Bay Area Skeptics Information Sheet - 1990 01

Magazine Overview

Title: BASIS
Issue: Vol. 9, No. 1
Date: January 1990
Publisher: Bay Area Skeptics

This issue of the Bay Area Skeptics' newsletter, BASIS, features several articles examining pseudoscientific claims and offering skeptical perspectives on various topics.

Cosmic Catastrophes by Rick Moen

This article reviews a talk by astronomer David Morrison on "catastrophism." Morrison, a CSICOP Fellow and planetary scientist at NASA's Ames Research Center, discussed the school of thought that has revolutionized astronomy. He distinguished between mainstream planetary science's "uniformitarian" approach (gradual, cumulative changes over long periods) and the "dissenting catastrophists" who propose intense bursts of activity like meteor strikes or volcanic explosions as the primary drivers of geological and biological change.

Morrison also addressed "quack catastrophisms," specifically contrasting the theories of Immanuel Velikovsky and creationists with scientific catastrophism. Velikovsky's 1950 book "Worlds in Collision" proposed that Venus emerged from Jupiter and had close encounters with Earth around 1500 B.C., causing events such as the parting of the Red Sea and the sun standing still for Joshua. Velikovsky's primary evidence was the literal interpretation of myths from various cultures, which he used to construct a hypothetical planetary ballet. His work was criticized for its anthropocentric view, reliance on untestable physical forces, and distortion of historical and scientific evidence. Despite his predictions proving false, some followers persisted.

Creationism, another form of "quack catastrophism," was also discussed. Early creationist views sometimes reconciled biblical cosmology with scientific findings, but a "new U.S. creationism" emerged, insisting on strict biblical literalism. This view posits that Earth's features were formed by a single flood and worldwide volcanic eruptions within a single year, contradicting fundamental geology and astronomy.

In contrast, Morrison described the "new catastrophism" in astronomy, which posits that infrequent, catastrophic events have significantly shaped geology and biology. Evidence includes studies of comets, asteroids, and impact craters. The formation of the Moon is attributed to a massive impact by a Mars-sized body about 4.5 billion years ago. The Cretaceous-Tertiary extinction, which killed the dinosaurs, is linked to a large impact, evidenced by high iridium concentrations, as pointed out by BAS Advisor Luis Alvarez.

Stephen Jay Gould and others suggest that while species adapt to gradual changes, catastrophic events pose a survival challenge. Mammals' survival during the dinosaur extinction, for example, may be attributed to traits like living underground.

Examining the Moon's surface, particularly the heavily cratered "old highlands" and the volcanic "maria," provides insights into Earth's impact history. Extrapolating from lunar data, Earth could expect about 400 large impacts (like the one causing the Cretaceous extinction) over 3.5 billion years, averaging one every 10 million years. These impacts would dwarf volcanic events like Thera, Krakatoa, or Mt. St. Helens.

Morrison discussed the risk of such impacts. While an individual's chance of being hit by a meteor is minuscule, the risk to civilization is significant, potentially causing crop failure and starvation akin to "nuclear winter." He compared these risks to more familiar dangers like botulism, fireworks, tornadoes, air crashes, firearms, and car crashes. He estimated that impacts could kill several hundred people per year on average or wipe out the U.S. population once per million years. He urged increased telescope searches, missions to study comets and asteroids, and research into impact defenses, including explosive devices to deflect incoming meteors.

Morrison's book, "Cosmic Catastrophes," was mentioned as a source for more detailed information. The article also noted that Morrison had been involved in a lawsuit in Hawaii with CSICOP and other skeptics against a psychic, Gareth Pendragon, which the skeptics won.

Unsound Advice by Robert Pease

Robert Pease, an electronics engineer, challenges the notion, allegedly promoted in the "San Francisco Chronicle," that splicing speaker wire degrades sound quality. Pease argues that this is an absurd claim, akin to requiring faith in the unexplainable, similar to how some "Hi-Fi Experts" claim expensive equipment sounds better. He conducted measurements showing that a twisted and soldered splice in 12-gauge stranded wire added resistance equivalent to only about 0.3 inches of wire, with negligible effects on impedance. Pease challenged a Mr. Somerfield to distinguish between spliced and unspliced wires, suggesting that such claims are subjective and difficult to verify without significant expense, unlike the simple wire comparison.

