Georgia Skeptics - Vol 04 No 02

Magazine Overview

This document is the "ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER OF THE GEORGIA SKEPTICS", Volume 4, Number 2, dated March/April 1991. It is a publication of the Georgia Skeptics, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting critical thinking and scientific inquiry.

Contents

The newsletter features a variety of articles, reviews, and announcements:

Articles:

• ON THE ASTRAL PLANE by Larry F. Johnson: Explores the concept of the "astral plane" and its origins in occult movements like Theosophy and the I AM Religious Activity, contrasting it with scientific understanding.
• THERE IS LABORATORY PROOF OF EVOLUTION by Al Martin: Presents evidence for evolution, including a laboratory experiment demonstrating that modern birds possess genes for making teeth, challenging creationist arguments.
• EVERYDAY DEMONS by Mary A. Long: Discusses the psychological concept of "invalidation" and the "demonic archetype" as described by Jay Carter in his book "Nasty People".
• URBAN LEGENDS by Rip Strautman: Examines the nature and prevalence of urban legends, referencing the work of folklorist Jan Harold Brunvand.
• UFO SIGHTINGS IN VIDALIA, GEORGIA by Larry F. Johnson: Reports on UFO sightings in Vidalia, Georgia, including descriptions of the objects and their alleged effects.

Reviews:

• REVIEW: EVOLUTION AND THE MYTH OF CREATIONISM by Tim M. Berra, reviewed by Keith M. Parsons: Discusses Berra's book as an accessible guide to evolutionary biology and a critique of creationism, emphasizing the philosophical nature of creationist arguments.
• REVIEW: THE MASK OF NOSTRADAMUS by James Randi, reviewed by Hugh Trotti: Analyzes Randi's book on Nostradamus, focusing on historical context, interpretation of prophecies, and Randi's skeptical approach.

Other Sections:

• THE HUNDREDTH MONKEY by Rick Moen: Discusses the "Hundredth-Monkey Phenomenon" as presented by Lyall Watson.
• UPCOMING MEETING: Announcement of a meeting featuring Dr. Robert Almeder on "Reincarnation and the Limits of Scientific Reasoning".
• RECENT MINUTES: Notes on presentations by Dr. George Ganaway on "Multiple Personality Disorders" and Dr. Bagnuolo on "Real-Life Application of Scientific Methods".

Organization Information

The Georgia Skeptics is described as a non-profit local group sharing a common philosophy with the national organization CSICOP. They aim to promote critical thinking and scientific inquiry. Material from the newsletter can be used with attribution. Contact information is provided, including an Astronomical Society of the Atlantic BBS number and a mailing address for Becky Long, President. Membership dues are mentioned as supporting the organization's activities.

Discussion of Key Topics

The Astral Plane

Larry F. Johnson's article delves into the concept of the "astral plane," tracing its roots to the Theosophy movement founded by Helen Blavatsky, Henry Steel Olcott, and William Q. Judge. It also discusses its presence in the "I AM" Religious Activity founded by Guy Ballard and in the ECKANKAR movement. Johnson notes that the concept is often non-falsifiable and difficult to scientifically evaluate, comparing it to claims made by mainstream religions.

Evolution vs. Creationism

Al Martin's article directly addresses creationist claims that evolution is "only a theory." He highlights standard evidence for evolution, such as the fossil record, homology, and biogeography. The article emphasizes a laboratory experiment by Kollar and Fisher that demonstrated modern birds possess genes for making teeth, suggesting a retained evolutionary trait. Martin critiques the creationist "theory of devolution" as failing to explain this phenomenon.

UFO Sightings in Vidalia, Georgia

This report details UFO sightings on February 16, 1991, over Vidalia, Georgia. Preliminary information from a local news report describes "silver disks with red and white lights" flying from Vidalia to Hazelhurst. One witness reported a UFO hovering over his car, causing it to stall. The article humorously questions the creatures' interest in onion-producing areas and links it back to the "astral plane" concept.

Book Reviews

• Evolution and the Myth of Creationism: Keith M. Parsons reviews Tim M. Berra's book, praising its clarity and accessibility in explaining evolutionary biology and refuting creationist claims. Parsons notes that creationism is a pseudoscience lacking a coherent theory and relies on attacking real science.
• The Mask of Nostradamus: Hugh H. Trotti reviews James Randi's work on Nostradamus. Trotti highlights Randi's rigorous, no-nonsense approach, his historical research, and his analysis of Nostradamus's prophecies. The review discusses the interpretation of quatrains and the historical context of the 16th century.

Everyday Demons and Urban Legends

Mary A. Long's article explores the psychological concept of "invalidation" and the "demonic archetype," drawing from Jay Carter's book. Rip Strautman's article discusses urban legends, defining them as bizarre but believable stories and referencing the work of folklorist Jan Harold Brunvand.

