Cincinnati Skeptic - Vol 03 No 04 - 1994

Magazine Overview

Title: The Association for Rational Thought News
Issue: Vol. 3, No. 4
Date: April, 1994
Publisher: The Association for Rational Thought (A.R.T.)
Focus: Skepticism, rational evaluation of fringe science, pseudoscience, and paranormal claims.

A.R.T. Activities and Membership

The Association for Rational Thought (A.R.T.) is dedicated to encouraging a rational, well-informed evaluation of fringe science, pseudoscience, and paranormal claims. A.R.T. promotes a scientific viewpoint and disseminates the results of investigations to the public. The newsletter announces A.R.T.'s third annual meeting on Saturday, April 9, 1994, at the Bethesda Blue Ash Medical Building. Investigations Officer Joe Gastright will present "trace families of well-known and little-known pseudo-sciences from the 1790's to the present." The meeting will also include the annual election of officers, followed by an invitation to join A.R.T. members for lunch at the James Tavern.

The newsletter staff has expanded to four volunteers: Virginia Jergens (Editor), Peter Jergens (Layout Editor), Roy Auerbach (Mailing Lists), and Brad Bonham (Production Editor). Additional volunteers, including Ruthann West, Dick Shepherd, and Cathy Russell, assist with folding, sealing, and mailing.

Call for Articles

A.R.T. News is seeking articles from readers on topics such as crop circles, Bigfoot sightings, near-death experiences, and other pseudoscientific or paranormal phenomena. Articles should be researched, informative, and between 1000 words (4 double-spaced pages). Authors must state their position and provide supporting evidence, as well as present opposing viewpoints and evidence against them. Advice from "Science & Superstition" suggests critically examining claims from a responsible, scientific point of view, encouraging scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and the use of reason, while avoiding unnecessary technical jargon and directing critiques toward ideas, not individuals. Authors must be prepared to provide documentation for factual assertions.

International Skepticism and Publications

Roy Auerbach is highlighted for his article "The Five Laws of Quack Science," which appeared in the first issue of "Science & Superstition." This new publication is described as an "international information resource on the investigation of paranormal claims," created by Philip Marmaros, editor and founder of the Israel Skeptics Society. "Science & Superstition" aims to investigate paranormal claims in concert with the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Paranormal Claims. The premier issue is noted for its presentation of the skeptic's role in a credulous culture. A.R.T. News is now regularly posted on the Internet via A.R.T. Media Resources Coordinator Lance Moody.

Naturopathy: A Brief Overview

The basic premise of naturopathy is that disease results from toxin buildup, and naturopaths use natural methods to eliminate these toxins. However, there is little agreement among practitioners regarding the nature of these toxins or what constitutes "natural" treatment. Naturopaths are licensed as primary care physicians in some states and were founded by John H. Steele. Early practices included hydrotherapy, herbal medication, and manipulation. Naturopaths often employ eclectic methods, including fasting and enemas. The article notes that there is currently no research supporting the foundational theory of naturopathy.

NCAHF Report: Health Fraud

The National Council Against Health Fraud, Inc. (NCAHF) is a non-profit organization providing information on health care. A recent NCAHF newsletter discussed political pressures on the National Institutes of Health to establish an Office of Alternative Medicine, warned about dangers of acupuncture with prosthetic heart valves, reviewed a book on avoiding medical quackery, and discussed Senator Orrin Hatch's role in supporting the health food industry. The NCAHF publishes a bimonthly newsletter.

Bill Knell and UFO Claims

Mary Pacinda, A.R.T. Secretary, reports on a presentation by flying saucer investigator Bill Knell. Knell claimed to have proof of extraterrestrial flying saucers and government cover-ups. Pacinda critically analyzes Knell's claims, pointing out factual inaccuracies and logical fallacies. Knell's assertion of a "38 levels above a Q-clearance" is debunked by checking with classification officers. His claim of finding human body parts from cadavers on flying saucers is questioned regarding identification. Knell's anecdote about a missionary doctor in South Africa receiving a trinket from a crashed saucer is challenged by the known eradication of smallpox by 1989. Knell's mention of "underground tunnels" at Wright Patterson Air Force Base is questioned due to the high water table in the area. His claim that Wright Patterson sent up F-14s to chase UFOs is contrasted with the base's known F-16s. Knell's assertion that President Bush sealed Bill Clinton's file due to a UFO question is deemed highly improbable. His claim that cameras on the moon landing focused on the ladder to hide UFOs is also dismissed. Knell's story about the Philadelphia Experiment is presented as a standard flying saucer narrative. His discovery of a secret military base at Montauk Point is described as unlikely given the terrain and his physical condition. Pacinda concludes that Knell put on an entertaining show but was not taken too seriously by the audience.

