Bay Area Skeptics Information Sheet - 1991 01

Magazine Overview

This document is the January 1991 issue, Volume 10, Number 1, of "BASIS", a newsletter from the Bay Area Skeptics. The editor is Yves Barbero. The issue features several articles critically examining claims related to evolution, pseudoscience, and paranormal phenomena from a skeptical perspective.

Denton's Strange Mistake

Authored by Thomas H. Jukes, Ph.D., this article critiques Michael Denton's book "Evolution: A Theory in Crisis." Jukes contends that Denton, frequently quoted by creationists, misinterprets scientific literature on molecular evolution, particularly regarding cytochrome c. Denton claims that no eucaryotic cytochrome is intermediate between bacterial and other eucaryotic cytochromes, suggesting a discontinuity. Jukes refutes this, explaining that Denton confuses existing species with ancestors and misunderstands the molecular evolutionary clock, which operates at a relatively uniform rate of amino acid replacements. Jukes asserts that Denton's diagrams are erroneous and that Dayhoff's atlas actually illustrates a branching evolutionary process, not independent descent as Denton implies. The article highlights that DNA replication, while nearly perfect, introduces mutations that drive evolution, and these changes accumulate at a steady rate, forming the basis of the molecular clock.

Portrait of an Intellectual Abuser

By Yves Barbero, this article defines and analyzes a category of individuals Barbero terms 'intellectual abusers.' These individuals, distinct from those who abuse substances, build 'empires' based on pseudoscientific or unconventional notions, often motivated by power and money, though some are sincere. They exploit public ignorance and media attention, often attacking established science by re-framing complex issues. The author contrasts their methods with those of scientists, who rely on precise language and evidence, and are often ill-equipped to handle personal attacks. Intellectual abusers leverage the First Amendment and public distrust in science, amplified by events like scientific 'melt-downs' and perceived failures. They seek validation from political power bases and use media to gain a platform, often presenting themselves as challengers to an 'overfed establishment.' The article suggests that while scientists focus on organized threats to education, these individual abusers, though sometimes using similar tactics, are a persistent phenomenon.

Klass to Speak

This section announces a public meeting of the Eastbay Astronomical Society where Philip J. Klass, a retired senior avionics editor and author on UFOs, will speak on "UFOs: Fact or Fantasy." The event will take place on January 4, 1991, at the Chabot Observatory in Oakland. Free observing through telescopes will follow the program. Information is provided for inquiring about dinner with the speaker.

The Psychic Advisor

This is a letter to the editor from 'Lost in the Stars,' who is concerned about his girlfriend's perception of his newspaper column. He is a man who presents himself as a psychic advisor, but is actually a 'fat, balding man with a beard, and a cigar.' He asks for advice on how to handle this discrepancy. The response suggests he read his own book, "The Psychic's Image: It's All in the Mind."

Palm Reading: A Pseudo-Science/Art Form for Amusement

Written by Dennis R. Burke, a police officer and skeptic, this article details his experiment with palm reading. Burke initially claimed to read fingerprints for a living, which led to requests to read palms. He views palm reading as a fake science, at best an art form for amusement, and at worst a sham. He conducted an experiment using stock statements, finding that subjects rated the readings highly. He notes that the human mind tends to find meaning in vague statements and that people want to hear positive things about themselves. He references Ray Hyman's work on 'cold reading' and M. Lamar Keene's view that spiritualist readings are conscious deceptions. Burke concludes that palm reading is not an ancient science but a mirror for the mind to see what it wants to see, citing a coincidental similarity between palm creases and a map of Venus as an example of how the mind can create meaning from coincidence.

Another Shameless Plug

This section promotes William N. Eschmeyer's "Catalog of the Genera of Recent Fishes," a 697-page work published by the California Academy of Sciences. The editor notes his own minor role in outputting the final drafts of this newsletter using the same computer program.

A Horse's Hind Quarter in the Tilted Wasteland

By Earl Hautala, this article discusses Rick Stack's appearance on a TV talk show to promote his book "Out-of-Body Adventures." Stack offered to teach out-of-body experiences, including 'astral sex.' Loyd Auerbach, a parapsychologist, also appeared. Bob Steiner, founder of the Bay Area Skeptics, provided a skeptical analysis, quoting Stack's book which suggests that negative experiences are caused by one's own fears and negative imaginings. The article notes that Stack's audience seemed more interested in escaping reality than rationally addressing problems, and that such audiences contribute to the collective future through voting.

Talbot Named to Board

This brief announcement states that Kate Talbot, a long-time supporter of the Bay Area Skeptics, has been named to the board of directors, replacing astronomer John Lattanzio. Bob Steiner expresses appreciation for Lattanzio and wishes Talbot success.

The Skeptic's Electronic Bulletin Board

Information is provided for accessing the Bay Area Skeptics' electronic bulletin board, including its baud rate, phone number, and operating hours. Rick Moen is listed as the Sysop.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of scientific claims, particularly in the context of evolution versus creationism, and the debunking of pseudoscience and paranormal phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly one of skepticism, advocating for critical thinking, scientific literacy, and the rejection of unfounded beliefs. The newsletter aims to inform its readers about potentially misleading information and to promote a rational, evidence-based worldview. The articles collectively highlight the importance of scientific rigor and the dangers of accepting claims without critical evaluation.

