NIVFO-Bulletin - 1992 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: NIVFO bulletin
Issue: Nr. 2-92
Volume: 12. Årgang
Date: 1992
Publisher: Norsk Institutt for Vitenskapelig Forskning og Opplysning (NIVFO)
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
ISSN: 0800-0360
Price: KR 100,-

This issue of NIVFO bulletin, a critical forum for pseudoscience and literature, focuses heavily on skepticism towards paranormal claims and pseudoscientific practices, particularly through an extensive interview with Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Robert A. Baker.

Interview with Robert A. Baker: Hypnosis and Skepticism

The core of the issue is a multi-part interview with Robert A. Baker, conducted by Mary Hawkins for Skeptical Briefs. Baker, a professor emeritus at the University of Kentucky, challenges the conventional understanding of hypnosis.

The Nature of Hypnosis

Baker argues that hypnosis is not a unique state of altered consciousness. Instead, he posits that it is primarily a combination of social compliance, relaxation, and suggestion. When a person is told to close their eyes and relax, they typically obey due to trust and the expectation of help, similar to following a doctor's instructions. He cites research by Nicholas Spanos and Theodore X. Barber, suggesting that hypnotized individuals remain fully aware of their surroundings and that the process relies on the subject's willingness to follow suggestions.

Self-Hypnosis and Suggestion

Baker differentiates self-hypnosis from traditional hypnosis, likening it more to meditation. It involves an inward focus on relaxation and creating mental imagery. He emphasizes that suggestion is the powerful tool at play, not some mystical force. He notes that many people mistakenly believe hypnosis involves a special trance state, but studies show no difference between hypnotized and non-hypnotized individuals who are simply following instructions.

Misuse and Misconceptions of Hypnosis

Baker addresses the historical association of hypnosis with the occult, attributing it to a lack of understanding of the human mind and body in earlier centuries, where phenomena like epileptic seizures were mistaken for hypnotic trances. He criticizes the misuse of hypnosis by amateurs who claim to have manipulative powers. He also points out that using hypnosis to suggest past lives, immortality, or alien abductions is a severe form of abuse.

Practical Applications and Behavioral Modification

While critical of the mystical aspects, Baker acknowledges that hypnosis, when combined with behavioral modification techniques, can be effective for issues like weight loss or quitting smoking. He explains that suggestion can provide the necessary motivation for individuals to change habits, but it needs to be reinforced with practical strategies.

Cryptomnesia and Memory

Baker discusses cryptomnesia, or hidden memories, explaining that our memories are not perfect recordings but rather reconstructions. The brain is a complex chemical factory, and our mental lives operate largely beneath conscious awareness. When recalling the past, we construct narratives, often blending details from different times and places. He notes that emotionally charged memories are recalled more accurately, while weaker memories are more prone to reconstruction and distortion.

Skepticism Towards the Paranormal

Baker expresses skepticism towards many paranormal claims. He mentions a seminar he will co-lead with Joe Nickell titled "Magic for Skeptics: Trickery and the Paranormal," which aims to expose the tricks used by magicians and spiritualists. He believes that what appears paranormal is often simply clever deception.

Faith Healing and Channeling

Regarding faith healers and 'channelers,' Baker asserts they use various tricks to deceive the public. He cites examples of children seemingly channeling spirits, but who are actually receiving cues from hidden assistants. He advises the public to use common sense and be wary of individuals claiming to have direct lines to the divine or supernatural powers.

Other Articles and Content

The issue also includes a table of contents listing various articles:

• An interview with Robert A. Baker (pages 3-10)
• "Akupunktur hjalp ikke" (Acupuncture didn't help) (page 11)
• "Naturmidler kan forårsake helseskader" (Natural remedies can cause health damage) (page 12)
• "140 kvakksalvere utnytter kreftsyke" (140 quacks exploit cancer patients) (page 13)
• "Japanerne har originale NDO" (Japanese have original UFOs) (page 15)
• ""Fenomenet" Lulu Hurst" (The "Phenomenon" Lulu Hurst) (page 16)
• "Om slump" (On chance) (page 18)
• "Skeptiske barnebøker" (Skeptical children's books) (page 21)
• "Kennedy begikk selvmord, iflg ny bok" (Kennedy committed suicide, according to a new book) (page 22)
• "Kostbar helsebløff" (Expensive health bluff) (page 23)
• "Notiser" (Notices) (page 25)
• "Falskt anbefalingsbrev for TM" (False recommendation letter for TM) (page 29)
• "Massemedia og det paranormale" (Mass media and the paranormal) (page 32)
• "Saken mellom James Randi & Uri Geller" (The case between James Randi & Uri Geller) (page 34)

Subscription Information

Information is provided for subscribing to NIVFO-BULLETIN, with a cost of KR 100,- and details for sending payment via mail or Postgiro.

