Bay Area Skeptics Information Sheet - 1991 04

Magazine Overview

This issue of "BASIS", the newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics, published in April 1991, focuses on debunking common myths and examining controversial topics through a skeptical lens. The editor is Yves Barbero.

Pregnancy: Facts and Mythconceptions by Molleen Matsumura

This extensive article addresses numerous myths and misconceptions surrounding pregnancy and childbirth. Matsumura begins by noting that every culture has its own lore, especially concerning pregnancy, and that modern society is bombarded with information, misinformation, and myths.

Beginning a Pregnancy

• Myth: Couples who give up trying to conceive often get pregnant, sometimes with twins.
• Fact: This is often due to selective reporting; people who succeed after relaxing are more likely to be discussed than those who don't. Attitude does not affect fertility.
• Fact: To improve chances of conception, men should wear boxers instead of jockeys to keep sperm cool, and couples should avoid hot tubs and saunas. Planned Parenthood offers classes on fertility timing. Ovulation-detection kits are also available.
• Myth: Seeing a fertility specialist involves expensive, painful, and unreliable procedures.
• Fact: Many myths stem from a distrust of the medical profession or science. Initial fertility counseling involves simple, inexpensive tests like blood tests, and patients can ask questions about costs and success rates.
• Myth: You can choose the sex of your child.
• Fact: Methods to influence sex only alter odds slightly. They involve timing conception with the ovulatory cycle and altering vaginal pH, but altering pH can increase the risk of local infection. Researchers are exploring methods, but ethicists are concerned about social consequences.

Pregnancy

• Myth: A pendulum can predict the sex of a baby.
• Fact: There is no way to predict fetal sex except by genetic testing (amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling), which is typically done for genetic or fetal health reasons. Parents can choose to know the sex if these procedures are performed.
• Myth: If a little vitamin supplementation is good, huge amounts are better.
• Fact: A balanced diet with fresh produce is usually sufficient. Prenatal vitamins can help, but excessive amounts of certain vitamins (like Vitamin C or D) can be dangerous, leading to conditions like rebound scurvy or bone deformities.
• Myth: Herbs and herbal extracts are natural, safe, and wonderful.
• Fact: The article questions the safety of various herbs, including raspberry leaf tea (for 'toning the uterus'), valerian (for insomnia, with potential rebound insomnia), and blue cohosh tea (which can cause dangerous uterine contractions). It emphasizes the lack of controlled trials and potential risks.

After the Birth

• Myth: If parents are prevented from immediate holding and bonding with their baby, their long-term relationship will be impaired.
• Fact: Researchers have modified their views; while early bonding may help initial attachment, infant-parent closeness is similar by several months old. Mothers who experience separation at birth may feel sad but do not report suffering in their long-term relationships.
• Myth: Breast-feeding is always difficult/easy, vital/not important, and formulas are fine.
• Fact: Breast-feeding is beneficial for both mother and infant. It reduces the mother's risk of breast cancer and osteoporosis. Newborns receive protection from infections via antibodies in colostrum. Breast milk is easily digested and less likely to cause allergies. Pediatricians recommend it, though formula feeding is also acceptable and common.

The Biggest Myth of All

• Myth: There is only one right way to raise a child, and everyone else knows it but you.
• This is presented as a pervasive myth, with external pressures from family and society contributing to feelings of inadequacy.

Letters to the Editor: Fluoride Again! by Carl Alexander

Carl Alexander expresses delight that "BASIS" is covering medical issues and quackery. He praises the magazine for critically evaluating claims, particularly concerning the fluoride controversy and wild claims for yoga. As a cancer survivor, he has encountered many unproven health claims. He argues that public health officials are less rigorously evaluated than those making claims about things like rice diets for cancer, and that skepticism is crucial for evaluating fluoride's safety and the cause of illness.

Steiner Flap by Robert Clear and Barbara Judd

This article analyzes a statistics puzzle concerning the probability of having two girls, given that at least one child is a girl. The authors critique Fred Convers' analysis, arguing that his method of splitting the problem into cases (first child known vs. second child known) incorrectly assumes more information than is provided. They explain that the probability is 1/4 for two girls in general, but becomes 1/3 if it's known that at least one child is a girl. If the identity of the known girl (first or second) is specified, the probability can be calculated differently, but the core issue is not double-counting.

Goode Night Againe, Little Puzzle by Bob Steiner

Bob Steiner presents a statistical puzzle about the probability of having two children of the same sex. He explains that if a couple has two children, the chance of both being girls is 1/4. If it's known that at least one is a girl, the chance of both being girls is 1/3. The editor adds a comment emphasizing that past performance does not determine future potential, and the sex of subsequent children is a 50/50 chance.

