Bay Area Skeptics Information Sheet - 1988 07

Magazine Overview

Title: BASIS
Issue: Vol. 7, No. 7
Date: July 1988
Publisher: Bay Area Skeptics
Editor: Kent Harker

This issue of the Bay Area Skeptics' newsletter, "BASIS," delves into various topics concerning pseudoscience, irrationality, and skepticism, offering critical analyses of popular beliefs and practices.

Lunacy on Pennsylvania Avenue by Shawn Carlson

This lead article, authored by physicist and BAS board member Shawn Carlson, directly challenges the practice of astrology. Carlson's study, published in the prestigious journal "Nature," reportedly demonstrated that astrologers cannot perform as they claim. The article criticizes the widespread acceptance of astrology, noting that millions of Americans take it seriously, using it for psychotherapy, major life decisions, and even medical advice. Carlson highlights the significant financial industry surrounding astrology, estimated at $100 million per year in the U.S. He argues that relying on astrological counseling poses serious risks of personal, emotional, and financial injury. The article also points to the influence of figures like Shirley MacLaine and questions the involvement of occult practices in politics, specifically mentioning Nancy Reagan's consultation with a California occultist. Carlson expresses annoyance at astrologers who use scientific-sounding jargon to deceive the public. He specifically criticizes Joan Quigely, an astrologer who advised President Reagan, for her lack of scientific competence despite her business acumen, noting that the First Lady paid for her services.

Koko Smoocha Want by Robert Sheaffer

This article examines the case of Koko, a gorilla known for her alleged mastery of inter- and intra-species communication through a modified sign language. While acknowledging Koko's trainer, Dr. Penny Patterson, and the attention Koko receives, the author expresses skepticism about the scientific validation of her communication skills, citing experts like Drs. Herbert Terrace, Thomas Sebeok, and Norm Chomsky. The article touches upon Koko's expressed desire for a baby and her practice of teaching signing to her dolls. It also discusses Koko's living situation with Michael, another gorilla, and the lack of sexual interest between them, humorously suggesting that Koko might need to explain reproductive matters to Michael.

Hypotheses vs. Speculation by George O'Brien

George O'Brien's article clarifies the distinction between a scientific hypothesis and mere speculation. He argues that for a statement to be considered a hypothesis, it must adhere to specific rules: it must have a proper definition (genus and differentia), be logical and internally consistent, be based on explicit assumptions, have a basis in evidence or logical inference, be falsifiable (subject to tests that could prove it wrong), and be independently verifiable. The author criticizes pseudoscientists for often using the term 'hypothesis' loosely to describe speculation and for being willing to alter their claims when challenged rather than adhering to the scientific method.

Ramparts

This section features various short critiques and news items. One item discusses the military's past spending on psychic research, such as 'Project Jedi' and 'Ultimate Spy research,' likening it to chasing a 'wil-o'-the-wisp "psi"' and suggesting it's a waste of money, possibly initiated by 'clever commies.' Another piece quotes Ellen Goodman on the American tendency towards superstition and skepticism of science, which can lead to the naive acceptance of quackery. A reader-submitted item from a supermarket tabloid reports on an alleged crashed UFO and captured Bigfoot in the Soviet Union, with the author expressing skepticism about the source and the details, particularly the 'artist's conception' of the creature.

April Meeting: Archaeology and Remote Viewing: Good-bye Columbus by Ivan Linderman

This report covers a presentation by Marco Maniketti, an underwater archaeologist and magician. Maniketti discussed the search for the wreckage of Christopher Columbus's fourth voyage. He also detailed the Mobius Society of Hollywood's involvement, which used 'remote viewing' to locate the wreck. Despite the Mobius Society's claims of success, Maniketti concluded that remote viewing was no more effective than traditional methods like magnetometers or local legends in discovering the wrecks.

Sai Baba Snow Jobba by Don Henvick

Don Henvick reports on a meeting of the California Society for Psychical Study where Icelandic psychologist Erlendur Haraldsson presented his investigation into the miracles of Indian guru Satya Sai Baba. Haraldsson, author of "Modern Miracles," investigated Baba's claims of producing objects out of thin air over forty years. Henvick expresses skepticism, noting that Sai Baba declined to perform his 'miracles' under controlled conditions, stating "My powers are not for show." The author questions the significance of these 'miracles' when they are not performed for show, contrasting it with Jesus's miracles which were accompanied by parables or morals. Henvick suggests that Sai Baba's method of preparation may be designed to ensure uncritical observers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is the critical examination of pseudoscience, irrational beliefs, and the importance of scientific methodology. The Bay Area Skeptics, through its various contributors, consistently advocates for skepticism, evidence-based reasoning, and the rejection of claims that lack scientific validation. The articles challenge astrology, psychic phenomena, and unsubstantiated claims about miracles and paranormal events, urging readers to apply critical thinking and scientific inquiry to these subjects. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rationalism and against the uncritical acceptance of extraordinary claims, particularly when they have potential societal or personal consequences.

Title: Bay Area Skeptic Informatoin Sheet
Issue: July, 1988
Publisher: Bay Area Skeptics
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Article 1: Critiquing E.H.'s Account of Sai Baba's Miracles

The first section of the magazine critically examines the claims made by an individual referred to as E.H. regarding the miracles of Sai Baba. The speaker at a presentation, identified as a professor, states that there is "no solid experimental evidence for the genuineness of the phenomenon," suggesting that E.H. may be presenting anecdotal evidence as truth. E.H. is described as having spent a year and a half interviewing people who witnessed miracles attributed to Sai Baba. These alleged miracles include disappearing and reappearing in full view, changing water into gasoline, and producing hot meals out of thin air.

