Bay Area Skeptics Information Sheet - 1990 10

Magazine Overview

This issue of "BASIS", the newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics, dated October 1990, is Volume 9, Number 10, and is edited by Yves Barbero. The cover features a Halloween theme with the headline "HAPPIE HALLOWE'EN" and a piece by Shillaber Montabue.

HAPPIE HALLOWE'EN

This section, written in an archaic style, presents a piece picked up from a chronicle published in Oxfordshire, England, on October 23, 1594. It discusses the holiday of Hallowe'en, emphasizing that it is not "HOLLOW" but a time for "magic, witches, puzzles, parties, and all sorts of mysterious delights." The author invites readers to imagine themselves as royalty, either Queen Elizabeth or King Henry VIII, for the festivities, with a reminder that it is "plaie time onelie" and no head-chopping is allowed.

Two puzzles are presented:

• PUZZLE NUMBRE ONE: At a Hallowe'en party, a man states, "I have two children, at least one of whom is a girl. What is the probability that both are girls?"
• PUZZLE NUMBRE TWO: At the party, there are two doors. One leads to the party, the other pushes a pie into your face. Two witches guard the doors; one always tells the truth, the other always lies. You know neither witch's identity. You may ask only one question of only one witch to determine which door leads to the party.

The answers to these puzzles are promised for the next issue.

News from Argentina: CAIRP FORMED

This section announces the formation of a new organization in Argentina called CAIRP (Centro Argentino Para la Investigacion y Refutacion de la Pseudociencia). Its aims are similar to CSICOP, focusing on investigating and debunking claims of pseudoscience, including Astrology, Parapsychology, UFOlogy, and Paranormal Health Claims. CAIRP aims to centralize and coordinate efforts to debunk fringe science, noting the lack of alternative explanations offered by the mass media and the awareness of systematic fraud in these areas, with professional magicians working with them. They are seeking contact with similar groups worldwide and request newsletters or publications.

Letter to the Editor: COSMIC CONNECTION DEPT.

This section contains a letter from Paul Albertsen, dated May 10, 1990. Albertsen discusses the potential connection between the zodiac and the Bible, noting that the twelve sons of Jacob, the twelve Judges, and the twelve minor prophets correspond to the twelve signs of the zodiac. He suggests this structure persists from Genesis through Revelation and finds it remarkable that it has remained so unknown.

FRAKNOI ON BLACK HOLES

This is an announcement that Andrew Fraknoi, an astronomer and advisor to the Bay Area Skeptics, will offer a non-technical introduction to "Black Holes: Spacewarps, Time Machines, and the death of stars" at U.C. Berkeley on Saturday, November 3rd. The program is sponsored by U.C. Extension and the Astronomical Society of the Pacific.

FEYNMAN ON ESP

Authored by Lawrence S. Lerner, this piece discusses Richard Feynman's views on ESP. Lerner recounts a discourse by Feynman given in late 1964 or early 1965. Feynman, when asked about ESP, stated he didn't know anything about it and would answer a different question. He described an experiment where a small bump appeared in noisy data. After improving the signal-to-noise ratio by a factor of 10, the bump remained, but Feynman noted that he could no longer be sure of its significance. Lerner interprets this as Feynman's genius for looking at a familiar question from a novel, generalized point of view, summarizing the experience of ESP researchers. He notes that physics majors grasp this concept more readily than freshmen and sophomores, indicating they have learned about the methods of science.

BERKELEY SKEPTIC NAMED TO STEERING COMMITTEE

Joe Anuff, a member of the Berkeley Skeptics and an undergraduate at UC Berkeley, has been named to the "Steering Committee" to facilitate the upcoming 1991 CSICOP conference in Berkeley.

OOPS!

This brief note corrects an omission, stating that Robert Sheaffer was incorrectly left off the list of members of the 1991 CSICOP Steering Committee in the previous month's issue.

