Georgia Skeptics - Vol 06 No 02

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Electronic Newsletter of the Georgia Skeptics, Volume 6, Number 2, from May/June 1993, features a range of articles focused on skepticism, critical thinking, and the debunking of paranormal claims. The newsletter is published by the Georgia Skeptics, a non-profit organization aligned with CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal).

Contents

The table of contents highlights several key articles:

• MAY MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT: Dr. George Ganaway will speak on the creation of alien abduction memories through hypnotic suggestion.
• FIRE IN THE SKY: THE WALTON TRAVESTY by Anson Kennedy, Georgia Skeptics.
• PARANORMAL FRAUD EXPOSED by Detective Bruce Walstad (courtesy of REALL).
• GEORGIA SKEPTICS MEDIA WATCH by Rebecca Long, Georgia Skeptics.
• 666 AND MEDUSA's LAIR by Hugh H. Trotti, Georgia Skeptics.
• AT A LOSS FOR A PROPHET by Rick Moen, Bay Area Skeptics.

Organization Information and Meeting Announcement

The Georgia Skeptics organization is described as a non-profit group that promotes critical thinking and scientific inquiry. They share a philosophy with CSICOP and encourage the investigation of paranormal claims from a responsible, scientific viewpoint. Membership dues are $17.50 for individuals, $21.00 for families, and $12.50 for full-time students. The newsletter can be used by anyone provided attribution is given. For more information, contact the organization via the Astronomical Society of the Atlantic BBS or by mail to Becky Long, President, at 2277 Winding Woods Dr., Tucker, Georgia 30084.

A meeting announcement details the May 1993 gathering on Sunday, May 16, at the Steak and Ale Restaurant on Northlake Parkway in NE Atlanta. The speaker will be Dr. George Ganaway, Director of the Ridgeview Center for Dissociative Disorders, who will discuss hypnosis, dissociation, and the creation of false memories of alien abductions and Satanic ritual abuse. His current research on creating screen memories of alien abduction in a volunteer test subject (his wife) will also be discussed.

FIRE IN THE SKY: THE WALTON TRAVESTY

This extensive article by Anson Kennedy challenges the authenticity of the movie 'Fire in the Sky,' which claimed to be based on the true story of Travis Walton's alleged UFO abduction on November 5, 1975, near Snowflake, Arizona. The movie, scripted by Tracy Torme', is noted for significantly altering Walton's account and fictionalizing details. The article details the investigation by Philip J. Klass, chairman of CSICOP's UFO Subcommittee, who found evidence of 'gross deception' following Walton's disappearance.

Key points raised include:

• Walton's Disappearance: Walton and six companions were driving when they saw a saucer-shaped object. Walton jumped out of the truck and approached the object, which emitted a bright light, reportedly blowing him back.
• Family's Reaction: Walton's mother and sister reacted with unusual calmness upon hearing of his disappearance, with his mother recalling previous UFO sightings.
• Lack of Physical Evidence: Despite the reported 'explosive' force of the object's light, no physical evidence such as blood, clothing shreds, or blast effects were found at the site.
• Polygraph Examinations: Five of the six crew members were judged truthful in polygraph tests regarding seeing a UFO, but the results for Allen Dalis were inconclusive. The tests did not prove Walton was injured or murdered by his crew.
• Walton's Reappearance: Walton reappeared five days later, claiming he had not eaten and lost ten pounds. A urine analysis showed no trace of acetone, which would be expected if he had gone without food for several days, suggesting he may have eaten.
• Inconsistencies and Motives: The article highlights inconsistencies in Walton's statements and his family's behavior. It suggests potential motives for a hoax, including a $5000 award from the National Enquirer and Mike Rogers's precarious U.S. Forest Service contract, which was behind schedule. Rogers could have used the 'abduction' as an 'act of God' to terminate the contract without penalty.
• Suppressed Information: A crucial polygraph examination administered by John McCarthy, a respected examiner, reportedly showed 'gross deception' by Walton, with evidence he tried to 'beat the machine.' This information was suppressed by APRO, which had been promoting the case.
• Media Blitz: The article notes Travis Walton's extensive media appearances following the movie's release, including talk shows and news programs, to promote his revised book, now titled 'Fire in the Sky.' Skeptics like Phil Klass question Walton's claims and the refutation of his evidence.

PARANORMAL FRAUD EXPOSED

Detective Bruce Walstad recounts an investigation into alleged paranormal activity at The Red Lion Inn in Chicago. The inn's owner, James Horan, a former student of Professor James Iaccino, claimed the inn was haunted by three female ghosts. Iaccino witnessed numerous 'paranormal effects' during an eight-hour visit, including moving bottles, flying coins, and a tape recorder unplugging itself.

