NIVFO-Bulletin - 1995 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: NIVFO bulletin
Issue: 1-95
Volume: 15. ÅRGANG
Date: 1995-01-01
Publisher: NORSK INSTITUTT FOR VITENSKAPELIG FORSKNING OG OPPLYSNING (NIVFO)
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
ISSN: 0800-0360
Price: KR. 100,-

This issue of NIVFO bulletin, published by the Norwegian Institute for Scientific Research and Information, focuses on the challenges of regulating quackery and misleading marketing in Norway. The cover prominently features the headline "The Norwegian Quackery Law and the Marketing Law: How Easily They Can Be Circumvented..." accompanied by an image of a pyramid structure, hinting at pseudoscientific or alternative practices.

Editorial Stance and Content Overview

From the Editors (Fra Redaksjonen)

The editorial, titled "Happy New Year!", reflects on the previous issue's discussion about the scope of skeptics' interests, noting the phenomenon of "need amidst plenty." It highlights the positive impact of topic selection on the Skeptics Society, which has engaged in work on historical falsification (e.g., Holocaust denial), misuse of statistics, and HIV/AIDS. The editors lament the media's tendency to prioritize "actuality" and popularity over scientific accuracy, often showing a willingness to cover pseudoscience while being reluctant to publish scientifically based information. They provide examples of newspapers refusing to print corrections or clarifications on pseudoscientific topics, even when official health bodies intervene.

The Norwegian Quackery Law and the Marketing Law: How Easily They Can Be Circumvented!

This central article details how the Norwegian quackery law and marketing law can be sidestepped. It explains that while advertising for medical treatments is regulated, careful wording can allow practitioners to advertise services without directly violating the law. The article uses the example of a homeopathy advertisement in a telephone directory, which described homeopathy as a method to restore the body's self-healing abilities and treat nearly all ailments. Despite complaints, the advertisement was deemed not to be illegal because it did not explicitly claim to be selling a 'product' as a 'medicine' in a way that contravened the law. The legal argument hinges on the distinction between advertising a 'product' and advertising a 'treatment' or 'service'.

Water That Remembered Disappeared Substances (Vannet som husket forsvunne stoffer)

This section delves into the controversial experiments on 'water memory' conducted by French researchers in the 1980s. These experiments, which suggested water could retain a 'memory' of substances it had been exposed to, were published in the prestigious journal Nature. The article notes that homeopaths have used these findings to support their practices. However, it also highlights a critical investigation by a research group from Nature, accompanied by magician James Randi, who exposed flaws in the French experiments. They concluded that the researchers only observed reactions when they knew the composition of the samples, indicating observer bias rather than a genuine phenomenon.

Other Articles and Sections:

• Fra Redaksjonen (From the Editors): Discusses the challenges of media coverage of pseudoscience and provides examples of newspapers refusing to publish scientific corrections.
• Den norske kvakksalverloven og markedsføringsloven; så lett kan de omgåes (The Norwegian Quackery Law and the Marketing Law; How Easily They Can Be Circumvented): A detailed analysis of how these laws are bypassed, using homeopathy as a primary example.
• Vannet som husket forsvunne stoffer (Water That Remembered Disappeared Substances): Critically examines the 'water memory' experiments and their implications for homeopathy.
• Bortkastet arbeide, tid og energi? (Wasted Work, Time, and Energy?): A critical perspective on pseudoscientific endeavors.
• Apropos vannet som husket (Speaking of the Water That Remembered): Further discussion on the water memory topic.
• Redaksjonen beklager (Editors Apologize): An apology from the editorial team.
• Sai Baba gransket (Sai Baba Investigated): An investigation into the claims of Sai Baba.
• Noen flere eksempler fra Premanands 'mirakelliste' (Some More Examples from Premanand's 'Miracle List'): Further examples of alleged miracles.
• Kort fortalt (Briefly Told): A collection of short news items.
• Uri Geller tapte sak om ærekrenkelse (Uri Geller Lost Defamation Case): Reports on a legal case involving Uri Geller.
• Hvor blir det av pyramidehattene? (Where Have the Pyramid Hats Gone?): A question about pyramid-related phenomena.

Subscription Information:

Subscriptions to NIVFO Bulletin can be ordered by sending NOK 100,- to NIVFO, postboks 70, 7079 Flatåsen. The postal giro number is 08143469574. The bulletin is published four times a year.

Responsible Editors:

K. Stenødegård and Jan S. Krogh.

Mission Statement:

"A critical forum for pseudoscience and literature."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly reflects NIVFO's commitment to critically examining pseudoscientific claims and practices. The recurring themes include the inadequacy of legal frameworks to protect the public from quackery and misleading advertising, particularly in the fields of homeopathy and astrology. The bulletin champions scientific rigor and evidence-based information, actively challenging claims that lack empirical support. It highlights the role of media in either perpetuating or debunking pseudoscientific narratives and calls for greater accountability from both practitioners and media outlets. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, aiming to educate readers and expose what it considers to be harmful or unfounded beliefs presented as legitimate science.