Editorial Stance

The editorial stance of NIVFO bulletin is clearly critical of pseudoscience, paranormal claims, and unsubstantiated beliefs. The publication positions itself as a forum for critical thinking and scientific skepticism, aiming to debunk fraudulent claims and educate readers about logical fallacies and manipulative techniques. The interview with Robert A. Baker strongly supports this stance by providing a rational, evidence-based perspective on phenomena often shrouded in mystery and superstition.

This issue of NIVFO-Bulletin, dated April 4, 1992, features several articles exploring health-related topics, with a focus on the skepticism towards alternative medicine and paranormal claims. The main cover story, "AKUPUNKTUR HJALP IKKE DE SVAKSYNTE" (Acupuncture Does Not Help the Visually Impaired), by Rune Inderøy, reports on failed trials of acupuncture for the visually impaired in Norway.

Acupuncture for the Visually Impaired

The article details how Norges Blindeforbund became interested in acupuncture trials for blind and visually impaired individuals in Denmark, where it was claimed to have improved vision in some cases. These trials involved acupuncture on the palms and soles. In February 1992, the Danish acupuncturist Freddy Dahlgren conducted trials on eight members at Norges Blindeforbund's center in Bømlo, Hordaland. However, preliminary results indicated no effect. Professor Torstein Bertelsen from the eye department at Haukeland Sykehus expressed skepticism from the outset, stating that while the selection of participants was sufficient to measure effect, the results were tragic for those who had hoped for improvement. Bertelsen commented that while it's understandable for the blind and visually impaired to seek any means to save or regain sight, such 'miracle cures' often fail.

Natural Remedies Can Cause Health Damage

This section, referencing an article from Den Norske Lægeforenings tidsskrift (The Norwegian Medical Association's Journal) nr. 10/92, discusses the underreported side effects of natural remedies, particularly liver damage. Over a two-year period, four patients were admitted with liver damage, with a probable link to the use of natural products. The article notes that understanding the causal links and mechanisms behind these illnesses is difficult, partly due to inadequate product declarations and contamination. It argues that serious side effects cannot be accepted if no therapeutic effect has been proven, advocating for a critical stance towards natural products. The piece also touches upon the increasing use of such substances and growing awareness of their side effects, linking it to the need for scientific research. It concludes by questioning the practice of subjecting the blind and visually impaired to acupuncture, referencing previous articles on the topic in NIVFO-Bulletin.

140 Quacks Exploit Cancer Patients

This article reports on a survey by the Helsedirektoratet (Norwegian Directorate of Health) that identified 140 "miracle doctors" treating cancer patients in Norway. A study at the Tromsø Regional Hospital revealed that over a third of cancer patients had contact with such individuals. Department Director Haakon Melsom of the Helsedirektoratet stated that these 140 are likely just the tip of the iceberg, with many more healers and practitioners offering cures. A significant concern is that many quacks persuade patients to stop life-saving conventional treatments. The Helsedirektoratet plans to expand its investigation into practitioners who claim to cure cancer through methods like laying on of hands, prayer, homeopathy, and herbs. Some practitioners allow patients to continue with their doctors, while others insist they avoid traditional medicine. Melsom cited examples of patients being declared "cured" only to die months later, including an 18-year-old girl who stopped treatment at Radiumhospitalet for phone-based healing. The article notes that many relatives later feel the patients did not receive a dignified end of life.

