Cincinnati Skeptic - Vol 06 No 04 - 1996-1997

Magazine Overview

Title: Cincinnati Skeptic
Issue: Volume 6, Number 4
Date: December 1996 / January 1997
Publisher: The Association for Rational Thought

This issue of the Cincinnati Skeptic newsletter delves into various topics through a lens of rational thought and skepticism, featuring articles on dowsing, a humorous scientific analysis of Santa Claus's logistical challenges, book reviews, and commentary on media and belief systems.

A Geologist Experiences Dowsing

The lead article, 'A Geologist Experiences Dowsing,' reports on a November 1996 meeting where Professor Wayne Pryor shared his insights. Pryor, with decades of experience in groundwater geology and oil prospecting, has encountered numerous dowsers, also known as water witchers or doodle buggers, who claim to find water and other substances through psychic or magical means. The practice of dowsing is ancient, dating back to Babylonian civilization, and was first examined scientifically by Georg Agricola in the Renaissance. Professor Pryor notes that while the practice may have been revived by popular accounts like Kenneth Roberts' praise of Henry Gross, definitive scientific sources like the U.S. Geological Survey's 'The Dowsing Rod' exist, and more recently, the Rand Corporation conducted a controlled study with negative results. Major oil companies have also investigated dowsing for mineral prospecting, with proprietary studies yielding uniformly negative results. The article describes common dowsing tools, such as forked sticks (preferably willow or witch hazel) and L-shaped rods, and notes that some 'sensitives' use no tools at all, relying solely on psychic powers. Dowsers seek various things, primarily water, with success often attributed to the ubiquitous nature of groundwater. Oil is another common target, particularly for those using 'black boxes' containing secret materials. Dowsing has also been used, with varying success, to find lost objects, drain tiles, dead bodies, and lost persons, and even to diagnose illness or predict the future, blurring into supernatural methods. Theories for dowsing's perceived success include sympathetic attraction and the idea that individuals possess special psychic powers or that spirits guard the sought-after materials. However, for water dowsing, environmental cues like land contours and plant life can provide useful indications, especially for dowsers familiar with the local region.

Is There a Santa Claus?

This humorous and analytical piece, 'Is There a Santa Claus?', uses scientific inquiry to question the feasibility of Santa's annual gift delivery. It calculates that with two billion children worldwide, and accounting for religious demographics, Santa must visit approximately 91.8 million homes. To complete this in 31 hours, considering time zones, Santa would need to make 822.6 visits per second. This translates to a travel speed of 650 miles per second, far exceeding the Ulysses space probe's speed. The article estimates the payload, even for small gifts like Lego sets, would reach 321,300 tons. To pull this load, conventional reindeer capabilities are insufficient; the article suggests a need for 214,200 flying reindeer, increasing the total payload to 353,430 tons. At such speeds, the reindeer would experience immense air resistance, causing them to burst into flames almost instantaneously, and Santa would face centrifugal forces of 17,500 times gravity. The conclusion is stark: if Santa ever existed and attempted this feat, he would be dead. The article suggests this is why Santa needs help and helpers.

President's Corner: A Little Skeptical Pay Back?

In his 'President's Corner,' the author reflects on when the media should apply skepticism to the stories they report. He notes a tendency towards credulity, citing a recent story about 'haunted bars' that received free publicity without critical questioning. He proposes an annual 'Skeptics Day,' perhaps April First, for the media to reflect on balanced reporting. He encourages readers to submit examples of gullible reporting on topics like UFOs, homeopathy, and crop circles, promising an award for the most gullible report.

From the Un-Easy Chair: Identifying a taste and choosing a Doctor

This section explores the unreliability of human senses and judgment. It cites studies showing people's difficulty in distinguishing between different coffees, wines, and even basic foods like mashed carrots or potatoes. The author doubts people can reliably differentiate whiskies or vodkas by taste or smell. The article then shifts to the difficulty of choosing a doctor, referencing Hilary Clinton's healthcare proposals and a survey indicating public concern over limiting doctor choice. It highlights that while credentials can be verified, determining a doctor's trustworthiness, skill, or up-to-date knowledge is extremely difficult, leaving consumers with a 'blind choice' in the free market of medicine.

Astronomy and the Bible

This piece briefly touches upon the life of physicist Isidor I. Rabi, an American immigrant whose early fascination with astronomy challenged his biblical upbringing. Rabi's embrace of the Copernican solar system led him to question religiously-based explanations for natural phenomena. The section also includes a quote from bio-astrologer Esmeralda von Lowenzahn-Dentdelion, suggesting that people accept lies if delivered sincerely, and questioning the ethics of psychics who do not enrich themselves from predictions.

