Georgia Skeptics - Vol 05 No 06

Magazine Overview

This is the November/December 1992 issue of the "ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER OF THE GEORGIA SKEPTICS", Volume 5, Number 6. The newsletter is published by the Georgia Skeptics, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting critical thinking and scientific inquiry into paranormal and fringe-science claims. It shares a philosophy with the national organization CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal).

Contents and Featured Articles

The issue features a variety of articles, including:

• ALABAMA SKEPTIC NOT CONVINCED BY FAITH HEALER by H. Scott Hestevold, University of Alabama: This article critically examines the claims and methods of faith healer W. V. Grant, exposing his techniques for 'calling out' ailments and his 'miraculous' leg-lengthening demonstrations as illusions. It also questions the legitimacy of his 'Eagle Bible Institute' and its accreditation.
• NOVEMBER MEETING: Talk on Cosmology by Donald J. Barry, Georgia State University Astronomer: This section announces an upcoming meeting featuring a talk on cosmology, emphasizing physical models, the Big Bang model, and the scientific method.
• THE STS-48 MISSION by Michael Norris, UFO Encounters Magazine: This article discusses five incidents captured by onboard cameras during the STS-48 mission that raised suspicion among ufologists. It details the observations, including a 145-degree turn by an object and subsequent projectiles, and presents NASA's explanation of ice crystals and attitude control rocket firings, as well as the analysis by engineer Vincent DiPietro.
• NESSIE EMIGRATES? by Rick Moen, Bay Area Skeptics: This piece reviews a segment on the 'monster' of Lake Champlain from the TV show 'Unsolved Mysteries', dismissing the evidence as ambiguous video footage and potentially a hoax.
• FORTUNE SELLERS AND MIRACLE SEEKERS ON CHANNEL 2 by Rebecca Long, Georgia Skeptics: This article analyzes a Channel 2 Action News report on psychics, noting the reporter's skeptical attitude and the intention to follow up on predictions. It also touches upon a report on religious miracles, criticizing its credulous nature.
• MARFA LIGHTS REVISITED: "WE BECAME ONE WITH THE LIGHTS!" by Rebecca Long, Georgia Skeptics: This article revisits the phenomenon of the Marfa Lights, noting that the consensus among investigators is that they are not inconsistent with car headlights.
• EAR CANDLING TO CLEAN THE MIND AND SINUSES by Rebecca Long, Georgia Skeptics: This article is listed in the contents but not detailed in the provided text.
• SO YOU'RE A SKEPTIC? SOME ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS by Rick Moen, Bay Area Skeptics, with Becky Long, Keith Parsons, and Jan Nienhuys: This article is listed in the contents but not detailed in the provided text.
• ATLANTA STARGAZERS PREDICT A WIN FOR BUSH: This is a brief mention in the contents, likely a short news item.
• FIRST ANNUAL GEORGIA SKEPTICS PICNIC: This is a brief mention in the contents, likely an announcement.

Organization Information

The newsletter provides contact information for the Georgia Skeptics, including the President, Becky Long, and details on membership dues ($17.50 for individuals, $21.00 for families, $12.50 for students). It also mentions that material from the newsletter can be used with attribution.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards paranormal claims, critical analysis of media coverage of such topics, and the promotion of scientific methods. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and a skeptical approach to extraordinary claims, encouraging readers to question and investigate rather than accept assertions uncritically. The newsletter aims to educate the public and foster a community of critical thinkers.

This issue of the Georgia Skeptic magazine, identified by the code GS05-06, delves into various topics related to skepticism, paranormal phenomena, and alternative health. The content includes an examination of the Marfa Lights, discussions on the nature of skepticism, and reports from events like the Discovery Expo.

