NIVFO-Bulletin - 1992 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: NIVFO bulletin
Issue: 3-92
Volume: 12. ARGANG
Date: 1992
Publisher: NORSK INSTITUTT FOR VITENSKAPELIG FORSKNING OG OPPLYSNING (NIVFO)
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
ISSN: 0800-0360
Price: kr 100,-

This issue of the NIVFO Bulletin, a Norwegian publication focused on scientific research and information, presents a critical examination of various phenomena often associated with pseudoscience and unexplained events. The cover prominently features a UFO illustration and headlines teasing articles on mysterious aircraft, corn circles, and skeptical views on paranormal abilities.

Article: OM MYSTISKE FLY (Mysterious Aircraft)

This article, sourced from Popular Mechanics (December 1991), delves into the topic of classified US aircraft, referred to as 'black' projects, and their alleged sightings. The focus is on the Antelope Valley in California, a known test area for advanced aircraft. The text describes eyewitness accounts of unusual aerial phenomena, including:

• Triangular craft: With wingspans ranging from 60 to 160 feet.
• High-speed lights: Described as yellow or orange lights moving at great speeds.
• Boomerang-shaped craft: Large, black, silent craft with wingspans of 600 to 800 feet, performing acrobatic maneuvers at low speeds.

The article notes that the US Air Force officially denies having aircraft that match these descriptions. It highlights the significant funding allocated to classified 'black' programs, with the Air Force alone spending billions on such projects. Specific mention is made of the Northrop TR-3A, a secret tactical reconnaissance aircraft, and other triangular craft that are more maneuverable than the TR-3A. The text also discusses 'blackbirds' (likely referring to SR-71 Blackbird or similar advanced reconnaissance aircraft), characterized by a low-frequency, pulsating sound that causes vibrations. The descriptions of these craft, including their ability to make sharp turns and ascend vertically at high speeds, are compared to reports from Nevada and other sources.

Article: MER OM MYSTISKE SIRKLER I ENGELSKE KORNÅKRER (More on Mysterious Circles in English Cornfields)

This section addresses the phenomenon of crop circles, presenting a skeptical perspective. It quotes Pat Delgado, described as a 'circle believer' and investigator, who expresses a desire for hard evidence. However, the article reveals that two men, Doug Bower and David Chorley, confessed to creating these circles as a hoax since 1978. They demonstrated their method, which involved using a plank and a string, to a British newspaper. Delgado, after learning of the hoax, admitted to being deceived. The article suggests that the fascination with crop circles has led to numerous speculative theories and profitable books, while the simple explanation of a hoax has been overlooked. Bower and Chorley reportedly started the hoax for amusement, inspired by similar pranks in Australia. The article questions how intelligent people can fall for such elaborate hoaxes.

Article: HORRORSCOPE, HVORDAN PARANORMAL TRO KAN SKADE (Horrorscope, How Paranormal Belief Can Harm)

This article, though not fully detailed in the provided text, is listed in the table of contents and its title suggests a critical examination of the negative impacts of paranormal beliefs.

Article: NAS-VITENSKAPSFOLK YTTERST SKEPTISKE TIL ESP OG PK (Norwegian Scientists Extremely Skeptical of ESP and PK)

This section, also indicated in the table of contents, points to a discussion about the skeptical stance of Norwegian scientists towards extrasensory perception (ESP) and psychokinesis (PK).

Editorial Section (REDAKSJONELT)

The editorial section addresses the magazine's production and content. It explains the reduced page count in this issue, noting that the previous issue (2/92) was longer. Improvements in print quality are mentioned, with a possibility of further enhancements in future issues. The editorial also touches upon the idea of printing the magazine in Lithuania due to lower costs, which could potentially lead to better layout. The editors reiterate their focus on 'mystical' airborne craft not necessarily originating from other planets and discuss the 'circles' phenomenon, characterizing it as exaggerated by new records in 'fabuleringer' (fabrications) and bestsellers. The editorial also references a previous discussion on 'The Lulu Hurst Phenomenon' from issue 2/92, stating that the explanation can be found in Joe Nickell's latest book, contrasting it with skeptical books that are not immediately translated and marketed in Norway.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The NIVFO Bulletin consistently adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards phenomena often labeled as pseudoscientific or paranormal. The publication aims to provide a forum for scientific investigation and rational explanation, challenging unsubstantiated claims and exposing hoaxes. The editorial stance is clearly against sensationalism and favors evidence-based reasoning, as demonstrated by its treatment of both alleged UFO sightings and crop circle phenomena. The magazine appears to be committed to debunking myths and promoting a more grounded understanding of unexplained events.

