Bay Area Skeptics Information Sheet - 1990 08

Magazine Overview

This issue of "BASIS", the newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics, dated August 1990, Volume 9, Number 8, features a critical analysis of pseudoscientific claims, including astrology and New Age beliefs, alongside reviews of cultural exhibits and personal accounts.

BOLLING FOR FACTS

This article by Wayne Bartz, Ph.D. and Richard Rason, Ed.D., analyzes the astrological claims of Sacramento media psychic Sherri Bolling. To test her accuracy, 15 statements from a KOVR-TV appearance were given to 232 Introductory Psychology students at American River College. The statements were generalized by removing specific astrological signs. The study found that three out of four statements supposedly applying to Libras were rated by Libras as "wrong," and none of the four were significantly different from non-Libras. Women showed slightly higher agreement with statements than men. Only four of the fifteen statements had a mean rating below the middle of the scale, indicating most were very general. The most agreed-upon statement was "You have a tendency to push yourself too much and/or you worry too much sometimes." The article concludes that Bolling's claims were not supported and that people tend to respond to general statements, accept positive ones, and reject negative or specific ones. The study found no validation for paranormal powers but supported the idea of human suggestibility.

THE "LIFE THROUGH TIME" EXHIBIT

By John Taube, this section reviews the "Life Through Time" exhibit at the California Academy of Science in Golden Park, San Francisco. The exhibit spans three billion years of life on Earth with over sixty exhibits, including a Protoceratops, an 8-inch-long cockroach, and the "Age of Coal Forests" from 300 million years ago. Dr. Eugenie (Genie) Scott, a director of Bay Area Skeptics and biological anthropologist, will act as a personal guide for a tour on Saturday, September 22nd. Information is provided on advance tickets and the coordinator, John Taube.

BROTHER AUSTIN MILES ADDRESSES BAY AREA SKEPTICS

Written by Bob Steiner, this article recounts the June 1990 meeting where Brother Austin Miles spoke to the Bay Area Skeptics. Miles, described as nattily dressed in a white suit, spoke about the righteousness of evangelists and his own human worth. He also pitched for money, stating, "I only want to serve you. I have never swindled anybody. All I'm asking for is a chance." The article mentions his book, "Don't Call Me Brother," detailing his life in the Assemblies of God Church. Miles shared his experiences of being lured into evangelism after a career as a circus clown and ringmaster, and how he learned the truth about televangelists like Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker. He recounted a story about Oral Roberts University and Oral Roberts himself, which Miles confirmed. The article highlights Miles's ability to maintain perspective and humor despite adversity.

13 HAZARDS OF NEW AGE THINKING

By Pat Kehoe, director of the Mental Health Clinic, this article outlines thirteen dangers associated with New Age thinking. These include: susceptibility to fraud and exploitation, dissemination of misinformation, prioritizing intuition over verifiable evidence, belief in malevolent supernatural forces, attributing behavior to external powers, implying knowledge without effort, disparaging critical thinking, accepting all options equally, lack of checks and balances, using unfalsifiable explanatory devices, encouraging harmful practices, and the development of social policies based on erroneous claims. The article notes that New Age appeals particularly to the naive and vulnerable.

IT'S GOTTA BE YOU

By Prentiss Willson, M.D., this piece reviews a KCBS talk show expose on astrology featuring Art Finley (host) and Shawn Carlson, Ph.D. (physicist and BAS board member). The article compares astrologer Joan Quigley to Rasputin, suggesting astrology's role in Russia's downfall. Dr. Carlson argued logically against astrology, noting that no one has ever successfully claimed the $11,000 or $100,000 prize for invalidating astrology. The author suggests that Finley and Carlson effectively discredited astrology. The article references H. L. Mencken's skepticism about underestimating public stupidity and Jacques Monod's views on human origins versus man-made myths. It also mentions an AP press release about a man stabbing his wife after being struck by lightning, which the author suggests would be interpreted by some as proof of supernatural intervention.

RAMPARTS

This feature encourages readers to submit examples of irrationality. It discusses the New Age industry's focus on the "Inner Self" and high-tech gizmos for "synchronizing energies." It mentions a patron's experience with a "brain massage" that left him mentally relaxed but not energized. It also touches on "Mind Gym" owner Maryellen Visconti and psychologist Dr. Jim McGaugh's views on hard work versus devices for intelligence enhancement. The section critiques Stanton Friedman's UFO hotline venture, questioning the quality of a database built from uncontrolled calls and noting that UFOlogy is in a poor state due to internal fighting and the influx of "loony tunes."

CSICOP IS COMING

By Mark Hodes, this article announces that the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP) has chosen Bay Area Skeptics to host the 1991 conference in the San Francisco Bay area. The conference is expected to occur the first weekend in May at UC Berkeley. BAS will provide liaison services, and "BASIS" and "Skeptical Inquirer" will publish details. The conference offers an opportunity for public discussion of skeptical issues with scholars. Past speakers included Nobel Laureate Murray Gell-Mann and Harvard biologist Stephen Jay Gould. The 1990 conference featured Gerard Piel. The article notes that the event requires volunteer coordination and mentions the steering committee, including representatives from various Bay Area skeptic groups.