The Hundredth Monkey Phenomenon

Rick Moen's brief piece introduces the "Hundredth-Monkey Phenomenon," a concept popularized by Lyall Watson, which suggests that a learned behavior can spread rapidly through a population once a critical number of individuals adopt it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this newsletter is skepticism and the promotion of scientific inquiry. The Georgia Skeptics organization, aligned with CSICOP, actively debunks paranormal claims, pseudoscience (like creationism), and questionable phenomena (like UFOs and urban legends) by applying critical thinking and scientific methodology. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and against unsubstantiated beliefs, while also advocating for a fair critique of all belief systems, including mainstream religions, based on the validity of their claims rather than their perceived strangeness.

This document appears to be an excerpt from a publication, likely a newsletter or magazine, focusing on critical analysis of popular concepts and skepticism. The primary article discusses the "Hundredth Monkey" phenomenon, a concept popularized by Ken Keyes Jr. and Lyall Watson, which posits that a new behavior or idea can spread through a population via collective consciousness once a critical mass is reached.

The "Hundredth Monkey" Phenomenon: Concept and Critique The article begins by recounting the anecdote of the "hundredth monkey" washing potatoes, which then supposedly spread to other monkeys across islands. This anecdote has been used to support diverse notions, including telepathy and the idea that a shared myth can become reality. The author notes that this sentiment is voiced by many New Agers, who believe that convincing enough people of a lie makes it true.

However, the article critically examines the factual basis of this claim. Ron Amundson of the Hawaii Skeptics is cited as having investigated Watson's claim and found that all of Watson's claimed documentation was "grossly misrepresented, and in fact contradicted the now famous - claim." This suggests that the phenomenon, as popularly understood, lacks empirical support and may be a misinterpretation or fabrication.

Philosophical and Political Implications The piece questions the notion that this alleged mass consciousness is politically progressive. Per Watson's vision, it suggests a utopian future of "Peace, love, and a taste for brown rice and tofu," where "neuroses, bad habits, ignorance will all be dissolved in a flash." The author contrasts this idealistic image with a historical parallel: the "Herrenrace" (master race) myth that fueled the Nazi party in 1933, demonstrating how a shared myth can transform societal reality, with potentially devastating consequences.

Commentator Tim Farrington is quoted, highlighting that "There is no guarantee that the hundredth monkey will be any wiser than the first, and no assurance that the first will be wise at all. The myth of critical mass, and its magic, is double-edged." Farrington suggests that instead of admiring the "hundredth monkey" for blindly following the herd, one should "take our hats off to the one-hundred- first monkey's 'individual acts of conscience and reason.'" These acts are described as not effortless or inspired, but steps taken one by one on a difficult, intricate, and rewarding path of a single human life.

References The article provides a list of references that support its discussion, including: * "The Hundredth Monkey" by Ken Keyes, Jr. (1982) * An article titled "The Hundredth Monkey" in "Updated Special Issue: 'A New Science of Life'" of "Brain/Mind Bulletin" (1982) * A film and videotape titled "The Hundredth Monkey" produced by Elda Hartley (1982) * "Lifetide" by Lyall Watson (1979) * An article "The Hundredth Monkey Phenomenon" by Ron Amundson in "Skeptical Inquirer" (Summer 1985), with a follow-up in Spring 1987. This reference details Amundson's findings that Watson's citations were misrepresented and the story was untrue despite his supposed evidence. * An article "Spud-Dunking Monkey Theory Debunked" by Boyce Rensberger in the "Washington Post" (July 6, 1989). * An article "The 101st Monkey" by Tim Farrington in "The Node" magazine (Winter 1987).

Georgia Skeptics Meetings The latter part of the document details upcoming and recent meetings of the Georgia Skeptics, a group focused on skepticism and scientific inquiry.

Upcoming Meeting The next meeting was scheduled for March 17, 1991, at the Steak and Ale on Savoy Drive in NE Atlanta. The speaker was Dr. Robert Almeder, Professor of Philosophy at Georgia State University, who was set to discuss "Pseudoscience and the Limits of Science," exploring the distinctions between science and pseudoscience and how scientific knowledge structures understanding of the real world.

Recent Meetings

• January 20, 1991: The last regular meeting was held at the Steak and Ale Restaurant on Savoy Dr. Dr. Georgie Ganaway, Program Director of the Ridgeview Center for Dissociative Disorders, spoke on multiple personalities, linking it to unverified trauma memories, UFO abductions, and ritualistic abuse. A videotape featuring actual case studies was shown.
• February 24, 1991: A special meeting was held at the home of Becky Long. Dr. William Bagnuolo, Research Scientist with Georgia State University's Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy (CHARA), presented his response to the television series "The Astronomers." He discussed scientific methodology, observational science, and his work with CHARA on a 400-meter array of mirrors. His efforts to foster cooperation between professional and amateur astronomers and his application of skepticism were also highlighted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes in this document are the critical examination of popular, often New Age, concepts like the "Hundredth Monkey" phenomenon, the importance of empirical evidence and scientific rigor, and the promotion of skepticism. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and individual conscience over unverified collective beliefs or myths. The inclusion of Georgia Skeptics' meeting summaries reinforces this focus on scientific inquiry and the debunking of pseudoscience.