Georgia Skeptics - Vol 05 No 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER OF THE GEORGIA SKEPTICS", Volume 5, Number 3, dated May/June 1992, presents a collection of articles that critically examine various phenomena often associated with the paranormal and unexplained. The newsletter is published by the Georgia Skeptics, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting critical thinking and scientific inquiry.

Contents and Featured Articles

The table of contents lists several articles, including:

• "MYSTERY OF THE GOLDEN DOOR: SOLVED!" by Dale Heatherington, Georgia Skeptics.
• "MARIAN APPARITIONS: AN ANTHROPOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE" by Dr. Michael Dean Murphy, University of Alabama.
• "LECTURE BY DR. ROBERT BAKER: WHAT IS HYPNOSIS" by Anson Kennedy, Georgia Skeptics.
• "EXPLAINING HAIRY BLOBS AND LEONARDO's MIRROR WRITING" by Hugh Trotti, Georgia Skeptics.
• "THE HIGHEST PRICE THAT QUACKERY CAN EXACT" by Dr. William Jarvis, National Council Against Health Fraud.
• "IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE" by Mary A. Long, Georgia Skeptics.
• "THE SECRET OF LULU HEARST" by Becky Long, Georgia Skeptics.
• An announcement for an "UPCOMING MEETING: William Gordon to Speak on Satanic Cults."

Georgia Skeptics Organization

The newsletter provides background on the Georgia Skeptics, describing it as a non-profit local group aligned with the national organization CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal). Their mission is to foster critical thinking and scientific investigation of the universe, encouraging the examination of paranormal and fringe-science claims from a scientific perspective. Material from the newsletter can be used with attribution. Contact information is provided for Becky Long, President, including a mailing address in Tucker, Georgia, and a phone number. Membership dues are outlined, supporting the dissemination of skeptical inquiries and educational events.

"MYSTERY OF THE GOLDEN DOOR: SOLVED!" by Dale Heatherington

Dale Heatherington investigates the phenomenon known as the "Golden Door," which believers claim is a supernatural manifestation seen in Polaroid photographs taken by people visiting Nancy Fowler in Conyers, Georgia, who report apparitions of the Virgin Mary. Believers often stare at the sun, causing eye damage, and photograph spurious bright lines interpreted as supernatural. The "Golden Door" is described as a pattern seen only on instant photographs, linked to Revelations 4:1. Heatherington conducted his own experiment using a cheap Polaroid camera in Roswell, Georgia, on a day other than the 13th, and successfully produced the "Golden Door" effect. He identified conditions for its appearance: the sun centered in the viewfinder, no clouds, and photographing any bright point source of light. He concludes that the "Golden Door" is an artifact created inside the camera, likely due to the iris shape of the lens, and not a doorway to heaven. He notes that the iris shape's height-to-width ratio matches that of the "Golden Door" in photographs.

"MARIAN APPARITIONS: AN ANTHROPOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE" by Dr. Michael Dean Murphy

Dr. Michael Dean Murphy examines Marian apparitions from an anthropological standpoint, focusing on how psychological, social, and cultural forces contribute to the acceptance and spread of such phenomena. He is less concerned with the truth of the apparitions themselves and more interested in how extraordinary personal experiences gain traction. Murphy identifies three key traditions intersecting in the Conyers events: (1) Apparitions, (2) Marianism, and (3) Pilgrimage. He explains that apparitions are supernatural manifestations believed to be physically present, often accompanied by miraculous signs like the "Miracle of the Sun." He references Michael Carroll's classification of visions into hallucinations (no physical evidence) and illusions (physical stimulus present). Murphy notes that while skeptics may see a lack of critical judgment in followers, believers have historically engaged in critical dialogue about the authenticity of manifestations. He discusses Marianism as a significant aspect of Catholic devotion and pilgrimage as a journey to a holy place, often spurred by apparitions. He mentions that modern Marian apparitions are often public and serial, conducive to shrine development.

