North Texas Skeptic - Vol 13 No 01 - 1999

Magazine Overview

Title: The Newsletter of The North Texas Skeptics
Issue: Volume 13 Number 1
Date: January 1999

This issue of The Skeptic newsletter, published by The North Texas Skeptics, offers a critical examination of media portrayals of paranormal phenomena, the spread of pseudoscience, and instances of irrational belief. The publication is in English and originates from the USA.

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

By Pat Reeder

This section critiques how the media "makes stuff up" for sensationalism and profit. Reeder begins by dissecting the TNT biopic "Houdini," calling it factually inaccurate and a misrepresentation of Houdini's anti-spiritualism stance. He highlights the film's ending, which depicts Houdini's spirit returning, as a particularly egregious fabrication. Penn Jillette is quoted criticizing the filmmakers for altering Houdini's legacy.

The article then turns to contemporary mediums, specifically John Edward, whose book "One Last Time" was selling well. Reeder describes Edward's appearances on "The Roseanne Show" and "Entertainment Tonight" as demonstrations of cold and warm reading techniques, questioning the audience's credulity.

Reeder expresses dismay at the Fox Network's "Alien Autopsy" special, which he states was a hoax filmed recently, not in 1947. He criticizes Fox for profiting from this hoax for years before finally admitting it. The network then aired a special, "World's Greatest Hoaxes: Secrets Finally Revealed," which also generated significant revenue by exposing various hoaxes, including the "Alien Autopsy." Robert Kiviat, who executive-produced the original "Alien Autopsy" special, was also behind this new exposé, which included segments on how to create hoax footage.

Finally, Reeder reports on the denial of the Yeti's existence in central China by the State Forestry Administration, attributing alleged sightings to misidentified wild animals. He concludes this section with a sarcastic remark about a continuing cover-up.

Turkish Creationism News

By Taner Edis

This section, excerpted from a column by Yakup Kepenek in the secularist newspaper Cumhuriyet and translated by Taner Edis, discusses the rise of creationism in Turkey. Edis notes that an environment reminiscent of medieval battles between science and religion is being created, with the debate extending beyond scientific institutions to various organizations and foundations.

The primary target is Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Dogmatic and reactionary segments, identified as creationists, are attacking evolutionary theory. The article states that anti-evolutionary books are being distributed freely, often authored under aliases. This is complemented by "scientifically valueless announcements" from foundations claiming to be scientific. The attack is primarily directed at education and educators, aiming to limit the horizons of young people and eradicate critical thinking.

The article describes this as a "fatwa mentality" pressuring scientific institutions and the public. A public announcement from ODTU (Middle Eastern Technical University), signed by nearly two thousand people, asserts that evolutionary theory shows humans are bound by biological laws. The campaign aims to prevent young people from adopting scientific thinking, with support from fundamentalist Christian groups known for their opposition to evolution. The article warns that these efforts, which have been outlawed in the USA for violating the separation of church and state, are now being pursued in Turkey under the guise of supporting Ataturk and science.

Web News

By John Blanton

This section compiles various news items and updates.

Elizabeth Joyce Again

Ron Butler provides an update on psychic Elizabeth Joyce's predictions. Joyce has a new page predicting President Clinton's resignation and Al Gore taking office in January 1999. This is contrasted with her previous prediction that Bill Clinton would resign in January 1998. The article points out discrepancies and inaccuracies in Joyce's past predictions regarding Clinton's status and potential war with Saddam Hussein, suggesting her predictions are unreliable and often revised.

Homeopathy Web Site

Marcello Truzzi forwards information about the launch of the DigiBio web site (<http://www.digibio.com>), presented by Jacques Benveniste and Didier Guillonnet. The site offers descriptions of their research, concepts, and an experimental chapter for independent laboratories. It also provides raw scientific data and references.

What's New — by Robert Park

Robert Park reports on the "Alien Autopsy" hoax, noting Fox Network's admission and subsequent profit-making from exposing it. He also mentions a "Shopping Tip" about magnetic therapy kits, questioning their claimed effectiveness and measuring the limited range of a Thera:P magnet.

Educational Priorities

Bill Benetta shares a report from the Las Vegas Sun regarding UNLV President Carol Harter's decision to move English teachers into a trailer to make room for the university's Consciousness Studies Program, which explores near-death experiences and otherworldly topics. The article notes that Robert Bigelow donated $3.7 million to create this program.

News from Hawaii

Vic Stenger posts URLs for his upcoming publications, including articles in "Skeptical Intelligencer," "Free Inquiry," "Skeptical Briefs," and "The Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine."

News of the Weird

Chuck Shepherd edits this column, which is available in "The Met" and online. A sample is provided:

Thoroughly Unshakable Belief

The Catholic Diocese of Dodge City, Kansas, commissioned DNA tests on blood from a Virgin Mary plaque that reportedly wept blood. The tests revealed the blood belonged to the plaque's owner, Margarita Holguin Cazares. Despite this, the local newspaper editor suggested it was a miracle that God created blood matching Cazares's.

Here's more:

• 1994, Canton, Ohio: Firefighters found a smoldering voodoo doll in an oven, which the owner claimed was used for a spell based on advice from a psychic line.
• 1995, San Francisco: Diana Gazes conducted a spoon-bending seminar where attendees were told to alter spoon atoms through concentration, leading to spoons bending.
• 1996, New York City: Psychic house cleaner Eleni Santoro charges $300-$2,500 to neutralize evil auras and balance energy in homes.
• 1996, Long Island, New York: A surge in sales of St. Joseph statues was attributed to sellers burying them upside down to expedite home sales.
• 1996, Washington D.C.: Home buyers, including Donald Trump, increasingly used feng shui to select houses.
• 1997, Connellsville, Pennsylvania: A demolition company president considered hiring a psychic to explain strange occurrences at an old department store.
• 1997, San Francisco: Building inspection employees brought in religious figures and a psychic to commune with a building after workers and family members became ill.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is skepticism towards claims of the paranormal, supernatural, and pseudoscientific, particularly as presented and amplified by the media. The newsletter consistently critiques sensationalism, hoaxes, and the exploitation of public credulity for profit. There is a strong emphasis on critical thinking and the scientific method as antidotes to irrational beliefs. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science and anti-pseudoscience, advocating for a rational approach to understanding the world and exposing what the publishers perceive as misinformation and manipulation.