North Texas Skeptic - Vol 18 No 11 - 2004

Magazine Overview

The North Texas Skeptic, Volume 18, Number 11, published in November 2004, is a newsletter from a scientific and educational organization dedicated to exploring paranormal and pseudoscientific claims. The issue features obituaries of prominent figures, discussions on scientific and pseudoscientific topics, and news updates.

The Grim Reaper: Obituaries

The issue leads with "The grim reaper," reporting the recent deaths of several notable individuals. John Mack, a Harvard professor, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, and advocate for alien abduction cases, died in an automobile accident in London. He was attending a conference on T.E. Lawrence, the subject of his biography. Mack began his research into extraterrestrial encounters in 1990, believing them to be spiritual rather than physical. His work gained significant attention with the 1994 publication of his best-selling book, "Abduction." Harvard Medical School appointed a committee to review his work, which took no action. Mack interviewed about 200 individuals and viewed these encounters as opportunities to study spiritual or transformational experiences. He was quoted as saying, "No one has been able to come up with a counter-formulation that explains what's going on," but he wanted people to be convinced that "something going on here that is not explainable." He also published "Cosmos: Human Transformation and Alien Encounters" in 1999. John Mack was 74.

Joyce Jillson, a well-known astrologer who gained fame as the astrologer for the Reagan administration, has died of kidney disease at age 58. Jillson claimed the Reagans consulted astrologers and visited the White House after the 1981 assassination attempt. She also stated she made charts that determined George Bush was the best choice for Reagan's running mate in 1980. While Nancy Reagan's spokeswoman acknowledged she consulted an astrologer, the White House denied consulting Jillson. Jillson claimed corporate clients like 20th Century Fox and Ford Motor Co. Her astrology column appeared in The Times after Sydney Omarr's death. The North Texas Skeptics and James Randi have long ridiculed astrological claims.

Jacques Benveniste, a French biologist, died after heart surgery at age 69. He claimed in 1988 that biological effects of dissolved substances persist beyond dilution limits. He later discovered that dilute solutions emit an electronic signature transferable over the internet. A challenge for a double-blind test by Leon Jaroff in Time magazine was agreed to by Benveniste, but he continually delayed the test. The article notes that Benveniste needed more time, as "We all do."

Betty Hill, who with her husband Barney claimed abduction by UFO extraterrestrials in 1961, died of lung cancer at 85. Their story gained notoriety through the book "Interrupted Journey" and a television movie. After their claimed experience, they noted evidence such as Betty's torn dress and Barney's scuffed shoes. Under hypnosis, they recounted being examined by aliens. Hill later expressed disillusionment with the commercialization of the UFO community, stating, "In the beginning, people were looking for information... Now, it certainly has turned commercial." She also felt the media fueled UFO fiction, describing UFOs as "small, with dim lights, and many times they fly with no lights," rather than the "huge craft" often depicted. She had also published a book, "A Common Sense Approach to UFOs."

Events Calendar

The November Program for The North Texas Skeptics includes "The Secrets of Map Dowsing" on November 13, 2004, at the Center for Community Cooperation in Dallas, which will explain and test the process of map dowsing. An NTS Social Dinner and Board Meeting is scheduled for November 27 at Good Eats Grill.

The Privileged Planet

This section reviews a video titled "The Privileged Planet" from the Discovery Institute and Illustra Media. The video argues that Earth is uniquely fortunate to exist and be suited for life, promoting the concept of Intelligent Design. The review notes that the Discovery Institute's Center for Science and Culture is a think tank for Intelligent Design. The video's argument centers on the "fine-tuning" of the universe's constants, suggesting that if they were even slightly different, life as we know it would not exist. The reviewer acknowledges the strength of the fine-tuning argument but suggests that the creationists are using it to support their point. The reviewer concludes that it's likely a combination of underlying scientific discovery and a "grand jackpot" of cosmic luck.

The review mentions that a companion book of the same title is by Guillermo Gonzalez and Jay Wesley Richards, who are featured in the video. Dennis Danielson, a professor of English at the University of British Columbia, provides an endorsement for the book, calling it "Impressively researched and lucidly written."

Web News

Several brief news items are presented under "Web news":

• Man on Quest for Knife-Proof Body Bleeds to Death: A man in Tanzania sought a witch doctor for protection against knives and bullets, but the ritual wounds inflicted by the witch doctor proved fatal.
• God's Number Is Up: An article discusses a book claiming science proves God's existence, which computes a probability of 67 percent. The book, "The Probability of God" by Stephen D. Unwin, is based on his research in risk analysis and quantum gravity.
• Rumors Put Through Mill: This section highlights Snopes.com as a reliable source for debunking urban legends and folklore. It notes that David and Barbara Mikkelson run the site, investing significant personal funds.
• Agoura Couple's Website Seeks to Separate Fact From Fiction: This is a sub-heading related to the Snopes.com item.
• Narconon Banned From San Francisco Schools: Narconon, a drug rehab program with ties to the Church of Scientology, has been banned from San Francisco schools due to concerns about its indoctrination methods. This is the fifth school district in California to ban the program.

Creationist Article Stirs Debate

A paper by creationist Stephen Meyer, published in the scientific journal "Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington," has caused controversy. The National Center for Science Education reports that Meyer's article argues against evolutionary processes accounting for life's history and diversity, using "intelligent design" arguments. The journal's publication of this "substandard work" has concerned members of the Biological Society of Washington.

Ghost Hunters Reach a Higher Plane with the Help of Technology

This article discusses the use of technology in ghost hunting, referencing a story by Aline McKenzie of The Dallas Morning News. The article notes that while the NTS advises that ghosts don't exist, ghost hunters use various electronic gadgets like Geiger counters, tape recorders, laptops, motion detectors, and cameras. Joel-Anthony Gray, director of the Society for Paranormal Investigation in Dallas, explains that these tools are used to detect "energy or project energy," such as light, heat, sound, or radiation. He states that the goal is not to capture full-body apparitions but to help people who feel a presence. The article also mentions other paranormal investigators and psychics contacted by McKenzie.

What's New

This section, by Robert Park, includes several brief items:

• Warped Science: A 75-page Air Force Research Laboratory report on "Teleportation Physics Study" is mentioned. The study, conducted by Warp Drive Metrics, explores "conveyance of persons by psychic means" and "transport through extra space dimensions or parallel universes." The report's cost and availability are discussed, along with a mention of the Air Force's positron bomb.

Skeptic Ink

This cartoon by Prasad Golla and John Blanton depicts a humorous scene at an NTS annual barbecue, with a conversation about "sacred cow" as the meat.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around skepticism towards paranormal claims, pseudoscience, and creationism, contrasted with scientific inquiry. The North Texas Skeptics consistently promotes critical thinking and evidence-based evaluation of extraordinary claims. The editorial stance is clearly against astrology, intelligent design, and unsubstantiated paranormal phenomena, while acknowledging the importance of investigating such claims scientifically. The organization also actively engages in public education through its events and newsletter.