North Texas Skeptic - Vol 11 No 10 - 1997

Magazine Overview

Title: The Newsletter of The North Texas Skeptics
Issue: Volume 11, Number 10
Date: October 1997
Publisher: The North Texas Skeptics
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The Newsletter of The North Texas Skeptics features several articles focusing on skepticism, the debunking of pseudoscientific claims, and critiques of creationist arguments.

In this month's issue:

The table of contents lists the following articles:

• Have you been brainwashed?
• The third eye
• The end is near
• Contacting the NTS

Have you been brainwashed?

By John Blanton

This article reviews a pamphlet titled "Have you been brainwashed?" from the Institute for Creation Research (ICR), a prominent young-Earth creationist organization. The pamphlet is authored by Duane Gish, Vice President of the ICR, who holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry and is known for his debates supporting creationism.

The pamphlet, presented as a cartoon book, aims to explain why creationism is superior to evolution. It features Gish lecturing students on a university campus about the origin of all things. Gish argues that science teachers refuse to consider creation as a possible explanation and suggests a closer look at both creation and evolution. The pamphlet includes a summary of creationist arguments, often based on perceived embarrassments in mainstream science. Examples cited include the Nebraska Man and Piltdown Man fossils, both of which were later discredited (Nebraska Man identified as a pig, and Piltdown Man as a fraud). Gish's statement, "I think this is a case where a pig made a monkey out of evolutionists," is highlighted as representative of the creationist tone.

The author, John Blanton, notes that Gish is mistaken about Nebraska Man being presented at the Scopes trial, though it might have been discussed. He points out that mainstream scientists were not as enthusiastic about Nebraska Man as creationists suggest. The Piltdown Man case is acknowledged as a significant fraud by an evolutionist.

The article also references a debate in Australia in 1988 where Ian Plimer challenged Gish on the "Brainwashed" pamphlet. Plimer refuted Gish's claim that the Precambrian era is devoid of fossils, stating it is rich in them, dating back 3.3 billion years. Gish, in response, mentioned published reports of micro-fossils in Precambrian rocks and the Ediacaran period, which he discussed in his book "Evolution: The Challenge of the Fossil Record."

Blanton notes that despite Gish knowing some claims in the pamphlet were false by 1985, the ICR continued selling it without correction until at least 1994. A revised 1994 edition of the pamphlet acknowledges Precambrian fossils but challenges science to show transitional forms. The article recommends the book for skeptics to understand creationist challenges to evolution.

The third eye

By Pat Reeder

This column, written by editor Pat Reeder, covers a variety of miscellaneous news items and observations from a skeptical perspective. Reeder expresses a need to write due to a lack of material after a vacation.

He begins by mentioning a planetary alignment on August 8th, where a spiritualist group called the Tonglen Foundation encouraged people to focus on positive thoughts for eight minutes. He notes the involvement of figures like Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, and Kenny Loggins.

Reeder then criticizes Deepak Chopra for his "dimwitted philosophy" and his appearances on "Politically Incorrect," accusing him of hypocrisy and shouting down opposing views.

The article touches on Scientology, mentioning a PR campaign against Germany's crackdown on the organization and John Travolta's lobbying efforts. It also notes Lisa Marie Presley's involvement with a Scientology center.

Dan Aykroyd is mentioned for promoting paranormal claims on "The Rosie O'Donnell Show," specifically advocating for MUFON's magazine and Bud Hopkins' book on UFO abductions. Aykroyd discussed a case involving a woman levitated from her New York City apartment.

Reeder recounts the story of a UFO abduction case that has been embellished over time, starting with two witnesses and expanding significantly.

The "Best Of Dallas" issue by the Dallas Observer is mentioned for including a "Best Psychic" category, which Reeder finds questionable given the paper's journalistic integrity. He jokingly nominates the newsletter for "Best Antidote to Paranormal Mind-Rot."

The Universal Life Church of Modesto, California, is discussed for its policy of ordaining ministers by mail, leading to questionable ordinations, including those of death row inmates and dead people. This has caused legal issues in Tennessee regarding the validity of marriages performed by their ministers.

Clark County, Nevada, is noted for making marriage records available online to help people verify if they are married.

Reeder then shifts to "goofy uses of technology," mentioning NASA administrator Daniel Goldin's decision to send astronaut David Wolf to the Mir space station despite safety concerns. He also describes scientists at Scotland's Roslin Institute planning to breed Dolly the cloned sheep.

An incident at the Museon museum in the Netherlands where a dinosaur skeleton broke into 188 pieces is recounted, with Canadian scientists needing to reassemble it.

Reeder laments the current era of "touchy-feely" thinking, where skeptical scientists are excluded from forums like one on global warming. However, he notes that skeptics are sometimes sought out by reporters for quotes in ghost stories.

A celebrity angle is presented with a Belgian psychic claiming deceased drummer Keith Moon communicated about enjoying the afterlife. The article also mentions claims of Richard Burton's ghost being seen in Puerto Vallarta.

Finally, the article discusses a local restaurant, the Catfish Plantation, which is described as "haunted." The owners reported an increase in paranormal activity, including a levitating table, coinciding with their desire to sell the business.

The Cottingly Fairies

This section discusses Hollywood's interest in the Cottingly Fairies hoax. A biopic about Harry Houdini is mentioned, with a screenwriter allegedly using a psychic for research, potentially misrepresenting Houdini as a believer in the supernatural. A children's movie titled "Fairy Tale (A True Story)" based on the Cottingly Fairies hoax is also discussed. The hoax involved young girls in England creating photos of fairies using paper cutouts. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was famously convinced by these photos and wrote a book about them. The movie is criticized for its subtitle "A True Story," as it reportedly depicts the fairies as real and involves magical elements, potentially misleading children.

The End is Near

By John Blanton

This article humorously addresses Bishop James Ussher's calculation of the universe's creation date as October 23rd, 4004 B.C. The author notes that October 1997 marks the 6000th anniversary of this event, which, according to some interpretations, signifies the expiration of the universe's operating license.

The North Texas Skeptics (NTS) are planning a celebration of this anniversary, which they refer to as the "birthday of the world and the end of it all." The event is scheduled for Thursday, October 23rd, at John Blanton's house. Attendees are invited to bring friends, and the NTS will provide food and drinks. The dress code is casual, and RSVPs are requested for food planning. The article concludes with a humorous apology for the end of the world occurring on a Thursday.

Contacting the NTS

This section provides contact information for The North Texas Skeptics. It lists phone numbers and email addresses for John Blanton (Secretary) and Pat Reeder and Laura Ainsworth (Editors). The NTS website address is also provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes a skeptical viewpoint, critically examining claims related to creationism, the paranormal, UFOs, and other pseudoscientific phenomena. The editorial stance is one of rational inquiry, debunking misinformation, and challenging unsubstantiated beliefs. The publication uses humor and satire to make its points, often highlighting the logical fallacies and inconsistencies in the claims it reviews. There is a clear emphasis on scientific literacy and critical thinking.