Fined 10,000 Kroner

British doctor Manuk Shivadikar has accepted a 10,000 kroner fine for two breaches of the quackery law. Shivadikar maintains he did nothing wrong but accepted the penalty to avoid a trial. His practice came to light after a client claimed he had punctured a lung. Investigations led to charges for giving injections to a patient without approval to practice medicine in Norway and for treating a patient despite not being a Norwegian doctor and having resided in Norway for at least 10 years. The Helsedirektoratet initiated the registration of quacks following a Dagbladet newspaper series on the cynical treatment of cancer patients by miracle doctors.

James Randi to Norway Again This Year?

This brief note mentions the possibility of James Randi visiting Norway again. While a planned May visit did not materialize, there is hope for an appearance, possibly on TV, in Trondheim in the fall.

Japanese Have Original Near-Death Experiences

This article discusses a new study on Japanese near-death experiences (NDEs), suggesting they differ from Western accounts. While Europeans often report "floating above the body" and "tunnels with light," Japanese individuals tend to have less romanticized experiences. Researchers at Kyorin University studied 17 patients revived after heart attacks, strokes, or severe poisoning. Eight described experiences involving rivers or ponds, and five felt fear, pain, or suffering. One 65-year-old man saw himself wading across a river when a voice told him to "Come this way." A 73-year-old woman saw the sky filled with dead people. The article quotes the woman saying she sang and felt that if others had sung, they could have been saved. The researchers describe the stories as evoking a feeling comparable to a rainy autumn day in Tokyo. The source is cited as Fakta, nr. 4/1992.

"The Phenomenon" Lulu Hurst

This piece, an excerpt from Charles Berlitz's book "World of the Odd and the Awesome," recounts the story of Lulu Hurst. In the summer of 1883, in Cedartown, Georgia, the 14-year-old Lulu and her cousin Lora experienced a strange knocking sound. Initially attributed to a thunderstorm, it soon became clear it was a different phenomenon. Witnesses heard sounds from her room, and the knocking seemed to answer questions with "yes" or "no." Four days later, a relative visiting the family was thrown across the room after touching the chair Lulu had moved. Four men attempting to restrain a rotating piece of furniture found themselves in a struggle with an invisible force that broke the furniture. Lulu, frightened by her own strength, fled. Within two weeks, she was performing astonishing feats for the public, billed as "the wonderful Lulu Hurst." Audiences included judges, lawyers, and politicians. A strong man from the audience was unable to hold a paraply (umbrella) steady when Lulu touched it, and he was thrown to the ground. Over the next two years, Hurst toured the USA, demonstrating her powers. A study by twenty scientists, including Alexander Graham Bell, suspected she possessed some form of electrical power, but no solution was found. Her abilities remained a mystery even after she married and retired.

About Slump

By Susan Blackmore, this article explores how people are poor at estimating randomness and coincidence, often mistaking them for paranormal phenomena. Blackmore notes that over half the population believes in psychic phenomena like telepathy and precognition, yet 50 years of parapsychological experiments have failed to convince most scientists. She suggests that experiences are not due to astral vibrations but rather how our minds seek non-existent connections, akin to a visual illusion of probabilities. An example is given of a dream about a friend's death, which seems too coincidental to be random, but statistical calculations suggest such events, though rare per person, occur frequently when considering the entire population. Blackmore argues that we tend to remember confirming details and forget others. She also discusses how meeting friends in unexpected places can be analyzed statistically, as a large social network increases the probability of such encounters. The article highlights that people are not good at understanding randomness and often rely on rough estimations rather than mathematical calculations. Blackmore suggests that our thinking evolved in a simpler world, unlike today's media-saturated environment. She proposes that psychic experiences are testable and predicts that believers ('sheep') would be less accurate in judging randomness than non-believers ('goats'), a finding supported by experiments at Bristol University. The article also touches on psychokinesis (PK) as another purported psychic ability that may be an illusion, termed "illusion of control," where people believe they can influence random events based on perceived connections between their actions and outcomes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently adopts a skeptical stance towards alternative medicine and paranormal claims. It highlights the lack of scientific evidence for acupuncture's effectiveness in treating visual impairment and warns about the dangers of unproven natural remedies and health scams, particularly those targeting vulnerable cancer patients. The article on "Slump" by Susan Blackmore provides a psychological framework for understanding why people might perceive coincidences as paranormal, attributing it to cognitive biases like poor randomness estimation and the "illusion of control." The inclusion of the James Randi note further reinforces the magazine's critical perspective on pseudoscientific claims. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based medicine and critical thinking, urging readers to be wary of "miracle cures" and to rely on scientific understanding.