Book Reviews

The Darwin Legend by James Moore

This review examines James Moore's book, which addresses the claim that Charles Darwin renounced evolution on his deathbed. The reviewer states that Moore's work documents the legend's origins and denials by Darwin's family and friends. The reviewer concludes that Darwin was an unbeliever and agnostic throughout his scientific career, with no evidence of wavering. While Darwin publicly supported the church and maintained a Victorian gentleman's facade, his private beliefs remained consistent. The ambiguity of his public adherence versus private conviction allowed the legend to persist, with Lady Elizabeth Hope being identified as a key perpetrator of the story.

Journey into the Light: Exploring Near Death Experiences by Richard Abanes

This review discusses Richard Abanes' book, written from an evangelical Christian perspective. The reviewer notes that despite the author's stance, the book offers valuable insights for skeptics, particularly in its contention that Near Death Experiences (NDEs) and Out of Body Experiences (OBEs) are brain phenomena. The review outlines the book's chapter structure, covering historical background, NDE definitions, common characteristics, potential explanations like altered states and chemical changes, and the connection between NDEs and the New Age movement. The book is described as well-researched with extensive footnotes and a bibliography, though lacking an index. The reviewer finds the book's examination of NDEs acceptable to skeptics.

This & That

This section compiles several short, often humorous or bizarre, news items:

• Gopher It: The opening of a 'gopher museum' in Torrington, Alberta, despite animal rights protests, is highlighted. The museum features stuffed gophers in various human-like scenes.
• Straight Talk: An anecdote illustrates 'Dumbth,' Steve Allen's term for stupidity, where interviewees expressed reluctance to vote for a heterosexual presidential candidate.
• Save for your life and more: A Liechtenstein company offers a 'reincarnation account' investment, requiring a $130,000 minimum and redemption within 23 years after death, with the claimant needing to answer questions about their past life.
• Talking Dog?: A man in Tampa allegedly married his comatose girlfriend and then used her credit cards, claiming her dog told him to do it.
• Give Him a Hand: Thomas W. Passmore cut off his own hand after seeing the mark '666' on it, refusing surgery and later suing the hospital for $3.35 million for not overriding his decision, citing his history of mental problems.
• Taking a good look: San Jose State University sought an 83-year-old woman reputed to have the 'evil eye' to curse their football rivals.

Another Act in the Quadro Drama....

This piece reports on the indictment of officers of the Quadro Corporation by the FBI for mail fraud. The 'Quadro' rod was a device claimed to detect golf balls, guns, and drugs. The author, James Randi, believes the charges are unjustified, arguing the individuals were genuinely ignorant of science rather than intentionally fraudulent. He offers to testify to their ignorance and recounts how they refused his offer of $475,000 for a demonstration of the device. The Quadro Corporation officers face prison and fines if convicted.

Coffee mug mottos

James Randi shares suggestions for coffee mug mottos for his foundation, including humorous and skeptical phrases like 'I'm just a psi doubter' and 'I'm so skeptical I can hardly believe it!'

A Small Update

This update from James Randi discusses his busy schedule managing the Foundation and preparing for an A&E TV special. He recounts an exchange with a self-proclaimed psychic who challenged his 'Pigasus Prize' offer. Randi also details a simple test devised for 'Therapeutic Touch' and discusses the challenges of securing pledges for the Pigasus Prize, including a wager proposal to prove the Foundation's financial capability. He also mentions debunking a claim of bent letter-openers by showing a tape of an employee bending them easily.

Some critical comments on the Dillon-Brown debate

Thomas J. Wheeler provides commentary on a debate between Rob Dillon and Walter Brown concerning evolution and creationism. Wheeler notes that Brown presented numerous claims, many of which were misunderstandings or misrepresentations of science, while Dillon focused on dating methods. Wheeler suggests that while Dillon effectively countered some points, the format might leave the audience with the impression that both sides present persuasive cases, potentially leading to calls for teaching both in schools. He points out that Dillon could have used the opportunity to refute more of Brown's claims, particularly regarding the circular reasoning in dating fossils. Wheeler also notes that Dillon did not cover other strong areas of evolutionary evidence like shared similarities, the fossil record, embryology, vestigial features, and biogeography. The debate's 'dialogue' format allowed Brown to use up Dillon's time, leaving Brown with a summary and an appeal for equal time for creationism.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Cincinnati Skeptic consistently promotes critical thinking, scientific literacy, and skepticism towards paranormal claims, pseudoscientific theories, and unsubstantiated media reports. The publication challenges beliefs that lack empirical evidence, often using humor and detailed analysis to debunk myths and expose flawed reasoning. The editorial stance is firmly rooted in rationalism and a commitment to evidence-based understanding of the world, encouraging readers to question and verify information presented to them.

