North Texas Skeptic - Vol 16 No 11 - 2002

Magazine Overview

This issue of The North Texas Skeptic, Volume 16, Number 11, published in November 2002, focuses on skeptical examination of various topics, including folklore, UFO claims, creationism, and scientific advancements. The magazine is published by The North Texas Skeptics, a tax-exempt scientific and educational organization.

Folklore at UNT

This article, written by John Blanton, details a folklore course at the University of North Texas (UNT) where Professor Tyson Gibbs invited a Wiccan, Donna Smith, and a UFO advocate, Cynthia Wooten (writing as C.L. Turnage), to present their views. The author, Blanton, was also invited to critique the presentations. Smith discussed Wicca, clarifying it is a religion not associated with Satan worship and is derived from Druidic traditions, emphasizing symbolism. Wooten presented claims about UFOs and extraterrestrial lore, including the ideas that ETs inhabit the Moon and Mars, wrote the Bible Codes, that the Moon was once inhabited and has clouds, and that Europeans can discuss these topics more freely than Americans. Blanton critiques these claims by encouraging a scientific approach and questioning the evidence.

Blanton also recounts his own participation in the discussion, posing questions about the symbolism of Wicca and the concept of sex in the universe. He addresses Wooten's claims about the Moon's atmosphere and surface features, explaining impact crater formation. He debunks the 'Bible Codes' by referring to a previous article on the Skeptic's website. Blanton challenges the idea of aliens mating with humans, questioning the genetic compatibility, and Wooten's response suggests aliens used copied DNA from recent ancestors to create alien forms for mating.

Blanton uses the analogy of a locked room with rearranged furniture to question the reliance on supernatural explanations when rational ones exist. He also uses the example of a stolen TV to illustrate the difference between logical and imaginative explanations, cautioning against making up explanations and emphasizing the importance of seeking truth. He distinguishes between fiction, like George Lucas's movies, and reality, and stresses the need to investigate new phenomena rather than simply accepting them.

Dr. Gibbs is quoted as suggesting that scientists should not be too rigid in their methods and that alternative belief systems have worked for other cultures. Blanton interprets this as a postmodernist view, which he criticizes for equating all beliefs as equally valid and suggesting truth is subjective. He contrasts this with the scientific pursuit of reality.

Events Calendar: November Program - Global Warming

The magazine includes an announcement for a panel discussion hosted by The North Texas Skeptics on "Global Warming." The event, scheduled for November 9th at 2:00 PM in Dallas, aims to discuss whether concerns about global warming are based on real science or are an issue used for control. Scientists and participants from the North Texas Skeptics will be involved.

Editorial: One less elephant

This editorial by John Blanton critiques the concept of a 'creator' as an explanation for complex phenomena, using the analogy of a son asking his father what holds up the Earth, leading to an infinite regress of elephants and turtles. He references an article by Dayle Shockley in The Dallas Morning News, which posits a 'creator' rather than evolution to explain humans and the universe. Blanton argues that invoking a creator is an ultimate excuse that explains nothing and hinders scientific inquiry. He contrasts this with the scientific method, which persistently asks 'why?' and admits when it doesn't know something.

Blanton criticizes the movement to introduce 'intelligent design' into public school science curricula, likening it to creationism dressed up. He cites Michael Behe and William Dembski, who argue that biological complexity cannot arise from natural selection and thus requires a designer. Blanton refers to these proponents as 'creationists' and suggests they stop at 'Pike's Peak' rather than seeking the full truth, unlike scientists who continue to search for real explanations.

He uses the example of creationist arguments against nuclear fusion powering the sun, which were disproven by later scientific understanding of neutrinos. Blanton notes that Dr. Raymond Davis, Jr. and Dr. Masatoshi Koshiba won the Nobel Prize for their work on neutrinos, confirming the sun's fusion power. He concludes that creationists are always looking for new gaps in scientific knowledge to insert their 'creator' into, while real science advances.

What's new

This section, by Robert Park, provides brief updates on various topics:

• IBM time bomb: Park discusses how distinguishing between genuine scientific breakthroughs and advertising gimmicks is becoming difficult, citing examples like IBM's purported time machine ad and other preposterous claims like 'Vitamin O' and perpetual motion.
• Herbal hype: The FDA is stopping the sale of street drug substitutes marketed as herbal supplements, noting that while the Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act allows marketing without proof of safety, such products are not meant to supplement the diet and can be untested, impure, and harmful.
• Scud defense: Concerns about Scud missiles have led to increased funding for the PAC-3 Patriot missile, despite its poor performance in recent tests. Proposed fixes are not yet tested.
• Pseudo secrets: John Podesta, former Chief of Staff to President Clinton, is mentioned as calling for government transparency regarding UFOs. Robert Gentry is suing over alleged censorship of scientific evidence against the big bang.
• Global warming: The focus of recent talks in New Delhi is on adapting to climate change rather than cutting emissions.
• Patently absurd: The Patent Office is being urged to reexamine patents more rigorously, with a provision allowing for reexamination if substantial new questions of patentability arise.
• Theological gynecology: The appointment of W. David Hager, who opposes abortion, to an FDA panel reviewing reproductive health drugs is criticized as an example of administrations loading advisory committees with like-minded experts.
• Creationism: A committee in Ohio recommended that science classes emphasize evolution and its debate, potentially including 'intelligent design,' which Blanton views as a guise for creationism.
• Liar, liar: A panel from the National Academy of Sciences confirmed that polygraph tests are unreliable for detecting lies, despite their use in security and employment.
• The Prize: opening new windows on the universe: The Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Riccardo Giaccone for X-ray astronomy, and to Raymond Davis Jr. and Masatoshi Koshiba for their work on solar neutrinos, confirming the sun's fusion power.
• Herbal low: FDA stops sale of street drug substitutes: This is a repeat of an earlier point, emphasizing the FDA's action against herbal substances marketed as street drug alternatives.
• Alternative medicine: it's not easy being blue: This section warns about the side effect of argyria (turning skin blue) from colloidal silver, an alternative treatment for anthrax.

Skeptical ink: fun time for Skeptics

The issue includes a cartoon with the caption "Which two creationists are exactly alike?" featuring caricatures of creationists.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims, creationism, and unsubstantiated beliefs, contrasted with the rigorous methodology and advancement of science. The editorial stance, primarily articulated by John Blanton, strongly advocates for critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and the scientific method. The magazine consistently promotes a rationalist perspective, challenging claims that lack empirical support and highlighting the importance of distinguishing between science and pseudoscience, fiction and reality. The publication also engages with current events and scientific news from a skeptical viewpoint, as seen in the articles on global warming, polygraphs, and scientific prizes.