Bay Area Skeptics Information Sheet - 1989 08

Magazine Overview

"BASIS", the newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics, Vol. 8, No. 8, published in August 1989, features a collection of articles critically examining various pseudoscientific claims and phenomena. The editor is Kent Harker. The issue's cover headline is "MARS HIDES FACE IN SHAME" by David Morrison.

MARS HIDES FACE IN SHAME

This article by David Morrison, a CSICOP Fellow and head of the Space Science Division at NASA Ames Research Center, addresses the controversy surrounding the 'Face on Mars'. Morrison, who was part of the Mars exploration planning team, refutes the claims made by a group called the Mars Project, which believes a feature in a Viking Orbiter image is of non-natural origin. He criticizes Roger Keeling's rebuttal to a previous article by John Hewitt, arguing that Keeling misunderstands the scientific process by attacking "appeals to nameless authority." Morrison emphasizes that the informed opinions of planetary geologists are crucial for analyzing the Viking images and states that experts like Dr. Chris McKay of NASA Ames Research Center believe "there is nothing whatever artificial about the Face."

Morrison agrees that the 'Face on Mars' is an interesting formation, easily interpreted anthropomorphically due to lighting, similar to erosional phenomena on Earth. He notes that the same Viking team that found the 'face' also identified other formations like a "Happy Face" and "Kermit the Frog." The core issue, according to Morrison, is not just the 'Face' but the "web of fantasy" created by Keeling, Hoagland, and Pozos concerning supposed Martian cities, pyramids, and astronomical alignments in the Cydonia region. He asserts these features are merely common, wind-eroded mesas. Morrison takes offense at Hoagland's "tendentious prose" and mixture of fact and fiction, likening it to psychic channeling and UFO abduction stories.

He further criticizes The Mars Project for generating confusion about the nature of science, comparing their tactics to creationists. He points to a proposed radio campaign by the organization to promote "Mars anomalies" under the guise of scientific research, aiming to increase public interest and secure funding for space exploration. Morrison calls this approach "intellectually dishonest" and a cynical attempt to "hoodwink the American taxpayers."

NO GUTS

Authored by William Bennetta, this article exposes the practice of "psychic surgery." Bennetta describes conventional psychic surgery as a performance involving the withdrawal of tissue using hidden offal and blood. He then introduces The Reverend Joseph Martinez of San Francisco's Spiritual Healing Center, who claims to perform a more "spiritual" version of Philippine Psychic Surgery where removal occurs "beyond the usual range of the senses" and involves materializing "negative energies." Bennetta likens this to seeing "the emperor's new clothes," suggesting that the inability to see the process merely indicates a lack of clairvoyance.

THE BLOOD READERS

This excerpt from Robert Steiner's forthcoming book, "Don't Get Taken!", critiques the book "You Are Your Blood Type" by Nomi and Besher. Steiner calls the book a "revolutionary breakthrough" in selling "balderdash." He highlights the book's premise that blood types correlate with personality and romantic compatibility, citing the co-author's anecdote about meeting "Kimiko" and discovering they were both type AB. Steiner points out the lack of scientific citations in the book and criticizes its claims as "non-falsifiable," meaning they cannot be scientifically tested or disproven. He mocks the idea of using blood types as a "pick-up line" and notes the book's assertion that "most of the big Mafiosi" are type O, questioning how such information could be verified. Steiner concludes that if a claim is non-falsifiable, it is not scientific.

Steiner also examines the book's claims about type AB personalities, particularly its assertion that Jesus Christ was type AB, based on analysis of the Shroud of Turin. He dismisses this claim, stating that the scientific community has never accepted the Shroud as authentic and considers it an elaborate hoax. He further questions the book's assertion that founders of major religions were likely type AB, performing a calculation that shows the probability of this being true for four individuals is less than three in one million, based on the rarity of the AB blood type.

ANTHROPOSOPHICAL MEDICINE II

Authored by Dan Dugan, this article investigates Anthroposophical Medicine (AM), described as a pseudoscience associated with the cult of Rudolph Steiner. AM claims to operate numerous hospitals and clinics in Europe, requiring physicians to have conventional degrees before AM training. Dugan reports on a lecture by Dr. Joop van Dam from Amsterdam, who presented studies allegedly proving AM's claims. Dugan reviewed a paper on the effects of mercuric chloride dilutions on tissue cultures, finding that the study did not support AM's predictions of a stimulating effect from high dilutions. Instead, the data showed toxicity up to a certain point, with only minor, random variations thereafter. Dugan concludes that the study's findings were insignificant, possibly due to flawed controls, and did not prove Dr. van Dam's claims.

Dugan also discusses the opening of an AM clinic in San Francisco, run by Dr. Lisa Capaldini, Dr. Robert Gorter, and Dr. Inmaculata Marti. He picketed the opening with a flyer warning against "Quack Medicine" and outlining "Five Warning Signs of Pseudoscience." Despite Dr. Gorter's defense of AM based on its practice in Europe and its acceptance by national health systems, Dugan remains skeptical, noting that AM research appears "woefully inadequate" and that "Anthroposophical and scientific methods of inquiry are mutually exclusive."

