North Texas Skeptic - Vol 09 No 11 - 1995

Magazine Overview

Title: The Newsletter of The North Texas Skeptics
Issue: Volume 9 Number 11
Date: November 1995
Publisher: The North Texas Skeptics

This issue of The Skeptic newsletter delves into various topics from a skeptical perspective, including discussions on global warming, the controversial 'alien autopsy' film, psychic phenomena, and the ongoing NTS challenge for paranormal claims.

The Third Eye by Pat Reeder

Pat Reeder's column addresses two main points: the scientific consensus on global warming and the societal factors contributing to the Chicago heat wave. Reeder notes that a majority of meteorologists agree that man-made pollutants have altered Earth's temperature, leading to a rise of about one degree Fahrenheit since 1900. However, she argues that the high death toll in the Chicago heat wave was more a result of societal breakdown—elderly people living alone, without air conditioning or support systems—than purely environmental factors. She contrasts this with a time when neighbors looked out for each other, highlighting a decline in community connection.

Analysis of the 'Alien Autopsy' Film

This section critically examines the 'alien autopsy' film, which was broadcast twice by the Fox Network. The author expresses skepticism, likening the footage to 'spinach.' Several points are raised to question the film's authenticity:

• Lighting: The scene is described as too brightly lit with little contrast and few shadows, suggesting studio lighting rather than '40s military footage, especially given the film stock's low ASA rating.
• Splices: The producer claimed no splices in the film, which is questioned given the length of the reel and standard film magazine sizes, suggesting at least three splices would be necessary.
• Focus: Close-ups of internal organs are noted as being wildly out of focus, which would be unacceptable for a military photographer on such an important assignment.
• Photography: The lack of flash photography during the autopsy is questioned, especially when compared to the JFK autopsy where still photos were taken.
• Autopsy Duration: The autopsy appeared to be completed in less than half an hour, with organs being removed quickly, suggesting haste.
• Narration and Logic: The narration, provided by Jonathan Frakes, is criticized for logical inconsistencies. The author questions the government's alleged extreme secrecy over the event, citing an officer threatening a 10-year-old girl, while simultaneously allowing the photographer to keep the footage.
• Motivation for Hoax: The article challenges the idea that faking such a film would be too much trouble, pointing out the producer's financial gains from syndication and home video sales.

Other Skeptical Observations

Bulgaria UFO Incident

An anecdote from Bulgaria describes a gathering of about 1,500 people at an airstrip based on psychic mediums' claims that eight spaceships would land. When the ships did not appear, the mediums blamed nearby aircraft and then the Bulgarian President for insulting the aliens. Police had to escort the psychics away from an angry mob.

Malaysian UFO Sighting

Reports from Malaysia's New Straits Times mention UFO sightings described as being as large as a football field, encircled by flashing lights, and allegedly carrying aliens with long ears and red eyes. The author humorously notes that these descriptions contradict the 'alien autopsy' film's depiction of aliens with big, black eyes.

Bulletin: Skeptic Gets a Word in on Talk Show

Strange But True: Audience Also Fairly Skeptical by John Thomas

John Thomas recounts his participation in a talk show hosted by WFAA-TV newsman John McCaa at Cedar Valley College. The theme was 'Psychics: Are They Legit?', and Thomas appeared alongside psychic and astrologer Nevada Hudson. Thomas was pleased to find that the audience was largely skeptical of psychic claims. He presented his key points: that the focus should be on whether psychics can deliver on their claims and why people believe them, rather than their legitimacy; that astrology lacks scientific support; and that fortune-telling techniques rely on random events and psychological reading methods, not genuine psychic powers. Thomas also noted that stage magicians and psychologists use similar techniques to make people believe they have special knowledge.

Thomas emphasizes that success in predictions should be measured by hits and misses, not just hits as psychics tend to do. He reiterates that the NTS $6,000 challenge remains open. He concludes that while such debates may not lead to definitive conclusions, they are valuable for those with doubts, offering a respectable skeptical viewpoint.

NTS Challenge Still Intact by John Blanton

John Blanton provides an update on the North Texas Skeptics' $6,000 challenge, first introduced several years prior. The challenge offers a prize for anyone who can demonstrate psychic or paranormal abilities under scientifically valid conditions. So far, only a few claims have been made, with no successful demonstrations.

One claimant proposed 'map dowsing' to locate a lost object. However, the dowser considered the test beneath her dignity and offered her nine-year-old daughter instead. This presented a dilemma for the NTS, as a win by the child would be a headline like 'Skeptics defeated by mere child,' while a loss would make the NTS appear as bullies. The proposed test involved burying an object in a field, which the author found too simple. Alternative suggestions, such as digging multiple holes or using containers, were rejected by the claimant.

Another challenge came from an individual claiming the FBI had planted a computer chip in his head. While others were willing to test this claim, Blanton declined, stating he had his limits and found the claim 'entirely reasonable' and was willing to take the person's word for it.

The article lists several types of claims that are generally not accepted for the challenge, including:

• Claims about aliens living on the moon.
• Balancing a grand piano on one's forehead.
• Knowing who killed O.J. Simpson's ex-wife and Ronald Goldman (this should be reported to the police).
• Predicting the year 2000 elections (too long-term).
• Faith healing (requires a death first, with legal restrictions).
• Proving Congress is controlled by Satanists.

Claims that are accepted as starters include:

• Telepathy (without assistance).
• Spoon bending (without touching).
• Predicting the future (excluding the 1996 presidential election).
• Map dowsing.
• Aliens in UFOs (with a ride in the spaceship).

Inquiries about the challenge can be directed to the P.O. Box or to John Blanton directly.

The ICR's Impact Series

This section reviews the 'Impact' series of pamphlets published by the Institute for Creation Research (ICR). These pamphlets, subtitled 'Vital Articles on Science/Creation,' are written by ICR scientists and present their views on science and creationism. The articles are described as ranging from scientific treatises to outright religious tracts. Each issue is a monograph, typically four to eight pages long, and some include references. The article mentions specific titles such as 'Origin of Limestone Caves,' 'Noah and Human Etymology,' and 'Dragons in Paradise,' as well as an article on evolution by William Jennings Bryan. Copies can be ordered from the Institute for Creation Research for $0.10 each.

Up A Tree (Cartoon)

A cartoon by Laura Ainsworth titled 'Up A Tree' satirizes the return of crop circles. In the cartoon, one character exclaims, 'LOOK! CROP CIRCLES ARE BACK!' to which another replies, 'THAT'S A HOAX.' The first character then states, 'THEY'RE MORE ELABORATE THAN EVER!' and the second character, seemingly resigned, says, 'I KNEW THEY'D BE BACK!' The final panel shows a character saying, 'I KNOW HOW IT'S DONE. EVERYTHING COMES BACK...' and another character adds, 'RAMTHA TOLD ME.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards paranormal claims, critical analysis of alleged evidence like the 'alien autopsy' film, and a questioning of pseudoscientific beliefs such as astrology and psychic powers. The newsletter also touches upon societal issues like the care of the elderly and critiques the rhetoric surrounding environmental alarmism. The editorial stance is clearly that of promoting critical thinking and scientific scrutiny, challenging extraordinary claims, and debunking pseudoscience. The NTS challenge serves as a practical demonstration of this stance, encouraging verifiable proof for paranormal abilities.