North Texas Skeptic - Vol 18 No 03 - 2004

Magazine Overview

Title: The North Texas Skeptic
Issue: Volume 18, Number 3
Date: March 2004
Publisher: The North Texas Skeptics
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The North Texas Skeptic, a publication of the North Texas Skeptics organization, focuses on skeptical investigations, challenges to paranormal claims, and commentary on pseudoscience and related societal issues.

Challenge Activity

The lead article, "Challenge activity" by John Blanton, details the North Texas Skeptics' ongoing Paranormal Challenge. This challenge offers a $10,000 prize for the demonstration of paranormal abilities or phenomena that contravene natural law. The NTS emphasizes that the prize is funded by five underwriters, not NTS funds, and that the challenge has been active for over ten years. The article recounts two recent serious contenders. The first involved Jagdish Maheshri, whose approach to testing astrology was deemed excellent but required resources beyond the NTS's control, leaving his theory untested. The second claimant was Russell Shipp, who believed he could move small objects with his mind. Before formal testing, claimants are asked to demonstrate their abilities. Shipp attempted to move a compact disk suspended by a sewing thread, but was unsuccessful, and even agreed that things were not working.

A more recent claimant, Greg Nichols, proposed that a substance applied to the outside of a beverage container could improve its taste. The NTS was interested, but negotiations for a controlled test broke down. The NTS insisted on controlling the test to eliminate bias, suggesting blind taste tests. Nichols and his partner, Mr. Willis, reacted negatively, sending a rude email that is partially quoted and available on the NTS website. The article notes that the NTS is open to claimants who are mentally stable and legally responsible.

Events Calendar: March Program

The "Events Calendar" section announces a talk titled "The Legend of John Wilkes Boothe" to be held on Saturday, March 13th, at 2 p.m. at the Center for Non-Profit Management in Dallas. Author Rusty Harding will discuss his book "Instrument of Darkness," which explores the legend that John Wilkes Boothe escaped federal troops after assassinating Abraham Lincoln and lived out his life in Granbury, Texas. The North Texas Skeptics are expected to approach this tale with skepticism. The event is free and open to the public.

North Texas Skeptics Officers and Staff

Page 2 lists the officers and staff of the North Texas Skeptics, including Daniel Barnett (President), John Brandt (Vice President), Mike Selby (Secretary), Mark Meyer (Treasurer), Keith Blanton (Newsletter Editor), John Blanton (Webmaster), and Mike Selby (Meetings and Social Director). The Board of Directors and Scientific and Technical Advisors are also listed, featuring individuals with backgrounds in philosophy, geology, sociology, medicine, science teaching, counseling, engineering, and law.

The organization is described as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) scientific and educational organization. Members receive the newsletter and may attend NTS functions at reduced costs. The newsletter, "The North Texas Skeptic," is published monthly and mailed from Carrollton, Texas. Permission to reprint articles is granted with proper credit.

Talking About John Edward

William McEwen contacted the NTS about giving a talk for seniors on John Edward and his "Crossing Over" show. McEwen reported that the SciFi Channel had canceled Edward's program, though he doubted this would be permanent. McEwen discussed how "cold reading" and "hot reading" are used by performers like Edward, citing a "Time" magazine article that suggested "Crossing Over" staff mined audience information. The talk also covered the history of spiritualism and other contemporary mediums like James Van Praagh and Sylvia Browne.

Web News

This section highlights recent news items of interest to skeptics, posted on the NTS Skeptical News page.

Evolution Education Update: Oklahoma

House Bill 2194 in Oklahoma passed, requiring textbooks that discuss evolution to include a disclaimer. This disclaimer describes evolution as a "controversial theory" and an "unproven belief" that random forces produced life, stating that any statement about life's origins should be reconsidered as theory, not fact. State Representative Bill Graves supported the amendment, emphasizing the importance of children knowing that they might not have come from "slime in a swamp."

