The Skeptic

Magazine Overview

This issue of "The Skeptic," the newsletter of The North Texas Skeptics, published in July 1993, covers a range of topics from magic and science fiction to pseudoscience and hoaxes, all examined through a skeptical lens.

Conjuring: Book Review

Mike Sullivan reviews James Randi's new coffee-table book, "Conjuring." The book is described as a handsome, 300-page, richly illustrated history of magic, from ancient Egypt to the present day. It features photographs, etchings, and show posters, making it visually appealing. Chapters are dedicated to famous magicians like Robert-Houdin, The Herrmanns, Kellar, Thurston, the Blackstones, and Houdini, as well as categories like escape artists and mentalists. The review highlights Randi's discussion of Uri Geller, noting that while Geller was known for his claims of supernatural powers, Randi presents him as a mortal conjurer, not a supernatural being, and details how his effects can be duplicated with standard conjuring methods. The book is recommended for both amateur and professional magicians, as well as those interested in the history of magic. It is published by St. Martin's Press and costs $29.95.

The third eye

This section discusses the movie "Jurassic Park" and the controversy it generated within the scientific community. While some praised it for sparking interest in genetics and paleontology, others criticized its scientific inaccuracies and perceived attacks on scientists, particularly through the character of Ian Malcolm. The author read the novel and found it a page-turner, though with flat characters and plot holes. The character of Ian Malcolm is criticized for his assertions that scientists are motivated by ego, disregard consequences, and that science is a temporary fad. The article also points out scientific inconsistencies in the film's depiction of dinosaurs, such as the size of velociraptors and the likelihood of uncovering a complete skeleton with whisk brooms, and the fictionalized abilities of the Dilophosaurus. The author then shares a personal anecdote about a dinosaur video project that was altered by educators, leading to a "tragic breakdown in the system" and a product that "devour[ed] children's minds." The author issues an apology for this outcome, stating, "Don't meddle with Mother Nature. It is best to let dinosaurs stay dead."

Pepsi Syringe Hoax

The newsletter addresses the "Pepsi syringe hoax," describing it as a snowballing incident that began with a report of metallic objects in Diet Pepsi cans. The hysteria spread rapidly, with reports from 25 states. The FDA intervened, identified the fraud, and prosecuted hoaxsters. The author notes that this incident aligns with historical research on popular delusions and crowd psychology, citing James Randi's experiment where he fabricated a UFO sighting to demonstrate how easily people accept and embellish fantastic stories, often becoming angry when the truth is revealed.

Fringe Theory Update: Quake Prediction Fails

This update revisits a prediction made in the April issue by Michael-Gordon Scallion for a major earthquake in California by May 9, 1993. The author reports that the prediction was a "total bust," with no unusual seismic activity occurring; in fact, activity was below normal. The newsletter attempted to get a comment from Scallion, but he did not respond. The update concludes that Scallion's vision of future continental coastlines is questionable.

"LEAN BODIES" HIDE SKELETONS

Tim Gorski, M.D., critically examines the "Lean Bodies" program by Dallas-based nutritionist Cliff Sheats. Sheats claims that eating more calories can lead to weight loss by "metabolically activating" foods and spreading meals. However, a Dallas Morning News article is cited, which reveals that Sheats' claims are scientifically unsound. The review highlights that Sheats misinterprets a study on meal frequency, claiming weight loss occurred when it did not, and that the study did not measure metabolic rate or body fat. Sheats also cites research on high-protein diets, but the article points out that if his claims were true, people on such diets would lose weight rapidly, which is not the case. The article explains "specific dynamic action" of foods, noting that protein has a slightly higher effect, but Sheats overstates this to claim that increasing protein intake boosts metabolism significantly. Concerns are raised about Sheats' recommendations for excessive dietary protein, which cannot be stored and can be converted to fat, placing a burden on the kidneys. Experts like Dr. Harry Brenner and Dr. Neil Kurtzman express concerns about the potential exacerbation of undiagnosed kidney disease in millions of Americans. The article also touches on Sheats' "unaccredited degrees" from Clayton University, described as a diploma mill, and his organization's promotion of supplements. The author concludes that the "Lean Bodies" book is lost in "pseudoscience."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards extraordinary claims, the importance of critical thinking, and the debunking of pseudoscience and hoaxes. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific evidence and rational explanation, actively challenging claims that lack empirical support, whether they relate to magic, fringe theories, or health and diet advice. The newsletter aims to inform its readers about the prevalence of misinformation and to encourage a more discerning approach to information.