North Texas Skeptic - Vol 09 No 03 - 1995

Magazine Overview

Title: The Newsletter of The North Texas Skeptics
Issue: Volume 9 Number 3
Date: March 1995
Publisher: The North Texas Skeptics
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The Skeptic newsletter delves into several topics, primarily focusing on the controversy surrounding the textbook 'Of Pandas and People' in Plano, Texas, and promoting a skeptical approach to health claims and paranormal phenomena.

Creationist Text Turned Back: Plano's 'Pandas' Controversy

The lead article, "Creationist text turned back," by Mike Sullivan, details the intense debate in the Plano Independent School District (PISD) over the proposed adoption of 'Of Pandas and People: The Central Question of Human Origins (Second Edition).' This textbook promotes Creationism. The article outlines how hundreds of residents, educators, and clergy united against the proposal, which was initially championed by PISD trustee Tom Wilds. Wilds' attempt to circumvent the standard textbook review process by proposing the purchase of review copies was met with strong opposition. The article highlights the efforts of the Keep Quality in Plano Schools (KQUIPS) group, aided by attorney Michael Linz and NTS Technical Advisor Ron Hastings, in organizing the opposition. Despite Wilds' late attempt to withdraw the item, a motion was made and amended to ensure the book would only be considered through the established textbook review process or if requested by staff, leaving a door open for future challenges. The article notes that other Dallas-area districts have sought NTS's help in similar situations.

Healthy Skepticism

Authored by Tim Gorski, M.D., this section urges readers to maintain a healthy skepticism, particularly regarding health supplements and alternative medicine. It cites a report in the *Annals of Internal Medicine* about liver toxicity caused by the 'natural' herbal product Jin Bu Huan Anodyne tablets and another case of liver toxicity from chaparral, a substance the FDA had previously warned about. The article also points out that new legislation makes it harder for the FDA to regulate 'nutritional supplement' products. It mentions the case of Gloria Ramirez, whose blood reportedly released toxic fumes, with specialists suggesting treatment with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) as a possible cause. Furthermore, the section reports on a study showing chelation therapy to be ineffective for atherosclerosis, and that carnitine supplements do not improve physical performance, with some volunteers experiencing diarrhea. Finally, it addresses the issue of chiropractors calling themselves 'chiropractic physicians,' a practice that was recently ruled against by a Texas court.

The Third Eye

Pat Reeder's column, "The third eye," covers a variety of news items. It begins by mentioning the 'Beast of Bodmin Moor' in Britain, a creature described as 'big, black and scary.' It also touches on betting odds from William Hill bookmakers regarding the existence of the Loch Ness Monster and the Second Coming of Christ. The column introduces a Hong Kong-based financial newsletter, "Financial Astrology," whose editor predicts stock market movements by watching the stars. A bizarre incident in Merriam, Kansas, where a man gouged out his own eyeball, is recounted. The column also references the *Weekly World News* and its coverage of a space alien endorsing political candidates, including a suggestion for Gingrich to run for president. The section concludes by discussing the subject of religion, with the author stating he does not attack religious beliefs directly but criticizes when they venture into politics or hucksterism. He contrasts his uncle, a retired minister, with televangelist Robert Tilton, who is now involved with a group believing in demonic causation for world problems. The column also mentions a case in Georgia where a man died after being bitten by a rattlesnake during a church service, and a case in Mars, Pennsylvania, involving a pastor accused of assaulting his wife, with the wife initially blaming Satanic forces.

In Memorial

This section pays tribute to Dr. James Baerwaldt, a professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Arlington and a Technical Advisor to The North Texas Skeptics, who passed away on January 31 after a battle with cancer. The article highlights his role in developing and teaching a course on the analysis of parapsychology and controversial sciences, emphasizing the use of the scientific method. It notes his generous contributions of time and knowledge in promoting rationality and critical inquiry.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes scientific rationalism and critical thinking. It actively debunks pseudoscience, health fraud, and paranormal claims, advocating for evidence-based reasoning. The publication appears to be a platform for skeptical inquiry, providing factual analysis and commentary on issues ranging from educational controversies to health and societal beliefs. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of science and reason, often highlighting the dangers of uncritical acceptance of claims, particularly in areas of health and education.