Georgia Skeptics - Vol 07 No 02

Magazine Overview

This document is the Spring 1994 issue of the "ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER OF THE GEORGIA SKEPTICS," Volume 7, Number 2. It features a table of contents listing various articles, announcements, and regular columns.

Contents and Articles

Meeting Announcements

• MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT: A meeting is scheduled for Sunday, May 15, titled "VISIONS OF THE VIRGIN MARY." Dr. William Evans will discuss Marian apparitions in Conyers, Georgia, noting that up to 100,000 people attend this event monthly. The talk will cover the history of Marian apparitions, their appeal, media coverage, and explanations for miraculous claims.
• CSICOP WORKSHOP IN ATLANTA!: CSICOP will host a workshop in Atlanta the last weekend in October, focusing on skepticism and the news media. Sessions will be taught by CSICOP Fellows Robert Baker and Joe Nickell, science reporter Gene Emory, and GS Technical Advisor William Evans.

Feature Articles

• THE WRECK OF THE COMET FORETOLD? by Ron Butler: This article explores the remarkable parallels between Morgan Robertson's 1898 novel "Futility," which described a liner named Titan striking an iceberg and sinking, and the actual Titanic disaster. While proponents of the paranormal cite this as foreknowledge, Martin Gardner's analysis suggests the similarities stemmed from Robertson's knowledge of the shipping business and narrative skill.

• THE CRASH OF THE COMET FORETOLD? by Ron Butler: This section continues the theme of literary foreshadowing with Nevil Shute's 1948 novel "No Highway." The novel features a fictional airliner, the Rutland Reindeer, prone to metal fatigue, a problem that later plagued the real-world de Havilland Comet jet airliner. The article compares the specifications of the fictional Reindeer with the Comet, noting that while the Reindeer was a conservative extrapolation, the Comet's issues were more severe and had greater industry impact. The author reflects on how reality surpassed fiction in the Comet's case, with two crashes instead of one, and instantaneous destruction due to fuselage rupture.

• REMEMBERING IT BETTER: The author revisits the comparison between the fictional Reindeer and the real Comet, acknowledging that his memory of the Reindeer having turboprop engines and two tailplane failures was inaccurate, possibly influenced by a movie adaptation.

• POINTS ON A GRAPH: The article positions "No Highway" as a point on a spectrum between everyday coincidences and startling ones like "Futility," noting Shute's accurate identification of metal fatigue as a problem.

• THE BIRTH OF BIGFOOT FROM FICTION? by Hugh Trotti: This article posits that the legend of Bigfoot might have originated from Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels," which was reportedly a favorite book of Daniel Boone. The author cites a biography of Daniel Boone that mentions Swift's book multiple times.

• CONFESSIONS OF A LONE SKEPTIC by Elena Watson: Elena Watson, editor of the National Capital Area Skeptics newsletter "Skeptical Eye," reflects on her experience as a skeptic in Eastern Virginia. She discusses the challenges of addressing pseudoscientific claims in local newspapers and the tendency for journalists to treat such stories as entertainment rather than requiring rigorous accuracy. She advocates for researching claims before complaining to editors and writing succinct, logical letters.

Regular Columns and Sections

• PRESIDENT'S CORNER by Rebecca Long: Rebecca Long apologizes for the lateness of the newsletter and announces that Anson Kennedy will help prepare the Summer issue, focusing on efforts to achieve balanced media coverage of paranormal claims.

• THE LOSS OF AN EXTRAORDINARY SKEPTIC: This section is dedicated to the memory of Elena M. Watson, editor of "Skeptical Eye," who died earlier in the year. Her contributions to the National Capital Area Skeptics and her influence on the Georgia Skeptics are highlighted.

• RECENT ACTIVITIES: Members of Georgia Skeptics appeared on the Channel 5 program "Minute by Minute" discussing modern miracles. Dr. Joe Nickell was interviewed, and members Joe Nickell, Rebecca Long, Bill Evans, and Harry Taylor participated in filming related to apparitions in Conyers, Georgia. Anson Kennedy demonstrated scientific explanations for Polaroid photos, and Harry Taylor used a telescope for sidewalk astronomy.

• MEDIA ALERT / MEDIA WATCH: Anson Kennedy and William Evans are listed in these sections, suggesting their roles in monitoring and responding to media coverage.

• OFFICERS and BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Lists the key personnel of the Georgia Skeptics organization, including President Rebecca Long, Vice President Anson Kennedy, and other board members.