LOTTO BALONEY

This brief section warns against various numerologists, psychics, and "charlatans" who sell winning lottery numbers. The author states that these schemes are worthless and prey on the greed and gullibility of individuals, draining their money without providing any real chance of winning.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "BASIS" are the critical examination of pseudoscientific claims and the promotion of skeptical inquiry. The newsletter consistently adopts an anti-pseudoscience stance, debunking claims related to UFOs (Face on Mars), paranormal phenomena (psychic surgery), unscientific medical practices (Anthroposophical Medicine), and pseudoscientific personality theories (blood types). The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific rigor, evidence-based reasoning, and the exposure of fraudulent or misleading practices. The publication aims to educate its readers about the importance of critical thinking when encountering extraordinary claims.

Title: BASIS
Issue: August 1989
Publisher: Bay Area Skeptics
Date: 1989-08

This issue of "BASIS," the monthly publication of the Bay Area Skeptics, critically examines various pseudoscientific claims, societal panics, and questionable health practices prevalent in the late 1980s. The magazine aims to debunk irrational beliefs and promote critical thinking.

Numerology and Lottery Scams

The lead article addresses the minuscule probabilities of winning the lottery and questions the efficacy of psychics and numerologists. It highlights how numerologists often provide multiple numbers, increasing the chance that one might appear as part of the winning combination, leading individuals to believe in their 'Magi.' The article uses the example of the August 1988 Lotto jackpot, where the winning number was 14,19,25,33,46. It points out that numerologist Ellin Dodge gave clients the number 14, which was part of the winning sequence, but emphasizes that missing any digit or having permutations means no win. The piece concludes that random selection methods like the computer's 'Quick Pick' offer a far better chance of winning than relying on superstitious methods.

The 'Universe of You' and the Synchro-Energizer

This section reports on a self-indulgent institute in California called the "Universe of You," founded by Randy Adamadama (real name Stevens). For $12, patrons can spend 45 minutes wearing a "Synchro-Energizer" headset that plays nature sounds and New-Age piano music, along with goggles that flash colored lights, to 'tune up' their brains. The inventor, Denis Gorges, admits he doesn't fully understand how it works but relies on testimonials from users who report benefits such as improved tennis game, euphoria, enhanced problem-solving, and heightened self-esteem. Dr. Douglas Goodin, an assistant professor of neurology, states that researchers are unaware of any health benefits from flashing lights and that scientific theories and controlled experiments would be needed to validate such claims. Gorges is characterized as 'results-oriented,' while the author suggests he is 'dollar oriented.'

Satanic Panic and Hysteria

The magazine delves into the widespread speculation and accusations of satanic cults and ritual murder that were prevalent at the time. It cites a "Richmond News Leader" series titled "Satanism, Menace or Myth?" which investigated allegations in a Richmond, VA community. Despite rumors of human sacrifices and satanists masquerading as professionals, intensive investigations by the police and FBI found no evidence. Sheriff's department Lt. Howard Wray dismissed the claims as "utter nonsense." The article highlights the illogical reasoning of Patricia Pulling, a private investigator who supports the satanism theory, who stated that the lack of evidence is itself evidence because Satanists are skillful at cleaning up. She also claimed 8 percent of the populace was involved in satanism, a figure she derived from questionable survey interpretations. The piece criticizes the argument-from-ignorance fallacy, where a lack of explanation is taken as proof of a specific cause, such as satanic involvement in unsolved crimes.

Faces on Celestial Bodies

This section revisits the debate about the origin of the "face on Mars," referencing previous articles in "BASIS." Skeptic John Hewitt reports new information, including the discovery of a similar face on Venus. The "News," a supermarket tabloid, is cited as the source for these sensational claims. The article describes a "TOP SECRET STUNNER" headline about a face on the Moon being identical to those on Mars and Venus. Upon examining the "News" photo of the Moon, the author notes that a face-like feature is visible in a prominent crater, but questions how it was missed for so long, suggesting a high-quality home telescope could produce such resolution. The author points out a discrepancy in size estimates, with the Moon face appearing much larger than the Mars face, questioning the claim of identicality. The piece concludes that these claims are likely tabloid sensationalism.

OBIT MAKES NO NEWS: Questionable Cancer Therapies

This article, reproduced from the NCAHF NEWSLETTER, discusses a case involving Sonja Boden, a 17-year-old diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease. Her parents sought to treat her with "Macrobiotic Diet, acupuncture, massage and positive thinking," prescribed by Dr. Jewel Pookrum of the Perfect Health Institute in Detroit, delaying conventional chemotherapy. While Sonja's tumors initially shrunk by 40%, her disease later progressed, and her odds of survival dropped significantly. The article notes that such unproven therapies are illegal in California under Health & Safety Code No. 1707.1, which forbids health providers from using unproven methods unless part of approved experimental programs. The NCAHF advocates for similar laws in all states as an effective measure against cancer quackery.

The Faith Healers

This short piece highlights the work of DON HENVICK, who investigates and exposes faith healers. Henvick is described as a legendary figure who has tirelessly pursued those who claim to heal. His efforts have put miracle workers on alert and driven figures like Peter Popoff nearly out of business. Henvick has gained national attention and recently participated in a panel at the AAAS meeting in Chico, CA. He plans to show video excerpts of his experiences, with a suggested donation of $3 to cover meeting place costs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "BASIS" are skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims, the debunking of popular panics and scams, and the promotion of critical thinking. The editorial stance is clearly against unverified claims, whether related to lottery predictions, alternative health therapies, paranormal phenomena, or conspiracy theories. The magazine encourages readers to question extraordinary claims and rely on evidence and scientific reasoning. The publication also serves as a platform for readers to submit their own observations of irrationality.