NIVFO-Bulletin - 1991 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: NIVFO bulletin
Issue: Nr. 2 / 1991
Volume: 11. Årgang
Date: 1991
Publisher: Norsk Institutt for Vitenskapelig Forskning og Opplysning (Norwegian Institute of Scientific Research and Enlightenment)
Country: Norway
ISSN: 0800-0360
Price: kr. 100 (for subscription)

This issue of the NIVFO bulletin, published by the Norwegian Institute for Scientific Research and Enlightenment, is largely dedicated to the visit of the renowned American magician, debunker, and skeptic, James Randi, to Trondheim, Norway. The cover prominently features Randi with the headline "James Randi i Trondheim!". The bulletin aims to provide a critical forum for pseudoscience and literature, acting as a bridge between science and the general public.

Table of Contents (Innhold)

The issue features a comprehensive table of contents, including:

• A look back at NIVFO's jubilee year (page 3)
• James Randi in Trondheim (page 4)
• Portrait: James Randi (page 7)
• Homeopathy in Canada (page 10)
• Humorless sanitation work (page 12)
• Education for quacks (page 13)
• 'Natural' preparations (page 14)
• Market forces or science? (page 14)
• The mystery of the unknown ape-man (page 15)
• Medium Mirabelli exposed (page 18)
• Paralysis and stroke as a result of chiropractic treatment (page 19)
• Black magic (page 20)
• Course in ghosts (page 20)
• TM and the Gulf War (page 21)
• What happened to free Lot? (page 22)
• Australian UFO shock! (page 28)

Subscription information for NIVFO Bulletin is also provided, with the magazine published five times a year.

NIVFO's 10-Year Jubilee and James Randi's Visit

NIVFO was officially founded on January 1, 1981, making 1991 a jubilee year. The bulletin reflects on the organization's first decade, which began with a focus on UFO phenomena but expanded to cover pseudoscience more broadly. The goal was to investigate potentially interesting pseudoscientific topics and inform the public, serving as a link between science and ordinary people.

To mark the 10th anniversary, NIVFO invited James Randi to Trondheim. Randi, described as an American magician, debunker, skeptic, CSICOP member, and author, delivered a highly acclaimed lecture. The event, held at a packed auditorium, saw Randi deliver a "crushing critique" of pseudoscience, earning him thunderous applause. The event was a collaboration between Norges Tekniske Høgskole (NTH) and NIVFO, with NIVFO acting as host and NTH providing the guest lecturer. The article notes that NTH is interested in continuing such collaborations.

Randi's lecture began with a thought experiment about flying reindeer to illustrate the absurdity of many pseudoscientific claims. He continued to critique homeopathy, Uri Geller, numerology, gurus, and other paranormal phenomena. Approximately 500 people attended, including representatives from major Norwegian media outlets like NRK Dagsrevyen, Aftenposten, Verdens Gang, and local newspapers. The rector of the university was also present and pleased with the event.

NIVFO's mission is to be a link between science and laypeople, actively supporting science in its fight against opposing forces.

Media Coverage and NIVFO's Role

The event garnered significant media attention, with the NIVFO logo prominently displayed. NIVFO leader Kolbjørn Stenødegård was called by NRK P2 for a live debate with a parapsychologist, where Stenødegård asserted that there was no proof for any supernatural phenomenon. Other media, including Aftenposten, also covered the event. NIVFO staff member Kirsti Myhr distributed brochures, and NIVFO and Skepsis literature sold well.

Randi's visit was part of his extensive work debunking charlatans and those who claim supernatural abilities. He is a leading figure in CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal) and has been invited to Norway as part of a broader engagement with European countries. He was welcomed in Oslo by representatives of the newly formed skeptic organization "Skepsis" and NIVFO.

James Randi: Portrait of a Skeptic

The issue includes a detailed profile of James Randi. Born in Toronto, Canada, in 1928, Randi's background includes being a professional magician, author, and lecturer. He also pursues archaeology and astronomy as a hobby. He became an American citizen and resides in Florida.

Randi has written several influential books, including "The Magic of Uri Geller" (1975), "The Truth about Uri Geller" (1982), "Houdini: His Life and Artis" (1978), and "Flim-Flam! The Truth about Unicorns, Parapsychology & Other Delusions" (1982). He has also contributed to numerous scientific and popular publications such as Omni, New Scientist, Technology Review, Discovery, Free Inquiry, The Humanist, and Nature, as well as writing articles for Encyclopedia Americana and Encyclopedia Britannica.