OPINION: CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE (Part 1)

By Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, this article expresses alarm at the "false accusations" of childhood sexual abuse and dismay at the readiness of people to credit them, recommending Diana Russell's "The Secret Trauma" and David Finkelhor's "Child Sexual Abuse." Masson notes that child sexual abuse has been common and denied for centuries, with psychiatrists historically being reluctant to acknowledge it. He questions the sudden activism of psychiatrists in this field, suggesting it might be driven by financial gain. He credits feminists for bringing the reality of child sexual abuse to recognition but warns against those who might try to suppress it, especially if they have financial or legal interests. He urges skepticism towards claims of widespread "false accusations" due to the historical reluctance of psychiatrists to address their own dismal record.

OPINION: CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE (Part 2)

By Yves Barbero, this article agrees with Masson's points about child abuse and the potential for some psychiatrists to profit from the issue. Barbero cautions against "false accusations" and the potential for hysteria to lead to innocent people being jailed, drawing parallels to witch hunts. He criticizes public policy being driven by hysteria rather than debate and notes the temptation to control people's sexual behavior. Barbero suggests that while recognizing child abuse is important, measures should not be rushed or pushed by politically motivated prosecutors. He advises suspicion towards "expertise" offered by under-employed professionals, particularly when the term "emotional" is used, advocating for clear legal definitions of child abuse. He proposes a division of child welfare that handles all child-related problems rather than a separate child abuse department to avoid inflated caseloads. He calls for a balance between addressing child abuse and protecting individuals from public hysteria, citing divorces as a common context for such accusations. Barbero argues for tight legal definitions to protect the innocent and notes that child abusers are repeaters. He critiques the legal system's orientation towards punishment and property redistribution, and the reliance on popular morality for child welfare. He acknowledges societal progress in child welfare but warns against an atmosphere of fear that might lead adults to avoid contact with children due to the "expert" definition of "normal" sexuality. He concludes that child abuse, sexual or physical, should be handled by a clear legal framework, possibly combining treatment and punishment.

From the Creation Front: ICR AMENDS LAWSUIT AGAINST HONIG

This section reports that the State of California has moved to withdraw approval for the Institute for Creation Research Graduate School (ICRGS) to grant master's degrees in science. In response, ICRGS filed a lawsuit against the California Department of Education and Superintendent Bill Honig. The ICRGS amended its filing on May 15th, adding Kenneth B. Cumming, S. Harris Rugg, and Woodside Christian Elementary School, Inc. as plaintiffs. The amended complaint argues that denying ICRGS approval amounts to "overt discrimination" and "state hostility" against religious beliefs, implying the state should recognize whatever religious believers declare to be science. ICR attorney Wendell Bird is reportedly serving subpoenas for depositions, including to Kevin Padian, Lawrence S. Lerner, William J. Bennetta, and Richard E. Dickerson.

MINI BOOK REVIEW

This review discusses "The Rise of Life" by John Reader, illustrated by John Gurche. The reviewer, at the suggestion of Eugenie C. Scott, found the oversized paperback worthwhile, particularly for its illustrations. The book is described as an ideal generalized account for teenagers and is recommended by the reviewer and an adult friend who called it "propaganda" for evolution.

SUDANESE BIOLOGIST JAILED FOR TEACHING EVOLUTION

This report details the jailing and torture of Farouk Mohammed Ibrahim, a professor of biology at the University of Khartoum, for teaching students about evolution. According to Andy Coghlan in "New Scientist," the fundamentalist Muslim government has jailed hundreds of political opponents, but Ibrahim is apparently the first jailed for scientific views. Ibrahim's smuggled letter describes torture, including whipping, kicking, and beating, along with verbal abuse and threats. An interrogator made it clear that teaching evolution was the crime. The Muslim community in Britain is reportedly shocked, and international efforts are underway for his release. The report notes that most Islamic scholars find no contradiction between evolution and the Koran, but fundamentalism could change this. John R. Cole of the National Center for Science Education attempted to contact the Sudanese Embassy without success and is seeking information on Ibrahim's fate.

