North Texas Skeptic - Vol 13 No 02 - 1999

Magazine Overview

The Skeptic, Volume 13 Number 2, published by The North Texas Skeptics in February 1999, is a newsletter focused on skeptical inquiry and debunking pseudoscience. The issue is dedicated to the memory of Joe Voelkering, a former NTS President and founding member.

In this month's issue:

The newsletter features several articles, including a tribute to Joe Voelkering, an update on January elections for the NTS board, a commentary on media coverage of 'weird' topics titled 'The Third Eye,' a review of 'Web news' on scientific developments, and an analysis of psychic predictions by Elizabeth Joyce.

Joe Voelkering

The lead article pays tribute to Joe Voelkering, who passed away in January 1999. Voelkering was a founding member of the North Texas Skeptics in 1983 and remained active until his death. He served as Vice President and was a long-standing member of the Board of Directors. His professional background as an aviation accident investigator and pilot made him a valuable Technical Advisor to the Skeptics. He also had a keen interest in the UFO phenomenon and occasionally lectured on it, attracting media attention.

January Elections

The membership of The North Texas Skeptics met in January to elect a new board of directors. Following the board election, new officers were chosen to manage daily operations. The proceedings were somber due to the recent death of former NTS President Joe Voelkering. The new Board of Directors includes Greg Aicklen, Laura Ainsworth, Danny Barnett, John Blanton, Keith Blanton, Curtis Severns, and Virginia Vaughn. The elected officers are Danny Barnett (President), Curtis Severns (Vice President), John Blanton (Secretary), and Mark Meyer (Treasurer). Greg Aicklen serves as Web Master, and Virginia Vaughn as Meeting Coordinator.

The Third Eye

This section, written by Pat Reeder, offers commentary on news and media from a skeptical perspective. Reeder discusses the debunking of the 'Alien Autopsy' and other hoaxes. He critiques an ABC News special on Scientology, detailing charges of coercion and intimidation, and mentions celebrity defenders John Travolta and Kirstie Alley. Reeder also examines a CBS 'Sixty Minutes' piece about a TV producer named Michael Bourne who faked documentary footage for German television, highlighting how easily media and viewers were misled. Bourne's hoaxes included staged segments on child labor, 'terrorist bomb makers,' and a fake Klan rally. Bourne admitted that if not caught, his next project would have been to convince people of a secret Russian Mars landing in 1989. The article also touches on the Patterson-Gimlin Bigfoot film, with researchers Cliff Crook and Chris Murphy suggesting the figure in the footage might be wearing a bell-shaped costume fastener, implying it's a hoax. Reeder agrees with this assessment, noting that the creature's gait is similar to Clint Eastwood's walk.

Y2K Bug and Other Topics

Syndicated columnist James Glassman is featured for his research on the Y2K bug, which he believes is overhyped. While acknowledging it's a problem, Glassman argues it's not the society-destroying monster depicted by many who profit from 'preparedness seminars.' He attributes the hysteria to a 'secular manifestation of millenniumism,' driven by hatred of technology, fear of the future, and apocalyptic paranoia. The article also mentions a 'Y2K Citizens' Action Guide' published by the Utne Reader, offering survival tips. In a piece from China, authorities have arrested a 'mystic healer' named Hu Wanling, accused of poisoning patients with herbal medicine, leading to numerous deaths. The author also includes a dire prediction about the Pope's death, World War III, and massive earthquakes and continental shifts, attributed to a 'prophet' named Gordon-Michael Scallion, whose predictions are compared to those of Criswell.

Web news

Authored by Robert Park, this section provides updates on scientific and technological news. 'HYDRINOS: NEW CHEMISTRY USES PRE-SHRUNK HYDROGEN' discusses research by Randy Mill on 'hydrinos' and potential new compounds (Hydrino Hydride Compounds) that could revolutionize chemistry and physics. 'MAGNETIC THERAPY: STUDY RELIES ON ALTERNATIVE STATISTICS' critiques a study on magnetic insoles for diabetic foot pain, questioning its methodology and statistical significance. 'THE UNDEAD: A REVIEW OF “NUCLEAR TRANSMUTATION”' reviews a book by Tadahiko Mizuno on cold fusion, noting that despite official pronouncements of its demise, a dedicated group continues research, focusing on transmutation. The section also includes a URL for those interested in magnetic therapy.

Elizabeth Joyce blows it again in '99!

Written by Ron Butler, this article critiques the failed prophecies of Elizabeth Joyce. Butler notes that Joyce had previously predicted Bill Clinton's resignation from office by the end of January 1998 and again in November 1998. She most recently predicted it for January 20, 1999. Butler suggests instituting a 'three strikes and you're out' rule for evaluating her prophecies. He mentions that Joyce received a compliment for a 1998 prediction that appeared in 'The Wolf Files' on ABCNEWS.COM, where she was allegedly named 'Psychic of the Year.' However, Butler investigated and found no such title or ranking in the article. He also notes that Joyce's website claims she was named one of the 'TOP 20 PSYCHICS' by 'American Woman Magazine,' and he seeks information about this publication. Joyce's next prophecy, due in June, predicts a devastating meteor and storm for New York City and other coastal areas on July 1st.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards pseudoscience, paranormal claims, and media sensationalism. The editorial stance is clearly critical of unsubstantiated beliefs, highlighting hoaxes, flawed research, and failed predictions. The newsletter aims to provide a rational and evidence-based perspective on topics often presented without critical examination in popular media. The tribute to Joe Voelkering underscores the importance of critical thinking and scientific investigation within the skeptical community.