Cincinnati Skeptic - Vol 08 No 02 - 1998

Magazine Overview

Title: Cincinnati Skeptic
Issue: Vol. 8 No. 2
Date: October 1998
Publisher: The Association for Rational Thought

This issue of the Cincinnati Skeptic newsletter, dated October 1998, features a diverse range of articles focusing on critical thinking, pseudoscientific claims, historical misconceptions, and skeptical investigations.

Critical Thinking - An Anchor to Reality

Steven Schafersman, a visiting assistant professor of geology and paleontology, argues that critical thinking is a crucial skill, often lacking in the general population. He posits that scientific thinking is a subset of critical thinking, applied specifically to understanding nature. Schafersman notes that while the ancient Greeks developed elements of critical thinking, an integrated approach to scientific thinking only emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries. He emphasizes that critical thinking must be deliberately taught, as it is essential for distinguishing reliable information from misinformation and avoiding pitfalls like self-deceit, bigotry, and nationalism.

The Hollow Earth

Wolf Roder explores the persistent 'Hollow Earth' theory, which suggests the Earth is a hollow sphere with openings at the poles and civilizations living inside. He traces this idea back to astronomer Edmund Halley's 17th-century hypothesis about Earth's magnetism and internal structure. The theory was later popularized by John Cleves Symmes, whose nephew promoted the idea of internal civilizations and polar openings. The article mentions Edgar Allan Poe's unfinished work and Cyrus Reed Teed's similar 'Cellular Cosmogony' theory. The Koreshanity movement, founded by Teed (who called himself Koresh), is also briefly discussed, noting its utopian colony in Florida which later became a state park.

A bibliography at the end of the article meticulously lists various writings on the hollow earth theme, categorizing them as 'definitely rational' or otherwise, spanning from Halley's 1692 work to more recent publications and even internet claims.

Pain, Placebo, and Pseudo

Joe Gastright, in the President's Corner, discusses the complexities of pain perception, prompted by a discussion about a copper bracelet allegedly alleviating pain. He references Atul Gawande's article 'The Pain Perplex,' highlighting that pain measurement is inherently subjective. Gastright explains the historical 'stubbed toe' model of pain and the shift towards understanding chronic pain, which may not have a clear organic cause. He touches upon Ronald Melzack's Gate Control theory, which suggests that pain signals can be modulated by mood, emotions, and beliefs, not just physical input. The article notes that pain can be influenced by attention, emotions, memories, and anticipation, leading to a 'pain symphony' rather than a simple signal. The author warns against sloppy measurement and poorly defined outcome variables in pain studies, as they can lead to pseudoscience.

From The Un-easy Chair

The editor reflects on the importance of maintaining an accurate historical record, noting that historical misconceptions can be as damaging as scientific ones. The section includes a review of Elise Schindler's memoir, which aims to present a more truthful account of her life with Oskar Schindler, the man famous for saving Jews during WWII. The review highlights Emilie's efforts to 'desanctify' her husband's image and correct inaccuracies from popular portrayals like Spielberg's film. Emilie's own experiences, including her childhood in Bohemia, her marriage to Oskar, and her life in Argentina, are detailed. The review suggests that while Emilie's memoir provides a new dimension to the Schindler legend, she struggles to fully emerge from her husband's shadow.

Another book review examines "The Outlaw Legend: A Cultural Tradition in Britain, America and Australia" by Graham Seal. The book explores the outlaw/hero archetype through ballads and folk tales, discussing figures like Dick Turpin, Billy the Kid, and Ned Kelly, as well as mythic figures like Robin Hood. The review notes that the outlaw legend transcends historical accuracy and holds social value, contrasting the heroic outlaw with corrupt figures of authority. The reviewer finds Seal's writing clear but considers the included ballads to be of minor aesthetic quality.