GREETINGS FROM THE SISKIYOU HUMANISTS

This section introduces the SISKIYOU HUMANISTS, a skeptic/humanist group in Northern California that became active in response to local New Age quackery and fundamentalist intrusion. The group produces a videotape and a monthly newsletter. Their newsletter offers a humanist perspective and skeptical examination of claims made by local charlatans and religious dogmatists, critiquing various phenomena like dental faith healers, crystal stores, Satanic sacrifice, Bigfoot sightings, and pro-life propaganda. Currently, they are involved in a controversy at Weed Elementary School, where creation "science" is taught alongside regular science. The Siskiyou Humanists are asking the school board to stop this practice and adhere to the state's science framework, while fundamentalists are pressuring the board to maintain it. The board had not made a decision as of August.

Letter to the Editor: INESCAPABLE RELIGIOSITY

Authored by Thomas H. Jukes, Ph.D., this letter criticizes a previous "BASIS" article by Walter Hearn, calling it a "long, rambling criticism" and an "extensive personal attack on Bennetta." Jukes dismisses Hearn's remarks as trivial and ad hominem. He notes that Hearn provides information on the American Scientific Affiliation (ASA), whose members must sign a Statement of Faith, similar to the Institute for Creation Research (ICR).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "BASIS" include the promotion of skepticism and critical thinking, particularly through puzzles and the debunking of pseudoscience and paranormal claims. The newsletter actively engages with scientific topics like black holes and evolution, contrasting them with creationism and religious fundamentalism. There is a strong emphasis on rational inquiry and evidence-based reasoning, as seen in the discussions on ESP and the critique of unsubstantiated claims. The publication also addresses social issues through a skeptical lens, such as the complexities surrounding child sexual abuse accusations and the importance of clear legal definitions. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific understanding, rationalism, and a critical examination of societal beliefs and claims, as evidenced by the formation of CAIRP, the critique of creationism, and the reporting on the jailing of a biologist for teaching evolution. The newsletter also fosters connections with like-minded groups, encouraging collaboration in promoting skeptical viewpoints.

This document is the October 1990 issue of the "Bay Area Skeptic Informatoin Sheet," a newsletter published by the Bay Area Skeptics. It features a collection of articles, reviews, and announcements relevant to skeptical inquiry, science, and the debunking of pseudoscience and religious extremism.

Articles and Content

Critique of ASA's Stance on Evolution

The issue opens with a critique of an article by "Hearn" (presumably from the ASA, American Scientific Affiliation) regarding evolution. The author expresses disagreement with Hearn's views, particularly his quote of Robert Root-Bernstein, whom the author labels an advocate of "equal time for nonsense," a creationist position. Hearn is accused of "double-talk" for stating that ASA supports evolutionary science while opposing "evolutionism (evolutionary naturalism)." The author also criticizes Hearn's attack on William Provine, a "scientific ideologue," and Hearn's assertion that God's purposeful activities make the world contingent. A significant point of contention is Hearn's recitation of ASA's booklet "Teaching Science in a Climate of Controversy," specifically the conclusion that "it is too soon to say with certainty that we share a common ancestry with apes." The author argues that this common ancestry has been settled since Darwin's time and is overwhelmingly supported by scientific criteria, reinforcing the view that ASA is a creationist organization. The article touches on the creationist argument that teaching children about ape ancestry might lead them to "act like monkeys," referencing a 1981 denunciation of a teacher for making a child dress as a monkey.

Book Review: "BEYOND BEYOND BEYOND"

Indigo Blinkin' reviews "BEYOND BEYOND BEYOND" by Shillaber Montabue, edited by Robert A. Steiner. The review is framed by Steiner's claim that Montabue had unearthed a "Sixteenth Century masterpiece of Foresight." The reviewer, quoting a translated contemporary book review (c. 1603), presents a highly critical perspective on Montabue's work. The reviewer states that Montabue abandons traditional ways and ancient wisdom for a rational world, ignoring the spiritual. The work is criticized for oversimplifying the cosmos by ignoring evil and spirits as explanations for human problems. It is also noted that Montabue's mentor was the first woman philosopher at Oxford, and the reviewer asserts that a woman behaving as a philosopher is "to honour Satan." The book is deemed a waste of money, threatening physique with "plagues and witchery," and its advice is considered unsound, such as weakening men by promoting vegetables over meat and opening humors to spirits through exercise. The most egregious point, according to the reviewer, is Montabue's suggestion of equality between the sexes, for which the author suggests Montabue "will be burned." The reviewer promotes his own book, "A Thousand Ways to Make Friends and Influence Spirits."