• TECHNICAL ADVISORS: Lists Dr. William Evans (Georgia Institute of Technology) and Dr. Keith Parsons (University of Pittsburgh) as advisors.

• ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Thanks James D. Young II for information on the de Havilland Comet.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Georgia Skeptics, aligned with CSICOP, champions critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and the responsible investigation of paranormal and fringe-science claims. The newsletter actively engages with media coverage, aiming for balanced reporting and debunking pseudoscience. Recurring themes include the analysis of alleged paranormal phenomena through a skeptical lens, the examination of historical cases and their potential explanations, and the importance of media literacy in distinguishing between fact and fiction. The publication also serves as a platform for organizational news, member activities, and announcements of relevant events and workshops.

This issue of "The InPsider" from March/April 1994, published by Georgia Skeptics, offers a diverse range of articles touching upon unexplained phenomena, skepticism, and purported psychic abilities. The publication aims to critically examine claims and provide a balanced perspective, often with a skeptical bent.

Articles

The 'Yahoo' and the Bigfoot Legend

The issue begins by exploring the potential origins of the Bigfoot legend, tracing it back to Daniel Boone's alleged 'tall tale' of killing a ten-foot, hairy giant he called a 'Yahoo.' The article posits that this story might be inspired by Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels," specifically the 'Yahoo' creatures described in Part IV of the book. The text details the characteristics of Swift's Yahoos—hairy, strong, sexually aggressive, and possessing sharp claws—and notes that while Boone might have exaggerated the height, the concept of a hairy, giant-like creature could stem from Swift's work. The author suggests that Swift's satire on civilization might have appealed to frontier folk, and that the 'Yahoo' portrayal could have easily entered folklore, eventually contributing to the modern Bigfoot myth. The article acknowledges that while Boone's biographer, Faragher, suggests a literary origin, there remains a slim chance that early frontiersmen encountered actual unknown creatures.

Dr. John Mack and the Abduction Phenomenon

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to Dr. John Mack, a Pulitzer-prize winning psychiatrist at Harvard, and his new book, "Abduction: Human Encounters With Aliens." The article frames Mack as a highly credentialed figure in the UFOlogy community, alongside other prominent researchers like David Jacobs and Budd Hopkins. It highlights Mack's suggestion that UFO abductions may not be taking place in conventional reality, and his reliance on controversial methods such as regressive hypnosis and breath work. The piece recounts Mack's appearance on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," where he defended experiencers and argued that their claims were not mere delusions or fantasies. Dr. Mack's primary objective, as perceived by the author, was to legitimize his work. Interestingly, Mack expressed a belief that the phenomenon could "break us out of this box that Carl Sagan would keep us in," suggesting a potential challenge to the scientific method. The article also notes the "experiencers"' sense of community and their emphasis on the emotional and intuitive aspects of their experiences, contrasting with the demand for physical evidence. The author concludes by suggesting that Mack's work, while controversial, warrants attention, especially with the publicity surrounding his book.

Kenneth Arnold, Flying Saucer Man

This section features a poem by Bufo Calvin, set to the tune of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," commemorating Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting that popularized the term "flying saucer." The poem reflects on the term's origin and the ongoing nature of UFO sightings and discussions.

Local Parapsychologist Testifies Against Psychic Scam

This article details a civil suit brought by the U.S. Postal Service against Helen Archer and Harold Weingold for operating a psychic scam under the name "Uri Geller." The scam involved mailing letters to thousands of individuals, promising wealth and opportunities, and requesting a strand of hair and a $20 fee for a "psychic bridge." The investigation revealed that the hair was discarded and the money was pocketed. Dr. William Roll, a parapsychologist, testified as an expert witness, stating that psychics typically require a personal link, like a hair sample, but rarely obtain accurate visions of specific monetary gains. U.S. Judge William Bassler ruled against Archer and Weingold, deeming their solicitations deceptive and manipulative.