This issue of SKEPTIC magazine, published by the Skeptics Society, focuses on themes of science, religion, and cults, with a particular emphasis on debunking pseudoscientific claims and promoting rationalism. The issue, dated 4-5/94, highlights the growing influence and success of Skeptic Magazine and the Skeptics Society's efforts to educate the public.

Skepticism in Action: The Skeptics Society and Skeptic Magazine

The article begins by addressing the perceived futility of educating the public about skepticism, suggesting that arguments often fall on deaf ears. However, it then presents the success of the Skeptics Society and its magazine as a counter-example. Eric Bryant, editor of 'Library Journal', informed the Skeptics Society that Skeptic Magazine had been named one of the top ten new magazines in 1993. The magazine's circulation had rapidly increased from 6,000 to over 25,000, with distribution to over 1,000 bookstores and 5,000 supermarkets, pharmacies, and newsstands across the USA and Canada.

A significant factor in this expansion was the magazine's thorough investigation into claims that the Holocaust never happened. Dr. Michael Shermer, founder and leader of the Skeptics Society, appeared on the Phil Donahue show on March 21, 1993, in an episode that became one of the most-watched in history. This appearance led to hundreds of calls to the Skeptical Society's office. The organization also holds regular lectures at the California Institute of Technology, featuring prominent scientists and illusionists like James Randi. The article concludes that these efforts clearly demonstrate that the work is worthwhile.

Debunking 'Miracles' and Pseudoscientific Claims

The magazine then delves into several specific examples of debunked phenomena, often attributed to 'miracle workers' or 'gurus'.

Sai Baba

A review of Dale Beyerstein's book, 'Sai Baba's Miracles; An Overview', is presented. Sri Satya Sai Baba, born in 1926 in India, claimed to be the reincarnation of a Hindu saint. He has amassed approximately 6 million followers worldwide with over 2,000 religious centers. The article notes that, in terms of active believers, he is significantly larger than, for example, the Swedish Church, suggesting caution in labeling him a 'sect'.

Sai Baba is known for his 'materializations', where he supposedly produces ash from thin air for his followers. For wealthier followers, he produces gold rings and watches from Swiss brands, claiming to have created them from nothing. Indian skeptics have closely examined his methods, exposing his tricks used for materializations. Beyerstein's book is described as a concise summary of Sai Baba's methods, effectively refuting claims of materializations and other miracles. The article lists some of Sai Baba's extraordinary claims, including turning water into gasoline, being in two places at once, and raising two people from the dead. Beyerstein's work reportedly shows that none of these miracles are documented in a way that lends them credibility.

John Hislop, a devoted follower, is quoted in an interview with Sai Baba, where Hislop describes his activities within the American Sai organization. Sai Baba, who refers to himself and Hislop as 'Swami', suggests that Hislop's letters are for his own satisfaction and that writing to Swami frees his mind from concerns. Sai Baba also claims that Thyagaraja, a composer, received his songs from him.

Premanand's 'Miracles'

Several 'experiments' attributed to Premanand are detailed, exposing them as illusions:

• Experiment 139: Fire Walking: Involves licking a red-hot iron rod. The method described is to moisten the tongue and lips with liquid styrax to make them immune to heat.
• Experiment 141: Doll Magic: A person dies when the head of a doll is twisted. The 'miracle man' allegedly mixes blood pressure medication into the victim's food, and then twists the doll's head, causing a sudden drop in blood pressure and death.
• Experiment 142: Psychic Surgery: This refers to the well-known Filipino 'psychic surgeons' who appear to operate without instruments or leaving scars. The article notes that James Randi has exposed these practices.
• Experiment 143: Jaundice Cure: A 'guru' claims to cure jaundice by having the patient gargle with a mustard oil solution, which then turns yellow, supposedly indicating the removal of the jaundice.
• Experiment 115: Eating Red Pepper: A 'holy man' eats hot chili peppers as if they were candy. The trick involves coating the mouth and tongue with olive oil, preventing direct contact with the pepper and taste buds.
• Experiment 116: Balloon Trick: A 'miracle man' appears to stab balloons with needles without them bursting. This is achieved by placing tape on both sides of the balloon where the needle is inserted, or by stabbing the top of the balloon where air pressure keeps it intact.
• Experiment 117: Water Combustion: Making water burn by moving a hand over it. This is demonstrated by secretly dropping sodium metal into the water, which ignites upon contact.
• Experiment 118: Flaming Spit: Spitting causes flames. This involves CP ether and potassium metal. When the mouth is rinsed with water and then spat into a bowl containing the ether and potassium, the potassium ignites the ether vapor.
• Experiment 119: Divine Name Appearing on Skin: A 'god's servant' smears ash on their body, and the name 'God' appears. This is achieved by writing 'God' on the skin with a plant stem that secretes a white, rubbery liquid, or with soap and a thin stick. After drying, heat from a fire causes sweat, and when ash is applied, the writing becomes visible.