As an entertainer, Randi hosted his own radio show in the USA and has undertaken three world tours as an entertainer and lecturer. He famously performed at the White House during Gerald Ford's presidency. His primary focus is on exposing those who claim supernatural powers and deceive the public. Randi famously offered a $10,000 prize to anyone who could demonstrate a supernatural phenomenon, a challenge that has yet to be met.

He was the first to expose the Israeli psychic Uri Geller, leading to ongoing legal disputes over defamation, though Geller has not succeeded in his claims. Randi continues to be critical of Geller.

Randi has received numerous awards for his work, including the prestigious "genius prize" of $1.5 million from the Mac-Arthur Foundation, an honorary membership at The Academy of Magical Arts & Sciences, and awards from organizations like The National Council Against Health Fraud and the American Physical Society.

Homeopathy in Canada: A Critical Look

Another significant article examines the controversial sale of a product called "Para-Plus" by Canadian veterinarian Peter Langer. Langer claims this water-based product, marketed as "experimental medicine," cures mastitis, a common udder infection in dairy cows. He has sold over 200,000 dollars worth of this product to farmers.

The article, by journalist Paul Benedettei, highlights that Langer's product is based on homeopathy, a theory developed by Samuel Haneman, which has been scientifically disproven for over 100 years. Homeopathic theories contradict fundamental laws of physics, chemistry, and biology and have never been scientifically confirmed. Langer's treatment, termed "parabiological," has been widely rejected by the scientific community as outdated and based on anecdotal evidence lacking scientific validity.

The article questions how Langer obtained an experimental license for a product with no basis in modern science, and whether the Canadian government's agriculture department, "Agriculture Canada," was justified in granting it. Agriculture Canada officials stated they issued the license because mastitis is a serious and widespread problem for dairy farmers.

Other Articles

The issue also touches upon other topics, including "humorless sanitation work," "education for quacks," "natural preparations," "market forces or science?", "the mystery of the unknown ape-man," "medium Mirabelli exposed," "paralysis and stroke as a result of chiropractic treatment," "black magic," "course in ghosts," "TM and the Gulf War," and "what happened to free Lot?" An article on "Australian UFO shock!" is also listed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The NIVFO bulletin consistently promotes a skeptical and scientific approach to claims of the paranormal and pseudoscientific phenomena. The organization positions itself as a critical forum dedicated to scientific inquiry and enlightenment, aiming to educate the public and counter misinformation. The extensive coverage of James Randi's visit underscores the bulletin's commitment to debunking fraudulent claims and promoting rational thinking. The critical examination of homeopathy in Canada further exemplifies this stance, highlighting the importance of evidence-based science over unsubstantiated theories.

Title: Folkvett
Issue: 3-4/90
Date: 1990
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of Folkvett presents a series of critical examinations of alternative medicine, paranormal phenomena, and alleged hoaxes, written from a skeptical perspective. The articles aim to debunk unsubstantiated claims and highlight the importance of scientific evidence.

Articles

Para-Plus and the Treatment of Mastitis

The magazine discusses the controversial product Para-Plus, developed by a Mr. Langer, for treating mastitis in cows. Langer claims that his 'parabiology' product, based on homeopathic principles of extreme dilution, activates the cow's 'bioenergy' to fight the infection. He asserts an 80% healing rate in clinical trials and claims the product has no side effects. However, critics question the scientific basis of parabiology, noting the extreme dilutions and the lack of testing on specific pathogens. They also point out the high spontaneous healing rate of mastitis (up to 50%) and the small sample size in Langer's trials. The article notes that Langer was previously the head of the department that granted him the license, raising potential conflicts of interest. Professor Wallace Sampson of Stanford University's School of Medicine warns that if Langer's claims were proven true, it would necessitate a complete rewrite of numerous scientific disciplines.

Swedish Proposal for 'Quack-Saver' Training

An article by Gunnar Steineck discusses a new Swedish report proposing a one-year training program for 'quack-savers' (alternative medicine practitioners). Graduates would receive the title 'registered alternative medical practitioner'. The proposal suggests that anthroposophic preparations be exempt from drug control. Steineck expresses skepticism about the proposal, questioning whether it would truly reduce harm from alternative practitioners. He notes that the 'registered' title might be perceived as state legitimation, potentially increasing the market for these practitioners. The Swedish Overlegeforbund (Association of Senior Physicians) opposes the registration by Socialstyrelsen, suggesting Konsumentverket (Consumer Agency) instead.

The Dangers of Unpasteurized Milk

This section reports on a dairy in California that began selling unpasteurized milk, promoting the idea that pasteurization destroys vital nutrients. The article counters this by stating that while Vitamin C is slightly reduced, it is not a significant source of this vitamin in milk. More importantly, pasteurization eliminates harmful bacteria like Salmonella, which can be fatal, especially to children. The California health authorities discovered that approximately 45% of those who drank milk from this dairy had contracted illnesses, leading to a warning being placed on their products.

