Georgia Skeptics - Vol 07 No 01

Magazine Overview

This document is the Winter 1994 issue (Volume 7, Number 1) of the "Electronic Newsletter of the Georgia Skeptics." The newsletter is published by the Georgia Skeptics, a non-profit local group that aligns with CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal). Its mission is to promote critical thinking and scientific inquiry. The issue contains a table of contents listing upcoming meetings and various articles, as well as information about the organization and membership.

Upcoming Meetings

The newsletter announces two upcoming meetings:

• January 16: Doyne Michie, a magician, will present a program on professional "mind readers."
• March 20: Rebecca Long, President of Georgia Skeptics, will discuss communicating skepticism, and CSICOP's videotape "Beyond Belief" will be shown.

Meetings are held at the Steak and Ale Restaurant on Northlake Parkway in NE Atlanta, starting at 4:30 p.m., with optional dinner afterwards.

Atlanta's House of Blood

This article by Rebecca Long investigates the "Atlanta House of Blood" case, which gained notoriety from "The Book of Lists" as one of the decade's "15 Strangest Stories." The case involved Minnie Clyde Winston, who reported finding blood oozing from the floor and walls of her house on September 8, 1987. The blood was confirmed as human, type O, while the Winstons were type A. Initial reports suggested supernatural causes, leading to widespread public inquiry and even offers of assistance from psychics.

Skeptics, including Dr. Joe Nickell, Larry Johnson, Rick Moen, and the author, investigated the case by reviewing police files and speaking with Lt. H. Walker of the Atlanta Police Department's Homicide Division. The police ruled out violent crime but, based on family issues and access to blood (Mr. Winston was a kidney dialysis patient, and their daughter worked in a hospital), Lt. Walker professionally opined that the blood was deliberately splattered as a hoax. The police did not pursue the investigation further to spare the family embarrassment.

The author also recounts a personal experience with "bleeding walls" in her own bedroom, which turned out to be resin from the rafters, not actual blood. Comparing this to the Winston house, she notes that the blood patterns in the Winston home showed splashing, indicating it was splattered from a distance rather than emerging from within the walls.

The article references "The Book of Lists" and "Unexplained Mysteries of the 20th Century" by Janet and Colin Bord, who attributed the blood to a resident poltergeist. It also briefly mentions another strange claim from "The Book of Lists" about a woman giving birth to a mudfish.

Psychics' 1993 Predictions Fizzled

Written by Robert Sheaffer of Bay Area Skeptics, this article (reprinted from BASIS, February 1994) analyzes the predictions made by psychics for 1993. Sheaffer notes that psychics often issue predictions annually, conveniently forgetting previous inaccurate ones. The article highlights numerous specific predictions that failed to materialize:

• An earthquake did not strike Las Vegas.
• Bill and Hillary Clinton did not separate.
• Major "earth changes" did not strike the West Coast.
• Chevy Chase did not make a big splash with a new TV talk show.

Many predictions were vague and impossible to verify (e.g., Jeane Dixon's prediction about Sally Jessy Raphael being "lonely"). Others were predictable, such as ongoing strife for the British Royal Family or severe winter storms. Some simply stated that existing trends would continue (e.g., economic uncertainty).

Significantly, the article states that not one prediction that was both specific and surprising came true. Examples of failed specific predictions include:

• Massachusetts "psychic" Barbara Donchess predicted the Clintons' separation and Paula Abdul eloping with Arsenio Hall.
• Southern California "psychic" Clarissa Bernhardt predicted the release of 14 American POWs and Axl Rose marrying Brooke Shields.
• "Nostradamus expert" Peter Lorie predicted a major California earthquake on May 8, 1993.
• Erika Cheetham predicted an unprecedented earthquake on the West Coast on May 21, 1993.
• Chicago "psychic" Irene Hughes predicted an earthquake in Las Vegas and Steven Seagal subduing terrorists.
• Jeane Dixon predicted the "ice man" would support the Bible's version of creation and made vague predictions about Chevy Chase and Michael Jackson.
• Astrologer Sean Morton predicted widespread disasters, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
• "Celebrity astrologer" Shelley von Strunckel foresaw a revamped monetary system and the disappearance of cash.
• Astrologer Jeane Avery predicted stock market trouble and "earth changes."
• Wall Street astrologer Arch Crawford predicted a devastating May-June period for the stock market.
• Richard Nolle predicted a major earthquake and terrorist attacks.
• "Psychic astrologer" Terrie Brill predicted an assassination attempt on President Clinton and various economic shifts.