Homeopathy

An article titled 'APROPOS "WATER AS SUBSTANCE"' (referring to pages 9 and 10) discusses a French experiment that was later repeated in England. The results of these experiments, after being corrected by James Randi and editors from Nature (John Maddox and Walter W. Stewart), were entirely negative for the 'homeopathic idea'.

UFOs and Atmospheric Phenomena

UFO Crash Investigation

The U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) has been asked by Congressman Steve Schiff to investigate the circumstances surrounding an alleged UFO crash in New Mexico in 1947. Schiff stated that it is difficult to ask the government to investigate a matter for which it has been accused of secrecy, but he believes the public deserves honesty. He assumes that if aliens were hidden at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, they would have been discovered by now, but he does not rule out anything as long as the government remains silent.

Atmospheric Explosions

Since 1975, satellites orbiting Earth have registered numerous mysterious explosions in the upper atmosphere. Jenny Randles, an English ufologist, reported this in the New Year's edition of Northern UFO News, citing The Times as a source. American military satellites have recorded 136 powerful explosions in Earth's upper atmosphere since 1975, three of which occurred over Great Britain. These explosions are more powerful than 1,000 tons of TNT and are considered an unknown natural phenomenon. The registrations were initially kept secret to avoid confusion with atomic explosions, which could trigger a retaliatory attack. Theories suggest such an atmospheric explosion might have caused the 1908 Tunguska event in Siberia. British astronomer John Mason suggests that these phenomena, visible from Earth as giant light explosions or 'flying saucers', could lead to UFO reports, although much of the energy discharge is in the infrared spectrum.

Astrology and the Stock Market

The American magazine Fate revealed that astrology is key to accurate stock market predictions. Arch Crawford, who uses astrology to forecast economic trends, was named by Time Digest as the best predictor of market movements in the USA in 1991 and 1992. However, his prediction that the market would turn on August 24, 1987, was followed by a market peak on that date, and a subsequent 1,000-point drop by October, illustrating the unreliability of his astrological forecasts.

Editorial Notes

The "REDAKSJONEN BEKLAGER" (Editor's Apology) section addresses errors in previous issues. Specifically, it corrects a misplacement of historical figures, stating that Descartes lived "over three hundred years ago" rather than being placed much further back in history. It also corrects a figure regarding UFO abductions, stating that "3- and 4 million Americans" have reportedly been abducted, not a different number. The editors express hope that extraterrestrials will not feel offended by this error.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly advocates for skepticism, critical thinking, and evidence-based reasoning. The recurring themes include the debunking of paranormal claims, pseudoscientific practices like homeopathy and astrology, and the critical examination of spiritual leaders and their alleged miracles. The magazine also addresses UFO phenomena from a skeptical perspective, seeking rational explanations and investigating official claims and reports. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific inquiry and against unsubstantiated beliefs, aiming to expose fraud and delusion while promoting a rational worldview.

This issue of UFO-Nyt, identified as issue 2/94, presents a collection of articles exploring various phenomena, often with a skeptical or analytical perspective. The content ranges from financial predictions and crop circle interpretations to claims of alien involvement and critiques of pseudoscientific concepts.

Arch Crawford: Astrologer and Stockbroker

The issue begins by discussing Arch Crawford, who is presented as a successful stockbroker whose predictions were notably accurate. The article questions the assertion by 'Fate' magazine that his success was due to astrology, highlighting a logical fallacy in the argument. Crawford's early interest in economics and his success as a speculator at a young age are noted.

The Famous 'Crop Circles'

This section delves into the phenomenon of crop circles, referred to as 'pictograms' in England, which are described as unknown symbols. A specific pictogram found in Wiltshire in August 1991 is mentioned, resembling a form of writing. Gerald Hawkins is highlighted for his attempt to decipher these 'writings.' He proposed that double lines indicated word breaks and determined the orientation. After analyzing 18,000 sentences in 42 languages, Hawkins concluded the message was 'oppono astos,' Latin for 'I am against hoaxes.' The article expresses skepticism about the intelligence of beings who can travel across space but cannot write in ordinary Latin letters.

Cerealogist Magazine and Crop Circle Interpretations

'Cerealogist' magazine is mentioned for offering a 1000 Krone reward for an equally impressive interpretation of a pictogram. The article notes how some authors claim English crop circles are genuine, unknown phenomena, citing the feeling of religious awe and the perception of intelligence and life in the circles as 'proof.' The absurdity of offering crop circles for events like parties and weddings is also touched upon, with the magazine's advertisement for such services being described as a joke.