Crazies of the Month

This section highlights two instances of questionable claims:

• Crazy #1: Patricia Burgus, who won a $10.6 million settlement against her psychiatrist and hospital, alleging that 'repressed memory therapy' convinced her she had multiple personalities, including a cannibal and a satanic cult leader.
• Crazy #2: A list of community education courses at Northern Kentucky University, including 'The Unquiet Dead' (ghosts), 'Psychometry: The Art of "Reading" Vibrations', 'Introduction to Aromatherapy and Essential Oils', and 'An Introduction to Feng Shui'. The newsletter encourages readers to submit other examples of 'crazies' they encounter.

Too Many Books.... Too Little Time....

This section reviews Graham Seal's "The Outlaw Legend: A Cultural Tradition in Britain, America and Australia." The reviewer notes that the book covers various outlaw figures and legends, and while Seal's writing is clear, the included ballads are considered of lesser quality. The book is priced at $54.95.

It also reviews Emilie Schindler's memoir, "Where Light and Shadow Meet." The review discusses Emilie's efforts to provide a more accurate account of her life with Oskar Schindler, correcting popular narratives and highlighting her own experiences and contributions. The reviewer notes that Emilie's story, while significant, remains largely defined by her relationship with Oskar.

ART BUSINESS

The 'Art Business' section reports on the first meeting of ART's (Association for Rational Thought) eighth season. Membership is at an all-time high of 86, but contributions are needed to cover expenses, including the newsletter and website. The association is considering a name change and soliciting suggestions. The ART website, previously hosted for free, will now cost $50 a month with a local Internet provider. The site has attracted 7500 visits. Vice-President Nurit Bowman will host a Halloween potluck, and Program Chairman Brad Bonham notes a shift in WVXU's talk show focus away from spiritualistic issues. Dr. Dean Edell, a skeptic, will be on the air, and Steven Schafersman spoke on critical thinking.

A Puzzle for Thinkers

This section presents a mathematical puzzle titled "Who'd want to be that Old?" involving a computer wiz named Jennifer who contemplates a license plate where her birth year equals the square of her current age. The solution to the previous month's puzzle, involving card probabilities in a Skat deck, is also provided.

From the Amazing Randi...

This section reports on Sony Corporation's decision to discontinue its ESP research facility. Masanobu Sakaguchi stated that while experiments showed ESP exists (with practitioners correctly identifying qi-infused water 70% of the time), there was no clear path to marketable products. The research center was established in 1991 by Masaru Ibuga, one of Sony's founders, and its discontinuation may be linked to his death. The article also mentions actor Dennis Weaver promoting a magnetic device for car fuel systems, which the author dismisses as a quack device, similar to 'Inset,' which was tested and found to be a failure.

A video of James "The Amazing" Randi's lecture is advertised.

Letters to the Editor

One letter, originally sent to the 'Skeptical Inquirer,' discusses the 'Face on Mars' photograph. The author, Franz Bibfeldt, argues that the face is indeed Martian, comparing it to how Christ is depicted in different cultures. He attributes the features to natural erosion and the thin Martian atmosphere's effect on sound and sculpting. The letter also dismisses claims by 'Esmeralda von Löwenzahn-Dentdelion' about Martians having three noses, attributing it to a belief in the 'magic number seven'.

Another short item, "Sometimes Your Taste Won't Tell You," reports on a Dutch Consumers' Union test finding that eleven out of thirty-one establishments served carbonated tap water as expensive bottled mineral water.

A Plea for Investigation Cooperation

This section encourages members of the Association for Rational Thought (ART) to submit proposals for investigations into phenomena in the light of reason and truth. Dick McGrath, the Investigations Officer, is the contact person.

News from Academia

This section includes two news items:

• The City University of New York (CUNY) is phasing out remedial classes in its four-year colleges due to pressure from the administration, ending its open admissions policy.
• The Western Governors University (WGU), an online virtual campus, has opened its doors, offering competency-based degrees and partnering with various state institutions and corporations like AT&T.

Hollow Earth from page 1

This continuation of the Hollow Earth article details John Cleves Symmes' promotion of the theory via the lecture circuit. It mentions his nephew's military career and the promotion of bills for an expedition to the North Pole. The article notes that Symmes' ideas were propagated by followers like James McBride and Americus Symmes. It also introduces Cyrus Reed Teed and his 'Cellular Cosmogony' theory, where humans live on the inside of a hollow Earth. Teed founded the Koreshanity religion, and the article mentions their settlement in Florida, which later became the Koreshan State Historical Park.

