Georgia Skeptics - Vol 04 No 03

Magazine Overview

This document is the May/June 1991 issue (Volume 4, Number 3) of the "ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER OF THE GEORGIA SKEPTICS." The Georgia Skeptics is a non-profit local group aligned with CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal), dedicated to promoting critical thinking and scientific inquiry into paranormal and fringe-science claims.

Contents and Articles

Observation of the Famous Marfa Lights

James Long of Georgia Skeptics recounts a personal observation of the Marfa Lights in Texas on Memorial Day weekend, 1990. Reported since the 1880s, the lights are described as spherical, varying in color, exhibiting rapid and erratic movements, and ranging from baseball to basketball size. Long and a companion visited a designated viewing area ten miles east of Marfa. They observed lights appearing near the mountains, moving clockwise, and sometimes remaining stationary and blinking. Using an eight-inch Celestron telescope, Long resolved the lights into fuzzy round balls, some appearing as doublets that varied in brightness before separating. He noted that the lights were clearly visible behind rocks and cliffs on the mountain side, ruling out car headlights and other mundane explanations. Despite the fascinating nature of the phenomenon, Long concluded that he eventually stopped caring about the cause, finding the experience a most interesting vacation.

Crop Circles

Larry F. Johnson of Georgia Skeptics discusses the phenomenon of crop circles, expressing skepticism towards New Age interpretations. He critiques an article from a local New Age BBS, which detailed an event called "Operation Blackbird" led by Colin Andrews and a team of sixty observers, equipped with advanced technology. Andrews claimed to have witnessed a significant scientific discovery involving flashing lights forming triangles and complex arrangements, asserting the circles could not be a hoax. However, Johnson reveals that upon investigation, the "scientists" were likely monitoring the body heat of pranksters who left crude circles, wooden crosses, and Ouija boards. Andrews later lamented that the incident was "totally irresponsible and set back serious research considerably."

An editor's note adds that at a CSICOP workshop, a videotape showed a crop circle being made by a tug-of-war team, using a rope as a compass and walking in tractor tracks to avoid leaving footprints. When questioned about hoaxes, the group responded with knowing glances.

UFO Forum Presents: The Bigfoot/UFO Connection

This section presents a flyer obtained by Larry Johnson from the Sphinx Bookstore in Atlanta, advertising a "UFO FORUM" event featuring "THE REALITY OF BIGFOOT & THE UFO CONNECTION." The event was to cover encounters with Bigfoot, their interdimensional, psychic, and healing abilities, and their connection with "Star People." The speaker was Jack Lapsertis, an Applied Anthropologist and Social Scientist, author of "THE PSYCHIC SASQUATCH, THE UFO CONNECTION," with 35 years of research in the tradition of Jane Goodall.

Visions of Virgin Mary

Courtesy of the Tampa Bay Skeptics Report, this article describes an event in Colfax, California, where a shimmering image resembling the Virgin Mary appeared on a church wall daily, attracting up to 2,000 miracle seekers. A rational explanation was offered by physics professor James Phelps, who suggested it was a natural reflection of sunlight from a recently repaired light fixture. Church officials acknowledged the repair, but some locals, like parishioner Freda Hoffman, maintained their belief, stating, "We believe it is the Virgin Mary. We believe in it because we are Catholics."

Kecksburg "UFO Crash"

Becky Long of Georgia Skeptics reviews an article by Robert R. Young in the Spring 1991 issue of Skeptical Inquirer, titled "Old-Solved Mysteries: The Kecksburg Incident." The article revisits the 1965 UFO sighting triggered by a meteor fireball, with claims of a crashed acorn-shaped saucer and government cover-up allegations being revived a quarter-century later. The full 14-page report is available from Robert Young for $3.00. The section also mentions the Skeptics UFO Newsletter, published by Philip J. Klass, detailing its subscription rates and a legal dispute regarding pricing discrimination.

Book Review: Deadly Blessings, Faith Healing on Trial

Reviewed by John Merritt of Rocky Mountain Skeptics, this section discusses Richard J. Brenneman's book "Deadly Blessings: Faith Healing on Trial." The book examines three cases involving alleged unlawful medical practices, including medical negligence or fraud, with two cases resulting in death. The cases involve the parents of Seth Ian Glaser, who died of bacterial meningitis while relying on Christian Science prayer; "Brother Joe," a psychic surgeon exposed by Rocky Mountain Skeptics; and Dr. Betty Grover Eisner, a psychotherapist whose LSD group led to a patient's death. Merritt describes the book as well-structured and suspenseful, mixing mystery with news reporting, and notes that the author avoids inserting personal opinions. He finds the documentation extensive, perhaps to the point of being dry, but praises the book's empirical standpoint.

