The organization is investing considerable effort into maintaining a monthly schedule with excellent speakers. However, to paraphrase Greta Garbo, the publication suggests that if enthusiasm for attending and organizing meetings does not increase, they may opt for "fewer but better meetings."

Regarding meeting times and locations, the survey revealed no consensus. The strongest preferences for locations were the East and South Bay areas. The organization plans to continue rotating meeting locations, typically near Berkeley or San Jose, and encourages members to take the initiative to organize meetings in their local areas.

The editorial also mentions that interesting responses to open-ended survey questions will be shared in a future issue and urges members who have not yet submitted their surveys to do so, emphasizing that more input will help the Bay Area Skeptics better serve its members.

Article: WITHOUT GRACE by Rick Moen

The main feature article, "WITHOUT GRACE" by Rick Moen, focuses on a young woman named Grace who professes to be a faith-healer and appears displeased with her encounters with skeptics. Moen details Grace's appearance on the television show "A.M. San Francisco" on June 3rd, where she demonstrated her alleged healing talents. Also present was Bob Steiner, founder and former board member of the Bay Area Skeptics, who managed to cast doubt on Grace's abilities despite a seemingly hostile environment.

Don Henvick, a member of the Bay Area Skeptics, was in the audience and was singled out by Grace for a "cure" of non-existent arthritis, despite having been previously "cured" by faith-healers of various ailments, including alcoholism and uterine cancer. Other audience members were also "treated" similarly.

Moen then elaborates on Grace's tactics when her credibility is challenged. She reportedly interrupts relentlessly, smiling beatifically, to prevent critics from completing their sentences. If this fails, she employs diversionary tactics, such as claiming to have healed someone nearby if a diagnosis is wrong, or bringing forward a follower to discuss their "cure." Alternatively, she attacks the critic, often by suggesting they are persecuted due to being non-religious, or by complaining about "deceit" if accused of "curing" non-existent ailments.

Moen recounts seeing Grace again on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" with other individuals claiming paranormal abilities and magician James Randi. Grace reportedly used her usual tactics. However, Moen notes a significant moment towards the end of the show when Grace, smiling demurely, asked Randi if it was true that he took young boys into his home, a question that visibly surprised both Randi and Oprah Winfrey.

Editorial Stance and Publication Information

An editorial note clarifies that the opinions expressed in "BASIS" are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Bay Area Skeptics organization, its board, or its advisors.

Selected articles from the February 1987 issue of "BASIS" are presented. Information is provided on how to obtain a free sample copy by mail or by leaving a message on "The Skeptic's Board" BBS or the 415-LA-TRUTH hotline. The copyright for the material is held by BAY AREA SKEPTICS in 1987, 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 skepticism towards paranormal claims, particularly faith healing, and the critical examination of media portrayals of such phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly one of critical inquiry, aiming to debunk pseudoscience and encourage rational discourse. The organization actively engages with its members through surveys and feedback mechanisms to better serve their interests, while also maintaining a commitment to providing well-researched and critical content. The emphasis on "fewer but better meetings" suggests a strategic approach to resource allocation and member engagement, prioritizing quality over quantity.