The article concludes by urging the media and public to exercise skepticism towards psychics, as their track record for accurate predictions is poor. It also notes that psychics failed to predict genuinely surprising news stories of 1993, such as the Woody Allen/Mia Farrow scandal, the Branch Davidian incident, and the death of River Phoenix.

B. Premanand, Guru Buster!

This section features two parts: an article by Oscar Gunther and Brian Siano, and a letter from B. Premanand himself.

Article: B. Premanand, Guru Buster!

The article introduces B. Premanand as India's top debunker, who has spent 40 years investigating and duplicating alleged miracles. He leads the Indian CSICOP and has faced significant opposition, including jail time, beatings, and sabotage, from god-men who wield considerable political power. The article details several of Premanand's demonstrations:

• Holy Ash: Premanand revealed that the "miracle ash" produced by Sai Baba is made of sandalwood and baked cow dung, kept in a hidden ball in his thumb and forefinger.
• Gold Production: Premanand filed a lawsuit against Sai Baba for illegally producing gold, which led to a court ruling that Sai Baba did indeed materialize gold.
• Crystal Bell: A bell was made to ring on command by Premanand strapping a small bell to his armpit.
• Tongue Skewering: Premanand pushed a skewer through his tongue, explained by a hidden bend in the skewer and the fact that the flame from a kerosene lamp doesn't stay in one place long enough to burn the skin.
• Camphor Eating: Premanand and Dr. Larry Weinstein ate burning camphor, explained by the rapid exhaling of breath which contains carbon dioxide to extinguish the flame.
• Glass Eating: Premanand demonstrated eating glass by smashing a light bulb, chewing the pieces very finely into sand, and consuming it with a thick substance to prevent settling. He emphasized the need for extreme fineness and the presence of food.

The article notes that gurus who are discredited in India often come to America, build followings, and return triumphantly. Premanand is portrayed as an inspiring figure fighting against fraud.

Letter: Indian Skeptics Request Help: A Letter from B. Premanand

Dated October 18, 1993, this letter from B. Premanand, Convenor of the Indian committee for scientific investigation of claims of the paranormal, requests assistance from the Georgia Skeptics. He informs them about the six murders that occurred in the bedroom of Satya Sai Baba on June 6, 1993. Premanand alleges that Sai Baba, with the collusion of the police and supported by State and Central Ministers and the President of India, committed this crime. He details the filing of a writ petition in the High Court of Andhra Pradesh for an impartial inquiry into these events. The letter mentions legal proceedings and the difficulty in getting the courts to order an impartial inquiry or a CBI inquiry, referencing a recent Supreme Court judgment.

Other Sources of Skeptical Information on the Paranormal

This section is mentioned in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism, debunking of paranormal claims, and the promotion of critical thinking and scientific inquiry. The Georgia Skeptics, aligned with CSICOP, actively investigates and exposes fraudulent claims, particularly those made by psychics and alleged god-men. The editorial stance is clearly anti-pseudoscience, advocating for evidence-based reasoning and a rational approach to understanding the world. The newsletter aims to educate the public and counter the spread of unsubstantiated beliefs.

This issue of "Indian Skeptic" from November 1993, dated November 4, 1993, delves into several controversial topics, including allegations against the spiritual leader Sai Baba, suppressed episodes of the television series "The X-Files," and the ongoing debate between creationism and evolution.

Legal Battle and Personal Testimony Regarding Sai Baba

The issue opens with a legal perspective on the supremacy of the Indian Constitution and the courts' power to order impartial inquiries. The author recounts a personal experience on September 26, 1993, in Hyderabad, where they were involved in a motorcycle accident shortly after attending a meeting where Sai Baba's alleged miracle of producing a gold necklace was exposed. The author sustained minor injuries and survived to file a writ petition. The legal expenses for this petition are being covered by voluntary contributions from members, with appeals for subscriptions and donations.

B. Premanand's Affidavit and Efforts

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the efforts of B. Premanand, who published the text of his petitioner's affidavit in the November 1993 issue of "Indian Skeptic." This affidavit challenges the police investigation into murders at Sai Baba's abode. Premanand alleges that Sai Baba's network includes prominent national and international government figures, including India's President, Prime Minister, and Home Minister, and that dignitaries visit Baba's premises using a government-constructed airstrip. The financial fortune amassed by Baba is described as exceeding that of the Securities Scam. Premanand also highlights allegations of torture and abuse involving foreign nationals and boy students, as well as the discovery of dangerous explosive materials on Baba's premises.