Title: BASIS
Issue Date: January 1991
Publisher: Bay Area Skeptics
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "BASIS", the monthly publication of the Bay Area Skeptics, prominently features an article by Bob Steiner titled "ANTI-FLUORIDATION -- A LITMUS TEST FOR SKEPTICS". The central focus is the upcoming presentation by JOHN R. LEE, MD, on the topic "The Role of Skepticism in Science and in Understanding the Fluoride Problem." Dr. Lee's stance is that water fluoridation is ineffective for dental health and poses health risks.

Anti-Fluoridation Debate and Skepticism

The article details the challenges faced by the Bay Area Skeptics (BAS) in organizing this event. The author, Bob Steiner, notes that this speaker and topic have generated more controversy than any other in the nine-year history of BAS. Despite efforts, including assistance from EARL HAUTALA, to find a knowledgeable pro-fluoridation health professional to appear alongside Dr. Lee, their quest was unsuccessful. Contacts with The Centers for Disease Control, the American Dental Association, and the University of California at San Francisco Dental School yielded no participants willing to oppose Dr. Lee's views.

Some members of the organization expressed concern, urging that Dr. Lee not be allowed to speak. However, the BAS maintained its commitment to providing an open forum for diverse viewpoints. When it was explained that an opposing speaker could not be secured, some members implored the organization not to allow Dr. Lee to address them. This led to a discussion about setting "ground rules" for Dr. Lee's talk, specifically to restrict it to scientific aspects and avoid discussion of personalities or political elements involved in fluoridation.

Bob Steiner, a founder of BAS, firmly rejected the idea of imposing ground rules, stating that in the organization's history, they have never set such restrictions for speakers. He humorously assured that he would intervene only if Dr. Lee resorted to physical altercations, otherwise, the talk would proceed without imposed limitations. The article poses rhetorical questions to the reader about skepticism, open-mindedness, and the potential censorship of ideas that differ from prevailing bureaucratic opinions.

Upcoming Events and Announcements

Beyond the main anti-fluoridation discussion, the issue includes several other announcements:

Creationists to Hold Conference

A Christian Conference titled "Back to Genesis" is scheduled to be held at the Redwood Chapel Community Church in Castro Valley, California, on January 11th and 12th. The event will feature prominent figures in Scientific Creationism: DUANE GISH, KEN HERN, and JOHN D. MORRIS. The registration fee is $20, with sessions scheduled for Friday evening and Saturday throughout the day.

Stanford Course in Medical Fads

Wallace Sampson, MD, a founder and advisor to BAS, has announced the first four lectures of the annual course in medical fads. These lectures, scheduled for January, cover topics such as "Analysis of Anomalous Claims" by Dr. Sampson, "Visual Foolery and Magic" by Richard Goode, MD, "The Physics of Firewalking and other Miracles" by Bernard Leikind, Ph.D., and "Perseverance of Beliefs" by Lee Ross, MD. Information regarding location and potential changes can be obtained by contacting Dr. Sampson or The Skeptic's Board BBS.

A Voice in the Wilderness?

This section briefly introduces Dr. John R. Lee, MD, as a figure challenging the scientific establishment on the issue of anti-fluoridation. It frames his stance as a potential "Lone Crusader" armed with studies and minority reports, who will address the BAS January meeting.

Organization Information

The issue also lists the "BAS BOARD OF DIRECTORS" and "BASIS STAFF", including names like Larry Loebig (Chair), Yves Barbero (Vice Chair, editor), Rick Moen (Secretary), and others. It also provides a list of "BAS ADVISORS", featuring individuals with diverse scientific and professional backgrounds, such as Dean Edell, MD, Donald Goldsmith, Ph.D., Earl Hautala, Alexander Jason, Thomas H. Jukes, Ph.D., John E. McCosker, Ph.D., Richard J. Ofshe, Ph.D., Bernard Oliver, Ph.D., Kevin Padian, Ph.D., James Randi, Francis Rigney, MD, and Wallace I. Sampson, MD.

Editorial Stance and Disclaimer

A disclaimer is included stating 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 publication also provides information on how to obtain a free sample copy of "BASIS" by mail or through The Skeptic's Board BBS and a voice hotline.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around skepticism, critical thinking, and the open examination of controversial topics, particularly public health issues like water fluoridation. The Bay Area Skeptics organization positions itself as a platform for diverse viewpoints, even those that challenge mainstream scientific consensus. The editorial stance, as articulated by Bob Steiner, is one of intellectual freedom and a commitment to allowing speakers to present their ideas without censorship, provided they adhere to basic standards of conduct. The inclusion of events related to creationism and medical fads further reinforces the organization's broad interest in scrutinizing claims and promoting a skeptical approach to various subjects.