This issue of Folkvett (nr. 3-4/1991, also referencing nr. 20/1991) is a Norwegian publication focused on skepticism and the debunking of pseudoscientific claims. The content is primarily in Norwegian, with some English titles for books and organizations.

Skeptiske Barnebøker (Skeptical Children's Books)

Prometheus Books has published a series of books for children written by known skeptics. These include:

• Wonder Workers! How They Perform the Impossible and Magic Detectives by Joe Nickell.
• How Do You Know Its True? by Hy Rucklis.
• It's Magic by Henry Gordon.
• Science in a Nanosecond: Illustrated Answers to 100 Basic Science Questions by James A. Haught.
• May be Yes May Be No by Dan Barker.
• The Snark Puzzle Book by Martin Gardner.

Manuscripts and suggestions for skeptical children's books can be sent to Jeanne O'Day, Ass. Editor of Children's Books at Prometheus Books, 700 East Amherst Street, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA.

Kennedy Begikk Selvmord, Ifølge Ny Bok (Kennedy Committed Suicide, According to New Book)

A book by Dr. Ignow Raymuss claims that John F. Kennedy did not commit suicide but rather shot himself in the neck. The author asserts that Kennedy did this because Marilyn Monroe refused to marry him. Furthermore, Raymuss alleges that Marilyn Monroe, not Jaqueline Kennedy, was with JFK in the limousine on November 22, 1963, in Dallas. According to the book, during the drive from the airport, they discussed their relationship, and as the motorcade passed the Texas Schoolbook Depository, Kennedy grabbed a revolver from the car floor and shot himself.

The article also mentions Raymuss's upcoming book, 'Pat and Elvis,' in which he will argue that presidential candidate Pat Buchanan is actually Elvis Presley. The theory suggests that Elvis, after his death, possessed Buchanan because Buchanan became conservative due to his close relationship with illegal drugs.

*Source: Kases File nr. 5/1992 (Journal of the Kentucky Association of Science Educators and Skeptics.)*

Kostbar Helsebløff! (Expensive Health Bluff!)

Dr. Tim Gorski reports that Robert E. Reyna, a representative of the Texas Attorney General's office, estimates that health-related fraud costs Texas one billion dollars annually. Reyna stated this at a meeting of the Greater Dallas/Ft. Worth Area Council Against Health Fraud on September 16, 1991. He noted that this figure might even be higher.

Reyna highlighted the harm caused by misleading advertisements and claims from quacks selling vitamins, herbal products, homeopathy, and 'natural' healing methods. He argued that those marketing unverified claims for profit complain about persecution from the medical establishment, when in reality, their own activities constitute a 'conspiracy for profit.'

Victims of health fraud can seek triple damages through civil lawsuits. However, Reyna explained that due to limited resources, stringent proof requirements, and the time-consuming nature of cases, law enforcement agencies like the Texas Consumer Protection Division often refrain from taking action.

Another form of health fraud involves insurance. 'Rolling laboratories' travel around, offering 'free health checks' to individuals who have health insurance. An unlicensed chiropractor or similar practitioner then examines the individuals, documenting tests worth thousands of dollars. Insurance companies find it difficult to prove these are scams.

The article continues with examples of health deception, including TV programs that have defrauded people of tens of thousands of dollars. Popular scams target weight loss, baldness, and impotence, as well as cancer treatments. Even professionals can be involved.

Reyna suggests that public education is a key method to combat this problem. He stated, "People need to be informed that medical healthcare doesn't work this way." He added that this education can start with simple skepticism in grocery stores, pointing out how the word 'light' is used as a sales argument, potentially meaning much less than the customer realizes.

*Source: North Texas Skeptics Newsletter nr. 8/1991.*

Ingen Hjelp I "Seere", Sier Scotland Yard (No Help From 'Seers', Says Scotland Yard)

Scotland Yard has concluded that 'seers' are entirely useless for police in solving criminal cases. After studying such cases for a year, Chief Detective Inspector Eddie Ellison stated, according to the Daily Telegraph, that "no cases involving seers were encountered, neither with offers of effective assistance nor consultations [by Scotland Yard]." A spokesperson for the Yard had previously assured that "regardless of the information received, from whatever source, it will be evaluated and followed up in the usual manner." However, 'seer' Nella Jones is quoted as saying, "I know how much help I have given to Scotland Yard over the past year... When they say they never consult seers, that is a lie."