Spare the rod? Not if you're a dowser looking for water

A report from The Dallas Morning News covered a conference of the Society of Dowsers. The article notes that dowsing, including for water, gold, and self-empowerment, is practiced. It mentions potential pitfalls like "thought forms" and wind. A participant, Mr. Blais, used a pendulum to select a music CD. Bette Epstein, a longtime dowser, described it as a "sixth sense."

Thousands flock to Benny Hinn meetings in Mumbai

An article from India reports that thousands of Christians attended meetings led by faith healer Benny Hinn in Mumbai. Despite disapproval from the Catholic church, organizers arranged for 500,000 to 1 million attendees. Special enclosures were set up for the sick and needy, with promises of cures for ailments like arthritis and back pain. Thirty-two large video screens were used.

Big bang busted in science class for high schools

An Atlanta Journal-Constitution story discusses attempts to remove the word "evolution" from Georgia's science curriculum, replacing it with "changes over time." Following criticism, the superintendent recommended restoring the word. The article also notes that in Ohio, creationists are pushing for "intelligent design" and "young-Earth creationism" in school lesson plans.

Guide sparks debate

An article from the Mansfield News Journal reports that "intelligent design" theory is being considered for inclusion in Ohio's high school science curriculum. The state Board of Education gave preliminary approval to a guide that includes a chapter on "Critical analysis of evolution," recommending debates on common critiques. While supporters deny a connection to "intelligent design," opponents see similarities. A biology teacher expressed concern about school boards dictating curriculum.

Researching alternative medicines

This section notes that millions of people spend billions of dollars on complementary and alternative medicine, and Dr. Stephen E. Straus is advocating for rigorous testing of these therapies.

Conspiracies so vast

An article by Darrin M. McMahon posits that conspiracy theory, born in the Enlightenment, has metastasized with the internet. It mentions Howard Dean's speculation about George W. Bush being warned of 9/11 by the Saudis, and claims that the war in Iraq was a plot for Halliburton contracts. It also references Ann Coulter's book "Treason" and the vilification of Joseph McCarthy. The article notes that while Hillary Clinton may have moved past the "vast right-wing conspiracy," others continue to engage in such discussions, citing ongoing speculation about the deaths of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed.

Political Science: Scientific Integrity in the Administration

A statement by prominent scientists criticized the Bush administration for manipulating the science advisory process, citing stacked or disbanded panels and suppressed reports. A report from the Union of Concerned Scientists is mentioned, and the administration's response is characterized as trivializing the issue.

Primary scoop: “all the news that's fit to print" – and more.

This piece discusses how "The New York Times" published an op-ed relying on astrological charts of Democratic candidates. It notes the paper's history, dating back to 1851, and humorously characterizes it as a Virgo, intelligent but pedantic.

Skeptic Ink

A comic strip by Prasad Golla and John Blanton satirizes a claim about a substance that improves beer taste and eliminates calories, questioning the fairness of testing such a product.

Creationism: "monkeys-to-man sort of thing" is under attack.

This article revisits the controversy over evolution in science classes, noting the initial omission of the word "evolution" in Georgia's proposed guidelines, which was later restored due to criticism. It also highlights ongoing efforts in Ohio to introduce "intelligent design" and "young-Earth creationism" into public school curricula, emphasizing the need for informed action to keep science education free from religious dictates.

We're number 1

This section announces that the Dallas Observer named The North Texas Skeptic the best newsletter in Dallas for 2003. It quotes the Observer's description of the newsletter as a "sharply edited" publication that filters bizarre ingredients and Hollywood gossip through a skeptical lens, featuring short items and essays by local professionals. It also notes that the newsletter can be read online for free.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the promotion of skepticism, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry. The North Texas Skeptics actively challenges paranormal claims through its Paranormal Challenge and by debunking pseudoscientific topics like astrology, psychokinesis, and claims of faith healers. The publication also engages with contemporary debates on science education, particularly the conflict between evolution and creationism/intelligent design, advocating for science to be based on evidence and free from religious interference. The editorial stance is consistently rational, evidence-based, and critical of unsubstantiated claims, while also being informative about events and news relevant to the skeptical community. The organization encourages public engagement and education on these matters.