North Texas Skeptic - Vol 08 No 03 - 1994

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Newsletter of The North Texas Skeptics, dated March 1994, is Volume 8, Number 3. The cover headline is "Healthy Skepticism," with a lead article by Tim Gorski, M.D., titled "Another Medical Journal Quacked."

Healthy Skepticism

Another Medical Journal Quacked

Dr. Tim Gorski criticizes the December 1993 issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the official journal of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, for publishing an article promoting "reflexology" or "Zone Therapy." This practice claims that massaging specific points on the hands, feet, and ears can stimulate corresponding body parts to health. Gorski dismisses this as a scam, a combination of modified acupuncture and religious-flavored ideas about human connection to electromagnetic fields. He points out the lack of scientific rigor in the article, the authors' lack of medical expertise, and the questionable methodology of their "research," which was supported by the "American Academy of Reflexology." He highlights the conceptual difficulties, such as the effect of grasping a steering wheel on hand reflex points, and notes that the "research" was not blinded and excluded subjects with prior reflexology experience. Gorski concludes that this publication is a "public relations victory" for reflexology quacks and a lapse for the scientific journal, whose editor, Roy M. Pitkin, M.D., defended the publication.

Depression & Survival

Gorski also discusses research from The Journal of the American Medical Association linking major depression in heart attack patients to a four to six-fold increase in mortality within six months. He suggests that treating depression could not only improve immediate well-being but also extend lives. The connection is attributed to altered brain metabolism of neurotransmitters, which can have further physiological effects, or a reduced commitment to rehabilitation treatment.

Similar research on the effects of depression on HIV-infected individuals showed no change in the rate of progression to AIDS or mortality.

Why Weight Loss Scams Won't Go Away Soon

The persistent prevalence of weight loss fraud is attributed to the difficulty of achieving effective, long-term weight loss. A study in Archives of Family Medicine found that while 90% of patients in a low-calorie program achieved significant weight loss, only a third maintained it, with an average maintained loss of 6.5 kg at a high cost per kilogram. The article suggests that more affordable and effective strategies are needed.

Vitamin G?

Dr. Gorski humorously claims credit for "Vitamin G" (cholesterol), suggesting it will become a vitamin once genetic engineers disable the genes responsible for its synthesis. He notes that food processors will then boast about products being "highest in Vitamin G."

This information is provided by the D/FW Council Against Health Fraud.

Skeptical News & Views

Readers' Forum

Joe Voelkering introduces a "readers' forum" to solicit feedback and noteworthy items from readers for future issues.

Trashing Psychic Myths

Voelkering addresses a rumor about John Coles predicting an earthquake accurately. He explains that Coles uses a variation of the "VAN technique," which involves magnetic particle detection and the earth's magnetic properties. While mainstream scientists are evaluating the concept, Voelkering notes that the method is not conventional science and is prone to false alarms. He suggests it might be more about interpreting Greek seismic research papers than psychic ability.

Meet the REAL NTS

Voelkering clarifies the function of The North Texas Skeptics (NTS), stating that the group does not typically address specific issues. Instead, individuals or small groups take on projects and inform the general membership. Members are encouraged to pursue their interests individually or with associates, and suggestions are welcome with the phrasing "Is anyone interested in...?"

Just the Facts

This section discusses the claim that the USA was "founded on Christianity" or "Christian law." The author argues that this is a factual issue, not a religious one, and cites a 1796 international treaty containing the clause "As the government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian religion." He suggests that Thomas Jefferson may have been agnostic or a Deist/Unitarian, quoting a letter where Jefferson encouraged questioning the existence of God. The author emphasizes the importance of maintaining science's freedom from religious mandates and guarding freedoms of speech and religious belief.

Double-Edged Sword

Dr. Jim Baerwaldt mentioned "disturbing" recent reports on ESP tests that have excited pro-ESP types and stumped critics. The author reflects on the need for skeptics to remain impartial and apply the same rigorous test protocols to all claims, regardless of their nature.

