Bay Area Skeptics Information Sheet - 1987 05

Magazine Overview

Title: BASIS
Issue: Vol. 6, No. 5
Date: May 1987
Publisher: Bay Area Skeptics
Editor: Kent Harker

This issue of "BASIS," the newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics, delves into various topics related to skepticism, pseudoscience, and critical thinking. The main feature is a detailed account of the confession of psychic James Hydrick, exploring his motivations and methods. The newsletter also includes an article on the concept of 'memetics' and its implications for understanding social phenomena, as well as critiques of fringe medicine and other pseudoscientific claims. A report on the 1987 CSICOP Conference is also featured.

CONFESSION OF A PSYCHIC

The lead article details the confession of James Hydrick, a psychic who claimed to possess psychokinetic powers. Hydrick first gained national attention in December 1980 on ABC's "That's Incredible," where he demonstrated abilities such as flipping the pages of a telephone book and causing a pencil to turn by willpower. "The Star" tabloid labeled him "The world's Top Psychic." He claimed to have learned these powers through martial arts training and opened a school to teach them. Magician and psychic investigator James Randi offered Hydrick $10,000 for proof of paranormal abilities under controlled conditions. Hydrick accepted and agreed to be tested on the TV show "That's My Line." Randi's test involved using styrofoam particles to detect air blown from Hydrick's mouth, but Hydrick refused the test. Later, under proper controls, Hydrick failed to exhibit any psychic powers and confessed to magician Danny Korem that his "powers" were a trick. Hydrick explained his motivation stemmed from a desire for attention and recognition, which he felt he lacked from his parents. He described how he would use misdirection and suggestion, often involving air currents from his mouth, to create the illusion of psychic phenomena. He also recounted an incident in jail where he used a Bible and a pencil to seemingly make pages move, convincing inmates of his powers, which he attributed to "calling the Lord."

THE EVOLUTION OF SKEPTICISM

This article by H. Keith Henson discusses the susceptibility of humans to religious and parapsychological beliefs. Henson introduces the concept of 'memes,' coined by Richard Dawkins, as information patterns that replicate and evolve like genes. Memes, similar to ideas, are subject to evolutionary forces and can spread through human minds and communication channels. The article draws an analogy between the spread of memes and the spread of infectious diseases, suggesting that some memes are 'parasitic' and can harm their hosts, while others can be symbiotic. Henson references books by Richard Dawkins, Douglas Hofstadter, Marvin Minsky, and Michael S. Gazzaniga to explain the evolutionary basis for our capacity to form beliefs. He argues that while the brain has evolved to form beliefs, this capacity also makes us susceptible to memes that may not be beneficial, citing examples like astrology and the People's Temple cult. Skeptics, he notes, are often concerned with less drastic beliefs like UFOs, psychic healers, and creationism.

EDITOR'S CORNER

The "Editor's Corner" includes two main points. The first is a personal anecdote about a doctor's advice for a running injury, which leads to a discussion contrasting "standard" and "fringe" medicine. The author highlights that fringe medicine often makes extravagant promises and operates with secrecy, while standard medicine is open to scrutiny. A detailed explanation is provided on how medical quacks can appear to succeed regardless of the outcome of a treatment, by manipulating dosage and framing results to always appear to be winning.

The second point discusses the cancellation of the Oakland Tribune's weekly science page, urging readers to write to the newspaper to encourage its reinstitution. It also mentions that Uri Geller has become a millionaire through his psychic claims and tours, and notes that Geller does not feel the need to prove himself. Finally, an incident involving a break-in at the "Psychic News" headquarters in London is recounted, where psychics were unable to foresee or identify the burglars, highlighting a lack of predictive ability.

RAMPARTS

This section features short items from various sources. One item reports that two Transcendental Meditation (TM) organizations were ordered to pay a former member $138,000 for failing to deliver on promises of teaching flight. Another item notes that the Executive Council of TM in the US was found guilty of fraud and negligence by a federal court. The section also highlights the cancellation of the Oakland Tribune's science page and encourages readers to write in support of its return. It mentions Uri Geller's financial success and his reluctance to be challenged. A report from "Psychic News" details a burglary where stolen mail could not be psychically identified by psychics. The section concludes with a brief mention of a report on "That's Incredible."

FROM THE CHAIR

Robert Sheaffer reports on the 1987 CSICOP Conference, "Controversies in Science and Fringe Science." He notes that the conference ventured beyond typical refutations of psychic phenomena to discuss topics with some scientific plausibility, such as the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI), "Animal Language" (Communications with Simian Intelligence), and hypnosis. Other sessions covered chiropractic and holistic medical claims, spontaneous human combustion, psychic fraud, and astrology. Sheaffer highlights a session where astronomers Frank Drake and Jill Tartar argued for the commonality of extraterrestrial intelligence, contrasted with astronomer Robert Rood's more pessimistic view, who used the analogy of searching for unicorns. Another session on "Animal Language" was notable for the absence of major researchers in the field, despite invitations. Thomas Seboek presented a critique of alleged communications with apes, drawing parallels to the "Clever Hans" incident.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "BASIS" are skepticism towards paranormal claims, the critique of pseudoscience and fringe practices, and the promotion of critical thinking and scientific methodology. The newsletter consistently advocates for evidence-based reasoning and exposes fraudulent or unsubstantiated claims. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific inquiry and a rational approach to understanding the world, actively debunking claims that lack empirical support. The concept of memetics is presented as a scientific tool for analyzing the spread of ideas, further reinforcing the publication's commitment to scientific explanation over supernatural or pseudoscientific ones.