Title: Cincinnati Skeptic
Issue: Vol. 6, No. 4
Date: 1996-1997 (specifically November 1996 for the main content)
Publisher: Cincinnati Skeptics
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Cincinnati Skeptic delves into several thought-provoking topics, primarily focusing on the intersection of science, skepticism, and belief. The lead article provides a detailed account of a debate on evolution versus creationism, followed by an exploration of the global complexities of time zones. The magazine also includes reviews of books concerning Charles Darwin's legacy and the phenomenon of Near Death Experiences (NDEs).

How to Debate a Creationist

This section features an extensive account by Robert T. Dillon, Jr. of his debate with creationist Walter Brown at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, on October 27, 1996. Dillon, a biologist, outlines his strategy for engaging with creationist arguments, emphasizing the importance of clear definitions and logical fallacies. He notes that Walter Brown, a skilled public speaker with a military bearing, presented arguments often based on misinterpretations of scientific concepts.

Dillon's presentation focused on defining evolution as 'heritable change' and distinguishing between microevolution and macroevolution, countering Brown's claims that evolution is always 'natural' or 'beneficial' and has nothing to do with 'complexity.' Dillon highlights that complexity is difficult to define and measure, and that evolution is an observable phenomenon, not merely a theory. He also addresses common creationist arguments regarding the age of the earth, the speed of light, and the origin of complex structures like the eye, employing logical fallacies such as confusing observation with causation and questioning assumptions without evidence.

Dillon critiques Brown's approach, noting that Brown seemed to struggle under direct questioning and relied heavily on prepared notes. Dillon also suggests that a '3-member response team' for creationist debates might not be effective, potentially making the creationist appear as an underdog. He advocates for debates focused on single topics for deeper engagement.

Once Around, Lightly

Written by Wolf Roder, this piece humorously explores the complexities and historical evolution of global time zones. Roder begins by quoting Arthur C. Clarke's novel 'Imperial Earth' on the inconvenience of time zones. He explains how the Earth's rotation necessitates a system to standardize time, leading to the establishment of time zones and the International Date Line.

The article details the historical shift from numerous local time zones to fewer, more standardized ones. It highlights the role of the International Date Line, its bends around geographical features like the Chukchi Peninsula, and how its position has been adjusted, notably by Kiribati. Roder illustrates the progression of New Year's Day across the globe, hour by hour, suggesting a 'drink every hour' as a way to celebrate the transition across time zones. He touches upon the use of Universal Time (formerly Greenwich Mean Time) in aviation and radio communication and concludes with a toast to international unity.

Letters to the Editor

Ann B. Pratt, Temporary Secretary of Central Ohioans for Rational Inquiry, reports on the successful establishment of a new local group. She expresses gratitude for the encouragement and assistance received from the Cincinnati Skeptics organization in forming the group, which has already held organizational meetings and plans to adopt by-laws and elect officers.

Book Reviews

The Darwin Legend by James Moore

This review, by Andrew O. Lutes, examines James Moore's book which investigates the persistent legend that Charles Darwin renounced evolution on his deathbed. The reviewer notes that Moore meticulously documents the origins and retellings of this story, particularly within fundamentalist circles, while also presenting evidence from Darwin's family and friends that refutes the claim. The reviewer highlights that Darwin was an agnostic who never publicly renounced his scientific views, and that his public adherence to the church was a matter of social convention and his wife's influence. Moore's work is described as a fascinating historical detective story, and Darwin's final utterance is quoted as, "I am not the least afraid to die."

Journey into the Light: Exploring Near Death Experiences by Richard Abanes

Reviewed by Andrew O. Lutes, this book is presented from an evangelical Christian perspective by a "cult awareness" activist. Despite its viewpoint, the reviewer finds the book useful for skeptics, particularly its contention that Near Death Experiences (NDEs) and Out of Body Experiences (OBEs) occur within the brain. The review outlines the book's chapter structure, covering the history of NDEs, their definitions, common characteristics (like body separation and tunnels of light), and comparisons with altered states of consciousness. The book also explores the connection between NDEs and ESP research, the New Age movement, and offers a Biblical perspective on death and heaven. The reviewer notes the book's thorough research but laments the lack of an index.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes a skeptical and rationalist viewpoint. The lead article on debating creationism champions scientific evidence and logical reasoning over faith-based arguments. The piece on time zones, while lighthearted, underscores the importance of understanding scientific and historical systems. The book reviews critically examine popular beliefs and legends surrounding Darwin and NDEs, encouraging readers to approach such topics with a discerning and evidence-based mindset. The overall stance is one of promoting critical thinking and scientific literacy, challenging pseudoscientific claims and religious dogma where they conflict with empirical evidence and rational inquiry.