E.H. reportedly shares his own experiences, including Sai Baba producing a 14K gold ring with a portrait. E.H. also describes a situation where a friend's ring had a missing stone, and Sai Baba allegedly conjured up a new stone to perfectly fit the ring. When questioned about the difference in gold settings, E.H. explained that Sai Baba had made the old ring disappear and conjured a new one with a stone. The article questions why Sai Baba didn't simply conjure a new stone.

Further skepticism is raised regarding whether Sai Baba produces items out of thin air or obtains them from elsewhere. E.H.'s hypothesis is that Sai Baba must have an army of jewelers supplying him with rings. However, E.H. also recounts seeing Sai Baba produce a candy bar wrapped in paper, which makes him question his own hypothesis. The author of the article expresses doubt about E.H.'s reasoning, humorously suggesting E.H. might be refilling his own mind from an "oatmeal box."

The article also mentions Baba Ram Das speaking about Sai Baba producing wristwatches, suggesting they were teleported from a warehouse rather than created from thin air. The author aligns himself with this alternative explanation, albeit acknowledging Ram Das as a "goofball."

Later in the article, an anecdote is shared about an Indian man who witnessed Sai Baba produce a watch from someone's hair. This witness, however, declared the demonstration to be "a load of rubbish." Despite this, another audience member vouched for a pendant they received from Sai Baba, claiming it was not a trick. The article concludes this section by noting that Dr. Haraldsson, who has written about these phenomena, has likely gained believers and sold books, but the author questions the lack of scientific scrutiny from parapsychologists.

Article 2: SPREAD SOME MISERY by Joseph Garber

This section, authored by Joseph Garber, addresses the frustration felt by members of the Bay Area Skeptics (BAS) and their supporters in combating psychic frauds, quack healers, and profiteering prophets. Garber notes the lack of time and talent within the community to mount large-scale debunking campaigns.

Garber proposes a strategy based on the economics of direct mailing, suggesting it as a "wonderfully nasty, quite legal and very effective method for hitting the hoaxers where it hurts them most: in their pocketbooks." He references an article by Richard Cleverly in the April 1988 issue of "BASIS." Cleverly had sent $1 to a Madame Daudet, who advertised "lucky numbers" for the lottery and gambling. In return, Cleverly received a "bulk mail envelope" with dubious material and only part of his "lucky numbers," with Madame Daudet demanding an additional $35 for the full secrets.

Cleverly's experience led to his name and address being sold to other "kindred flimflam artists," resulting in his mailbox being filled with mail from astrologers, psychics, and spiritualists. Garber points out that direct mail pieces are expensive to produce and distribute. Citing the Direct Marketing Association, he states that a "low end" direct mailer cost about $.58 per package in 1984. Garber estimates that Cleverly's $1 investment likely cost the psychic community more than $5, and potentially much more, by penalizing them and corrupting their mailing lists.

Garber then proposes an "Adopt-A-Psychic" program for BAS members. The BAS board would nominate a psychic to be targeted. Members would respond to the chosen psychic's advertisements, ideally selecting one who offers the most expensive package for the lowest "postage and handling" charge. The goal is to overwhelm the psychic with responses, potentially driving them out of business. Garber humorously notes that cluttered mailboxes could be a substitute for cat litter box liners.

An editor's note (Ed.) is appended, detailing a more "sinister and costly plot" where the writer orders items with a "satisfaction guarantee," receives the product, and then demands a refund due to dissatisfaction. The writer notes a 100% success rate so far but warns that this venture may be risky as the money might not be returned.

Article 3: NO LUNACY HERE!

This section focuses on the organization CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal) and its active campaign against what it considers pseudoscience. It highlights CSICOP's direct challenge to Ms. Joan Quigley, an astrologer who was described in an Associated Press article on May 9, 1988, as "a serious scientific astrologer."

Mark Plummer, Executive Director of CSICOP, formally requested Quigley to participate in a "scientifically controlled double-blind test" of her astrological claims. A copy of his letter was sent to local groups for publication. In the letter, Plummer expressed interest in Quigley's claims and asked her to outline her skills and specialized abilities so that a proper testing protocol could be developed. He emphasized that such a test would be in the public interest and expressed confidence in her cooperation as a scientist.

A copy of the letter was also sent to Nancy Reagan at the White House, along with a complimentary subscription to "The Skeptical Inquirer" and back issues related to astrology. The article suggests that while Quigley is unlikely to accept the challenge in a scientifically responsible manner, her virtually certain rejection will serve to notify the public about the questionable nature of her claims. "BASIS" aims to ensure this CSICOP challenge receives wide coverage.

Publication Information

The final section provides information about the publication itself. It 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 articles presented are selected from the July 1988 issue of "BASIS," the monthly publication of Bay Area Skeptics. Information on obtaining a free sample copy is provided, including a mailing address and contact details for a BBS and a voice hotline. The copyright is held by BAY AREA SKEPTICS for 1988, and reprints must credit "BASIS, newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards paranormal claims, the debunking of alleged miracles and psychic phenomena, and the critique of pseudoscience, particularly astrology and direct mail scams. The editorial stance is clearly one of promoting rational inquiry and scientific scrutiny, actively challenging those who make extraordinary claims without sufficient evidence. The publication encourages proactive engagement with alleged frauds, not just through passive observation but through direct action aimed at exposing and disrupting their operations.