North Texas Skeptic - Vol 15 No 03 - 2001

Magazine Overview

Title: The North Texas Skeptic
Issue: Volume 15 Number 3
Date: March 2001

This issue of The North Texas Skeptic, a newsletter from The North Texas Skeptics, focuses on various phenomena often associated with the paranormal and fringe beliefs, while maintaining a skeptical perspective. It features articles on Sathya Sai Baba, Bigfoot, the Florida Skunk Ape, and the work of CSICOP.

Introduction to Sathya Sai Baba

By Prasad Golla

This is the first in a series of articles introducing Sathya Sai Baba, an Indian religious figure. Golla describes Baba's abode in Puttaparthi, India, and his global following. Baba, born in 1926, is considered by his devotees to be the reincarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba, who died in 1918. The article provides links to websites with information on Baba's life history. It recounts Baba's birth, described as an 'immaculate conception,' and his display of 'miraculous abilities' as a child. The name 'Sathya' is explained as meaning 'Truth' or 'Truthful.'

The article details how Baba announced himself as Sai Baba, claiming to be the reincarnation of a Moslem holy man. Shirdi, the town associated with the original Sai Baba, is located near Bombay. Sathya Sai Baba has millions of followers worldwide, with organizations spreading his message of LOVE through websites. His photograph is displayed in homes and offices of prominent individuals in India and abroad. Baba is credited with transforming people's lives and possessing superhuman powers or 'siddhis.' High-ranking officials in India, including the Prime Minister and Chief Justices, reportedly seek his blessings.

Numerous miracles are attributed to Sathya Sai Baba, such as manifesting material objects, creating sacred ash for healing, changing metal objects, healing the sick, and appearing in multiple places simultaneously. The article mentions Isaac Tigrett, co-founder of the Hard Rock Cafe, who recounted an experience in 1976 where he believed Sai Baba saved him during a severe car crash.

Sathya Sai Baba's religion is described as the universal religion of LOVE, aiming to strengthen existing faiths rather than replace them. His organization's emblem, the 'Sarva Dharma,' symbolizes the unity of world religions. A new emblem depicting the Five Human Values (Truth, Right Conduct, Peace, Love, and Nonviolence) was introduced in 1995.

The article concludes with a Vedic stanza recited at Baba's prayer meetings: "Asatho Maa Sad Gamaya..." (From untruth lead us to Truth, From darkness lead us to Light, From death lead us to Immortality). It suggests that meeting God is possible with a round-trip ticket to India.

Bigfoot

By John Blanton

This section explores the legend of Bigfoot, also known as Sasquatch, and its presence on the internet. Blanton notes that the web is a source of information but can be unreliable. He mentions Raymond Gavel's Bigfoot site and describes the essence of a Sasquatch encounter as a terrifying experience. The Sasquatch Zone (Intermountain Research Center) is highlighted for collecting and reporting sightings of Bigfoot, Yeti, Yowie, and Skunk Ape, and it also offers product links.

The Washington State Sasquatch Search Group is presented as a leading organization focused on documentary videos. The Bigfoot/Sasquatch Database from Alberta, Canada, is mentioned as a source of numerous sighting reports, with examples of sightings from 1998, 1995, 1991, 1990, 1988, 1977, 1972, 1944, and 1811.

The Sasquatch FAQ website discusses the 'bigfoot phenomenon' as the reality of continuous sightings and footprint discoveries. The infamous 'Patterson film' is cited as key evidence. The article asserts that Sasquatch are real, living models for science evasion, historically reported by Native Americans and since the arrival of white men, with consistent descriptions and behavior.

The Florida Skunk Ape

This section introduces the Florida Skunk Ape, described as Florida's answer to Sasquatch. It has a homepage dedicated to collecting data on sightings. The Naples Daily News reported on the Skunk Ape in November 2000, describing it as 7 to 8 feet tall, covered in red-brown fur, and smelly. Dave Shealy is presented as a proponent of the Skunk Ape's existence. Another report from September 1999 is also mentioned.

The article notes that the Skunk Ape is also known as the Florida Bigfoot. David Shealy of Ochopee is pursuing proof of its existence, and the Collier County Tourist Development Council recommended funding for expeditions. The rivalry between Sasquatch and the Florida Skunk Ape is described as simmering.

The Fortean Times

This section highlights The Fortean Times, a monthly magazine focusing on strange phenomena, curiosities, and portents, founded in 1973 to continue the work of Charles Fort. Fort was skeptical of scientific explanations that ignored or suppressed inconvenient data. The magazine covers a wide range of unusual topics, with examples from recent days including a preserved corpse, ancient art, and bizarre events.

The Charles Fort Institute site, maintained by Bob Rickard, is also mentioned.

Dolly Parton Nude

This humorous section discusses how website traffic can be driven by sensitive search phrases. The author notes that 'Dolly Parton nude' was a top search term leading to their site, surpassing terms like 'Robert Tilton' and 'extra sensory perception.' The author recounts a past issue from January 1994 where Pat Reeder mentioned various celebrity events, including Dolly Parton inadvertently exposing her breast during a live TV special. The author playfully dismisses the idea of using such tactics for traffic generation.

CSICOP

This section describes CSICOP (The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal) and its publication, The Skeptical Inquirer. CSICOP encourages critical investigation of paranormal and fringe-science claims from a scientific perspective, promoting science, critical thinking, and reason. Subscription information for The Skeptical Inquirer is provided.

Skeptical ink

This section features a comic by Prasad Golla and John Blanton. The comic depicts a news anchor stating, "Our network produced this program in the interest of truth and real science. We must explore the possibility the moon landings were faked." Another panel shows a person at a podium saying, "To insinuate we engaged in sensationalism at the expense of national heroes is ludicrous. I am shocked. SHOCKED!!" The final panel shows someone receiving winnings and saying, "Your winnings, sir."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around skepticism towards extraordinary claims, the investigation of paranormal phenomena, and the critical examination of evidence. The North Texas Skeptic consistently promotes a scientific and rational approach, as evidenced by its coverage of CSICOP and its critical stance on topics like Sathya Sai Baba's alleged miracles and the existence of cryptids like Bigfoot and the Skunk Ape. The publication also touches upon the nature of information dissemination, particularly through the internet, and the potential for sensationalism versus factual reporting, as seen in the comic strip and the discussion on website traffic.