North Texas Skeptic - Vol 17 No 07 - 2003

Magazine Overview

This issue of The North Texas Skeptic, Volume 17, Number 7, dated July 2003, is published by The North Texas Skeptics and features a cover headline about "The real dangers of Armageddon" by Bret Cantwell. The magazine focuses on skeptical analysis of various phenomena, including pseudoscientific beliefs, health claims, and scientific debates.

The Real Dangers of Armageddon

The lead article by Bret Cantwell discusses the "Zetacult," a belief system centered around Nancy Lieder, who claimed the world would end on May 15, 2003, due to a brown dwarf passing through the solar system, referred to as "Planet X." The author analyzes Zetacult as a cult religion, comparing it to groups like Jehovah's Witnesses and Heaven's Gate. Key tenets of Zetacult include the replacement of a divine being with aliens from Zeta Reticuli, and the belief that government officials and astronomers are part of a conspiracy to suppress the "truth" about Planet X. The article highlights Lieder's self-proclaimed messianic status, her claims of exclusive access to alien communication, and her assertion that she can save humanity from the end times. It also notes a schism within Zetacult between Lieder and Mark Hazlewood. The article suggests that Zetacult exhibits a siege mentality, isolating believers intellectually and censoring dissenting opinions online. The author contrasts this with scientific inquiry, stating that Zetacult prioritizes "Revealed Knowledge" over scientific evidence.

Nancy Lieder as Messiah

This section delves deeper into Nancy Lieder's self-perception, comparing her to historical figures like Joan of Arc and Mother Theresa. Lieder claims to be a "chosen one" of the Zeta gods, to have exclusive access to them, and to be able to deliver humanity from the Planet X end times. She also positions herself as a fighter against "agents of evil" who spread disinformation. The article quotes Lieder from a Coast to Coast AM interview where she discusses enduring intense pressure and her willingness to be a martyr. Her website and publishing company are dedicated to guiding believers on how to survive the predicted end times.

Events Calendar

The magazine includes an events calendar for July 2003, featuring an "Exploding Popular Myths" event on July 12th in Dallas, which is an audience participation event testing skeptical knowledge. Another event listed is the NTS Social Dinner and Board Meeting on July 26th at a restaurant in Dallas. Contact information, including a hotline number and email address, is provided.

Supplement Robber Baron Faces New Charges

This article by Tim Gorski, M.D., reports on new federal charges filed by the FTC against A. Glenn Braswell and his companies. Braswell has a history of selling dubious health products since the 1970s, including cures for baldness, aging, and obesity. He has faced previous charges for mail fraud, perjury, and income tax evasion, and settled FTC charges for false advertising. The article highlights the predatory nature of Braswell's advertising, particularly through the "Journal of Longevity," which is presented as a medical journal but contains articles written by staff and outright false statements designed to scare consumers into purchasing products. Braswell's companies have also been accused of misusing the names of sports figures. The FTC is seeking permanent injunctions and a ban on Braswell's involvement in the promotion of health-related products.

Ephedrine on the Defensive

This section reports on the ongoing controversy surrounding ephedrine. Cytodyne Technologies was ordered to repay $12.5 million in a class-action lawsuit for false advertising of its Xenadrine weight loss remedy. The company claimed significantly greater fat loss than placebo, based on a small, company-funded study. Illinois has banned ephedrine products, being the first state to do so, following the death of a teenager from cardiac arrest after taking "yellow jackets." The article notes that states restrict sales or require labeling, and expresses puzzlement over the FDA's inaction despite numerous deaths and injuries associated with ephedrine products. The 1994 DSHEA law, which categorized "dietary supplements" as "foods," makes it difficult for the FDA to ban them unless they can prove they are dangerous.

Letters to the Editor

This section includes a letter from "C. Bohar," who identifies as an "open-minded skeptic" and paranormal investigator. Bohar criticizes The North Texas Skeptics for being "disappointing and very close-minded," and for attacking creationism. Bohar argues that skepticism should be about open inquiry, not negative bias, and suggests that the NTS dismisses anything that doesn't fit their "preset paradigms" as "quackery." Bohar also mentions James Randi, suggesting he "turns out to be a dud."

Reply to Christopher Bohar

The NTS responds to C. Bohar's letter. They express interest in Bohar's investigations into spirits and hauntings and ask for details on his conclusions. Regarding the accusation of being "close-minded," the NTS states they emphasize their conclusions, which are based on long studies. They defend their strong stance against creationism by stating it is false and that proponents often seek to teach it alongside evolution in schools, which they believe is a problem. The NTS clarifies that their "preset paradigm" is that "reality is separate from imagination," and they object to imaginary things being placed in the real world. They acknowledge James Randi's qualifications and express that their disagreements are based on things being "just wrong, not true."

What's New

This section, by Robert Park, presents several news clippings:

Intelligent Design? No Sign of It in Louisiana's Legislature

A resolution in the Louisiana House Education Committee opposes textbooks that do not present a balanced view of theories on the origin of life. The article notes that the Supreme Court ruled in 1987 that public schools cannot include creationism in their science curriculum. "Intelligent design" is described as creationism with "protective coloring," using "equal time" proposals to circumvent the ruling. The legislature's decision on this is pending.

Public Television: “Unlocking the Mystery of Life."

Maryland Public Television aired a documentary produced by Illustra Media that promoted "intelligent design" as an alternative to evolution. The Discovery Institute, which funded the documentary, is part of a "Wedge Project" to introduce religion into science education. The documentary has been shown in other states.

The Hydrogen Scam: They Still Haven't Found a Hydrogen Well!

This clipping discusses the concept of a hydrogen economy. While energy companies welcome it, the main commercial source of hydrogen is reforming fossil fuels, a polluting process. Media reports often portray hydrogen as a "savior of civilization." A report in Science highlighted that hydrogen leakage could deplete ozone faster than CFCs. The article references a past proposal to extract hydrogen from water by electrolysis and use it as fuel, questioning the viability and potential for scams in the hydrogen economy.

Rising Temperatures: EPA Leaves Out Section on Climate-Change.

An EPA report on the environment was selectively edited by the White House, with a major section on rising global temperatures being mangled. Angry EPA staff reportedly deleted the discussion rather than appear to selectively report science. References to environmental effects of human activity were removed, and a study funded by petroleum interests was inserted.

EMF: Power Lines in Italy Can Stay Where They Are.

An Italian referendum aimed at giving property owners the right to force power lines underground failed because not enough people voted. This means power lines can remain in place.

Power Lines and Cancer: Dead Horse in Hamptons Flogged Again.

A large study on Long Island found no correlation between exposure to magnetic fields from power lines and breast cancer. Activists, however, expressed dissatisfaction and a desire to "push on."

Skeptic Ink

This is a comic strip by Prasad Golla and John Blanton, featuring a conversation about "intelligent design" and creationism, humorously depicting an "intelligent design" advocate who was previously a creationist.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of pseudoscientific beliefs and cults (particularly Zetacult), the debunking of unsubstantiated health claims and scams (Braswell, ephedrine), and the defense of scientific principles against challenges like "intelligent design" and creationism in education. The editorial stance of The North Texas Skeptic is clearly one of promoting rational inquiry, scientific evidence, and critical thinking, while actively challenging what it perceives as misinformation, fraud, and pseudoscience.