COURTS VS. RELIGION

By John Taube, this article discusses a "New York Times" piece about a Supreme Court decision regarding an Amish dispute. It illustrates the harm of relying on fate when technology demands a practical approach. BAS's stance is that religion is private, but laws should curtail religious activities if they infringe on community welfare. The article references a Minnesota law requiring slow-moving vehicles to have reflecting triangles, which the Amish eschew.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of pseudoscientific beliefs, particularly astrology and New Age phenomena, contrasted with scientific inquiry and rational skepticism. The Bay Area Skeptics, through its publication "BASIS," consistently promotes critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and the debunking of unsubstantiated claims. The editorial stance is clearly one of advocating for scientific literacy and cautioning against the acceptance of paranormal or supernatural explanations without rigorous scrutiny. The issue also highlights the importance of skepticism in understanding human behavior, cultural phenomena, and the potential for exploitation inherent in unverified claims.

This document is the August 1990 issue of the "Bay Area Skeptic Information Sheet," a publication of the Bay Area Skeptics. It features articles on skepticism, critical thinking, and pseudoscience, along with organizational news and event announcements.

Content Summary

Religion and Civil Law

The issue opens with a discussion on the conflict between religious beliefs and civil law. It highlights a group that refuses to obey laws due to their religious convictions, potentially endangering others. The article mentions a "Times" article and a Supreme Court decision that sent a case back to the Minnesota Supreme Court for reconsideration, suggesting that courts and politicians are hesitant to challenge religious claims. Austin Miles's talk to the Bay Area Skeptics is referenced, emphasizing that while the judiciary may be aware of religious fraud, they feel their hands are tied.

Farewell from the Editor

Kent Harker writes a farewell piece after three years as editor. He expresses gratitude for the privilege of editing the newsletter and being involved with the Bay Area Skeptics (BAS). He acknowledges the responsibility and the intimidating nature of the readership due to their accomplishments. Harker thanks Bob Steiner and Bruce LaCentra, president of LaCentra Graphics, for their contributions to the newsletter's layout and format. He also thanks John Taube for alerting him to BAS events and the readers for their interest and support. Yves Barbero is announced as the new editor, and Kate Talbot will take over as Meeting Coordinator.

BAS Picnic Announcement

An announcement for the annual BAS picnic is included, scheduled for Saturday, August 18th, starting around noon at Greer Park in Palo Alto. Attendees are advised to begin a three-day fast on Wednesday, August 15th, to prepare for the "Feast." The picnic will feature food, entertainment, and presentations, including a live demonstration of psychic surgery by Bob Steiner, slight-of-hand routines by Don Henvick, and a recap of the Hubble Telescope project by astronomer Norm Sperling.

Down-Under Dowsing Test

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to a dowsing test conducted by the Australian Skeptics (AS). The article details the claims of Mayor Dan Gleeson, who boasted about his dowsing abilities, including finding hidden items from an aircraft. The test protocol involved diviners attempting to locate buried targets (water, gold, or electric cable) in a controlled, double-blind environment. The test site was a field of natural grass, with targets buried in rows and covered by carpet. The concealment procedure ensured that neither the concealers nor the diviners knew the locations of the targets.

During pre-test sessions, Mayor Gleeson demonstrated his dowsing rod, which reacted to an empty bottle and a bottle of ethanol, which he believed contained water. The results of the main test showed that the highest success rate for any dowser was 40%, with an average success rate of 25%, which is only slightly better than random chance (20%). The article concludes that the force moving the dowsers' sticks is likely their own muscles and imagination, not any paranormal ability.

Excuses and Further Demonstrations

Following the dowsing test, numerous excuses were offered by the diviners for their failures, including distractions in the test area and carpet interference. The article recounts an instance where a dowser claimed to find gold, but the copper used to simulate it was hidden under horse manure. Another anecdote involves Mayor Gleeson, who, after being shown the empty bottle and bottle of alcohol, was asked to find something in a large area, only to have his wand react incorrectly.

Organizational Information

The issue lists the BAS Board of Directors, including Chair Larry Loebig, Vice Chair Yves Barbero, and Secretary Rick Moen. The "BASIS" staff is also listed, with Kent Harker as editor, Sharon Crawford as associate editor, Kate Talbot for distribution, and Rick Moen for circulation. A list of BAS Advisors is provided, featuring prominent figures in science and skepticism, such as William J. Bennetta, Dean Edell, Donald Goldsmith, and Robert Sheaffer.

Calendar and Contact Information

A calendar section includes an upcoming August Meeting and the BAS Picnic. Contact information for reservations and event details is provided, including a phone number (415-LA-TRUTH) and a BBS number. The issue also includes instructions on how to obtain a free sample copy of "BASIS" by contacting the Bay Area Skeptics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of the Bay Area Skeptic Information Sheet strongly promotes skepticism and critical thinking. It consistently debunks or questions pseudoscientific claims, such as dowsing, and highlights the importance of scientific methodology, like double-blind testing. The publication appears to be critical of religious claims that conflict with civil law and scientific understanding. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rationalism, evidence-based reasoning, and the debunking of paranormal phenomena and unsubstantiated beliefs. The organization actively engages its members through events like picnics and provides resources for further information and discussion.