Georgia Skeptics - Vol 05 No 01

Magazine Overview

This is the January/February 1992 issue of the Electronic Newsletter of the Georgia Skeptics, Volume 5, Number 1. The newsletter covers various topics related to skepticism, pseudoscience, and anomalous phenomena, featuring articles from members of the Georgia Skeptics organization.

Contents and Articles

PhenomiCon 1991: A Recipe for Weirdness

Anson Kennedy provides a humorous recipe for the PhenomiCon convention, mixing UFO believers, alien abduction proponents, conspiracy theorists, and skeptics. He describes the event, noting speakers like William Milton Cooper, Don Ware of MUFON discussing UFOs and human-alien interaction, and Caryl Dennis on 'colorology' and government UFO involvement. The dealer room offered tapes and merchandise related to these topics. The abduction believer segment featured Robin Quayle discussing case histories and Mark Jaeger on ancient astronaut theories. The convention also included conspiracy role-playing games and lectures, notably one by Robert Anton Wilson and Joe Ionno on the Skull and Bones society. Kennedy recounts a humorous incident where a Georgia Skeptics member was tricked into believing in 'Atomic Radio,' a fictional suppressed technology.

Some Impressions of PhenomiCon

Robert Sheaffer, a CSICOP fellow and author of 'The UFO Verdict,' was sponsored by the Georgia Skeptics to debate Robert Anton Wilson, co-author of 'The Illuminatus! Trilogy.' The debate focused on Wilson's disparaging comments about skeptics. Sheaffer challenged Wilson's credentials, revealing that 'Hawthorne University,' from which Wilson claimed a Ph.D., was unaccredited. Ivan Stang, founder of the 'Church of the Sub-Genius,' also participated. Sheaffer's talk on 'The UFO Verdict' was well-received. Larry Johnson of Georgia Skeptics spoke on crop circles. The article notes the open-mindedness of believers, citing Bill Cooper's dismissive gesture. Despite scheduling issues, the author expresses optimism for future PhenomiCon events.

Larry F. Johnson shares his impressions, highlighting a presentation on the 'Geneology of the Gods' and Zecharia Sitchin's ancient astronaut theories. He felt out of place among the attendees but enjoyed a panel discussion on 'The Future of Humanity' that focused on speculative, non-paranormal topics.

Becky Long critiques the Sheaffer/Wilson panel, finding Wilson's lack of seriousness and his disavowal of his own philosophies problematic. She argues that despite Wilson's claims of not being taken seriously, his books have a significant following. She also mentions Ron Amundson's debunking of the 'Hundredth Monkey Phenomenon' and Lyall Watson's subsequent reinterpretation of his claims.

Following the debate, Wilson reportedly approached Sheaffer and others, stating he would no longer attack skeptics. The author speculates that Wilson's skepticism bashing may stem from a desire for the status and respect of figures like Sheaffer. Both Sheaffer and Wilson participated in a final panel discussion, where Wilson aligned himself with Sheaffer against UFOlogists and conspiracy buffs.

The author recounts an incident during the panel discussion where an 'abductee' shared her story of a UFO sighting in October 1973. She claimed a blue-portholed UFO descended near her apartment building, and she and 150 others pushed it away with brooms. The author recalls a similar event from 1973, which was identified as a weather balloon. The abductee's statement, "As we all know, everyone is entitled to their own reality," is presented as an explanation for her claims. Despite the 'newage buzz-talk,' the author found the convention fun and expressed a desire to attend again.

Deceptions, Ancient and Modern

Hugh H. Trotti explores historical deceptions. He discusses the 'hodag,' a creature from Wisconsin folklore with jointless legs, tracing its description to an account in Julius Caesar's 'Gallic War' concerning the 'elk' of the Hercynian forest. Trotti suggests the modern 'hodag' was likely a manufactured hoax. He then examines the case of Alexander the Great consulting the Siwah Oracle in Libya, suggesting the oracle might have used a hidden priest to create 'mysterious utterances.' Trotti also touches upon Peter Green's theory that Alexander may have manipulated accounts of his Battle of the Granicus to appear invincible. Finally, he addresses the 'Blockage at the Straits of Gibraltar,' debunking the myth of Atlantis's mud flats blocking access to the Atlantic and suggesting that Phoenicians and Carthaginians may have reinforced this deception to maintain trade monopolies. He notes the irony that a real difficulty in navigating the Straits due to currents may have existed, contrasting this with the scientific ideal of open data sharing.

