North Texas Skeptic - Vol 06 No 03 - 1992

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 6 Number 3
Date: March 1992
Publisher: The North Texas Skeptics
Focus: This issue of The Skeptic, published by The North Texas Skeptics, delves into various topics related to skepticism, pseudoscience, and critical thinking. It features articles on legal issues surrounding scientific evidence, the unreliability of psychic predictions, and critiques of pseudoscientific products and practices.

Junk Science and the Courts: Not All Bad News

This article, authored by John Thomas, addresses the issue of "junk science" in legal trials. Thomas reviews Peter Huber's book "Galileo's Revenge: Junk Science in the Courtroom," which details the misuse of scientific evidence in product liability, medical malpractice, and toxic tort cases. However, Thomas notes a growing reaction against this trend, with legal commentators and judges recognizing the need for reform. He highlights the thinking of Bert Black, who argues that scientific evidence admissibility should be based on both "validity" (sound reasoning) and "reliability" (probability of a correct outcome). Black proposes that courts should examine the expert's reasoning and methodology against scientific consensus, aligning with the standard set in *Frye v. United States*. The article cites the *Christophersen v. Allied-Signal Corp.* case in the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals as an example where this principle was applied, overturning a previous stance that such matters were solely for jury consideration. Thomas argues that judges are capable of evaluating scientific methodology, citing patent litigation and the *McLean v. Arkansas Board of Education* case as examples. He concludes that disputes about novel scientific evidence should not be left to baffled jurors without proper guidance on scientific validity.

Psychics' predictions fizzle for 1991

Reprinted from the Bay Area Skeptics' newsletter, this article chronicles the inaccurate predictions made by various psychics for the year 1991. It points out that psychics often issue new predictions annually, conveniently forgetting their previous failures. The article analyzes numerous predictions from well-known psychics like Jeane Dixon, Lou Wright, Maria Graciette, Tony Leggett, and Judy Hevenly. Many predictions are found to be vague, difficult to verify, or describe events that happen routinely. The article highlights that none of the genuinely surprising news events of 1991—such as the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Saddam Hussein's oil spills, the California wildfires, or the arrest of Pee-Wee Herman—were predicted by any psychic, suggesting a lack of genuine precognitive ability. The Bay Area Skeptics urge the media and the public to exercise healthy skepticism towards paranormal claims.

The third eye

This column by Pat Reeder discusses the upcoming CSICOP Convention in Dallas and seeks volunteers to help organize it. Reeder also proposes creating a map for convention visitors, including attractions that would appeal to scientists and philosophers, beyond typical tourist sites. Suggestions for attractions like the Biblical Arts Center, Word Of Faith, Robert Tilton billboards, and the Dianetics billboard are mentioned. The author invites readers to submit their suggestions for the map and for a potential special CSICOP Convention issue of *The Skeptic*.

Robert Tilton Controversy

This section, seemingly a continuation of a column, delves into the controversies surrounding televangelist Robert Tilton. It details his legal battles with Texas Attorney General Dan Morales over his financial records, Tilton's attempts to evade scrutiny, and his public pronouncements that framed legal challenges as vindication. The article references a *Dallas Observer* piece that reportedly uncovered details about Tilton's past, including alleged plagiarism and a history of questionable practices. It contrasts Tilton with "Yellow Kid" Weil, a famous con man, to question Tilton's morals. The author criticizes Tilton's "prosperity theology" and his targeting of vulnerable individuals, likening his actions to a "classic con game" and suggesting that laws against bunco artists should be enforced. The piece also touches on the followers' unwavering support for Tilton, comparing him to Jesus.

British Skepticism and Alternative Medicine

This segment shifts focus to Great Britain, discussing the findings of Scotland Yard's detective-chief superintendent Eddie Ellison regarding the use of psychics in police investigations. Ellison's year-long study concluded that psychics offered no effective help and were not invited to assist in investigations, with any volunteered information being evaluated and ultimately proving useless. The article also touches on the Royal Family's engagement with alternative medicine, mentioning the Duchess of York consulting a spiritual healer and Prince Charles visiting a holistic healer in India.

Vision claims for laser specs full of holes

Authored by Mike Sullivan, this article debunks the claims made for "Aerobic Training Eyeglasses" and similar pinhole glasses. Advertised as a way to improve vision naturally in minutes a day, these glasses are sold by various mail-order firms. The article cites consumer protection agencies, postal inspectors, and medical professionals who have taken an interest. It explains that looking through pinholes increases depth-of-field but significantly reduces visual field and brightness, making them dangerous for activities like driving. Dr. Bruce E. Spivey of the American Academy of Ophthalmology states there is no data to support the claims, and Dr. Gorski criticizes the use of the term "Aerobic" as a marketing ploy. Dr. Walter Chase of the California College of Optometry explains that pinhole glasses do not alter the eyeball's shape, which is the cause of nearsightedness or farsightedness.

Letter to Betty Epstein

This is a letter from Mike Sullivan of The North Texas Skeptics to Betty Epstein of the American Society of Dowsers. Sullivan expresses interest in the dowsing claims reported in *The Dallas Morning News* and offers the North Texas Skeptics as a public forum for dowsers to present proof of their abilities. He highlights the organization's dedication to scientific inquiry and offers opportunities for dowsers to speak at meetings or submit articles to *The Skeptic* newsletter. The letter also mentions a $2,000 cash award for anyone who can prove a paranormal effect under scientifically controlled conditions.

Letter from Bette Epstein

Bette Epstein responds to Mike Sullivan's invitation, declining to participate in a "show and tell" for the North Texas Skeptics. She states she has a successful hypnotherapy practice and tithes to charities, thus not needing the offered money. Epstein asserts that her belief in dowsing and "energies" is a vital part of her life and not dependent on others' belief. She offers to teach dowsing to the club if they are interested in developing their "gifts of the spirit." Her closing remark is "May the most joyous days of your past be the darkest days of your future."

Up a tree: a skeptical cartoon

A short, single-panel cartoon by Laura Ainsworth depicts three owls. The first owl announces, "ATTENTION, FELLOW SKEPTICS. THE CSICOP CONVENTION IS COMING TO DALLAS THIS YEAR." The second owl looks surprised. The third owl asks, "CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of *The Skeptic* revolve around the critical examination of extraordinary claims, the promotion of scientific literacy, and the debunking of pseudoscience. The North Texas Skeptics, through its articles and letters, consistently advocates for evidence-based reasoning, rigorous scientific methodology, and a healthy dose of skepticism towards claims that lack empirical support. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rational inquiry and against the acceptance of unsubstantiated beliefs, whether they manifest as "junk science" in court, unfulfilled psychic predictions, or pseudoscientific products and practices. The newsletter actively engages with organizations and individuals who promote skepticism and provides a platform for discussing and challenging claims that fall outside the realm of established science.