*Source: AP via St. Pete Times 26.1.92. Tampa Bay Skeptics 4/92.*

Jordstråling Finnes Ikke (Earth Radiation Does Not Exist)

In Sweden, a device called 'Radiocorder,' claimed to protect against negative earth radiation, is no longer allowed to be sold. The Swedish Daily Dagbladet reported on October 5th that the Market Court ruled that the Radiocorder has no function. According to the National Institute of Occupational Health, the radiation the device is supposed to protect against does not exist.

The 'Radiocorder,' costing 895 Swedish Kronor, resembles a 40 cm plastic ruler with a cord and plug at one end. Inside the plastic, there is only a piece of wood with two copper wires, according to investigations by the Swedish National Energy Administration and the company Semco AB.

*Source: Folkvett nr. 3-4/1991.*

I Uri Gellers Fotspor (In Uri Geller's Footsteps)

German skeptic Werner Walter has been sued by Andreas Schneider, a ufologist in the style of Erich von Däniken, on grounds as weak as those Geller used against James Randi. Schneider is unlikely to win the case, but German law requires him to pay his own legal costs. German skeptics are establishing a fund for legal aid in such cases.

*Sources: GWUP-Aktuell nr. 2-3/91. Folkvett nr. 3-4/91.*

NOTE: Werner Walter is a founder and leader of the German skeptical UFO organization CENAP, which later merged with GWUP.

Nancy Reagan's Astrologer Was Right?

Astrologer Joan Quigley predicted at the beginning of the year that Saddam Hussein would die on January 20th. Several other astrologers made the same prediction. Quigley's conviction was based on Hussein being born under the same zodiac sign as Adolf Hitler.

*Source: Ibid.*

Doctor of Astrology

In 1987, Peter Niehenke received a doctorate from the University of Bielefeld for a thesis on astrology, which German skeptics considered a parody of science. They have made several attempts to have his degree revoked, but without success.

*Source: Der Skeptiker, nr. 1/91.*

Antroposofi og AIDS (Anthroposophy and AIDS)

According to anthroposophy, bacteria and viruses are not causes of diseases but symptoms. This is why anthroposophers oppose vaccination and pasteurization, two important preventive measures against infectious diseases.

Robert Gorter, an American anthroposophist doctor, gave a lecture on AIDS, which was reported by Dan Dugan in The Beacon, the journal of the East Bay Skeptics Society (Nov./Dec. 1990). Gorter explains that Ahriman (an anthroposophical devil) is behind AIDS.

"Ahriman has the greatest effect on chromosomes. In the early 1970s, biological science discovered gene manipulation, how to split and reassemble chromosomes. A year later, retroviruses became a clinical term. Viruses that could cause cancer were not spread until the early 1970s. When humans learned to manipulate genes, nature also began to do so. Retroviruses are a global issue. Certain diseases are symptoms of a time period."

According to Gorter, AIDS is "a disease that can flourish at this time as our culture becomes more Ahrimanic, more focused on definitions, more trusting in intellect than in the heart. The epidemic can be overcome by changing societal attitudes, a change in behavior."

*Source: Folkvett, nr. 3-4/1991.*

Falskt Anbefalingsbrev for TM (False Recommendation Letter for TM)

TM (transcendental meditation) is claimed to allow practitioners to levitate and is presented as a universal remedy for societal improvement. The theory, often called the "Maharishi effect" or "unified field," suggests that if a sufficient number of people meditate simultaneously, it can influence the entire group, leading to fewer crimes and accidents, and better weather.

In 1984, TM teacher Jim Sutherland claimed in the magazine Ergo that if 330 Swedes meditated, the Swedish economy would improve, all wages would rise, dissatisfaction and strikes would cease, and all Russian submarines would disappear.

