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North Texas Skeptic - Vol 16 No 12 - 2002
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Title: The North Texas Skeptic Issue: Volume 16, Number 12 Date: December 2002 Publisher: The North Texas Skeptics Website: http://www.ntskeptics.org
Magazine Overview
Title: The North Texas Skeptic
Issue: Volume 16, Number 12
Date: December 2002
Publisher: The North Texas Skeptics
Website: http://www.ntskeptics.org
This issue of The North Texas Skeptic delves into the controversial topic of Breatharianism, a practice where individuals claim to live without consuming food or water. The magazine adopts a skeptical stance, presenting historical and anecdotal evidence while implicitly questioning the validity of such claims.
The Breatharians
The main article, "The Breatharians" by John Blanton, challenges the necessity of food and drink, framing them as "cultural addictions" passed down through generations. Blanton suggests that the act of eating and drinking is an "absurd ritual" perpetuated by societal norms and parental influence. The article then proceeds to list several individuals who have claimed to practice Breatharianism:
- Judah Mehler: A Grand Rabbi (1660-1751) who reportedly ate and drank sparingly only one day a week, as noted in Ripley's Believe It or Not.
- Marie Frutner: A Bavarian girl from the 19th century who allegedly lived on water without food for 40 years, according to Hilton Hotema of Health Research.
- Teresa Avila: A Bavarian peasant born in 1898, who purportedly took no food or water and did not sleep since 1926, as described by "Aberee 1960."
- Caribala Dassi: Lived for 40 years without consuming any food or water, as reported in India's Message in 1932.
- Yand Mel: At age 20, this individual reportedly did not eat for nine years, citing Dr. T.Y. Gan and Jones H. B. et al. from the American Journal of Cancer (1940).
- Therese Neumann: A German nun who passed away in 1952, is said to have abstained from food and water for 40 years.
- Danalak Shumi: An 18-year-old from Marcara, India, reportedly went over a year without food or water, as reported by The Bombay Press in August 1953.
The article implies that American Wiley Brooks is a contemporary proponent of this practice in the United States.
Events Calendar
The magazine also includes an "Events Calendar" section with information on upcoming activities:
- NTS Holiday Party / The Weakest Skeptic: Scheduled for December 14, 2002, from 2:00 PM onwards at the Center for Non Profit Management, 2900 Live Oak Street in Dallas. Attendees are encouraged to bring food and drinks. The event will also feature "The Weakest Skeptic" program, a game show where participants can test their skeptical knowledge. Laura Ainsworth is mentioned as the host.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The primary theme of this issue is skepticism towards extraordinary claims, specifically Breatharianism. The editorial stance is critical, presenting anecdotal evidence of individuals claiming to live without sustenance not as proof, but as subjects of inquiry for a skeptical audience. The tone suggests a questioning of these claims, aligning with the publication's mission to promote critical thinking and scientific reasoning. The inclusion of an events calendar indicates an active community engaged in skeptical discourse and social activities.