North Texas Skeptic - Vol 11 No 03 - 1997

Magazine Overview

Title: The Newsletter of The North Texas Skeptics
Issue: Volume 11 Number 3
Date: March 1997
Publisher: The North Texas Skeptics

This issue of The Skeptic, published by The North Texas Skeptics in March 1997, features a collection of articles and news items aimed at critically examining claims of the paranormal, pseudoscience, and media sensationalism. The cover headline is "The Skeptic," and the issue includes a variety of content from different contributors, covering topics from media criticism to the business of psychics.

The Third Eye - News and Commentary From the Weird World of the Media

By Pat Reeder, this article critiques the media's handling of spiritual and pseudoscientific topics, using the TV show "Roseanne" as a primary example. Reeder discusses Roseanne's embrace of mysticism and "recovered memories" of childhood abuse, including a dramatic claim about her father dangling her brother at Disneyland. The article highlights an episode where the show suggested that believing in spiritual healing could overcome medical emergencies, which Reeder finds dangerous, especially given the show's ownership by Disney. Reeder also points out that Roseanne's decision to end the show led to a series of absurd plot twists, seemingly to ensure its demise, only for her to later decide to continue the series, which Reeder sarcastically attributes to the "reality" created by Disney executives. The article also touches on the NBC movie "Asteroid" and the subsequent media hysteria around it, followed by a similar focus on cloning.

Reeder then shifts to a story about an Appleton, Wisconsin woman suing her psychiatrist for malpractice, alleging that he implanted false "recovered memories" of abuse and charged $300,000 for group therapy. Another case from Garden City, New York, involves a man attempting to gain custody of his son by claiming his ex-wife is a witch, though the case was complicated by photos of him in pagan rites. A Reuters report mentions a Scottish coast guard officer finding a cave on the bottom of Loch Ness that might be the monster's lair. Finally, the article notes a South Korean pharmaceutical company's plan to introduce a pill claiming to increase bust size, with plans for an infomercial.

Energized Water and Kirlian Photography

By Edgar Camargo, this piece, submitted from the skeptics list server, details an experience in Saltillo, Mexico. Camargo describes a new age bookstore that was selling "energized water" and displaying Kirlian photographs as evidence of its effects. People were queuing to buy the water. The Kirlian pictures showed supposed "energy fields" around fingers, which were claimed to be larger and brighter after drinking the energized water. One set of pictures showed a finger with small, dull fields, attributed to fear and anger, which then became large and shiny after drinking the water, supposedly indicating peace and harmony. Camargo notes that the bookstore also had a "for sale" sign, suggesting financial difficulties.

Web News

By John Blanton, this section provides various news items gathered from the internet.

1. Evolution in New Mexico: The New Mexico State Board of Education initially removed "evolution" from teaching standards, but a Senate vote aimed to reinstate it. A debate involved a senator presenting a stuffed ape and claiming the Earth is 10,000 years old. The bill's passage depends on the House and Governor Gary Johnson.
2. Moon Landing Conspiracy: John Gillies of the University of Glasgow reports on a TV program featuring individuals who believe the moon landings were faked. They cite inconsistencies in lighting, audio, and video records, suggesting staged studio effects rather than actual lunar conditions. The author recalls bouncing a laser off the Apollo 11 reflector on the Moon as personal evidence against this claim.
3. Deer Antlers for Remedies: An Associated Press report from Burrillville, RI, details farmer John Barnatowicz harvesting deer antlers for homeopathic remedies. He sells them whole or powdered, harvested from anesthetized deer before the antlers naturally fall off, for $80-$100 per pound.
4. Corporate Psychic: Tia O'Brien writes about Barbara Courtney, the "Psychic of Silicon Valley," who advises executives from companies like Intel and Apple for $190 per hour. Despite lacking formal business training, she is described as results-oriented and helpful in making business decisions. Clients have used her services for years.
5. Animal Communicators: Another AP report highlights psychics who claim to communicate with animals. Merlina Sparks consulted Raphaela Pope to understand her cat's behavior, costing $40 for a half-hour session. Pope claims to communicate at the "animal's soul level." The article notes the growth of the animal psychic industry, with an estimated 15 practitioners in the Berkeley area and potentially 100 nationwide. Sam Louie, a former public defender, also started a career as an animal communicator, stating it's easier due to increased public awareness.

Adventures in LA LA Land

By John Blanton, this article recounts journalist Jessica Yu's investigation into the Los Angeles psychic scene for "Buzz Magazine." Yu, a Yale graduate, explored various psychic services, starting with low-cost palm readers on Venice Beach, who failed to notice she was married. She then investigated psychic hotlines, noting their slow speech and high costs, including one advertised as "97% accurate" that offered a $100 candle for a phone client. Yu also encountered a $100 "personal psychic" named Frank who used a trick of writing answers on paper beforehand. A "psychic of the stars" named Maria charged $165 for a session where Yu was told she was single. The entire investigation cost "Buzz" $390, and Yu emerged as a confirmed skeptic.

The Skeptic by E-Mail

This section outlines the new system for distributing the newsletter via e-mail. Members are instructed to request e-mail delivery, after which a trial issue will be sent. Once confirmed, the postal mailing will cease, and subscribers will receive the newsletter electronically, potentially a day earlier. The system aims to save paper and requires some technological capability from the subscriber.

Up a tree

A skeptical cartoon by Laura Ainsworth. The cartoon depicts two characters discussing starting a home-based business. One character suggests cloning rich egotists to make a fortune. When asked if they'll need help, the other character responds, "Well, maybe an accountant," and then adds, "I was never very good at math."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently promotes a skeptical viewpoint, critically examining claims of the supernatural, pseudoscientific practices, and media sensationalism. The articles debunk various phenomena, from the purported efficacy of "energized water" and psychic abilities to conspiracy theories like the faked moon landings. The publication also critiques the media's role in promoting such ideas, particularly through television programs and sensationalized news. The overall stance is one of rational inquiry and a call for critical thinking when encountering extraordinary claims. The inclusion of a cartoon and a variety of news briefs reinforces the magazine's commitment to providing diverse content that aligns with its skeptical mission.