"WHAT IS HYPNOSIS?": A LECTURE BY DR. ROBERT BAKER

Anson Kennedy reports on a lecture by Dr. Robert A. Baker, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Baker demonstrated hypnosis through a series of simple physical commands, showing how social compliance is the root of hypnotism. He dispelled common myths, such as hypnosis being an "altered state of consciousness" or that it can force people to do things against their will. He cited the "Manchurian Candidate" myth and CIA research as examples of the misconception of hypnotic control. Dr. Baker explained that hypnosis is not an altered state and that people do not enter an hypnotic trance. He also noted that memories recovered under hypnosis are less reliable due to confabulation, where subjects try to please the hypnotist. He concluded that hypnosis can be a useful therapeutic tool when used properly but can mislead people if used improperly.

"EXPLAINING HAIRY BLOBS AND LEONARDO's MIRROR WRITING" by Hugh Trotti

Hugh Trotti addresses two seemingly disparate topics: "hairy blobs" washed ashore and Leonardo da Vinci's mirror writing. For "hairy blobs," he refers to Daniel Cohen's work, suggesting they are likely decomposed carcasses of marine animals, specifically basking sharks, whose breakdown creates a fur-like appearance, termed "Pseudoplesiosaur." He also mentions Marco Polo's description of a hairy fish. Regarding Leonardo da Vinci's mirror writing (right-to-left), Trotti dismisses the common theory that it was for secrecy from church authorities. He argues that mirrors would not have been unavailable to the church and that attempting concealment might attract suspicion. He suggests the reason might be simpler than commonly conceived, implying it's not about secrecy but perhaps a more direct or practical reason.

Other Articles

Brief mentions are made of articles on "THE HIGHEST PRICE THAT QUACKERY CAN EXACT" by Dr. William Jarvis, "IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE" by Mary A. Long, and "THE SECRET OF LULU HEARST" by Becky Long, though their content is not detailed in the provided text.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is skepticism and the application of critical thinking to phenomena that are often accepted uncritically. The Georgia Skeptics, aligned with CSICOP, actively promotes a scientific approach to understanding the world, debunking paranormal claims, and encouraging rational explanations for unusual events. The editorial stance is clearly one of promoting scientific literacy and debunking pseudoscience, as evidenced by the selection and treatment of the featured articles.

This issue of the Georgia Skeptic, dated March/April 1992, focuses on exposing health fraud and quackery, with a cover headline emphasizing 'THE HIGHEST PRICE THAT QUACKERY CAN EXACT' by Dr. William Jarvis.

Article: Leonardo's Writing Habit

The issue begins with a brief speculation on Leonardo da Vinci's left-handedness, suggesting his right-to-left writing might have been a practical method to avoid smearing ink, rather than a mysterious or secretive practice. The author notes that this explanation is unlikely to satisfy those seeking esoteric interpretations and contrasts it with the 'Blob' being sometimes interpreted as an alien life form. The conclusion is that the truth about Leonardo's writing is likely less dramatic than fiction.

Hugh H. Trotti, a member of the Georgia Skeptics Board of Directors and author of 'Beasts and Battles: Fact in Legend and History,' is mentioned.

Article: THE HIGHEST PRICE THAT QUACKERY CAN EXACT

By Dr. William Jarvis, President, National Council Against Health Fraud.

This article details the tragic case of Sonja and Khachadour Atikian, who were acquitted in Toronto after being charged with failing to provide 'necessaries of life' for their 17-month-old daughter, Loreie, who died of bronchial pneumonia and malnutrition in 1987. The prosecution failed to prove the parents did not honestly believe they were providing adequate care, as they had placed their trust in health information from a health food store herbalist, Gerhardt Hanswille.

Hanswille advocated a philosophy of natural living, promoting herbs for food and medicine, and denouncing immunization and doctor's medicines as poisons. Sonja Atikian followed his advice during pregnancy, but after her daughter was weaned to a diet of fruits, vegetables, and rice, the baby failed to thrive, slept excessively, and suffered infections. Hanswille attributed the decline to 'poisons coming out of her body' and used a 'violet ray machine' to 'energize her Life Force.'

Dr. Jarvis explains that he would have testified that trusting such interpretations from a health provider is akin to a cancer patient accepting side effects of life-saving surgery, but Hanswille lacked the trustworthiness of cancer specialists. Hanswille's credentials were from a mail-order diploma in herbology from Bernadean University, a 'notorious diploma mill' in California. Jarvis criticizes California's laws that permit such institutions under the guise of free enterprise or tolerance, allowing quackery to flourish.

