North Texas Skeptic - Vol 10 No 05 - 1996

Magazine Overview

Title: The Newsletter of The North Texas Skeptics
Issue Date: May 1996
Volume: 10
Issue: Number 5
Publisher: The North Texas Skeptics
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The Newsletter of The North Texas Skeptics, dated May 1996, offers a collection of articles and commentary from a skeptical perspective, covering a range of topics from media news and religious figures to health fraud and paranormal claims.

The Third Eye: News and Commentary from the Weird World of the Media

By Pat Reeder

Pat Reeder's column, "The Third Eye," begins by noting that the media often fails to cover religion, and then proceeds to highlight several news items. The most prominent is the impending prison sentence for Dallas-area televangelist W. V. Grant, who reportedly agreed to plead guilty to felony tax evasion charges. WFAA-TV Channel 8 News broke the story, which also included footage of Grant suggesting a younger spiritual leader take over his ministry, shortly after he had sold the church and its properties for over $1 million. Reeder wryly comments on the mysterious ways the Lord works, likening Grant to a Realtor and noting his opulent home in Dallas is also for sale, having sustained "millions of dollars worth of imaginary tornado damage."

The column then touches on incidents suggesting churches are becoming more dangerous. One case involves a Cleveland woman found innocent by reason of insanity after killing her minister, whom she believed had placed a voodoo curse on her. Another incident in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, describes a woman who received the Holy Spirit at a tent revival, fell, and was then fallen upon by another woman who also received the Holy Spirit, resulting in three broken ribs. The injured woman is suing the church because ushers did not catch the second woman fast enough.

Reeder then shifts to a critique of atheists, or rather, a group that identified as atheists but engaged in pagan rituals. In San Diego, a group called "The Park Is For Everyone" beat a Christian group to booking a sunrise Easter service location, planning to celebrate with incense burners and tambourines. Reeder satirizes their actions, suggesting they aim to drive away Christians with paganism.

The column also mentions Madalyn Murray O'Hare, who was reportedly missing and rumored to be in failing health, questioning the logic of praying for someone who claims to be an atheist.

A story about Robert Joe Moody, an Arizona man found guilty of murder, is recounted. Moody claimed space aliens had controlled his brain, forcing him to commit the murders so he could receive the death penalty and prove alien existence. Reeder notes that Moody received the death penalty, but humorously adds that due to the judicial system, payment for proof of the supernatural might be delayed.

The focus then shifts to Nevada, specifically Rachel, near Area 51, which became the site for the dedication of the "Extraterrestrial Highway." Hundreds of people, including actors Brent Spiner and Jeff Goldblum, and impersonators of Darth Vader and Elvis, attended. Ambassador Merlin II proclaimed Rachel a future destination for intergalactic tourists, a sentiment echoed by Governor Bob Miller. Reeder expresses skepticism about this notion, questioning why aliens would travel light years for a vacation when they could simply study anatomy textbooks, suggesting this undermines the theory that UFOs are controlled by intelligent beings.

The column also covers the 4th annual Gulf Breeze UFO Conference in Florida, mentioning usual suspects like MUFON and Whitley Streiber, and the persistent claims of Ed Walters, who believes skeptics framed him. Reeder humorously recounts a past effort by skeptics to buy a model flying saucer to plant in Walters' attic. He sarcastically notes that if skeptics had media power, commercials for psychic hotlines wouldn't be so prevalent.

Finally, the "Unconvention" held by the British Fortean Times magazine in London is mentioned, where about 1,200 attendees listened to lectures on topics such as mermaids, ghosts, and the evolution of the vampire.

Reeder concludes his column by mentioning a book he co-authored, "Hollywood Hi-Fi: Over 100 of the Most Outrageous Celebrity Recordings of All Time," and humorously suggests signing copies as "Jackie Kennedy Onassis" to increase their value.

Healthy Skepticism: "All Natural" Products Can Kill

By Tim Gorski, M.D.

This article addresses the dangers of "all natural" herbal products, brought to national attention by the tragic death of college student Peter Schlendorf. The product implicated was "ULTIMATE Xphoria," marketed as a safe recreational drug.

The author explains that the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), championed by the health food industry and signed by President Clinton, legally designates all vitamin, mineral, and herbal products, including those promoted for weight loss and health cures, as "foods." This classification applies even if the herbal ingredient is an extract, which the author argues discards vital parts of the herb containing active substances.