The June 6th, 1993 Incident

The magazine details an incident on June 6, 1993, where four assailants attempted to deliver a telegram to Sai Baba's abode. A scuffle ensued, involving daggers and knives. Sai Baba was present and admonished the assailants before retreating through a secret passage. The police investigation is described as being suppressed and altered, with many police officers allegedly being devotees of Baba and complicit in covering up suspicious deaths and suicides. Local police and Baba's compound inmates are reportedly trying to prevent an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation. The narrative questions the assailants' motive for delivering a telegram when modern communication methods were available. Upon the police's arrival, a large crowd armed with sticks and bamboo gathered. The assailants were cornered on the first floor. The police attempted a forceful entry, leading to an attack on the police by the assailants. The police then allegedly shot all the assailants, despite them not possessing firearms. Premanand contends this was a deliberate act by the police to destroy evidence, making them responsible for manslaughter.

Aftermath of the Incident

The bodies of the Baba's four aides, allegedly stabbed by the assailants, were removed to a hospital run by Baba, not a government hospital for post-mortem examination. The police claim the assailants were shot with pistols, but reports indicate the wounds were made by a 303 rifle. The assailants are described as trusted lieutenants, and the incident is speculated to be related to a power struggle within Baba's followers for control of his financial empire. The State Home Minister, a known devotee of Sai Baba, publicly defended him, and the police are expected to act according to his dictates. Premanand emphasizes the need to reveal the clandestine activities within the Ashram.

X Files: The Lost Episodes

Larry Johnson reports on being contacted by an individual using the pseudonym "Al B. Fox," a highly placed executive in the communications and entertainment industry. Fox claims to have uncovered a cover-up by the U.S. government, top executives, the Tri-lateral Commission, Skull and Bones, and the U.S. Post Office. He provided video-tape cartridges of suppressed episodes of the TV series "The X-Files." These "Lost Episodes" are said to be based on true, terrifying, and unlikely incidents that the network and government deemed the public not ready for.

Episode 1 Synopsis: Marsup' Garrou

Johnson provides a synopsis of the first "Lost Episode," titled "Marsup' Garrou." The episode involves a series of garbage can topplings in southern towns, attracting FBI attention. Agents Scully and Mulder investigate, encountering an old bayou resident named L. "Bon Tom" Roulet, who warns them about the "Marsup' Garrou," also known as the WerePossum. This creature is described as an individual who transforms into a large Possum on the full moon to search for garbage and dead livestock. The episode culminates with Scully, Mulder, and Bon Tom pursuing the WerePossum, with Scully narrowly escaping an attack. Bon Tom eventually runs over the creature with a Jeep Cherokee, and it morphs back into a human.

Upcoming Creation vs. Evolution Debate

An upcoming debate is scheduled for May 29, between theistic evolutionist Ed Babinski and young-earth creationist Kent Hovind at the Pinecrest Baptist Church in Morrow. The article references a previous report from "The REALL News" by David Bloomberg regarding Kent Hovind's tactics.

Kent Hovind's Challenge and Controversy

Hovind is offering $10,000 to anyone who can provide empirical evidence for the theory of evolution. The article highlights that Hovind is scheduled to debate "paleontologist Steven (sic) Jay Gould," a Harvard University professor. However, Dr. Eugenie Scott, Executive Director of the National Center for Science Education, communicated with Gould, who stated he had never heard of Hovind and had not agreed to any debate. Gould characterized Hovind's claims as a "phony tactic" of challenging him to a debate and then claiming he backed out. Professor Robert Fuller of Bradley University expresses dismay at Hovind's challenge, stating that no properly educated person could dispute biological evolution.

Other Sources of Skeptical Information

The magazine lists several organizations that encourage critical investigation of paranormal and fringe-science claims:

• The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP): Publishes "The Skeptical Inquirer" and "Skeptical Briefs."
• Prometheus Books: A publisher of books critiquing paranormal and pseudoscientific claims.
• Skeptics Society: Promotes critical thinking and good science, publishing "Skeptic."
• The National Center for Science Education: Focuses on the creation vs. evolution controversy and science education, publishing "Creation/Evolution" and "NCSE Reports."
• National Council Against Health Fraud: Aims to protect consumers against dangerous health products and services, publishing a bimonthly newsletter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Indian Skeptic" strongly aligns with a skeptical and critical approach to paranormal claims, religious figures, and pseudoscientific theories. The editorial stance is clearly against unsubstantiated claims, highlighting alleged fraud, abuse, and cover-ups. The magazine actively promotes critical thinking, scientific investigation, and the debunking of phenomena and individuals presented as extraordinary or authoritative without sufficient evidence. The focus on legal challenges, investigative journalism, and the promotion of skeptical organizations underscores a commitment to rational inquiry and exposing what the publication views as deception.