Thirty Days to an Out-of-Body Experience: A Traveler's Diary

Anson Kennedy reports on Part Two of a diary detailing a month-long journey into the unknown by a Georgia Skeptics member attempting to induce Out-of-Body Experiences (OBEs). Part One concluded with the individual in a comatose state, with no clear explanation. Part Two covers 'Week Three: Gaining Altitude,' which includes exercises for inducing OBEs in various circumstances, including 'erotic out-of-body experiences.' The diary entries for Day 15 ('Nocturnal Flights') and Day 16 ('No Place Like Home') describe techniques for inducing OBEs while falling asleep and upon waking, emphasizing realistic expectations and avoiding mystical interpretations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes skepticism, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry as the primary means to understand the world. The Georgia Skeptics, aligned with CSICOP, actively investigates paranormal and fringe-science claims. The newsletter critiques various phenomena, including UFO sightings, conspiracy theories, and pseudoscientific claims, often debunking them or questioning their validity. There is a clear editorial stance against unsubstantiated beliefs and a promotion of rational investigation. The articles highlight the importance of distinguishing between genuine phenomena and hoaxes, deceptions, or misinterpretations. The newsletter also touches upon the nature of belief, reality, and the challenges of maintaining a skeptical viewpoint in environments saturated with unconventional ideas.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated January/February 1992, with Volume 7, No. 1, presents a skeptical and often humorous personal account of a 30-day program designed to induce Out-of-Body Experiences (OBEs). The magazine's cover headline, 'THE FINAL FRONTIER: UFOs AND THE NEW AGE,' sets a tone that is explored through the detailed diary entries of the author.

Day-by-Day Exploration of OBE Techniques

The author chronicles their experience with a series of daily exercises aimed at achieving OBEs, often interjecting personal commentary and skepticism. The program begins with basic relaxation and visualization techniques, such as imagining sleeping in an unusual place and then returning to a familiar bed to induce an OBE.

Day 17: "The Sound of Music"

This day focuses on the use of music, specifically recommending classical compositions like Handel's Messiah and Beethoven's Missa Solemnis, while dismissing 'New Age' music and hard rock as unsuitable for inducing OBEs. The author expresses a preference for Madonna but notes the book's exclusion of her music.

Day 18: "Jacuzzi in the Sky"

The exercise involves combining earlier techniques in a relaxing aquatic environment, ideally a Jacuzzi, or a bathtub if a Jacuzzi is unavailable. The author notes the recommendation for a partner to prevent drowning during the deep relaxation state.

Day 19: "Memory Lane"

This day's exercise focuses on conjuring distant locales by thinking of a familiar place from the past. The author imagines their childhood home, experiencing a brief moment of connection before being brought back to reality.

Day 20: "Free Flight Sex"

This day introduces the concept of sharing OBEs with a partner, suggesting practice with consenting adults. The author, lacking a partner, devises 'Plan C,' which involves visiting an 'astral singles bar.' The experience culminates in an 'astral arrest' after consuming 'astral Screwdrivers' and 'astral Boilermakers.'

Day 21: "Erotic Variations"

Described as an advanced form of shared OBE exercise, this day involves intimacy and sensual activities with a partner, intended to heighten emotional and physical sensitivity. The author expresses disgust with the manipulative nature of the exercise, viewing it as a form of 'brainwashing.'

Week Three Summary and Day 22: "The Night Watch"

Following a difficult Week Three, the author summarizes the advanced techniques to be learned in Week Four, including sleep deprivation and altered time perception. Day 22 focuses on sleep deprivation as a key to prolonged OBEs, with instructions to check with a doctor if psychologically or physically unstable.

Day 23: "The Morning After"

Continuing the sleep deprivation exercise, the author experiences hallucinations, including vivid dreams and an apparent OBE where their body also seemed to move. Despite the night's events, the author feels refreshed and proceeds with the day.