'Natural' Preparations and Skepticism

An article argues that the term 'natural' is often used misleadingly in marketing health products. It asserts that natural foods and medications often have no real advantages over artificial ones and can even be more dangerous. The author contends that nature is not benevolent and that most human deaths are due to natural causes, with medical professionals working to repair the damage caused by hostile natural environments. Examples given include the eradication of smallpox through unnatural vaccination and the use of chemicals to combat bacterial infections.

Market Forces vs. Science: The Chiropractic Debate

This piece discusses a ruling by an American appeals court that overturned restrictions by the AMA on collaboration between doctors and chiropractors. The court ruled that the issue should be decided on business competition principles rather than scientific ones, stating it was not their role to determine if chiropractic is scientific. The National Council Against Health Fraud (NCHAF) criticized the ruling, arguing that it wrongly focused on commercial aspects and neglected the more significant issues of science and consumer protection.

The Mystery of the Unknown Ape-Man

This article investigates a photograph that appeared to show an ape-like man in chains, guarded by police. The photo was sent to researchers Loren Coleman and Mark A. Hall by Preston Toth, who claimed it was published in the 'Intelligencer-Patriot' on September 4, 1912, depicting an ape-man captured in Murray, Idaho. However, Mark Chorvinsky's investigation revealed that the newspaper likely never existed, and the town of Murray in 1912 was too small to have the depicted police force or businesses. Chorvinsky also concluded that Preston Toth was likely a pseudonym for writer Ron Miller, who, along with Forrest J. Ackerman, had written a book about old horror films. The photograph was identified as a still from the film 'The Miser's Reversion'. Chorvinsky suggests Miller created this hoax to expose the gullibility of some mystery researchers.

The Medium Mirabelli Exposed

This section reveals that the famous levitation photograph of the Brazilian medium Carlos Mirabelli, taken in 1934, is a hoax. The original photograph, found at Cambridge University, shows Mirabelli standing on a stepladder, which was later retouched to create the illusion of levitation. The article notes that Mirabelli was known for making extraordinary paranormal claims, often supported by photographic evidence, but these phenomena rarely occurred in the presence of non-Brazilian witnesses.

Paralysis and Stroke from Chiropractic Treatment

This article reports on concerns raised by the National Council Against Health Fraud (NCHAF) regarding cases of paralysis and stroke resulting from chiropractic manipulation of the neck. The NCHAF's journal has published reports detailing serious complications, and critics question the safety and efficacy of such procedures, suggesting the risks may be underestimated.

Black Magic and Exorcism

A brief report details a case where a man practicing voodoo and black magic was murdered by his son, who feared for his family's safety. A woman named Jean Kent was hired to 'neutralize' an evil spirit believed to be contained in a jar, performing a ritual with a Bible, a rope, and a lamp emitting black smoke.

Parapsychology Course in Sweden

The magazine questions the purpose of a parapsychology course held at Vettinge manor in Sweden, costing 2,860 kroner for a weekend. Reporters found that the parapsychology taught there has no connection to science. The course aims to help participants develop their 'medial abilities', with advertisements indicating that priests and business owners attend.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Folkvett are skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, particularly in the realms of alternative medicine and the paranormal. The editorial stance is clearly critical, emphasizing the need for scientific evidence, rigorous investigation, and a debunking of hoaxes and pseudoscience. The magazine actively seeks to expose fraudulent practices and highlight the dangers of uncritical acceptance of extraordinary claims, promoting a rational and evidence-based approach to understanding the world.

This issue of Folkvett, dated 1/91, features articles on Transcendental Meditation (TM) and the Gulf War, a personal account of a UFO sighting in Australia, and a skeptical examination of the biblical story of Lot's wife. It also details the activities of the Norwegian skeptical organization NIVFO.

TM and the Gulf War

The article "TM og gulfkrigen" discusses the claims made by Dr. David Orme-Johnson, a representative of Transcendental Meditation (TM), regarding the power of meditation to influence global events. Orme-Johnson stated that 1,500 Sidhu practitioners could make the USA more positive towards the Soviet Union, and 1,700 could achieve the same effect on the Soviet Union. He also attributed the fall of the Berlin Wall and the liberation of Eastern Europe to TM. The article mentions an event in October 1990 where 4,000 meditators in Iowa, USA, spent a week sending peace-promoting energy to influence the situation in the Persian Gulf. Furthermore, Orme-Johnson visited Sweden when approximately 5,000 TM meditators gathered at Globen in Stockholm, partly to influence developments in the Gulf.