Title: The Skeptical Inquirer
Issue: nr. 3/1992
Date: Spring 1992
Publisher: The Skeptical Inquirer
Country: USA
Language: Norwegian (original articles translated)

This issue of The Skeptical Inquirer delves into various topics related to skepticism, paranormal phenomena, and scientific inquiry. It features articles on crop circle hoaxes, the societal impact of paranormal beliefs, and a significant survey on the views of elite scientists regarding extrasensory perception (ESP) and psychokinesis (PK).

Article 1: ENKELT OGSÅ FOR AMATØRER (Easy Even for Amateurs)

This article, based on an account by Mike Sullivan, editor of North Texas Skeptics, details how Becky Long, the daily leader of Georgia Skeptic, demonstrated the ease with which crop circles can be created. Long recounted to Sullivan how three large circles were found near Inman Park in Atlanta on August 17th, predating the Bower and Chorley revelations. These circles, measuring 24 to 48 feet, were perfectly aligned with a prominent radio tower and located near a site of a past 'Harmonious, concentric gathering of stalks' event. The report highlighted that these circles possessed all the hallmarks of 'genuine' crop circles, including bent, unbroken stalks, perfect roundness, spiraled stalks, and the absence of footprints.

Becky Long explained that it took only about half an hour to create the three circles using a rope and their legs. She described the simple method: one person held one end of the rope, while she stood in the center and others ran in a circle. Long and Larry Johnson, also from Georgia Skeptic, orchestrated this 'bluff' to show how easy it was for amateurs to create 'genuine' circles and to attract attention from MUFON and local media. They documented the entire process on video, including close-ups. Johnson spent several nights in the circles, confirming that the stalks remained bent despite heavy rain, and continued to grow in their bent state, countering claims that this bending was a paranormal phenomenon. Long stated, "All the types of grain we tested, when bent, did not break. I can't imagine why so many people think it's so strange that the stalks bend without breaking!"

Surprisingly, this incident was not covered by MUFON or local media. Long reported the 'discovery' to the MUFON Sky Watch hotline but received no reaction. The article's source is North Texas Skeptics Newsletter no. 7/1991, based on an article by its editor, Mike Sullivan.

Article 2: FORBUD MOT ANNONSE (Ban on Advertisement)

This short section reports on an illegal advertisement found in mail-order catalogs for 'magnetic ear clips'. These ear clips were marketed as 'acupuncture' devices effective for weight loss. NIVFO (presumably an organization) had reported the advertisement to the Directorate of Health and the Consumer Ombudsman, both of whom intervened. Initially, the advertisers ignored the complaints, but according to letters and case materials received from the Consumer Ombudsman, a ban on the advertisement was eventually issued. However, by the time the case reached this point, the mail-order company had likely profited significantly from this 'grotesque bluff'. The section is signed 'Red.'

Article 3: HORRORSCOPE - HVORDAN PARANORMAL TRO KAN SKADE (How Paranormal Belief Can Harm)

This article questions the harm of believing in astrology, UFOs, etc., and presents a stark example from the Washington Post (May 13, 1991). Lena H. Sun, a correspondent in Beijing, reported that abortions in China have increased because many Chinese believe that children born in the 'Year of the Sheep' (which began February 15th) will face misfortune for the rest of their lives. In Tianjin, birth rates dropped by 25% and the abortion rate increased by 60% in the first quarter of 1991 compared to 1990. The 'Year of the Sheep' is one of the 12 years in the Chinese zodiac, symbolized by different animals. While some years, like the Dragon year, are considered lucky, others, like the Sheep year, are seen as unlucky. Traditional beliefs also dictate that people born under certain signs should not marry those born under others due to potential misfortune.

Chinese authorities have attempted to eradicate these over 2000-year-old beliefs. However, coupled with a strict one-child policy, some couples who believe in the astrological tradition try to time their children's births for more auspicious years. Sun's report indicates that this belief is deeply rooted and widespread among the Chinese population. A quote from a woman in the China Women's Journal stated that they were unwilling to have children in the Sheep year because their mothers and mothers-in-law warned that girls born in this year would face the early death of their husbands. Family planners in China fear that the deficit of births this year will lead to a surge in births next year, the 'Year of the Monkey'. The article's source is Skeptical Eye, no. 3/1991, with the original title 'Horrorscope - Here's how paranormal belief can hurt.'