Day 24: "Orgasmic Flights"

This day's exercises are described as purely sexual, warning away younger or squeamish readers. The author opts to perform the exercise alone, given their negative experience at the 'astral singles bar.'

Day 25: "Time Travel"

The author is instructed that OBEs are not limited by space or time, allowing travel to the past, present, or future. The author claims to have seen a pink tyrannosaurus rex with purple polka dots and visited ancient Egypt and the Moon.

Day 26: "Metamorphosis"

This exercise encourages the author to lose their own identity and pretend to be someone or something else, such as an animal or an alien.

Day 27: "Extended Perception"

This day involves informal experiments to test the objective reality of OBEs. The author enlists a friend to place unseen objects in a room, which the author attempts to identify during an OBE. The author's 'findings' include a banana, a fedora hat, a toy boat, and a copy of the Columbia Encyclopedia.

Day 28: "Extended Communication"

An experiment in communicating during an OBE, where the author's friend sets up objects and records any unusual thoughts or feelings. The friend's record notes a 'strange feeling' and a sense of presence, but the author admits to dozing off and not leaving their body.

Days 29 and 30: "Free Flight"

These final days involve incorporating the best-learned exercises into a personalized 'Free Flight' program. The author describes a routine of morning affirmations, visualization, exploring distant places, and evening affirmations before sleep. The author completes the OBE training and obtains a 'Bachelor of Out-Of-Body Experiences.'

The Diary Ends: Speculation and Appeal

The diary concludes with the author expressing disgust with the training manual and nearly quitting. The fate of the author after Days 29 and 30 remains unclear, with speculation that their astral self may have gotten lost. The magazine appeals to readers to contact the Georgia Skeptics if they have information to help return the 'errant OBE-er.'

Planetary Activation

Following the personal narrative, the magazine includes a press release from Star-Borne Unlimited regarding 'Next Planetary Activation: The Opening of the Doorway of the 11:11' on January 11, 1992. This event is described as an opportunity for humanity to enter a new spiral of consciousness, requiring a critical mass of 144,000 beings. The article contrasts this date with information from the East Coast Power Point of Korton and Solinus, which suggests a different activation schedule based on the master number eleven.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the author's narrative is skepticism towards the techniques and claims of the OBE training program. The author uses humor and personal anecdotes to highlight the absurdity and potential for self-delusion inherent in the exercises. The editorial stance, as evidenced by the author's commentary and the inclusion of the Georgia Skeptics' appeal, leans towards a critical and questioning approach to paranormal claims, while still engaging with the subject matter in detail. The 'Planetary Activation' section also presents contrasting viewpoints, suggesting an interest in exploring different facets of New Age beliefs, albeit with a critical eye.

Title: The Georgia Skeptic
Issue Date: May/June 1992
Publisher: Georgia Skeptics
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The Georgia Skeptic delves into unexplained phenomena and skeptical analysis, featuring a historical account of a young woman with mysterious powers and reporting on the recent activities of the Georgia Skeptics organization.

The Wondergirl from Georgia

The issue presents an excerpt from Charles Berlitz's book, "World of the Odd and the Awesome," detailing the case of Lulu Hurst, a fourteen-year-old girl from Cedartown, Georgia, in 1883. Initially, strange rappings and popping sounds during a thunderstorm were attributed to the severe electrical storm. However, the phenomenon escalated the next evening when Lulu's bed began to thump violently, and over a dozen witnesses heard wall-shaking noises in her room. These sounds appeared to answer questions, with one rap signifying "yes" and two knocks signifying "no."

Four days later, the connection to Lulu became apparent when a visiting relative was thrown across the room after touching a chair handed to her by Lulu. Four men attempting to restrain the gyrating furniture were engaged in a wrestling match with an invisible force that ultimately broke the chair. Terrified by her newfound powers, Lulu soon began performing feats for live audiences.