Articles of Interest

This section compiles brief reviews of other articles from various publications:

• "Searching for the Secrets of Groom Lake" by Stuart F. Brown in _Popular Science_ (March 1994) discusses the secretive U.S. government test facility, known as Area 51 or "Dreamland," and its association with UFO lore, particularly through figures like Bob Lazar.
• "When Is Seeing Believing?" by William J. Mitchell in _Scientific American_ (February 1994) examines how computer technology can be used to create highly realistic fake images, posing challenges for skeptics trying to verify photographic evidence.
• "'Ivan' Revisited: Was John Demjanjuk 'Innocent'?" by Joe Nickell in _Free Inquiry_ (Winter 1994) reviews evidence concerning John Demjanjuk, concluding that while he may not have been "Ivan the Terrible," he was involved in killing Jews at another concentration camp.
• "The Harvard Professor and the UFOs" by Jill Niemark in _Psychology Today_ (March/April 1994) provides a profile of Dr. John Mack, highlighting the skepticism surrounding his work on alien abductions and his reliance on hypnosis.
• "John Mack" by Stephen Rae in _The New York Times Magazine_ (March 20, 1994) offers a skeptical perspective on Mack's journey to believing in alien abductions, referencing Philip Klass and Carl Sagan, and questioning the validity of the Roper survey.
• "Close Encounters: An Examination of UFO Experiences" by Spanos, Nicholas P., et al. in _Journal of Abnormal Psychology_ (1993) compares individuals who experienced intense UFO encounters with control groups, finding that while not more psychopathological, intense experiencers showed higher proneness to fantasy and unusual sensory experiences.
• "Faith Healing: Miracle or Mirage?" in _Free Inquiry_ (Winter 1994) features articles by Paul Kurtz, James Randi, and others, including an exposé on faith healer Morris Cerullo, concluding that such practices are more mirage than miracle.

Skeptical Recap of Jurassic Summer

Dr. Keith M. Parsons reviews the movie "Jurassic Park," praising it as a great film but cautioning against being carried away by hype. He emphasizes the importance of scientific thinking based on evidence rather than feelings, stating that even if a subject is titillating or fun, science must adhere to objective evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "The InPsider" revolve around the critical examination of paranormal claims, UFOs, psychic phenomena, and alleged hoaxes. The editorial stance is predominantly skeptical, aiming to dissect sensational claims with a focus on evidence, scientific methodology, and logical reasoning. The publication encourages readers to question extraordinary assertions and to consider alternative, more grounded explanations. There is a clear effort to debunk psychic scams and to provide context for phenomena often sensationalized in popular media. The inclusion of reviews of articles from other publications further reinforces this critical and investigative approach.

This issue of Skeptical Inquirer, dated July/August 1994, features an article titled "Dinosaurs: The New Orthodoxy" which delves into the scientific controversies surrounding our understanding of dinosaurs. The magazine, published by The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal, aims to provide a skeptical examination of popular beliefs, particularly those influenced by media like the movie *Jurassic Park*.

Dinosaurs and the New Orthodoxy

The article begins by addressing the claims made in *Jurassic Park* about dinosaur behavior, noting that many of these are subjects of heated scientific debate. It highlights Dr. Robert Bakker as a key figure responsible for a resurgence of interest in dinosaurs and the popularization of new theories, many of which are reflected in the movie. The author contrasts the childhood perception of dinosaurs as slow, stupid, and swamp-dwelling with Bakker's more dynamic view of them as agile, intelligent, and land-based.

The Influence of Robert Bakker

Robert Bakker's book, *Dinosaur Heresies*, is presented as a significant work that depicts dinosaurs as active, vicious predators, exemplified by a Tyrannosaur attacking a ceratopsian. This portrayal suggests dinosaurs were smart and fast, a stark contrast to older theories. Bakker is described as an "enfant terrible" whose ideas often clash with more conservative paleontologists, who have sometimes referred to his work as "Dinosaur Hearsays."

Deinonychus and the Shift in Understanding

A pivotal discovery that fueled the new theories was John Ostrom's 1964 find of *Deinonychus*, meaning "terrible claw." This creature is described as obviously built for speed, aggressive, and agile, with powerful teeth and a formidable retractable claw on its back foot. Its posture is compared to a roadrunner, suggesting quick movement. The article posits that *Deinonychus* likely had large brains and may have been an intelligent pack hunter, a concept reflected in the *Velociraptor* in *Jurassic Park*.

The Warm-Blooded Debate

A major controversy discussed is whether dinosaurs were warm-blooded (endothermic) like modern birds or cold-blooded (ectothermic) like lizards. The article presents arguments for endothermy, including the high metabolism and food consumption required by active, warm-blooded predators. Bakker's analysis of predator-to-prey biomass ratios, suggesting a warm-blooded number, is cited. The posture and gait of sauropods, like the *Brachiosaur*, are also discussed, with their legs positioned underneath for mammalian-style walking, indicating they didn't mope sluggishly. The immense size of sauropods also raises questions about how their blood would reach their heads, suggesting a need for a powerful, four-chambered heart similar to mammals.