Evolution vs. Creation Reprint Available

Michael Shermer of The Skeptics Society has provided reprints of "25 Creationists' Arguments & 25 Evolutionists' Answers," which are available upon request.

Religious Faith and Scientific Skepticism

By Bill Gant

This section features a discussion between Bill Gant and Deborah Boak regarding the application of rational inquiry to religious claims. Gant disagrees with Boak's interpretation of Richard Dawkins' critique of transubstantiation, stating that CSICOP Chairman Paul Kurtz was not bothered by it and that CSICOP is not an atheist organization. Gant believes that while personal belief is acceptable, claiming absolute truth is problematic. He challenges Boak to explain her viewpoint.

Ms. Boak replies:

Boak declines Gant's challenge, reiterating her original question about distinguishing unscientific/pseudoscientific beliefs from religious beliefs. She uses the example of "scientific creationists" and dowsers as easily debunked, but points to claims that preclude falsification, such as the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation. She argues that devout Catholics would not allow the truth of transubstantiation to depend on scientific analysis, as the substance is claimed to be present "under the appearance" of bread and wine. Boak concludes that while Richard Dawkins objected to such claims as an abuse of language, the doctrine of transubstantiation, like other religious doctrines, is placed beyond scientific criticism because it cannot be demonstrated or falsified. She suggests a line can be drawn between objectivity and subjectivity, reality and imagination, and thinking and feeling, with religion belonging to the latter.

The third eye

By Pat Reeder

Reeder notes that according to The Fortean Times, the number of "strange events that can't be explained by science" increased significantly in 1993. He expresses skepticism about this claim, finding it harder to find such stories himself despite actively searching. He contrasts the past prominence of figures like Whitley Streiber and Bud Hopkins with their current lack of media attention, and notes that the movie "Fire In The Sky" and the TV show "The X-Files" have not generated the expected wave of UFO abduction claims. Reeder suggests that real-life weirdness, such as the Michael Jackson and Tonya Harding cases, has eclipsed supernatural tales, making them boring by comparison.

He then discusses the Hong Kong police using a black rooster weather vane to ward off evil spirits, likening it to the U.S. Congress. Shirley McLaine's views on earthquakes and blizzards are presented, where she attributes them to the Earth's messages about human behavior and lifestyle choices. Reeder humorously suggests that McLaine believes the Earth speaks directly to her.

He also mentions that psychics were asked for predictions for the Super Bowl, with most predicting a Cowboys win. He notes that some chiropractors are making outlandish claims, such as curing bacterial diseases through spinal manipulation, which is labeled as "pure quackery." He praises chiropractors who condemn such practices and shares a positive personal experience with a chiropractor who was upfront about the limitations of his practice.

David Letterman's skeptical endeavors are highlighted, including a segment where a psychic guessed the soup of the day with 30% accuracy. Dan Ackroyd appeared on Letterman's show, calling him "the world's Number One skeptic" and giving him a book on UFO conspiracies. Letterman's response about the number of UFO sightings is also mentioned.

Up a tree: a skeptical cartoon

A cartoon by Laura Ainsworth humorously depicts Bigfoot as Tonya Harding's bodyguard, with the caption "Truth is stranger than fiction."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes a skeptical approach to claims, particularly those related to pseudoscience, medical quackery, and paranormal phenomena. It emphasizes the importance of scientific methodology, critical thinking, and evidence-based reasoning. The publication appears to be a platform for debunking unfounded beliefs and promoting a rational worldview. There is a clear stance against the uncritical acceptance of claims presented as scientific fact without rigorous verification. The discussions on religion and science highlight a commitment to distinguishing between faith-based beliefs and empirically verifiable knowledge, advocating for the freedom to pursue scientific inquiry without undue influence from religious dogma. The inclusion of a "Readers' Forum" and the encouragement for member participation suggest an open and community-driven approach to exploring skeptical topics.