Her performances, billed as "the wonderful Lulu Hurst," attracted significant attention. Newspapers like the Atlanta Constitution and Rome Bulletin covered her shows. In Cedartown, a hall packed with spectators, including judges, lawyers, bankers, state politicians, and doctors, watched as Lulu demonstrated her abilities. In one instance, a solidly built man volunteered to test her powers. When given a closed umbrella, he was instructed to hold it still. Lulu simply touched the umbrella with her palm, causing it to jerk violently. The man then began to writhe and was flung into the laps of onstage observers.

For the next two years, Lulu toured the United States, demonstrating her powers. She appeared before the faculty and students of the Medical College at Charleston, South Carolina. The Charleston News and Courier noted the audience as "notable and critical" and concluded that "There was not a man in this distinguished and learned array who could explain the mysterious phenomenon" after witnessing the girl toss people around by touch.

Despite the interest, twenty scientists from the Smithsonian and National Observatory staffs, including Alexander Graham Bell, studied Lulu, suspecting she possessed electrical force. However, their studies failed to solve the mystery. Lulu eventually married and retired, leaving the source of her powers as enigmatic as ever.

Jim Lippard, editor of The Arizona Skeptic, is mentioned as a source for further historical research into Lulu Hurst, with contact information provided for Becky Long. The editors also note that a solution to the mystery was subsequently found in Joe Nickell's book, "The Wonderworkers," and summarized in a previous issue of The Georgia Skeptic newsletter.

Recent GS Activities

The issue then shifts to recent events involving the Georgia Skeptics. In early November, the organization sponsored a visit by Robert Sheaffer, a Fellow of CSICOP and author, who is a regular columnist for The Skeptical Inquirer. Sheaffer is described as a founding member of CSICOP's UFO subcommittee, a Board member, and former Chair of the Bay Area Skeptics.

On November 1, 1991, Mr. Sheaffer delivered a lecture and discussion on "The UFO Verdict" at the Fernbank Science Center. The talk, which was well-attended and received, examined the UFO question from a skeptical, scientific viewpoint. It used well-known case studies to illustrate how individuals might mistake objects like the planet Venus for extraterrestrial craft, offering an accurate and rational perspective on UFOs and guidance for evaluating claims.

From November 2 to 3, 1991, Robert Sheaffer and other Georgia Skeptics members participated in Phenomicon, an event described as both "Atlanta's Alternative Convention" and "Atlanta's Most Dangerous Convention."

The regular November meeting of Georgia Skeptics featured a presentation by Priscilla Vandecar of the Council on Battered Women. Ms. Vandecar addressed the myths and pseudoscience prevalent in contemporary popular psychology concerning battered women. She highlighted that while therapists and mediators may have good intentions, information gaps can increase danger to women and families. A common misconception is that battered women remain in abusive relationships for emotional benefit; Ms. Vandecar clarified that complex situational factors are the reason. She emphasized that therapists suggesting women change their behavior to stop male violence are unacceptable, and her talk served as an example of the broader societal need for critical examination of misconceptions, not limited to the paranormal.

The Georgia Skeptics also held a holiday pot-luck dinner on December 15 at Becky Long's home. This event included two videotapes: a news feature on a woman claiming to record paranormal voices on tape (provided by Dale Heatherington) and a sales pitch for magnetic healing devices (provided by Frank and Mary Anne Long).

Meeting Announcement

An announcement is made for the January meeting of the Georgia Skeptics, scheduled for Sunday, January 19, 1992, at the Steak and Ale Restaurant in NE Atlanta. Dr. William Evans, Professor of Communications at the Georgia Institute of Technology, is set to speak on "pseudoscience in the mass media." His talk will cover how news and media report on pseudoscience, its use in popular film and television, and how these portrayals shape public perceptions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of unexplained phenomena, the promotion of skeptical inquiry, and the debunking of pseudoscience. The Georgia Skeptics organization appears dedicated to applying scientific reasoning to extraordinary claims, whether they involve historical accounts of psychic abilities or contemporary issues like UFO sightings and the influence of pseudoscience in media and psychology. The editorial stance is clearly one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and a commitment to evidence-based analysis, as demonstrated by the coverage of Robert Sheaffer's lectures and the discussion on battered women, which highlighted the dangers of pseudoscientific approaches in therapy.