The Marfa Lights

The issue begins with an exploration of the Marfa Lights, presenting a skeptical viewpoint. Herbert Lindee is cited for suggesting that the lights observed by tourists are often car headlights cresting a distant hill, a phenomenon amplified by the lack of visible highway and existing lore. James Long's observations are detailed, where he and the author confirmed that the regularly observed lights from the official viewing area on Highway 90 were indeed car headlights on Highway 67. They noted that once darkness fell, the lights appeared to wink on and off randomly due to the lack of a visual reference frame. The author also recounts driving along Highway 67 and observing "reverse" Marfa Lights, which were their own car's headlights as seen from the viewing area.

However, the article contrasts this explanation with anecdotal accounts that do not align with the car headlight hypothesis. Dennis Stacy's "The Marfa Lights: A Viewer's Guide" is referenced for an account of a night computer operator who saw a cantaloupe-sized ball of light hovering outside his window. Judith Brueske's book, "The Marfa Lights: Being a Collection of First-Hand Accounts By People Who Have Seen the Lights Close-Up Or In Unusual Circumstances, and Related Materials," is also cited. Brueske's collection includes accounts like Robin Campbell's, who described lights materializing out of a field like "little fireballs" and moving onto the road. Another witness reported lights coming straight at them like a train, while a third described a huge red and green light appearing directly behind their car.

The author acknowledges that anecdotal accounts can be plagued by inaccurate perceptions, memory alterations, and embellishments over time. The article concludes that while the car headlight hypothesis explains some observations, it does not account for the more unusual movements and characteristics described in other eyewitness testimonies.

Discovery Expo and Alternative Health

Rebecca Long reports on the Discovery Expo held at Atlanta's Inforum. The expo featured a variety of offerings aimed at the mind and psyche, including a talk by Stanton Friedman on UFOs and government cover-ups, and a program by Colin Andrews on crop circles. Budd Hopkins discussed the physical and psychological symptoms of UFO abductions, and Hopkins and Friedman participated in a panel on the topic led by "abduction therapist" Robyn Quail.

Timothy Leary presented on consciousness expansion and a cybernetic technique. Ilizabeth Fortune offered a talk called "The Dolphin/Whale Connection: Healing the Illusion of Separation." Other exhibits and talks included spiritual surgery, aura photography, crystal bowl meditation, palmistry, foot reflexology, drumming for problem-solving, and utilizing sexual forces for multi-dimensional access. Two aura photographers competed, each claiming superiority.

Alternative health concepts at the expo included methods for preventing brain aging, various forms of light therapy, and alternative cancer therapies like laetrile and chelation offered by holistic cancer clinics. A talk also linked the medical community, international bankers' conspiracies, and the New World Order.

Ear Candling Debunked

A significant portion of the expo report focuses on "Ear Candling," described as an "ancient art" for "cleaning out the inside of your head." The treatment, costing $30.00 and lasting 45 minutes, involved inserting a hollow candle into the ear to create a vacuum that supposedly draws out "impurities." The author observed that the accumulated material was a foul-smelling grey gook, identified by the vendor as bacterial residue and debris. The vendor refused to sell the candles for analysis. Following the ear candling, clients could receive a psychic reading. Dr. Gary Lotner of the Atlanta Allergy Clinic confirmed that there is no opening from the sinuses or brain to the outside world through the ear, effectively debunking the practice.

So You're a Skeptic? Some Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

This section features a Q&A with Rick Moen, Becky Long, Keith Parsons, and Jan Nienhuys, addressing common questions posed to skeptics. The introduction notes that the public often views skeptics with prejudice, and the goal is to present skepticism as a reasonable and intriguing pursuit.

Why Bother with Skepticism?

Skeptics are driven by curiosity about fringe science claims and whether they have merit. While some claims, like psychic surgery, are harmful, others may not directly hurt individuals but are still considered "bogus." Skeptics believe that ignorance can lead to misery and that pseudoscientific theories have caused harm, citing the millions killed by race theories and the billions spent on dubious cures.

Explaining Anecdotes

Skeptics do not claim to explain every anecdote. They emphasize that unexplained phenomena may be due to missing details or inaccuracies in the original account. The responsibility lies with the questioner to seek conventional explanations. Anecdotes are considered weak evidence due to their unusual nature, tendency to be retold and embellished, and the fallibility of human memory.