Dental Fillings by Tom Woosnam

This article critically examines a "60 Minutes" segment that suggested dental amalgam fillings (containing mercury) could cause various health problems, including arthritis, colitis, and multiple sclerosis. Woosnam, citing Accuracy in Media and experts, states that no specific disease has been directly linked to mercury from fillings, and that anecdotal reports of improvement after removal are not scientifically validated and could be placebo effects.

• The article notes that the "60 Minutes" report led to a flood of calls for filling replacement, with patients willing to pay significant amounts.
• Dr. Stephen Reingold of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society stated that there is no direct association between amalgam and MS.
• The American Dental Association (ADA) considers recommending amalgam replacement unethical except for cosmetic reasons.
• Studies suggest that the daily mercury release from fillings is minimal compared to mercury intake from seafood.
• "Consumer Reports" is cited as noting that dentists promoting amalgam removal for health reasons may be prioritizing economic interests, and that amalgams have been used safely for over 150 years.
• The article criticizes the "60 Minutes" report for potentially raising false hopes and causing financial harm to patients.

The Editor Adds...

Wallace I. Sampson, M.D., a founder of Bay Area Skeptics, advises against replacing amalgam fillings without scientific findings to support such a move. The editor reflects on the "60 Minutes" show, noting that while anecdotal claims should be investigated, they cannot form public health policy. He also points out that long-standing use does not guarantee safety, and vested economic interests, particularly within the ADA, may influence practices. The editor expresses suspicion of the ADA's endorsement of commercial products and notes that bias in media, like "60 Minutes," can stem from sensationalism rather than malice.

Volunteers for 1991 CSICOP Conference in Berkeley

A list of volunteers for the 1991 CSICOP Conference in Berkeley is provided, along with contact information for further volunteer opportunities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the importance of critical evaluation, skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims (particularly in health and science), and the need to distinguish between anecdotal evidence and scientific fact. The editorial stance is clearly pro-skepticism, encouraging readers to question popular beliefs, media reports, and professional pronouncements, and to rely on empirical evidence and scientific methodology. The newsletter actively debunks myths and exposes potential quackery in various fields, from pregnancy advice to medical treatments and statistical reasoning.

This issue of "BASIS", the monthly publication of the Bay Area Skeptics, dated April 1991, features articles that critically examine contemporary events, particularly the Gulf War and media responses, as well as cultural incidents.

"Spin Doctors and Dervishes" by Yves Barbero

This article by Yves Barbero critiques the media's role and the public relations strategies employed during the Gulf War. Barbero begins by referencing a British general's candid prediction of a ground war due to Saddam Hussein's willingness to use "the currency of human life." He contrasts this with the U.S. administration's initial public relations efforts, which downplayed the likelihood of a ground war. The author asserts that the truth was eventually revealed by events, with modern technology leading to minimal casualties for the allied forces while estimating up to 150,000 Iraqi casualties.

Barbero argues that the press was "stage-managed" under the guise of troop protection, citing the restriction on photographing bodies being brought home. He believes this censorship was aimed at managing public opinion, as the administration feared the electoral consequences of a bloody ground war. The author suggests that journalists would not object to withholding sensitive information like shipping schedules, but the administration's actions were driven by public relations concerns.

The article then delves into the broader implications of the Gulf War, noting the resurgence of "jingoistic patriotism" and the overcoming of the "Vietnam Syndrome." Barbero expresses concern that this signifies a diminished reluctance to engage in armed conflict. While acknowledging the potential justification for the war, he suggests the timing might have been influenced by the American electoral schedule. He advocates for leaders to prioritize examining issues over gauging public reaction, questioning whether the war would have been initiated if it were unpopular and if sanctions could have been given more time.

Barbero challenges the notion that flawless technical execution of the war equates to virtue, attributing the victory to superior technology, funding, generalship, diplomacy, and numbers. He points out Iraq's inability to resupply or build weapons and its lack of self-sufficiency, noting that the cutoff of oil exports was a critical factor. He concludes that "Goodness had nothing to do with it!", quoting May West.

Saddam Hussein's "ineptness in his public-relations campaign" is highlighted as a key factor. Despite potential diplomatic skills of other nations in the region, Hussein's actions, such as gassing his own people and invading Kuwait, made the region's rulers nervous and malleable. Barbero also criticizes the assumption of moral certitude based on a favorable balance sheet, noting that Kuwait had stolen oil from Iraq and that both Kuwait and many Arab allies are reactionary dictatorships exploiting their populations, with limited rights for imported workers.

The author discusses Philip Agee's theory that the U.S. engineered the war to re-establish itself as a world power with commercial advantages. Barbero agrees that the U.S. sought an opportunity to demonstrate its prowess, suggesting that Grenada and Panama were too small for the desired message, making the Iraq War the "right size." He reluctantly concedes that the war might have been justifiable but stresses that war should be a last resort. He hopes the "Vietnam Syndrome" is not dead, defining patriotism as love for the land and people, not blind adherence to administration policy.