A Strange Night at Vettinge

An article recounts the experience of Berit Broström Akelius, who attended a course at Vettinge. She describes the course as having a different atmosphere than expected, with many participants seeming overly enthusiastic, perhaps even "half-crazy." She suggests that the activities were largely about manipulating people for money. During the first night, a "suggestive ceremony" and a special tea were part of the program, after which participants were to go to bed. Akelius recounts that the night was "the worst" because they were not allowed to lock their doors, as they were expecting a visit from an "unknown being." She and her friend fled the farm in the middle of the night, finding a disconnected phone line but eventually managing to call the police. The farm owner, Göran Klingberg, denies these claims, stating they damage the reputation of his business in Vettinge. Akelius stands by her account.

What Happened to Mrs. Lot?

Authored by Bill Morris, this article examines the biblical story of Lot's wife turning into a pillar of salt. Morris presents two explanations for this event, along with his own more plausible theory. One assumption is that upon looking back, she lost her footing and fell into a deep, salty sea. Another suggests she was not as free from sin as her husband, implying a divine punishment. Morris's own theory connects the event to volcanic and seismic activity described in the biblical text, such as "rain of fire and lava." He proposes that Mrs. Lot might have been caught by a "nuage ardent" – a cloud of hot steam and toxic gases that can move at high speeds. The intense heat and exertion of the flight could have exacerbated a pre-existing kidney condition, leading to uremia. As kidney function fails, urea is excreted through sweat, potentially coating the skin in a salt-like layer, thus forming a "salt pillar." Another interpretation is that the event involved a toxic cloud from which she inhaled gas, causing her to collapse and be quickly covered by volcanic ash, resembling a salt pillar. The article also notes that the story is presented as a factual event in the text, with potential explanations involving divine intervention.

Australian UFO Shock!

Barry Williams recounts an experience on September 4, 1990, in Australia. While driving between Mt. Tamborine and Beaudesert, he observed a green light in the northwest that descended towards the horizon for less than a second. He later forgot the incident until his memory was jogged by a bright meteor-like light. He also experienced a lost hour and pain in his right knee. Williams, a member of the Australian Skeptics, initially considered the possibility of a UFO encounter, given the unusual green light, lost time, and physical discomfort, which are common elements in ufological contact cases. However, he rationally explains the lost time by the unusually slow journey due to road work and lack of traffic. The knee pain is attributed to prolonged use of the gas pedal and a predisposition to rheumatism. Regarding the green light, he consulted Professor Colin Keay, president of Hunter Region Skeptics and an astronomer. Keay suggested it was a large meteor igniting due to oxygen, a phenomenon he had observed before. Williams concludes that there is no financial gain in being a skeptic but considerable amusement.

NIVFO's Activities

The article details the work of NIVFO, a Norwegian skeptical organization, in investigating and debunking paranormal claims. It mentions their collaboration with CSICOP, the American skeptical organization, and their role in providing information on pseudoscience and modern superstition. NIVFO has been active in addressing several notable cases in Norway:

• VG-UFOen: In 1984, a sensational UFO photo published by a Norwegian newspaper was later revealed to be a hoax by the photographer, Pål Vaag.
• Hessdalen: NIVFO published "The Hessdalen Report" concerning light phenomena in the Hessdalen area.
• Ildgang (Firewalking): NIVFO provided a detailed explanation for a firewalking event in Trondheim, debunking paranormal claims and attributing it to natural causes.
• Illegal Advertisements: NIVFO has reported numerous advertisements for "miracle cures" to health authorities, as these often violate laws regarding medicines and marketing.

James Randi's Visit to Norway

The article highlights the visit of the renowned magician and debunker James Randi to Trondheim. The event was organized with the cooperation of NIVFO and NTH - Trondheim University. Despite being held during Easter week, the auditorium was filled to capacity. The media coverage was extensive, with reports on national television and in newspapers, and video recordings of his lectures were shown at NTH.

Looking Ahead

NIVFO expresses its commitment to continuing its work in debunking paranormal claims and establishing new contacts. They acknowledge that some members have had to leave due to family or other commitments but affirm their dedication to their cause.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a skeptical approach to paranormal phenomena, UFO sightings, and pseudoscientific claims. It emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based investigation, and the debunking of hoaxes and fraudulent claims. The articles provide detailed accounts of specific cases, often contrasting sensationalized reports with rational explanations. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific inquiry and the exposure of misinformation, as exemplified by the work of NIVFO and the inclusion of articles by known skeptics like Bill Morris and Barry Williams.