He notes that Hanswille's teachings align with the broader health foods industry, and the Atikians' commitment was particularly strong. The couple had previously embraced the health foods philosophy, extoling herbs, vegetarianism, and animal rights, ultimately paying the 'highest price that quackery can exact' by unwittingly causing their child's death.

A postscript mentions that an inquest was ordered into Loreie Atikian's death, which should clarify fault and potentially lead to charges, posing a question about societal responsibility.

Article: IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE ...

By Mary Anne Long, Georgia Skeptics.

This article addresses the public's misconception that state or federal agencies protect them from fraudulent health claims. Many erroneously believe that promotional claims for health products are thoroughly investigated and scientifically scrutinized. The article highlights that consumers are often duped because they believe advertisements related to medications and health aids 'must be true or they wouldn't be allowed to report them.'

Health care fraud is described as a booming business, with quackery estimated at $10 billion in 1984 and growing. In 1991, U.S. Representative Marilyn Lloyd reported that sick and elderly persons spent $40 billion on disreputable health products and devices, with victims spending $500-$1,000 annually.

Reasons for the prevalence of health fraud include increased interest in wellness and fitness, fear of environmental hazards, and distrust of orthodox medical care, which some perceive as expensive, impersonal, and profit-motivated. 'Health chiselers' are employing aggressive, high-tech marketing and circumventing laws by making illegal claims through fliers and 'fact sheets' rather than product labels, especially for 'nutritional supplements.'

The FDA is aware of these practices but has a low priority for enforcement, preferring consumer education and civil actions. Some quacks view product seizure as a mere cost of doing business. A 1984 report criticized the FDA's enforcement policies as minimal, with only about 0.5% of its budget allocated to combating quackery in 1988.

The article advises consumers to approach health claims with skepticism and demand scientific proof. It warns that testimonials from anonymous individuals are common sources of praise for miracle remedies and that common sense is the best defense against deceptive claims.

Resources for Consumers

The issue provides contact information for various organizations to report quackery, misleading advertising, or questionable products:

• National Council Against Health Fraud (Victim Redress Task Force)
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration Headquarters and regional office
• Health Care Fraud, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commissioner
• The Consumer Health Research Institute
• Chief Postal Inspector, United States Post Office
• Arthritis Foundation Information Line

Article: THE SECRET OF LULU HEARST

By Becky Long, Georgia Skeptics.

This article debunks the act of Lulu Hearst, who performed as the 'human magnet,' moving objects and exhibiting apparent superhuman strength. The January/February 1992 issue of the Georgia Skeptic newsletter had previously described her act, as documented in Charles Berlitz's book, 'World of the Odd and the Awesome.'

Joe Nickell's book, 'Wonderworkers! How They Perform the Impossible,' is cited as revealing Hearst's secrets. After years of performing and profiting, Hearst confessed her tricks, partly due to concerns about people's increasing superstition. She explained that her poltergeist effects and rapping sounds were tricks, and her apparent strength came from using leverage and balance to deflect applied forces, such as in a demonstration where she overcame strong men pushing on a stick.

Becky Long is identified as the Executive Officer of the Georgia Skeptics and a nuclear engineer.

Upcoming Meeting: SATANIC CULTS

The May 1992 meeting of the Georgia Skeptics was scheduled for Sunday, May 17, at the Steak and Ale Restaurant on Savoy Drive in NE Atlanta. The speaker was Dr. William E. Gordon, Regional Director of the Interfaith Witness Department of the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. His talk was to address the existence of an extensive, organized Satanic underground in the country, examining claims from experts and popular authors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Georgia Skeptic consistently promotes a rational, evidence-based approach to claims of the unusual and the pseudoscientific. The articles in this issue strongly advocate for critical thinking, skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, and reliance on scientific proof. The magazine actively seeks to debunk paranormal phenomena, expose health fraud and quackery, and educate consumers about deceptive practices. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific integrity and consumer protection against misinformation, particularly in the realms of health and paranormal claims.