Arguments against endothermy include the presence of haversian bone in some reptiles and the identification of zonal growth patterns in dinosaur bones, indicative of seasonal growth typical of cold-bloodedness. The concept of gigantothermy is introduced as an alternative explanation for how large dinosaurs could maintain body heat without high metabolic rates, especially in colder climates. The article also notes that dinosaurs, like mammals and birds, showed apparent rapid growth rates, which Bakker links to warm-bloodedness.

Tyrannosaurus Rex: Predator or Scavenger?

Another significant debate concerns whether *Tyrannosaurus rex* was an active predator or a scavenger. While *Jurassic Park* presents a dynamic predator, the article notes Jack Horner's argument that *T. rex*, due to its size, might have been too slow to be a primary predator and likely scavenged carcasses. Horner's reasoning includes the availability of dead prey and *T. rex*'s well-developed olfactory organs, which would aid in detecting rotting flesh. The author expresses a personal preference for the predator interpretation but acknowledges the need for scientific evidence.

Dinosaur Extinction Theories

The issue of dinosaur extinction is explored, with the prevailing theory being a cosmic catastrophe, such as an asteroid or comet impact, around 65 million years ago. Evidence for this includes a high concentration of iridium at the K-T boundary layer. However, the article points out that the definition of "instantaneously" in geological terms is broad, and other phenomena, like massive volcanic eruptions in India, could have contributed. The article concludes that no single extinction theory has been definitively proven.

Other Controversies and Scientific Reasoning

Other points of contention include the possibility that dinosaurs were a diverse group with varied metabolic strategies, with some potentially being endothermic when young and resorting to gigantothermy as they aged. The article also touches on the difficulty of reconstructing dinosaurs from DNA and the basis for their depiction in illustrations, noting how social standards can influence scientific interpretations over time.

Questions and Answers

The issue includes a "Questions and Answers" section addressing various points:

• Reliability of Bakker's Data: The article questions the reliability of Bakker's data due to the chancy nature of fossilization and the limited sample size, suggesting that preserved animals may not be representative of the entire population.
• Ecosystem Health and Extinction: Some paleontologists believe the ecosystem was in peril before the dinosaur era, while others dispute this. Bob Bakker proposed disease as a cause of extinction.
• Iridium and Trilobite Extinction: The article notes that the Permian extinction, prior to dinosaurs, did not show an iridium spike, suggesting that while iridium is linked to impacts, it's not universally associated with mass extinctions.
• Dinosaur Behavior During Winters: To explain how dinosaurs survived in places like Australia and Alaska, the article suggests strategies like hibernation or gigantothermy, as the climate was likely milder than today.
• Predator-Prey Imbalance: The idea that dinosaurs died out due to too many predators is questioned, with the concept of ecological equilibrium and checks and balances being cited.
• Nuclear Winter Scenario: If a nuclear winter caused extinction, the article questions why sea creatures dependent on photosynthesis weren't also wiped out.
• Mass Extinctions Selectivity: The selective nature of mass extinctions, like the ammonites disappearing while nautiluses survived, remains a mystery.
• Survival Prospects for Humans: The article touches on the possibility of a periodic comet impact cycle affecting Earth, though current estimates suggest we are not in an immediate danger zone.
• Original Cold-Blooded Hypothesis: Dinosaurs were initially thought to be cold-blooded due to their reptilian appearance and the discovery of tropical plants, suggesting an ectothermic lifestyle.
• DNA Reconstruction: Reconstructing dinosaurs from DNA is deemed highly improbable due to the complexity of genomes.
• Dinosaur Illustrations: The colors and skin textures in illustrations are noted to vary, influenced by artistic interpretation and evolving scientific understanding, with a trend towards leaner, more bird-like depictions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific process, the evolution of scientific understanding, and the importance of critical thinking and skepticism. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and challenging popular misconceptions, particularly those amplified by media. The article encourages readers to maintain a healthy skepticism, avoid ideological bias in scientific interpretation, and engage with scientific literature to form their own informed opinions. The piece concludes by recommending further reading and emphasizing humility in understanding scientific constructs, acknowledging that current interpretations may be revised in the future.