Skeptics Safe: Texas Evangelist Larry Lea

This section reports on the activities of Texas evangelist Larry Lea, dubbed "God's Green Beret," who was scheduled to visit the Bay Area on Halloween to "do battle with Satanic forces." The report cites San Jose pastor Dick Bernel, who claims San Francisco is ruled by the "Spirit of Perversion," Oakland by the "Spirit of Murder," San Jose by the "Spirit of Greed," Watsonville by the "Spirit of Poverty," and Marin by the "Spirit of the New Age." C. Peter Fuller, a professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, is quoted as saying that the idea of "territorial spirits" is taken seriously by many Pentecostals and evangelicals. Bernel also states that the Bay Area has been a "launching pad" for "free sex, the homosexual movement, acid rock." Religion reporter Don Lattin is mentioned as writing about Lea's "Change Your Life" television show, aired on 40 independent stations. Lea reportedly has signed 280,000 "prayer warriors" and aims for 300,000 "intercessors" for his crusade. The report notes that Lea's campaign focuses on fighting spirits of witchcraft, drugs, and sexual perversion, but not "Skepticism."

Baumgartners Come Through Again

This short piece reports on the annual Bay Area Skeptics picnic hosted by Carol and Ben Baumgartner on August 18th. The event featured a demonstration of psychic surgery by founder/magician Bob Steiner. The food is highlighted as the main attraction, with its quality and quantity being exceptional.

Welcome to Swindleville!

Robert A. Steiner writes about an upcoming October meeting titled "Welcome to Swindleville!" The article addresses individuals who believe they cannot be swindled, stating that they are precisely the targets for con artists who use psychology to prey on morals, civic duty, and the desire for extra money. Steiner's skill as a magician is mentioned as a way to learn about these tactics entertainingly.

Calendar and Contact Information

An upcoming meeting is announced for Tuesday, October 23, 1990, at 7:30 pm at the El Cerrito Public Library. Attendees are advised to check the BAS CALENDAR or call 415-LA-TRUTH for event updates and to leave suggestions for topics or speakers on the hotline. A warning is issued to call the hotline before attending any Calendar activity due to potential changes.

Wanted

The newsletter lists needs for original graphics, someone to accurately transcribe interviews from cassette tapes, and a good photographer. It humorously notes that the hours are lousy, there is no pay (except grudgingly paid expenses), and a sense of humor is helpful but not required.

BAS Board of Directors and Staff

Lists the members of the BAS Board of Directors, including Chair Larry Loebig, Vice Chair Yves Barbero, and Secretary Rick Moen. It also lists the "BASIS" Staff, with Yves Barbero as editor, and BAS Advisors, including William J. Bennetta, Dean Edell, and Donald Goldsmith.

Advisors and Contributors

Further lists of advisors are provided, including 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. The document notes that opinions expressed in "BASIS" are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of BAS, its board, or its advisors.

Subscription Information

Selected articles are from the October 1990 issue of "BASIS," the monthly publication of Bay Area Skeptics. Information is provided on how to obtain a free sample copy by mail, or by leaving a message on "The Skeptic's Board" BBS or the 415-LA-TRUTH hotline. The copyright is held by BAY AREA SKEPTICS for 1990, and reprints must credit "BASIS, newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly reflects the editorial stance of the Bay Area Skeptics: a commitment to scientific rationality, critical thinking, and the debunking of pseudoscience, religious extremism, and fraudulent claims. The recurring themes include the conflict between science and creationism, the exposure of con artists and their methods, and the skepticism towards supernatural or religiously motivated explanations for phenomena. The newsletter actively promotes scientific literacy and critical evaluation of information presented to the public, particularly in areas where science and belief systems intersect. The tone is often critical and dismissive of viewpoints that are perceived as unscientific or irrational.