The article identifies Ephedra Sinica (also known as Ma huang) as the herb in question, noting its active chemical substance, ephedrine, has potent adrenalin-like effects. It lists numerous other products containing Ephedra extracts, often combined with caffeine, that are marketed for weight loss and energy enhancement. The author expresses concern that these are even promoted as a "natural" alternative to Ritalin for children with attention-deficit disorders.

Despite manufacturers' claims of no complaints, a lawsuit against the makers of "Formula One" revealed hundreds of complaints, including seizures and the need for long-term medication. Authorities suspect many more cases have gone unreported.

The article criticizes the labeling of these products, noting that medical conditions contraindicating their use are difficult for consumers to self-diagnose. Furthermore, untrained marketers may advise users to disregard precautions or increase dosages. Some products even use alarming marketing tools like skull and cross-bones symbols.

Under DSHEA, the burden of proof for a danger lies with the government, and manufacturers are not required to share safety information or undergo post-marketing surveillance like pharmaceutical companies. Manufacturers can also easily change formulations to evade regulation.

While proponents cite the historical use of Ephedra Sinica in China, the author points out that it is not available over-the-counter there and is not used for weight loss or stimulants. Scientific studies on ephedrine for weight loss exist but involved careful selection and monitoring of participants, unlike the indiscriminate promotion of "nutritional supplement" products with non-standardized ingredients.

The author concludes that the deaths and adverse effects associated with ephedrine alkaloids were predictable, given DSHEA and the health food industry's successful campaign to equate "all natural" with "perfectly safe." The article is provided by the Dallas/Fort Worth Council Against Health Fraud.

How to Kill a Sunday Afternoon with Psychic Fare

By Virginia Vaughn

Virginia Vaughn recounts her experience attending a psychic fair with Danny Barnett. She describes the process of having her aura photographed, noting the limitations imposed by the photographer, such as not being able to see the camera or place her hands in view. She suspects the method involves special film or lighting effects.

Vaughn then interprets the colors of her aura, red and orange, according to the psychic's explanation. Red is associated with high energy, passion, desire, and achievement, while orange signifies warmth, creativity, courage, and optimism. Vaughn humorously contrasts these descriptions with her own perceived personality, stating she is passionless, dead, introverted, and desires to coast through life.

She notes that psychics generally provide positive readings, never delivering bad news. The article then details an encounter with a psychic named Santiago, who claimed to be an American Indian and performer of Ceremonial Rituals. Santiago initially claimed to have met Vaughn and Barnett at a previous psychic fair, which they denied. He offered literature for a "cruise for psychics."

Santiago proceeded with a psychic reading, stating Vaughn was in a "mental prison," which she denied. He then told her she loved liberty, which she attributed to her shirt. He then entered another trance and prompted her to ask questions.

Vaughn asked about her sister's job prospects, unaware that her sister had been dead for five years. Santiago, despite this handicap, stated she was getting a job helping people, motivated by care, possibly for children, and would have children in the future.

She also asked about her brother, Phillip, who had been dead for 35 years. Santiago claimed Phillip had a rift with "Marsha" and would have two more marriages, leading Vaughn to comment on "life after death."

Santiago advised Vaughn to avoid a "job offer" in Nairobi, stating it would upset her tummy, which Vaughn interprets as a common-sense warning about foreign travel and food.

Finally, Santiago gave Vaughn an exercise involving touching a bump on her head to receive spiritual guidance for decisions. He advised her to rely on spirit world guidance rather than rationality, comparing it to President Reagan's decision-making process. Vaughn finds this advice concerning, particularly when applied to medical decisions like taking blood pressure medicine.

The author concludes that while psychics may provide a sympathetic ear, they can also prevent people from relying on themselves or seeking professional help. She describes the experience as "creepy" and the New Age explanations as bizarre, humorously suggesting attendees should wear medic alert bracelets.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Skeptic are skepticism towards paranormal claims, criticism of media sensationalism, and a critical examination of health fraud and unregulated products. The editorial stance is clearly one of promoting rational thought and critical inquiry, debunking pseudoscience, and exposing deceptive practices in the realms of religion, health, and the supernatural. The publication aims to inform its readers about potentially misleading or harmful beliefs and products, encouraging a healthy dose of skepticism.