This issue of The Georgia Skeptic, dated March 1994, focuses on the burgeoning field of amateur science and offers critical perspectives on media coverage of paranormal and extraordinary claims. The main article, "PROFESSIONAL SCIENTISTS, MOVE OVER. HERE COME THE AMATEURS.," introduces the Society for Amateur Scientists (SAS), a new nonprofit group founded by 33-year-old physicist Shawn Carlson. SAS is based in San Diego, California, and aims to democratize scientific research by empowering ordinary individuals to make significant discoveries.

The Society for Amateur Scientists (SAS)

Shawn Carlson, the founder of SAS, believes that scientific talent is not confined to academic institutions and that thousands of people could contribute to science if properly supported and networked. SAS's mission is to provide this support, offering resources, connections, and guidance to help amateurs make real contributions. Carlson cites several examples of amateur achievements, including the discovery of ancient animal tracks, supernovae, large prime numbers, and a NASA satellite calibration error. He also highlights the remarkable story of Nagusto and Kayla Oddone, who developed a life-saving treatment for their son's ALD, demonstrating the potential of amateur scientific endeavor.

Carlson acknowledges that significant amateur discoveries are rare but attributes this to a lack of support. He argues that modern technology has made powerful investigative tools accessible, enabling amateurs to achieve what was once only possible for professionals. SAS is developing programs in various scientific fields, including biology, astronomy, geology, and computer science, and participated in a national collaboration to monitor ozone levels during a solar eclipse in Baja California.

SAS volunteers come from diverse backgrounds, including professionals and Nobel Prize winners, who collaborate with amateurs. Professionals design research programs, while amateurs carry them out, gaining skills in the process. SAS plans to offer grants, awards, equipment, and expert advice, with a philosophy of focusing on people and letting the science emerge.

John Lighton, an assistant professor of biology and SAS volunteer, describes SAS as "absolutely heretical" but valuable, believing it frees up professionals for tasks only they can perform. Forrest Mims III, an amateur ozone scientist, praises SAS for recognizing the amateur community as a vital resource and for providing support it has never had before. He emphasizes that amateurs' lack of budget often forces them to be clever and resourceful.

Despite the enthusiasm, Carlson notes that some scientists are skeptical of amateurs, viewing their involvement as a waste of time. However, SAS is dedicated to helping amateurs make contributions, regardless of their formal training. The toll-free number for SAS is provided as (800) 873-8767, with contact information for Shawn Carlson and the organization listed.

From the Media Watch

This section, authored by William Evans and associated with Georgia Skeptics, critically examines media reporting on paranormal claims. It features two press releases:

JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION COVERS LOCH NESS PHOTO HOAX

This release, dated March 21, 1994, applauds the Atlanta Journal-Constitution for reporting that the famous 1934 photograph of the Loch Ness Monster was a hoax. The article details how the photo was staged using wood-filler to create a sea-serpent head and neck attached to a toy submarine. The Media Watch segment emphasizes that photographs can be easily faked and that fantastic claims, including those presented in photographs, require careful scrutiny. It criticizes the media for often reporting initial claims of UFOs, ghosts, and monsters without following up with details of skeptical investigations.

SYMPATHY OR CREDULITY? JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION FINDS LITTLE ROOM FOR SKEPTICISM IN SERIES ON THE AFTERLIFE

This release, dated March 15, 1994, critiques a three-part series by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution titled "Adventures in the Afterlife." While the series presented numerous claims about life after death, it did so with little critical examination. The article notes that believers were given ample space to share their experiences, including alleged knowledge of quantum physics and prophecies, and recommendations for unorthodox therapies like aromatherapy and crystal gazing. In contrast, skeptical explanations, such as neurological responses to drugs or oxygen deprivation, were mentioned only briefly and dismissed by near-death researchers cited in the series. The author, Gayle White, is described as lending a sympathetic ear that too often shades into credulity, squandering an opportunity to provide readers with sound scientific information.

Application for Membership

The issue concludes with an application form for membership in The Georgia Skeptic, which includes a subscription to their newsletter. Various membership categories and prices are listed, along with contact information for Becky Long in Tucker, Georgia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the empowerment of amateur scientists and the importance of critical thinking and skepticism when evaluating extraordinary claims presented in the media. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of supporting amateur scientific contributions while simultaneously advocating for rigorous scrutiny of paranormal and pseudoscientific narratives. The publication champions the idea that science should be accessible to all and that media reporting on such topics should be balanced and evidence-based.