What Do Skeptics Believe?

Skeptics do not adhere to a specific set of beliefs. Instead, skepticism is described as a method, using "mental tools" like scientific methods and footwork to examine claims. They are interested in testing claims that official science may overlook. Skeptics welcome new ideas but suspend belief until a claim is conclusively tested, not accepting theories simply because they sound appealing.

Becoming a Skeptic

Participants shared their journeys into skepticism. Becky Long was inspired by the scientific investigation of supernatural claims. Rick Moen became involved in organized skepticism in the early 1980s, partly influenced by the murder of Congressman Leo Ryan by a faith-healer's cult. Keith Parsons realized he had been "duped" by beliefs in flying saucers and ghosts as a child.

Skeptics and Spiritual Matters

Skeptics are not inherently involved with religious issues, and their personal religious beliefs vary. As skeptics, they focus on claims that can be evidenced, not on morals or faith. However, claims labeled as "religious" that make empirical assertions, such as faith-healing or creationism, are within the scope of skeptical inquiry. Skeptics generally do not interfere with others' beliefs unless empirical claims are made. They tend not to be dogmatic atheists, as dogmatism contradicts the skeptical attitude.

Constructive Aspects of Skepticism

Skeptics find enjoyment in examining fringe claims, help people avoid wasting time on unfounded notions, and have occasionally helped save lives. They aim to uncover the reality behind strange phenomena, which they find more wonderful than superstitious philosophies. Skepticism is compared to clearing weeds from a field, making way for constructive growth, and skeptics promote logic, critical thinking, and science education.

Skepticism and Freedom of Belief

Skeptics believe people have the right to believe what they want, but they also have the right to question those beliefs. They see themselves as consumer advocates in a marketplace of ideas, providing information and challenging those who sell worthless information. They do not consider themselves "thought police" and advocate for basing beliefs on facts.

Is Skepticism Closed-Minded?

Skeptics aim for impartial inquiry but acknowledge that they are not infallible. They do not ask to be trusted on faith but present their findings for others to judge. They are open-minded in that evidence persuades them, but they have high standards for what they will believe, learning from past disproven cases.

Genuine Psychic Experiences

Participants shared that while they have had intriguing experiences they couldn't immediately explain, they don't assume these are paranormal. The focus is on finding the best interpretation for experiences, rather than jumping to paranormal conclusions. They would be convinced of a claim's validity by strong, reproducible evidence, not just personal conviction.

Intolerance and Controversies

Skeptics acknowledge that they are not perfect and can lose patience or make mistakes. They are sometimes perceived as a threat to lucrative businesses. While some individuals may falsely claim the label "skeptic," respectable skeptical groups strive to distance themselves from such individuals. Intolerance is not inherent to skepticism; questioning shoddy thinking or poor logic is not intolerant.

Quote

"Skepticism is a good place to start from; that way you won't go overboard when some 'IT' happens to 'YOU.'" - Reverend Ivan Stang, Church of the Subgenius.

Atlanta Stargazers Predict a Win for Bush

This section reports on astrological predictions for the 1992 Presidential Election. The "psychic" Jeane Dixon predicted a win for George Bush, and local Atlanta astrologers quoted in the Atlanta Journal also predicted a Bush victory, citing his birth chart.

First Annual Picnic a Big Success

The Georgia Skeptics held their first annual picnic on September 20, 1992, hosted by Dale and Ann Heatherington in Roswell, Georgia. The event included feasting, conversation, juggling, songs, and a Skeptics Quiz Bowl.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of paranormal claims, particularly the Marfa Lights, through a skeptical lens. The magazine champions critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and the scientific method. It actively debunks pseudoscientific practices like ear candling and addresses common misconceptions about skepticism. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rational inquiry and a cautious approach to extraordinary claims, while also emphasizing that skepticism is not inherently negative or closed-minded but rather a tool for discerning truth.