Hollow Earth from page 1 (continued)

This part of the Hollow Earth article discusses the Koreshan community in Florida, its growth, and its eventual decline. It also mentions the community's efforts to rescue co-religionists during the Nazi period and their later acceptance of displaced persons. The hollow earth doctrine was de-emphasized in favor of other aspects of Reed's religion. The article concludes by stating the utopian colony is no more, and the land is now the Koreshan State Historical Park.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Cincinnati Skeptic revolve around the promotion of critical thinking and scientific literacy as essential tools for navigating a world filled with pseudoscientific claims and misinformation. The newsletter actively debunks or questions claims related to paranormal phenomena, alternative medicine, and historical revisionism. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, advocating for evidence-based reasoning and a rational approach to understanding the world. The inclusion of sections like "Crazies of the Month" and the critical reviews of books and theories underscore this commitment to debunking pseudoscience and promoting critical inquiry.

The Cincinnati Skeptic, Vol. 8 No. 2, published in October 1998, is the monthly newsletter of The Association for Rational Thought (ART). ART is described as an independent, nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization that aligns with the philosophy of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP). Its mission is to encourage rational evaluation of fringe science, pseudoscience, and paranormal claims through scientific investigation and public dissemination of results.

ART Activities and Membership

The newsletter details ART's regular activities, including monthly meetings held on the second Saturday of each month from September through June at 10:00 AM at James Tavern in Blue Ash. These meetings are open to the public. ART also maintains a database of paranormal claims for local media and investigates local paranormal cases. Founded in 1991 by Cincinnati area skeptics, ART's annual dues are $15.00, which includes a subscription to the Cincinnati Skeptic. Contact information for President Roy Auerbach and Nurit Bowman is provided for general inquiries and membership questions.

Membership and Contributions

A membership form is included for new and renewing members, as well as for those wishing to make a contribution or a gift membership. The form requests name, address, phone number, and email. It emphasizes that additional contributions are very welcome to support ART's work. Checks should be made payable to The Association for Rational Thought and mailed to their P.O. Box in Cincinnati. The newsletter notes that contributions are not currently tax-deductible but that efforts are underway to achieve this status. Members can also request subjects for future meetings and opt out of having their names included in mailing lists exchanged with other groups.

Skepticism and Electronic Media

The newsletter promotes engagement with skeptical resources online. It encourages readers to join SANE (Skeptical Area Network Effort) for the latest skeptical news via email by sending a subscription request to David Wall at [email protected]. SANE is described as a source of cheerful, rational messages from CSICOP, James Randi, and local skeptics. ART also maintains a "handsome skeptical web page" at http://www.cincinnatiskeptics.org, which provides basic definitions of the organization, its bylaws, meeting information, contact details, and links to other relevant sites. The website is intended to eventually host draft skeptical objections and offer an electronic version of the newsletter.

Preview of Coming Attractions

The second page announces the "Preview Of Coming Attractions...." for the 1998-1999 season, specifically highlighting the first meeting of the season on Saturday, 12 September 1998. The program is scheduled from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by lunch and social time from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at James Tavern. The location is noted as being accessible for individuals with mobility challenges. The topic for the October meeting, "IT'S UP IN THE AIR!", was still being finalized as of the publication date. Potential topics included an account of successful UFO launches over Middletown, Ohio, in the summer of 1995, or a program on the role of psychics in police investigations. Members were advised to watch their mail for a postcard or flyer with final details and information about a Halloween party.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around promoting skepticism, rational inquiry, and critical thinking regarding paranormal claims. ART positions itself as a scientific and educational organization dedicated to debunking pseudoscience and providing evidence-based information. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific investigation and a skeptical approach to extraordinary claims, as evidenced by its affiliation with CSICOP and its promotion of resources like SANE and its own website. The newsletter also emphasizes community building through its meetings and communication channels.