Hoagland's Mars Update

Courtesy of Tampa Bay Skeptics Report, this article addresses Richard Hoagland's theories about Mars, specifically his claims of a "city" and a mathematical message in the Cydonia region. Hoagland expressed concern that NASA might re-edit his presentation to make it appear "silly." He suggested the Cydonia message relates to energy alternatives to oil, involving a "N Machine" generator that taps into space-time. Hoagland urged readers to ask NASA if they planned to test his data and hypothesis. The article also provides information on purchasing a videotape of Hoagland's presentation.

Dental Fillings

By Tom Woosnam of Bay Area Skeptics, this article critically examines a "60 Minutes" segment aired on December 16, 1990, which suggested that amalgam dental fillings could cause various health issues, including arthritis, colitis, kidney damage, birth defects, and multiple sclerosis. The article cites Accuracy in Media, Inc. (AIM) as refuting this claim with scientific evidence. It highlights that while amalgam fillings contain mercury, a known poison, "60 Minutes" failed to provide scientific evidence directly linking specific diseases to them. The segment featured Nancy Yost, an MS patient who reported improvement after removing her fillings, but the program did not interview patients who showed no improvement or health professionals with no higher incidence of MS. The article quotes Dr. R. Heber Simmons, Jr., spokesman for the American Dental Association, stating that daily mercury release from amalgams is minimal compared to seafood intake and that dentists are ethically bound not to recommend filling replacement except for cosmetic reasons. Dr. J. Rodway Mackert of the Medical College of Georgia is also cited, noting that average patient fillings release 1-2 micrograms of mercury per day.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the promotion of skepticism and critical thinking in the face of paranormal claims, pseudoscientific theories, and sensationalized media reports. The Georgia Skeptics, through its newsletter, aims to provide a rational, evidence-based perspective on a variety of topics, including UFO sightings, alleged miracles, and controversial health claims. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific investigation, empirical evidence, and the debunking of unsubstantiated claims, encouraging readers to question extraordinary assertions and rely on verifiable data.

BASIS, the newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics, presents its April 1991 issue, featuring articles that delve into public health controversies, scientific research, and the principles of skepticism. The publication aims to critically examine claims and promote rational inquiry.

Amalgam Fillings Controversy

The issue addresses the public reaction to a '60 Minutes' television segment concerning amalgam dental fillings. The article quotes a dentist who reported a significant increase in patients seeking to replace their fillings following the broadcast. However, it also includes the perspective of Wallace I. Sampson, M.D., a founder of BAY AREA SKEPTICS, who stated that no scientific findings support the claims of harm from amalgam. The author, Yves Barbero, acknowledges that while anecdotal events like the reported recovery of Nancy Yost should be considered, they cannot form the basis for public health policy. The piece highlights the considerable vested economic interests within the dental profession, suggesting that the American Dental Association (ADA) may prioritize its members' economic well-being and established practices over public interest in certain cases. The article points out that if amalgam were proven dangerous, many dentists would face significant costs for retraining and retooling, potentially impacting their businesses.

Skepticism and Media Bias

Yves Barbero also comments on the '60 Minutes' program, noting that while generally excellent, it can occasionally exhibit bias, which may be conscious or unconscious, and often leans towards sensationalism. He expresses surprise that a professional organization would take action against a member for providing honest advice. Barbero urges skeptics to be cautious of conclusions drawn from short news segments on complex medical issues and to be wary of spokesmen from professional organizations who may have mixed motives.

Georgia Skeptics Meetings

The newsletter provides announcements and minutes from meetings of the Georgia Skeptics. A forthcoming meeting on Sunday, May 19, 1991, was scheduled to feature Dr. James Mahaffey, Senior Research Scientist at the Georgia Tech Research Institute, discussing 'Cold Fusion: Determining the Facts.' Dr. Mahaffey, a leader in Georgia Tech's cold fusion research, was expected to cover the history of cold fusion claims, Georgia Tech's involvement, current global research, theoretical explanations, and lessons learned regarding scientific methodology. The talk would draw parallels between cold fusion claims and historical phenomena like The Shroud of Turin.

The minutes from the previous meeting on March 17, 1991, detail a presentation by Dr. Robert Almeder, Professor of Philosophy at Georgia State University. Dr. Almeder spoke on the limits of scientific reasoning, arguing that belief in science should not exclude dualistic views and that skepticism does not necessitate a purely materialistic worldview. He proposed that it can be rational to accept views not authorized by science, illustrating his points with analogies that were both thought-provoking and humorous.

A special social meeting of the Skeptics was held on April 14, 1991, at the home of Angie Jones, featuring music by Larry Johnson and videotapes on various topics of interest to skeptics, including UFOs, crop circles, and cattle mutilations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of BASIS consistently promotes a skeptical approach to information, emphasizing the importance of scientific evidence over anecdotal accounts and media sensationalism. The editorial stance encourages critical thinking, questioning the motives of professional organizations, and rigorous investigation of claims, whether they pertain to medical treatments, scientific phenomena like cold fusion, or paranormal topics. The newsletter serves as a platform for disseminating information and fostering discussion among those interested in rational inquiry and the scientific method.