Tunguska Meteorite: Scientific Explanation

An article from "Astronomy" magazine is summarized, addressing the Tunguska meteorite event of 1908. The explosion, which occurred in Siberia, knocked down trees over a 25-mile diameter area and generated a shock wave recorded globally. The lack of a crater led to unscientific explanations. The scientific explanation posits a stony meteorite exploding about five miles above ground, with an estimated yield of 20 megatons. The explosion fragmented the meteorite into dust and granules, explaining the absence of a crater. This explanation is presented as sufficient, negating the need for exotic theories involving comets, anti-matter, black holes, or UFOs.

Global Warming: Fact or Myth?

This section features letters to the editor debating global warming. Everett DeJager questions the scientific evidence for global warming, suggesting it is a policy-driven belief and that contrary evidence is suppressed by a government conspiracy. He criticizes computer models that don't align with reality as "quack science." DeJager notes that literature disagreeing with the "policy" on global warming is primarily from libertarian sources.

In response, Peter H. Jergens argues that the government collects and distributes data, and that research involves refining models to fit observations. He suggests that "Global Warming" is merely a name applied to a model that conveniently fits observed facts. He also mentions that A.R.T.'s mission includes practicing the art of rational thinking in everyday life.

Another letter from Andrew O. Lutes discusses his friend Richard's work on correlating volcanic eruptions with historical records. Lutes expresses skepticism, drawing parallels to Immanuel Velikovsky's discredited theories. He questions Pang's work on the 1453 eruption of Kuwae, asking if correlations are spurious and if other causes could explain crop failures. He advocates for reserving judgment until further research confirms or denies the findings.

Kevin Pang's research, mentioned in a Boston Globe article, links the 1453 eruption of Kuwae to global weather effects. Evidence cited includes narrow tree rings in China, extremely cold weather, a frozen Yellow Sea, decreased harvest tithes in Sweden, cold weather in Europe, and unusual sulfuric acid levels in ice cores. Pang also interprets historical accounts of the "burning" of the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople as being caused by red sunsets from the Kuwae eruption's atmospheric dust.

Executive Council Meeting and Future Plans

The Executive Council met on January 22, 1994, to discuss topics for upcoming membership meetings, finding a new meeting place, and setting standards for newsletter articles. An editorial committee will eventually review articles, but for now, the editor will select them, seeking alternative viewpoints. Controversial topics require adherence to specific criteria. The council is seeking a new meeting location as their current space may become unavailable. Future meeting topics include a lecture on altered states of consciousness, nominations for officers, and an election. Joe Gastright is scheduled to present in April.

The March meeting featured a videotape of a Michael Shermer lecture on hallucinations caused by sleep deprivation and false memories. Shermer demonstrated how memory can be fluid and changeable through experiments involving induced false memories and confabulation.

Editorial Policy

The Association for Rational Thought News welcomes letters and articles, with a 250-word limit for letters. Articles must be of interest to skeptics, signed, and include a reading list. They should present the author's view, supporting evidence, opposing viewpoints, and a summary. Articles are subject to comment by other writers and do not represent an official A.R.T. position. Submissions can be made by mail or on floppy disks.

A.R.T. is a nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization affiliated with the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal. They sponsor lectures and maintain a panel of experts for media consultation. Annual dues are $15.00 ($10.00 for students) and include a subscription to the newsletter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards pseudoscientific and paranormal claims, the importance of critical thinking and scientific methodology, and the investigation of controversial topics. The editorial stance of A.R.T. is clearly one of promoting rational inquiry, evidence-based reasoning, and a scientific approach to understanding phenomena, while actively debunking unsubstantiated claims and promoting informed public discussion.