Barbero expresses fear that military forces will be sold to the highest bidder and young lives will become the chief export. He concludes that the best way to avoid war is to promote popular government, as he cannot recall a single instance of one democracy declaring war on another.

"WMMR, The Enforcer of Authority" by Brian Siano

This article, edited by Brian Siano, Secretary/Editor of the Delaware Valley Skeptics, discusses censorship and its use in enforcing political agendas and promoting commercial interests. It highlights an incident involving singer Sinead O'Connor and radio station WMMR in Philadelphia.

Sinead O'Connor's policy of not allowing national anthems before her shows initially went unnoticed. However, when she threatened to refuse to perform at a concert in New Jersey, radio stations, including WMMR, organized "Anti-Sinead activities" to boost ratings. WMMR's DJ John DiBella distributed American flags and encouraged the crowd to protest O'Connor's performance. The author notes that this predictable reaction led to audience members waving flags and chanting the National Anthem, with some flags being thrown at the stage, cheating the audience who came to hear O'Connor.

The article draws a parallel to John Lennon's 1966 comment about the Beatles being "bigger than Jesus," which led to record-burnings and protests. Lennon was forced to apologize, stating that some followers were "a bit thick." Siano suggests that WMMR would likely have acted similarly to the Lennon incident, but O'Connor's actions were more recent and targeted "patriots." The author questions how WMMR would have handled the more critical Lennon of 1973.

Siano criticizes WMMR for pandering to "mindless stupidity and unquestioning patriotism" to sell products and cater to specific market segments, citing sponsors like Coors Beer and Budweiser, and their support for the pro-censorship Parents' Music Resource Center. The Sinead O'Connor incident is described as an "ugly exercise in demagoguery," which the author would expect from figures like Howard Stern or Jerry Falwell, but not from DiBella, who could have used his platform to educate his audience.

Instead of educating, DiBella and WMMR allegedly organized a mob to harass and intimidate O'Connor. The author notes that O'Connor's fans were wiser and more open-minded. He also points out that those most vocal about flag-burning or the National Anthem were silent when Oliver North and Ronald Reagan were perceived as "gutting the Constitution."

Other Sections

Psychic Advisor

A brief mention of a "Psychic Advisor" service, offering "six official computer-generated scrolls" upon sending a check.

Laser Printer?

A query asking if anyone has a working laser printer to donate to "BASIS," noting the need for computing equipment for final drafts.

The Skeptic's Electronic Bulletin Board

Information is provided for "The Skeptic's BBS," a 2400 Baud line at 415-648-8944, operated by Rick Moen.

1991 CSICOP Conference

An announcement for the 1991 CSICOP Conference, hosted by the Bay Area Skeptics and co-sponsored by CSICOP and the University of California at Berkeley Physics Department. The conference was scheduled for May 3-5, 1991, at the Claremont Resort Hotel in Berkeley/Oakland Hills, California. The keynote address was to be "In Search of Our Origins" by Donald C. Johanson.

BAS Board of Directors and Staff

A list of the Bay Area Skeptics (BAS) Board of Directors, including Chair Larry Loebig, Vice Chair Yves Barbero, and Secretary Rick Moen. The "BASIS" staff is also listed, with Yves Barbero as editor.

BAS Advisors

A comprehensive list of BAS advisors is provided, including scientific consultants, medical reporters, astronomers, investigative consultants, science writers, UFO experts, magicians, and academics from various institutions, including UC Berkeley and NASA Ames Research Center.

Calendar: April Meeting

An announcement for an April meeting featuring a talk titled "NATURE OF EVIL -- CULT VICIOUSNESS" by John Hubner, scheduled for Tuesday, April 16, 1991, at the Gallery Theatre, Skyline College, San Bruno.

Contact Information and Sample Copy Offer

Contact information for Yves Barbero is provided. The publication offers a free sample copy of "BASIS" upon request, with mailing instructions to BAY AREA SKEPTICS in San Francisco, or via their BBS or hotline.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical examination of media narratives, government actions, and cultural phenomena. The editorial stance, as reflected in the articles, is skeptical of official accounts, particularly concerning the Gulf War and the motivations behind media coverage. There is a strong emphasis on questioning authority, exposing censorship, and advocating for intellectual honesty and critical thinking. The publication appears to be a platform for dissenting viewpoints and a defense against what it perceives as manipulation and jingoism, promoting a more reasoned and less nationalistic approach to understanding complex events. The critique of WMMR's actions highlights a concern for the responsible use of media influence and a disdain for demagoguery.