This issue of the Bay Area Skeptic Informatoin Sheet, dated May 1987, focuses on skepticism and the debunking of pseudoscientific claims across various domains, including animal communication, medicine, and paranormal phenomena. The publication highlights events and discussions from the Bay Area Skeptics (BAS) and the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP).

Animal Communication

The issue begins by discussing the communication abilities of apes, noting that "clever apes fail to communicate in the presence of skeptics." An anecdote is shared about Washoe, an ape with a claimed large vocabulary, biting off three fingers of a scientific colleague who was investigating its alleged abilities. This is presented as evidence against the romanticized notion of the "Noble Savage." Professors Gerd Hovelmann and Robert Rosenthal are mentioned for their discussions on animal communication, with Rosenthal commenting on the "experimenter effect." Martin Gardner's skeptical book "Science: Good, Bad, and Bogus" is cited for debunking claims of ape communication.

Carl Sagan's Address and Skepticism

Carl Sagan's Keynote Address is described as a "strange mix of excellent skepticism with blatant political harangue." Sagan advocated for encouraging skepticism in schools and parents, suggesting it would lead to greater skepticism of national leaders. The author notes that many in CSICOP and local groups are already deeply skeptical, to the point of being skeptical of the very faction promoting skepticism.

Medical Controversies Symposium

Dr. Wallace Sampson moderated a symposium on "Medical Controversies." William Jarvis presented on Chiropractic claims, described as "almost overly fair." A Chiropractor representing their national organization also spoke. Philosopher Austen G. Clark analyzed the term "Holistic Medicine," concluding it was essentially meaningless or could mean whatever one wished. Dr. Jerry P. Lewis, a physician active in combating cancer quackery, outlined the "seven warning signs" of such practices. He stressed that while diet can help prevent cancer, it cannot cure it, and other treatments should be pursued.

Spontaneous Human Combustion (SHC)

Joe Nickell presented a session on alleged "spontaneous human combustion" (SHC). The author notes that while many claims have been made, Philip J. Klass had investigated three cases reported by Brad Steiger and found them to be misrepresentations. Nickell's investigation aimed to address more "respectable" SHC claims. Nickell's findings suggest that SHC typically occurs when a person is incapacitated by alcohol, drugs, or medical infirmity, leading to accidental ignition of clothing. The process of burning flesh can exude greasy fat, effectively turning the body into a candle and consuming it completely.

CSICOP Conference and Growth

The Saturday evening banquet featured speeches by CSICOP officers and a condensed version of the Penn and Teller magic act. The author humorously notes the speeches were a bit yawn-inducing but enjoyed the magic act. The issue highlights the significant growth of CSICOP, noting a compound growth rate of about 25% per year, with approximately 1400 participants at the Los Angeles conference. This growth is contrasted with the decline of UFO groups and interest in other paranormal topics, suggesting that the world may not be as "bad off" as some might think, given the rapid expansion of an organization dedicated to skepticism.

Uri Geller's Visit and Psychic Claims

Famed "psychic" Uri Geller visited the Bay Area, appearing on KGO radio and channel 5's "AM San Francisco." During a talk show with host Michael Krasne, Geller bent a spoon, claiming to do so with his mind, though he held it in his hands. The author points out that hands can bend spoons, and it's unclear if the mind was solely responsible. Geller refused a test to psychically reproduce a pre-drawn picture, instead proposing that the other person draw something for him to reproduce. Krasne declared Geller's efforts "inconclusive." When asked by Bob Steiner why he wouldn't be tested by James Randi, Geller deflected the question by asking if Steiner believed in God.

BAS Challenge: Animal Genius

An upcoming BAS meeting was announced featuring an individual claiming remarkable powers, including advanced mathematical abilities. This individual, Sunny, along with his owner Jim Todd, has appeared on television and in schools. They are set to undergo an informal test overseen by Bob Steiner to examine claims of "animal genius." The event aims to explore the limits of animal intelligence and interspecies communication.

Crystal Power Claims vs. Physical Properties

This section, continued from a previous issue's article by Lawrence Jerome, contrasts claims about "Crystal Power" with the physical properties of crystals. Claims include crystals having an "energy" field, producing a tingling sensation when held, picking up vibrations from thoughts, and transmitting thoughts. The "Reality" section explains phenomena like piezoelectricity (mechanical strain producing an electric field) and pyroelectricity (heated crystals producing a small electric field). It notes that quartz slices are used as oscillators at high frequencies, far exceeding brain wave frequencies, and that brain wave electrical patterns are barely detectable.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the issue is the promotion of skepticism and critical thinking in the face of pseudoscientific claims. The Bay Area Skeptics, through its publication and events, actively debunks unsubstantiated assertions in areas such as animal communication, alternative medicine, paranormal phenomena, and psychic abilities. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific evidence and rational explanation, contrasting these with what are presented as unfounded beliefs and misrepresentations. The growth of CSICOP is presented as a positive sign for the prevalence of rational thought.