North Texas Skeptic - Vol 12 No 10 - 1998

Magazine Overview

This issue of "The Newsletter of The North Texas Skeptics," titled "The Skeptic," is dated November 1998, Volume 12, Number 10. It covers a range of topics from ancient astronaut theories and pseudoscientific claims to quantum mechanics and the rise of New Age beliefs.

The Next Vön Daniken / Velikovsky !?

This article by Tim Gorski critically examines the work of Erich Vön Daniken, author of "Chariots of the Gods?," who posited that space aliens visited Earth in ancient times and influenced human history. Gorski dismisses these claims as lacking credible evidence. He also discusses Immanuel Velikovsky, whose theories about Venus being a comet that caused natural catastrophes are deemed inconsistent with basic physics. The article then introduces Jeremy Narby and his book "The Cosmic Serpent," featured in a science book club. Narby suggests that indigenous people hold knowledge not accessible to Western science and explores the transmission of knowledge through DNA, potentially linking it to the double helix structure. Gorski expresses skepticism about Narby's ideas, particularly his embrace of supernatural revelation through hallucinogenic plants and the inheritance of acquired traits, likening it to Lysenkoism. He nominates Narby's work for a "Pigasus Award."

Aliens, angels and archetypes

Written by John Blanton, this article reports on a presentation by Dr. Scott Allen, an M.D. radiologist, who discussed "Aliens, Angels, and Archetypes." Allen, an proponent of New Age topics, argued that what was once science fiction is now science fact. The article touches upon postmodernism's view that all interpretations are equally valid. Allen used the example of helicopter flight, which was initially dismissed but became reality as more people accepted it. He also discussed the electromagnetic spectrum, noting a phenomenon related to quantum mechanics where two particles show instantaneous correspondence regardless of distance, a concept Einstein termed "spooky, action-at-a-distance." The article mentions physicists David Bohm and Jack Sarfatti in this context and recommends books by Martin Gardner and James Randi for further reading.

The Third Eye

This column by Pat Reeder offers "News and Commentary from the Weird World of the Media." Reeder takes an extended vacation and returns to find a proliferation of "New Agey religious doubletalk." She critiques the "Brother Clinton's Traveling Salvation Show," referring to a perceived religious conversion by President Clinton, and satirizes his advisors. The article then discusses the "old time religion" aspect evolving into "New Age self-worship." Reeder criticizes the idea that one can do whatever they want in private as long as they preach peace, and that questioning the leader is part of a conspiracy. She notes that the U.S. government is now influenced by a "New Age cult leader." The column highlights Hollywood's embrace of "spirituality" and criticizes Madonna's adoption of various religious symbols and practices, including her involvement with the Kabbalah Learning Center (KLC) in Los Angeles. The KLC is described as a place that attracts celebrities by combining mystical religion with a country club atmosphere. The article questions the legitimacy of the KLC, citing a report that suggests it is not "kosher" and that its founder, Rabbi Philip Berg, has a questionable history. It also mentions Swami Chidvilasananda, another guru attracting wealthy New Yorkers with similar New Age offerings. Reeder concludes by satirically apologizing for any offense caused.

Magnets

This short section notes that The Skeptic does not take advertising but is willing to consider it for money. It then presents an advertisement for "Therapeutic Magnets for Health," claiming they can draw out pain, swelling, and stiffness, and promote healing. The ad includes testimonials and offers a money-back guarantee. The accompanying text includes figures illustrating how to use the magnets and a sarcastic comment about Connecticut not having shoulder pains.

WEB NEWS

This section, by Matthew Nisbet and Barry Karr, reprints an article from the "Skeptical Inquirer Electronic Digest." It discusses John Stossel's ABC News special on belief in the paranormal, which critically reviewed firewalking, psychic sleuths, and alternative therapies. The program featured James Randi and his famous "Carlos hoax," where Randi exposed a fraudulent medium. Viewers are directed to the Council for Media Integrity website for reviews.

Cambridge publishes neo-creationism

This piece, posted by Marty Rudin on the "Skeptix list server," discusses William A. Dembski's book "The Design Inference," published by Cambridge University Press. Rudin describes this as a sophisticated form of "neo-creationism" that acknowledges other creationists. He contrasts it with "Mere Creation: Science, Faith & Intelligent Design." Rudin warns that this new-style creationism is a serious threat to science education and urges readers to take it seriously. The article includes an excerpt from the book's dust jacket, which explains the "design inference" as a method to detect intelligent causes by identifying improbable, specified events. It also includes an endorsement by David Berlinski, who calls the book a "fine contribution" to the debate on the inference to design.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims, New Age beliefs, and religious extremism. The editorial stance is clearly critical of any ideas not supported by empirical evidence or sound scientific reasoning. The newsletter actively debunks or questions claims related to ancient astronauts, paranormal phenomena, and the more outlandish aspects of New Age spirituality. There is a strong emphasis on critical thinking and the importance of scientific methodology, as evidenced by the critiques of Vön Daniken, Velikovsky, Narby, and the New Age movement. The issue also highlights the perceived threat of creationism and intelligent design to science education. The overall tone is one of intellectual rigor and a defense of rationalism against what the editors perceive as irrational or pseudoscientific trends in society and media.