The Answer to Everything?

An address is provided for obtaining 'the final solution to the universe's form, function, and formula' through a lecture that promises to reveal 'the definitive cosmological model of 1993,' including fundamental principles of the universe and atoms, and the 'unified theory.' This is presented with a hint of irony.

Walking on Hot Coals

This short piece contrasts two options for firewalking in California. The Firewalking Institute of Research and Education charges $3500 for the experience, while the Skeptics Society offers it for free, including a lecture by a physicist explaining the principles of heat transfer that make firewalking possible. The article questions the value of the expensive option.

Astrological Reactor Safety

The head of the Lithuanian nuclear power plant Ignalia sought advice from Russian astrologer Pawel Globa regarding future accidents. Globa predicted a risk of an accident on March 8, 1997, a warning the plant management considered too significant to ignore.

Polaroid Trick

Anson Kennedy's article in 'Georgia Skeptics' is summarized, discussing how polaroid cameras are often trusted for their instant results, making manipulation seem difficult. However, the article explains that manipulation is possible before the photo is taken, by carefully opening and closing the film pack. This technique is used to 'prove' phenomena like UFOs and ghosts.

Harmful Natural Remedies

In Belgium, about seventy people suffered kidney damage, some severe, after taking a Chinese herbal medicine associated with fasting.

Musical Macaroni

A Japanese company, Takasago Shokuhin, sells dried noodles accompanied by Vivaldi's 'The Four Seasons.' The company claims that playing this music enhances the flavor of the noodles, though they lack a scientific explanation.

Is the End of the World Year 2000?

An article by Jim Ring in 'UFO-Nyt' provides historical context for doomsday prophecies related to the year 2000. It explains that the current dating system was established by Dionysius Exiguus in 525 AD, who made a four-year error. The article debunks the common belief that many doomsday prophecies were concentrated around the year 1000 AD. It questions why the year 2000, with its inherent dating error, would be a significant year for the end of the world.

Extraterrestrials?

An article from the American tabloid 'Weekly World News' claims that twelve US senators are actually extraterrestrials. One senator, Nancy Kassenbaum, responded with a press release in what is described as her native language, a statement that ufologists are expected to decipher to determine her solar system of origin.

Extraterrestrial Corporations

Nevada, USA, has liberal company registration laws, allowing for companies with extraterrestrial board members. Several companies, including Mothership Inc. and Star Dust Services, are listed as having extraterrestrial board members whose home is on spaceships from other planets.

Insurance Against ET Attacks

Michael St. Lawrence in California runs a specialized insurance company, 'The UFO Abduction Insurance Co.' For an annual premium of $9.95, the company offers $10 million for abduction by aliens and $20 million if the insured is eaten.

Wish Wand for Golf Balls

An advertisement for 'Gopher,' a metal divining rod for finding lost golf balls, is mentioned, costing $135. A cheaper alternative, the 'Scantrack 18 Golfball Finder' for $89.95, is described as using 'unique molecular wavelength' technology. However, a technical examination reveals it to be a solid piece of plastic.

Uri Geller Loses Defamation Case

The article details Uri Geller's lost lawsuit against Prometheus Books, where he sought millions for alleged defamation in two books. Geller's lawyers demanded the removal of statements, a public apology, and a million dollars in damages. The case, initiated in Miami in 1992, resulted in Geller being ordered to pay the publisher over $49,000 in costs and damages in February 1994. He later paid the amounts owed after an appeal was rejected. Paul Kurtz, a leader of CSICOP, expressed relief and emphasized the importance of fighting for one's beliefs, humorously noting that Geller's psychic powers seemed to fail him in this legal battle.

Where Are the Pyramid Hats?

This section discusses 'pyramid energy,' a concept within pseudoscience suggesting that pyramid structures can cure ailments and preserve food. Small pyramid models are available for health reasons. The article mentions a Danish pyramid engineer with a 'pyramid hat' that could be turned to align with 'bio-rhythms.' It questions whether stores still sell such items.

Cover Story: New-Agers and Pyramid Energy

The cover of this issue features a 'new-ager' charging up with pyramid energy, and an advertisement for James Randis's book 'Flim-Flam' (translated as 'Juks og Bedrag' in Norwegian), available from Bruns Libris in Trondheim.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-Nyt consistently adopts a skeptical stance towards pseudoscientific claims and extraordinary phenomena. While reporting on topics like astrology, crop circles, and UFOs, the articles often highlight logical fallacies, offer rational explanations, or expose hoaxes and fraudulent claims. The magazine appears to be a platform for critical examination of subjects that often fall outside mainstream scientific understanding, encouraging readers to question sensationalism and seek evidence-based explanations. The recurring mention of 'Skeptic' and 'Skeptics Society' publications as sources reinforces this editorial direction.