The "Maharishi Institute for Creative Intelligence" has sent letters to Swedish municipal councils inviting them to participate in these society-improving initiatives. These letters include a "recommendation letter" from Professor Jens Tellefsen, a physicist in Stockholm, who has often appeared in occult contexts. Tellefsen's letter states that he has reviewed MIKI-Sweden's proposal to improve the quality of life in society and believes the results of implemented experiments are "very convincing" and show that the "Maharishi technology for the unified field" can effectively accelerate individual and societal development in a positive direction. He recommends that politicians be open to MIKI's proposals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Folkvett are skepticism towards paranormal claims, pseudoscientific theories, and health-related scams. The magazine consistently presents evidence and arguments to debunk these phenomena, often citing skeptical organizations and publications. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific reasoning and critical thinking, actively challenging claims that lack empirical support or are based on flawed logic. The articles aim to inform readers about the prevalence of misinformation and encourage a more discerning approach to extraordinary claims.

Title: Folkvett
Issue Date: 1991 (Issue 3-4)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Folkvett critically examines the role of mass media in reporting on paranormal phenomena and pseudoscientific claims, focusing on media responsibility and the spread of misinformation.

Media and the Paranormal

The main article, "MASSEMEDIA OG DET PARANORMALE OM MEDIENES ANSVARLIGHET PÅ DETTE OMRÅDET" (Mass Media and the Paranormal: On Media Responsibility in This Area), discusses two examples from Swedish newspapers, Nerikes Allehanda (NA) and Vestermanlands Läns Tidning (VLT), which published articles originating from the news agency FLT.

One article in NA, unsigned but later attributed to a freelancer named Leo Bellett, presented UFOs as factual and not mere imagination or delusion, citing numerous supposed cases as evidence that scientists and military experts could not dismiss. A member of Vetenskap och Folkbildning commented that the article seemed written by a convinced ufologist and contained misleading information. When questioned, NA stated the article came from FLT.

VLT published an article from FLT about an economist who became an astrologer, presenting it with commentary and a historical overview of astrology. The article also mentions that Leo Bellett has written other pseudoscientific articles for FLT, including material about the Bermuda Triangle.

The magazine criticizes these newspapers for uncritically spreading pseudoscientific material, highlighting the significant reach of mass media. The article points out that research by Larry Kusche in "The Bermuda Triangle Mystery Solved" has shown that the accident rate in the Bermuda Triangle is not higher than in other areas, and that many claims about disappearances are exaggerated or false.

KTH Dispute

An earlier section details a dispute involving Jens Tellefsen, who used the technical university KTH's letterhead for his activities. Olle Pettersson, a member of the Enköping municipal council, questioned the rector of KTH about this. The rector responded that KTH's activities are based on scientific grounds and do not involve movements like those related to so-called technology. KTH does not interfere if an employee engages in spreading such ideas, but they do not accept their letterhead being used for such purposes or implying KTH's endorsement.

NIVFOS comments note that Jens Tellefsen was named "årets förvillare" (the year's misleader) by the Swedish magazine Sökaren, a designation he reportedly found incomprehensible.

"Man Landing Was a Hoax!"

Another section reports on claims from the American sensationalist press that the moon landing was a hoax, with recordings made in the Nevada desert and NASA spending billions to deceive the world. The source is described as the same newspaper that claims Elvis Presley and John F. Kennedy are alive, and that a horse was born with a human face, implying the unreliability of such sources.

James Randi and Uri Geller

The issue also covers the ongoing case between magician and skeptic James Randi and psychic Uri Geller. Randi has sent an update to his supporters, noting that over 300 contributions have been made to "The James Randi Fund." He reports that the opposition has been aggressively filing frivolous lawsuits against him. Randi requests patience as he deals with these legal challenges. Significantly, a judge has ruled that Uri Geller must now prove his psychic abilities in court during a deposition. Randi expresses anticipation for this event, stating, "Our side will soon be won."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Folkvett demonstrates a clear editorial stance against the uncritical dissemination of pseudoscientific and paranormal claims by mass media. It advocates for journalistic responsibility, fact-checking, and reliance on scientific evidence. The magazine actively debunks sensationalist reporting and highlights organizations and individuals working to counter misinformation, such as James Randi and Vetenskap och Folkbildning. The recurring theme is the critical evaluation of information presented to the public, particularly concerning topics that lack scientific validation.