North Texas Skeptic - Vol 09 No 04 - 1995

Magazine Overview

Title: The Newsletter of The North Texas Skeptics
Issue: Volume 9 Number 4
Date: April 1995

This issue of The Skeptic newsletter from The North Texas Skeptics covers a range of topics, primarily focusing on critical examination of pseudoscientific claims and promoting a skeptical approach to various phenomena.

Skeptics Host Young-Earth Creationist

This article by Virginia Vaughn details a presentation by Dr. Don Patton, a proponent of young-earth creationism and chairman of the Metroplex Institute of Origin Science (MIOS). Patton, who claims a Ph.D. from the unaccredited Queensland Christian University (QCU) in Australia, presented arguments against the theory of evolution. The author critiques Patton's presentation, noting that QCU lacks accreditation and formal scientific structure, and that Patton's Ph.D. was reportedly obtained by mail. Vaughn contrasts Patton's approach with her own educational background in biological sciences and geology, emphasizing that science begins with questions and is tentative, while creation science starts with a conclusion.

Patton's presentation allegedly used quotes from scientists like Stephen Jay Gould out of context to suggest evolution has flaws. The article refutes this by explaining that scientists often point out areas of uncertainty in evolutionary processes, and that a lack of a complete answer does not automatically validate creationism. The famous pepper moth story is used as an example of natural selection, where moth coloration adapted to environmental changes (industrial pollution) over time, a process that Patton dismissed.

Further criticisms include Patton's assertion that the Grand Canyon has no fossil record (which the author states is untrue) and his inaccurate claims about vestigial organs like the appendix. The author uses an analogy of choosing a toaster to illustrate the flawed logic of rejecting a well-researched product (evolution) for an untested alternative (creationism).

The article concludes by referencing a passage from Putnam's Geology that emphasizes the principle of uniformitarianism, suggesting that natural laws have remained consistent throughout Earth's history, a concept fundamental to scientific understanding.

Healthy Skepticism

This section, authored by Tim Gorski, M.D., addresses two distinct issues:

Paper Tiger FDA Issues Warning

Nature's Nutrition Formula One, a product distributed by Alliance U.S.A., is highlighted for containing Ma huang (an amphetamine-like substance) and kola nut. Despite numerous complaints of severe adverse reactions, including heart attacks, strokes, seizures, hepatitis, psychosis, and even deaths, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning only on February 28th. The FDA cited Alliance U.S.A.'s inadequate response and refusal to recall the product. The article notes a recent legislative change that restricts the FDA's action on "nutritional supplements" to cases where definitive evidence of probable danger is accumulated, a departure from its usual mission of ensuring safety and efficacy before marketing.

Other products making similar claims, such as Twinlab's "Metabolift" and KAL's "Super DietMax," are also mentioned as potentially containing the same problematic ingredients. The proliferation of "natural," herbal, and homeopathic remedies making outrageous claims is attributed to this regulatory shift.

Weightlifter Reinstated

Canadian weight lifter Jim Dan Corbett was reinstated after an investigation revealed that a vitamin supplement he was taking, Nature's Nutrition Formula One, contained banned stimulants that were not listed on the bottle. Corbett had initially been stripped of his medals and faced bans after testing positive for these stimulants. The Canadian distributor, Alliance Canada, refused to comment on the matter.

This information is provided by the Dallas/Fort Worth Council Against Health Fraud.

The Poop from Down Under

This section features a letter to the editor from Australia, reprinted from "Skeptic" magazine. The author shares a humorous anecdote about a pet chicken whose droppings are claimed to bring good luck. The chicken's owner recounts winning the lottery, having money returned, and receiving book orders after the chicken perched on their shoulder. The owner even had the chicken's feathers read by a palmist and consulted past-life readers, who confirmed it was a reincarnated philanthropist. The author then humorously offers to sell "lucky chicken crap" for $10 per 5 grams, along with instructions, and reports having received two orders and $20 for it.

O. J. Did It and Evolution Is True

This article by Laura Ainsworth draws a parallel between the defense strategies in the O. J. Simpson trial and the arguments used by creationists against the theory of evolution. Ainsworth compares the prosecution's case against Simpson for murder (Theory A) with the theory of evolution (Theory B), both of which involve events in the past that are difficult to study directly.

The author critiques Don Patton's presentation, noting his lack of academic credentials in science and his reliance on quotes taken out of context, likening his approach to that of defense lawyers like F. Lee Bailey or Johnnie Cochran, who aim to create reasonable doubt rather than prove an alternative theory.

Ainsworth argues that both defense teams and creationists attempt to discredit existing evidence rather than present verifiable proof for their own claims. For example, the Simpson defense questioned DNA evidence, while creationists question scientific dating methods. Both sides also propose alternative hypotheses (e.g., a conspiracy to frame Simpson, or a global flood) that are not necessarily substantiated.

The article highlights that scientific theories, like evolution, are based on evidence, are falsifiable, and evolve as new data emerges. In contrast, creationism is presented as non-falsifiable and untestable. The author emphasizes that while there may be gaps in the fossil record, this does not invalidate evolution, just as missing evidence in a crime investigation does not automatically prove innocence.

Ainsworth concludes that while the legal system requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt, the scientific method requires evidence to support theories. She expresses a willingness to change her mind on both the O. J. case and evolution if compelling evidence warrants it, but stresses the importance of reasonable doubt and evidence-based reasoning.

Up a Tree

This is a skeptical cartoon by Laura Ainsworth, depicting two birds on a branch. The first bird states, "PARROTS ENGAGE IN HOURS AND HOURS OF LOUD, UNENDURABLE AND SEEMINGLY POINTLESS SCREAMING. BUT AT LAST WE KNOW WHY." The second panel reveals the reason: "IT'S TO DRIVE OUT DEMONS !!"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of claims presented as scientific but lacking rigorous evidence (creationism, certain health supplements), the importance of the scientific method, and the application of skeptical inquiry to various phenomena, including legal cases. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning, scientific integrity, and a healthy skepticism towards extraordinary claims, particularly those that appear to be pseudoscientific or based on logical fallacies. The newsletter actively debunks creationist arguments and exposes health fraud, advocating for a rational and evidence-driven worldview.