Article 4: "MYSTERIET" LULU HURST ("The Mystery" Lulu Hurst)

This section discusses Lulu Hurst, known as the "human magnet," who entertained audiences for years by seemingly making objects move, producing inexplicable sounds, and displaying superhuman strength. The solution to her mystery is found in Joe Nickell's book, 'WONDERWORKERS! HOW THEY PERFORM THE IMPOSSIBLE.' Hurst became wealthy but eventually revealed her secrets, expressing concern about the growing superstition and how easily people are deceived. Her 'poltergeist phenomena' were tricks, and her 'superhuman strength' was based on leverage and balance. The article provides an example of how she could easily redirect the force of a large man attacking her with a stick, causing him to stumble.

Article 5: NAS-VITENSKAPSFOLK YTTERST SKEPTISKE TIL ESP OG PK, VISER EN UNDERSØKELSE (NAS Scientists Extremely Skeptical of ESP and PK, Survey Shows)

This article reports on a survey of members of the National Academy of Science (NAS) regarding their attitudes towards parapsychology. The findings, published in the Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research (vol. 84, October 1991), indicate that this elite group of American scientists is highly skeptical of extrasensory perception (ESP) and psychokinesis (PK). Specifically, 77% stated that such psi-abilities "do not occur" or that they are "extremely skeptical" of them. Another 19% expressed no opinion but were generally skeptical, while only 2% felt that psi-anomalies sometimes occur.

The NAS comprises over 1500 distinguished scientists. The survey, conducted by parapsychologist Robert A. McConnell, was motivated by concerns over negative conclusions regarding parapsychology evidence presented in a 1988 National Research Council (NRC) report. McConnell sent a questionnaire to approximately one-third of NAS members, including neurobiologists, psychologists, anthropologists, social and political scientists, economists, and others.

McConnell introduced his survey by referencing the "uncompromising stance against parapsychology" in the earlier NAS report. He then defined ESP as the ability to retrieve information from outside oneself and PK as the ability to unleash a force outside oneself. The survey asked about the presence of ESP or PK, reasons for skepticism, and views on further research.

Of the respondents, 49% expressed a belief in ESP, 36% in telepathy, 26% in clairvoyance, and 17% in psychokinesis. This contrasts sharply with the NAS members' skepticism. The survey also broke down skepticism by scientific discipline, with neurobiologists (91%), chemists (91%), physicists (87%), and psychologists (81%) showing the highest rates of disbelief in ESP and PK. Anthropologists and organismal biologists had the lowest skepticism rates at 65-77%.

The reasons for skepticism among the 77% who responded with extreme skepticism or disbelief included: "the phenomena have never been explained and do not fit into known science" (71%), "I have personally conducted experiments but never achieved more than chance results" (5%), "I have personally studied some of the supposedly best experiments and found them unconvincing" (11%), and "I am aware of and accept negative assessments published by professional scientists" (48%).

Regarding attitudes towards parapsychological research, 25% of respondents felt it should be "counteracted," 63% believed it should be "allowed but not encouraged," and 10% thought it should be encouraged. Neurobiologists and psychologists were the most negative, while anthropologists were the least.

The article concludes that the high degree of skepticism among NAS members is convincing and highlights a significant gap in perception between the scientific elite and the general public regarding the validity of psi-phenomena. The source is The Skeptical Inquirer, no. 3/1992, authored by Kendrick Frazier, and slightly abridged for detail.

Article 6: MØL OM MENNESKELIG ADFERD! (Moth About Human Behavior!)

Stein Lund, a member of NIVFO, critically reviews an article titled "Fra Jeg til Meg" (From Me to Myself) by Erik Meyer Carlsen, published in NIVFO-Bulletinen (nr. 1-92). Lund expresses his strong disagreement with the article, deeming it filled with "swill and speculation" and arguing it should never have been published in a forum that claims to be a "critical forum for pseudoscience and literature." Lund's critique focuses on the article's empirical and logical shortcomings.

He challenges the claim that "countless experiments show that consciousness is occupied with providing a rational, coherent explanation for phenomena, regardless of whether we already know something else and more about these phenomena." Lund asserts there is no scientific evidence for such claims and that consciousness, as a behavior-creating entity, does not exist. He argues that the entire line of reasoning is a logical fallacy, specifically a category mistake, by assuming consciousness is an ontological entity akin to a behavior repertoire. He likens this to asking "where is the fruit?" when presented with apples, pears, and bananas, implying that 'fruit' is a concept that encompasses its components, not a separate entity.