He criticizes "Golden Ear" claims that can border on the paranormal and warns against self-proclaimed experts making unsupported pronouncements. He notes that while microwave frequencies (200-800 MHz) might show tiny differences, human hearing (up to 20 kHz) would not detect any degradation from proper splicing.

Satanist Survivors by Rex Springston

This article, an excerpt from the Richmond, Virginia "News Leader," investigates claims of Satanic cult activity and sacrifices. Cassandra Hoyer alleged being thrown to the ground, hung on a cross, and sacrificed by fire by Satanists, and also being harassed and dipped into vats of blood. Sue Bane claims to have witnessed 50 to 70 human sacrifices in the Richmond area, including a recent incident involving a baby.

Police investigations at the time found no evidence, missing persons reports, or blood from the vats. Chief Deputy Leslie Parrish expressed skepticism. Both Hoyer and Bane, who call themselves "survivors," have undergone intensive psychotherapy and are said to suffer from multiple-personality disorders.

Experts, including FBI expert Kenneth Lanning, state that there is no evidence of bona fide Satanic cult sacrifices nationwide. Lanning finds it unlikely that a large group could commit numerous sacrifices without leaving any evidence or that no one would have second thoughts. Some mental health professionals suggest these accounts may be delusions stemming from genuine, but non-Satanic, abuse, or are influenced by unskeptical media and therapists. Dr. Park Dietz, a forensic psychiatrist, stated, "The true cult is the people who believe in this."

Lt. Lawrence Haake and private investigator Patricia Pulling are cited as advocates of the Satanic conspiracy theory, viewing the "survivors" as credible sources. However, many experts believe the stories are consistent with unconfirmed reports from children, potentially influenced by adults, movies, or leading questions, or are fantasies related to real abuse or pedophilia.

Ms. Hoyer, who has 17 personalities, believes she was integrated through therapy and faith. Mrs. Bane is writing a book titled "Freedom from Satan's Horror." Children in the Richmond area have also described witnessing sacrifices and bloody rituals, which experts find suspicious given the lack of corroborating evidence.

UFO Trekkies

This brief section mentions a meeting of UFO enthusiasts in Foster City, California, discussing alien abductions and a perceived government cover-up. The article notes that information is leaked anonymously, with a society member suggesting that leaking UFO information leads to being "snuffed out." The discussion revolved around a vast government conspiracy where technological secrets are exchanged for alien silence.

Degrees of Folly: Part IX by William Bennetta

This installment of a longer article examines the Institute for Creation Research Graduate School (ICRGS) and its attempt to gain accreditation. The ICRGS, an arm of the fundamentalist Institute for Creation Research founded by Henry Morris, promotes "creation-science." The article details a flawed assessment by the Department's Private Postsecondary Education Division (PPED), which initially recommended approval despite concerns raised by legitimate committee members. Although the Department initially refused approval, it later negotiated with the ICR. The ICR agreed to revise its curriculum, but continued to advertise the ICRGS as a "Graduate School of Creationist Science." A subsequent examining committee, with a mix of scientists and a Bible college representative, was formed to assess the revisions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes a skeptical and critical examination of claims presented as fact, particularly those lacking empirical evidence or relying on anecdotal accounts, pseudoscience, or literal interpretations of myths and religious texts. The articles challenge claims in areas ranging from astronomy and geology to audio engineering and paranormal phenomena, advocating for scientific rigor and critical thinking. The publication appears to align with the principles of organizations like CSICOP, aiming to debunk misinformation and protect the public from fraudulent or unsubstantiated claims.

This document is the January 1990 issue of "BASIS", the monthly publication of the Bay Area Skeptics. It covers a range of topics including the regulation of educational institutions, critiques of pseudoscience, and commentary on current events from a skeptical perspective.

Article: New Arrangements and What's Taking So Long?