Walstad and Ron Pine investigated Horan, discovering he was an amateur magician. During a second visit to the inn, Walstad observed Horan staging events, including moving a block of wood and a roll of toilet paper. Walstad confronted Horan, who initially denied using tricks but eventually admitted to using a 'Telekinetic Timber' effect. The article concludes that Horan's 'magic show' was a fraud, and Iaccino and the college would not be backing his claims.

GEORGIA SKEPTICS MEDIA WATCH

Rebecca Long introduces the Georgia Skeptics' new Media Watch Project, initiated by Bill Evans and Anson Kennedy. This project aims to monitor and trend media coverage of paranormal and fringe science claims, assess reporting credibility, and provide feedback to the media. The article highlights recent media coverage, including a sensational piece in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution about alleged cattle mutilations in the Sand Mountain area of Alabama. The article notes the common explanations for these mutilations, ranging from satanic rituals to alien genetic experiments, and mentions Linda Moulton Howe's work on the subject.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of extraordinary claims, the exposure of paranormal fraud, and the importance of scientific inquiry. The Georgia Skeptics' editorial stance is clearly one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated paranormal phenomena, advocating for evidence-based investigation and a rational approach to understanding the world. The newsletter actively debunks alleged supernatural events and UFO incidents, emphasizing logical fallacies and potential hoaxes. The introduction of the Media Watch Project underscores their commitment to influencing public perception by scrutinizing how the media presents such claims.

This issue of the Georgia Skeptics Newsletter, dated Spring 1993, focuses on a critical examination of paranormal phenomena, media reporting, and pseudoscientific claims. The newsletter adopts a skeptical stance, aiming to debunk sensationalism and promote rational inquiry.

Cattle Mutilations and UFOs

The newsletter begins by discussing Ted Oliphant, a policeman who moved to Sand Mountain, Alabama, to investigate UFO phenomena and cattle mutilations. Oliphant, a professional speaker on the UFO circuit, believes UFOs are responsible for these mutilations. The article highlights an Atlanta Journal-Constitution article that featured Oliphant and quoted him as saying scientific tests had failed to identify the cause of death. Skeptics, however, draw parallels between cattle mutilations and the crop circle phenomenon, noting similar personalities involved and a tendency to elevate ordinary events into the extraordinary. The article questions the scientific basis for claims of "necropsies" and "microscopic analyses" of bloodless tissues, asking if such findings have appeared in reputable scientific journals. It points out contradictions in photographic evidence presented by proponents, such as claims of bent but not broken plant stalks in crop circles, while images show broken plants. Similarly, claims of "surgical precision" in bovine organ removal are contrasted with accompanying photographs that do not support this. The prevailing skeptical explanation for cattle mutilations is that the animals died of natural causes like disease or lightning strikes, with subsequent partial devouring by scavengers. The intense heat and "cooked hemoglobin" are attributed to lightning strikes, and the lack of blood is explained by the mutilations occurring after death. The newsletter concludes that supernatural or extraterrestrial explanations are unnecessary when mundane causes suffice, though it notes that farmers are frightened and arming themselves.

Media Criticism and "News for Kids"

A sidebar from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, dated March 1, 1993, and titled "News for Kids," is presented. In this feature, Managing Editor John Walter addresses an 11-year-old's question about the truthfulness of news. Walter assures readers that the goal is to stick with facts, distinguishing between factual reporting and tabloids meant for amusement. This section is framed as a positive example of media responsibility.

Psychic Fare and Skeptical Analysis

On April 5, 1993, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution published an article by Maureen Downey titled "Psychic Fare." The article is praised for its effort to present both sides of the issue, interviewing CSICOP fellows Dr. Joe Nickell and Dr. Ray Human, as well as the newsletter's author. More notably, a companion piece by Downey critically evaluated psychic claims, describing predictions as having a "one-size-fits-all feel" and noting that psychics readily modified their insights when challenged. Downey observed that psychic offerings were often "New Age bromides." This approach is commended as a departure from the standard formula of quoting experts and giving the credulous viewpoint the final say, setting a positive example for readers interested in critically evaluating paranormal claims.

Paranormal Reporting on Television

David Bloomberg, editor of REALL (Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land), describes positive reporting on the paranormal by national television networks. He highlights a December Dateline NBC story on homeopathic medicine, where a producer went undercover and was "diagnosed" using Kirlian photography. The prescribed homeopathic "medicines" were analyzed and found to be mostly water and ethanol. The newsletter applauds NBC for its thoroughness in presenting facts rather than succumbing to usual poor investigations of fringe science.