Lund contends that statements like "I have consciousness of X" are not references to something mental/metaphysical within the brain but rather descriptions of one's own behavior. He argues that seeing is a perceptual (sensory) behavior that can occur even in the absence of the observed object, and that it is not a mental image or a copy of external stimuli. He criticizes the article for promoting 'ghost in the machine' constructs and for blurring the lines between scientific inquiry and metaphysical speculation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Skeptical Inquirer consistently adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards paranormal claims, pseudoscience, and unsubstantiated beliefs. The magazine aims to provide a rational and evidence-based perspective, contrasting with the often sensationalized or unverified claims found in other publications. The articles in this issue highlight the importance of critical thinking, empirical evidence, and scientific methodology in evaluating extraordinary claims, whether they pertain to crop circles, alleged psychic abilities, or cultural beliefs rooted in superstition. The editorial stance clearly favors scientific explanations and debunks phenomena that lack rigorous proof, as exemplified by the crop circle hoax and the survey of skeptical scientists.

This issue of NIB, identified as Volume 2, Issue 2, published by Norsk UFO Informasjon, focuses on critical analysis of paranormal claims and promotes skepticism. The cover headline, "TIL LEDERE AV VERDENS SKEPTIKERORGANISASJONER" (To Leaders of the World's Skeptic Organizations), and the mention of a CSICOP radio program indicate a strong emphasis on skeptical viewpoints.

Critical Analysis of Consciousness and Free Will

The lead article critically examines the concepts of consciousness and free will as presented by authors like Meyer Carlsen and Nørretranders. The author argues that it is the individual person, not consciousness itself, that perceives. The article refutes the idea of a separate consciousness that controls the body, suggesting that such explanations lead to an infinite regress of consciousness within consciousness. It dismisses metaphysical explanations as "ghostly substance" and asserts that modern behavioral science offers available scientific explanations, referencing Descartes' myth as debunked.

The author specifically challenges a claim attributed to Nørretranders that "'we' have free will, it's just not the conscious self that has it." This is labeled as contradictory and nonsensical. The article posits that if consciousness's behavior is determined and in turn controls the organism's behavior, then free will is undermined. It criticizes the notion of consciousness relaxing and letting another entity, termed the 'self' by Nørretranders, take over, calling it "dumb" and lacking logical and empirical rigor.

The author expresses a desire for a scientific explanation of the interaction between these supposed mental entities but concludes that it is too much to ask, preferring that such authors cease constructing "verbal nonsense."

Scientific Determinism vs. Free Will

The article continues by stating that Nørretranders' "verbal behavior" might be applauded by certain circles, perpetuating "intellectual laziness." The author urges the editors of NIB to exclude such "vis-vas" (empty talk) in the future. A fundamental assumption in all science is that phenomena are determined. If this were not the case, science would be impossible, as its purpose is to uncover natural connections. The existence of free will is deemed unscientific in principle. Modern behavioral science aims to uncover connections between behavior and its controlling variables, which are found in the environment, not as abstract metaphysical endpoints within the human mind. This perspective is presented as a more fruitful starting point for scientific work.

The author hopes the article is published in NIB, believing the magazine should embrace challenges and criticism for improvement, adhering to the slogan: "A critical forum for pseudoscience and literature."

Editorial Comments

The editorial section clarifies that signed articles represent the author's own views and not necessarily those of NIVFO or the editorial staff. NIB's aim is to be a critical forum for pseudoscience and literature, not only by publishing critical pieces but also by presenting examples of published works and their authors. The editors acknowledge that some contributions speak for themselves, while others might be misleading, necessitating editorial commentary. They concede that the article in question should have been commented upon.

CSICOP Radio Program Announcement

A new 13-part radio program, "The Voice of Inquiry," produced by CSICOP in collaboration with the Council for Democratic and Secular Humanism (CODESH), is announced. This program, broadcast weekly over US public radio stations, is designed for skeptics and humanists. Each half-hour episode covers three or four topics of interest, including international aspects of paranormal belief in Europe, post-mortems on New Age and "pyramid power" movements, and the psychology of paranormal belief. The program is presented with professional quality and is available on 13 audiocassettes for $50 USD from Inquiry Media Productions in Buffalo, New York.

Books and Periodicals Wanted

The issue includes a comprehensive list of books and periodicals on UFOs and paranormal phenomena that are sought after for purchase. This list spans various topics, including general UFO orientations, paranormal phenomena studies, theoretical and practical ufology, contact reports, and specific case studies like the Hessdalen Report and the Mosjøen Report. Several periodicals are also listed as being sought after, with publication dates ranging from the 1950s to the 1980s.

An individual, Ole Jonny Brænne, is offering to exchange books he possesses for any of the listed items and requests prompt contact. His contact details are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly advocates for a skeptical and scientific approach to understanding phenomena, particularly those related to consciousness, free will, and UFOs. It criticizes speculative and metaphysical explanations, promoting behavioral science as a more rigorous alternative. The editorial stance reinforces NIB's role as a critical platform for challenging pseudoscience and promoting critical thinking within the ufology and paranormal research communities.