North Texas Skeptic - Vol 18 No 02 - 2004

Magazine Overview

This issue of The North Texas Skeptic, dated February 2004, Volume 18, Number 2, is published by The North Texas Skeptics and focuses on critical examination of claims presented as scientific but which the organization deems pseudoscientific. The magazine features articles, news items, and organizational information.

Unlocking the Mystery

The lead article, "Unlocking the mystery" by John Blanton, critically reviews the creationist video "Unlocking the Mystery of Life" (UML), produced by Illustra Media. The video aims to promote the theory of "intelligent design" (ID) using biochemical evidence. Blanton notes that the video was made available to PBS stations and was planned for broadcast on WNYE television. However, Andrea Bottaro, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center, issued cautions regarding the video, stating it is factually misleading and propaganda for a pseudo-scientific movement. Bottaro points out that UML's origins are linked to religious fundamentalist and Creationist circles, and that it exhibits poor scholarship, including misrepresentation and omission of scientific evidence. The article also reveals that Illustra Media may be the same entity as Discovery Media Productions, whose previous works included titles like "Heaven and Hell" and "The End Times."

The article further details the individuals featured in the video and their affiliations with the Discovery Institute (DI), a prominent promoter of ID. It highlights that many speakers in the video are associated with the DI, including Stephen C. Meyer (Program Director), Jonathan Wells, Michael Behe, and William Dembski (Senior Fellows), and others listed as Fellows. The article questions the credentials of some individuals, noting that only a few truly qualify as "bona fide scientists" based on their education and publications. For example, Jed Macosko's association with UC Berkeley is described as limited to his degree and postdoctoral work, with no current faculty listing. William Dembski's scholarly publications are noted as being primarily related to theology, apologetics, and philosophy, with only one mathematics paper. Phillip Johnson, a law professor, is mentioned as not having claimed to be a scientist.

Bottaro's critique emphasizes that UML fails to adhere to basic scientific standards of evidence and facts, not even presenting mainstream scientific views independently. The video's discussion of the Origin of Life (OoL) science is also scrutinized, noting that while it points out early theories have been superseded, it fails to mention that mainstream science had already replaced them with better-supported evidence. The article suggests that UML appears to be an appeal for accommodation rather than a presentation of real science.

Despite the criticisms, the article acknowledges the video's high production quality, citing positive reviews from individuals like Philip S. Skell (National Academy of Sciences), Marvin J. Fritzler (University of Calgary), and Bijan Nemati (NASA). However, the author notes that these positive reviews tend to focus on graphics and production quality rather than the scientific content, with Dr. Skell being an exception.

The article also mentions that Illustra Media encouraged PBS stations to air the video, but a search for scheduled broadcasts yielded no results.

North Texas Skeptics Organization Details

Page 2 provides details about the North Texas Skeptics organization, listing its officers (Daniel Barnett, John Brandt, Mike Selby, Mark Meyer), staff (Keith Blanton, John Blanton, Mike Selby), and Board of Directors (Greg Aicklen, Laura Ainsworth, Daniel Barnett, Virginia Barnett, John Blanton, John Brandt, Prasad Golla, Elizabeth Hittson, Jack Hittson, Mike Selby, Curtis Severns). It also lists Directors Emeritus and Scientific and Technical Advisors, including Joe Barnhart (Philosophy), David E. Dunn (Geologist), Raymond A. Eve (Sociology), Timothy N. Gorski (Physician), Ronnie J. Hastings (Science Teacher), Anthony P. Picchioni (Licensed Professional Counselor), James Rusk (Director, Russell Planetarium), Lakshman S. Tamil (Engineer), and John Thomas (Attorney).

The organization is described as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) scientific and educational entity that publishes "The North Texas Skeptic" newsletter monthly. It outlines policies for reprinting articles and clarifies that opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily the views of the organization.

Web News

The "Web news" section presents several short articles:

• Scholars debate significance of “Dickens Code”: This item discusses the "Dickens Code," a theory that Charles Dickens' works contain hidden historical significance, drawing parallels to "The Bible Code." It mentions an article asserting statistical analysis demonstrates hidden descriptions of key events in English history, citing author Jeremy Newton and his findings published in "The Dickensian."
• 200 turn out for debate on origins in Darby: This report covers a creationism controversy in Darby, Montana, where a school board was considering a curriculum change that would have students "assess evidence for and against theories" in science class, with "intelligent design" being a potential alternative to evolutionary science.
• Georgia takes on ‘evolution’: This article details how Georgia's schools superintendent, Kathy Cox, proposed replacing the word "evolution" with "biological changes over time" and altering phrases like "long history of the Earth" to "history of the Earth." Former President Jimmy Carter criticized this move, calling it an attempt to censor and distort education and stating that there is no incompatibility between Christian faith and scientific facts.
• California measure would align building rules with feng shui: This news item discusses a proposed California resolution to adopt standards that would aid feng shui, an ancient Chinese practice aimed at promoting health and harmony through environmental design. The measure suggests that building structure can affect a person's mood and behavior.
• Girl ‘sees’ broken bones: This brief report introduces Natasha Demkina, a Russian girl who claims to be able to see medical conditions inside people without X-rays. It mentions her demonstration on a Sun reporter in London.

Adventures in alternative medicine

This section summarizes a Psychology Today article about six people using natural paths to better health. It highlights Carrie Putrello, who credits her regimen of avoiding sugar, white flour, and processed foods, along with drinking water and tea, for managing cancer treatment side effects. It also mentions Dan Marano, who opted for Andrew Weil's "Spontaneous Healing" for his lymph node condition instead of medical advice, and advocates for an "integrated approach."

Deep rift over creationism grows from book about Grand Canyon

This article discusses a book titled "Grand Canyon: A Different View" by Tom Vail, a Colorado River guide. Vail claims the Grand Canyon was formed by Noah's flood, not over millions of years of evolution. The article notes that the book includes essays from "creation scientists" and theologians, and that real scientists have failed to grasp its "humor."

Skeptic Ink

"Skeptic Ink" is a comic by Prasad Golla and John Blanton, dated 2004, permitted for free, non-commercial reuse. The comic features an announcer promoting "all-natural Supplements from BHP" based on "thousands of years of traditional medicine," claiming movie stars use them. A disclaimer states the products are not meant to diagnose, cure, relieve, or prevent disease and are not approved by the FDA. The comic concludes with a statement from "Golla & Blanton" identifying BHP as a source for "UNTESTED pharmaceuticals."

Laura Ainsworth's musical show

This announcement details the return of Laura Ainsworth's musical show "My Ship Has Sailed," a parody of the anti-aging industry, performing on Sunday, February 22, at Django on the Parkway in Addison. It provides details on show times, pricing, and contact information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of pseudoscientific claims, particularly those related to creationism and "intelligent design," and their infiltration into public education. The magazine consistently advocates for scientific rigor, evidence-based reasoning, and a skeptical approach to claims that lack empirical support. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science and anti-pseudoscience, with a strong emphasis on debunking what it perceives as misinformation and flawed reasoning, especially in areas of public policy and education. The publication also covers a range of other skeptical topics, including alternative medicine and the analysis of popular culture for hidden meanings, all through a lens of critical inquiry.