Crop Circle Hoaxes and Media Coverage

The newsletter also praises "I-Witness Video" for a segment on crop circles that, unlike typical coverage, revealed a group of hoaxers creating a circle using a rope and their feet. The hoaxers used a light-intensifier lens and wireless microphone for decent video and sound. The segment noted the hoaxers' ability to create a sharp circle that looked identical to others seen in the media, and a farmer's remark that "I don't think any human could have done this," due to the lack of footprints. The newsletter suggests that this "good old-fashioned prank" might not settle the matter for crop circle "experts."

Psychic Predictions and Investigations

CNN Headline News is also acknowledged for a clip featuring Robert Sheaffer of the Bay Area Skeptics, who reviewed psychic predictions for 1992. A psychic claimed to have predicted the LA riots, but CNN replayed the tape of her actual prediction, which was found to be inaccurate. Dr. Gary Posner of Tampa Bay Skeptics provided an advertisement for a television expose on 1-900 psychic lines, which are a $100 million-a-year business. An ABC PrimeTime Live investigation on February 18 revealed that the "bankroller" of a major psychic group had criminal records for theft, pimping, and fraud, and that hotline workers admitted to faking predictions, with sex-line girls sometimes used when hotlines were short-staffed. Personnel were also directed to keep potential suicides on the phone longer.

Homeopathy and "New Age" Disillusionment

On February 1, "Dateline" featured a segment on homeopathy, questioning its premise that diseases can be cured by dilute substances. A Dateline investigator, after being diagnosed with "bodily malfunctions" by an M.D. homeopath, was prescribed remedies that were found to contain only water and alcohol, with one treatment costing thousands of dollars. The newsletter also references an article in Family Circle magazine, "Do You Believe in Magic? New Light on the New Age," which discusses the disillusionment of followers of J. Z. Knight, who channels an entity named "Ramtha." The article describes how self-proclaimed gurus can exploit followers.

"Medusa's Lair" - Solving the Nebulous?

This section, authored by Hugh H. Trotti, explores ancient mysteries, focusing on the Greek myth of the Gorgons, particularly Medusa. Trotti suggests that the Gorgons' location, described as "on the edge near night," could refer to the west, based on Homer's Odyssey and the ancient poetic convention of equating the east with light and the west with darkness. He speculates on possible connections to Mesopotamia or Egypt, and the idea of "stone men" being early statues. Trotti also touches upon the possibility of human sacrifice in ancient Mediterranean cultures, referencing Minoan Crete and ceramic figures holding serpents.

The Number 666

Another section addresses the number 666, often associated with "Satan." The newsletter discusses how fundamentalist Christians interpret this number and recounts lawsuits involving Procter and Gamble over their emblem, which competitors claimed represented the number. It notes that P&G changed its emblem to avoid such associations. The article mentions that the vehicle licensing office in Britain stopped issuing the number "666" on license plates. The newsletter presents the theory by scholar Michael Grant that 666 represents Nero's name in ancient Hebrew usage, suggesting that modern Christians need not fear the number as it refers to a long-dead emperor. However, it also notes that many scholars, like Martin Gardner, disagree, arguing that mathematical games can derive the number 666 from almost any name.

"At a Loss for a Prophet" - Nostradamus and Communism

Rick Moen of the Bay Area Skeptics contributes an article titled "At a Loss for a Prophet," which discusses an April Fools prank on the Usenet forum (sci.skeptic). The prank involved a user, Michael Savastio, presenting a quatrain from Nostradamus and a translation that supposedly foretold the fall of communism. The original French quatrain is provided, along with Moen's translation, which includes lines about a man with a map on his forehead, a king waiting in line, and the "evil empire." Moen acknowledges that the quatrain, like others by Nostradamus, is open to interpretation and that while it could refer to the fall of the Soviet Union, he is not entirely convinced.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this newsletter are skepticism towards paranormal claims, critical analysis of media coverage of such topics, and the promotion of rational explanations over supernatural or extraterrestrial ones. The editorial stance is clearly that of a skeptical organization, aiming to debunk pseudoscience, expose fraud, and encourage critical thinking among its readers. The newsletter values journalistic integrity when reporting on controversial subjects and highlights instances where media outlets have provided balanced or fact-based reporting. It also engages with historical and mythological topics, offering skeptical interpretations grounded in research.