The issue begins by detailing changes within the Department of Education concerning the Private Postsecondary Education Division (PPED). On November 20, 1989, Jeanne Bird replaced Joseph Barankin as acting director of the PPED, which is slated to go out of business at the end of the year. Barankin has taken a special assignment working for Bill Honig's deputy superintendent, Shirley Thornton, but remains involved in handling the ICR case, though overall responsibility now rests with Bird. The delay in the ICR committee's report is attributed to the PPED's preoccupation with implementing new legislation governing vocational schools, set to take effect on January 1, 1990. Gregory Roussere, the Department's lawyer overseeing the ICR case, explained that the committee's report draft, synthesized from members' accounts, was sent out in mid-November for comments, with further drafts to follow until consensus is reached. Roussere anticipates the final report will not be ready until the first of the year.

Article: Topical Stuff

This section discusses the Institute for Creation Research (ICR) men distributing pamphlets, including "Impact" and "Acts & Facts." Steven A. Austin of the ICR's Geology Department wrote an article in "Impact" titled "Earthquakes in These Last Days," interpreting earthquakes as "signs" of Christ's coming and divine judgment, citing biblical passages. An article in "Acts & Facts" notes that the California Republican Assembly (CRA) adopted a resolution supporting the ICR's attempt to get approval from Bill Honig, accusing Honig of intending to deny the ICR's academic and religious freedom and calling for investigations.

Sidebar: SB190 Is Now Law

This sidebar details the passage of SB190, a bill sponsored by State Senator Becky Morgan to reform the regulation of unaccredited schools in California. The bill was signed into law by Governor George Deukmejian on October 1, 1989, after being approved by the Senate and Assembly in June, September, and October. The new law, effective January 1, 1991, will abolish the PPED and the Council for Private Postsecondary Educational Institutions, transferring responsibility to the new California Council for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education. This council will establish minimum criteria for unaccredited, degree-granting schools and grant or deny approval. The council will have 15 members, including representatives from schools under its jurisdiction and the general public, but notably, none are required to come from accredited institutions. The article expresses concern that the council might become a "mutual-certification club" and that its effectiveness depends on the integrity of its members and the support it receives.

Article: Sai Baba Babbling

This section critiques the Indian guru Sai Baba, highlighting an exposé by B. Premanand of India's CSICOP-like organization. It details an incident in July 1989 where rationalist Abraham Kovoor investigated Sai Baba's claim that he had materialized a unique Seiko watch for the head of the Japanese watchmaker company. Kovoor's investigation revealed that no Seiko official had visited India at the time, and no such unique watch existed, concluding the claim was a fabrication. The article uses this to emphasize that miraculous claims should first be considered fabrications.

BAS Board of Directors and Staff

Lists the members of the BAS Board of Directors, including Chair Larry Loebig, Vice Chair Yves Barbero, Secretary Rick Moen, and Treasurer Kent Harker. It also lists the "BASIS" staff, with Kent Harker as editor, Sharon Crawford as associate editor, Kate Talbot for distribution, and Rick Moen for circulation.

BAS Advisors

A comprehensive list of BAS Advisors is provided, including William J. Bennetta, Dean Edell, Donald Goldsmith, Earl Hautala, Alexander Jason, Thomas H. Jukes, John E. McCosker, Diane Moser, Richard J. Ofshe, Bernard Oliver, Kevin Padian, James Randi, Francis Rigney, Wallace I. Sampson, Eugenie C. Scott, Robert Sheaffer, Robert A. Steiner, Ray Spangenburg, and Jill C. Tarter.

Article: The New Science Framework: Why Science Won Big

Dr. Kevin Padian, a professor of evolutionary biology at U.C. Berkeley and an advisor to BAS, discusses his involvement with the "Science Framework Committee" drafting new guidelines for science education in California. He highlights the political tactics used by creationists and the threat to science education, emphasizing that the stakes are high and creationists have an agenda. The article suggests that despite compromises, "science won big" in Sacramento, and Dr. Padian will provide a step-by-step analysis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The publication consistently promotes skepticism towards pseudoscience, religious extremism, and unsubstantiated claims, as seen in the critiques of the ICR, Sai Baba, and creationist influence on science education. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and evidence-based analysis. The publication also engages with policy issues, such as the regulation of educational institutions, advocating for transparency and integrity in these processes. The "BASIS" newsletter serves as a platform for disseminating skeptical viewpoints and informing the public about issues where scientific understanding is challenged or misrepresented.