North Texas Skeptic - Vol 19 No 04 - 2005

Magazine Overview

Title: The North Texas Skeptic
Issue Date: April 2005
Volume: 19
Issue: 4
Publisher: The North Texas Skeptics
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The North Texas Skeptic, a publication dedicated to the rational and scientific investigation of paranormal and pseudoscientific claims, features a range of articles examining the intersection of belief, science, and media.

Not so sacred visions

By John Blanton

This lead article questions the veracity of miraculous visions and divine claims, using historical examples like Jeanne d'Arc and contemporary cases such as the apparitions reported in Medjugorje, Lourdes, and Fatima. Blanton argues that while the faithful may find inspiration, the historical outcome is often the same regardless of whether these events are real or fabricated. He posits that skepticism is necessary to critically examine such claims and avoid the pitfalls of self-delusion or deception, especially when they lead people to abandon conventional medical treatments.

The North Texas Skeptics: Officers and Advisors

The issue lists the officers of The North Texas Skeptics, including President Daniel Barnett, Vice President John Brandt, Secretary Mike Selby, and Treasurer Mark Meyer. The staff includes Newsletter Editor Keith Blanton and Webmaster Laura Ainsworth. A comprehensive list of the Board of Directors and Scientific and Technical Advisors is also provided, featuring individuals with expertise in various scientific and academic fields.

The Skeptic's Stance on Rationality

This section elaborates on the core principles of rational skepticism, emphasizing that "extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof." It highlights the importance of logical reasoning and the principle of Occam's razor, advocating for the simplest explanation. The article clarifies that skepticism is not anti-religion but rather a method for critical inquiry into the physical realm, insisting that wishful thinking does not equate to facts. It also points out the detrimental effects of misplaced faith, such as people abandoning medical treatments in favor of supposed miraculous cures.

The Third Eye: News and Commentary from the Weird World of the Media

By Pat Reeder (with Daniel Barnett & Laura Ainsworth)

This section presents a collection of media-related news items:

• Dinosaur-Bird Connection: The discovery of *Repenomamus robustus*, a mammal that consumed a small dinosaur, is discussed as evidence supporting the dinosaur-bird evolutionary link. The article humorously notes that this find contradicts the idea that early mammals were always hiding from dinosaurs.
• Fake Incan Ruins: A report on seemingly ancient Incan ruins near Chucuito, Peru, reveals they were actually built in 1993 by villagers to attract tourism, highlighting a case of fabricated history for economic gain.
• Forehead Advertising: Andrew Fischer of Omaha, Nebraska, auctioned advertising space on his forehead for $37,375 to promote SnoreStop, a homeopathic remedy.
• Life on Mars?: NASA scientists have found evidence suggesting the possibility of life on Mars, based on methane gas signatures in Martian caves that are similar to those found on Earth.
• Kyoto Treaty: The author humorously suggests extending the Kyoto Treaty to Mars.

What's new

By Robert Park

This section features several short news clippings:

• Pigasus Awards: A humorous mention of the upcoming Pigasus Awards, which are supposedly informed by ESP.
• Bible and Guidance: The influence of the religious right is discussed, with examples of the Colorado Supreme Court removing a death row inmate after the jury consulted the Bible, and devout pharmacists refusing to fill prescriptions for birth control.
• Zion Oil: John Brown, an evangelical Christian, founded Zion Oil based on his interpretation of Old Testament passages pointing to oil fields in Israel.
• Joe Newman's Energy Machine: Joe Newman, known for suing the Patent Office for denying a patent for a perpetual motion machine, is mentioned.
• Freedom Element: Selling Baloney: The article critiques President Bush's 'Freedom Car' concept, questioning the source of hydrogen fuel and referencing a debate about the Hindenburg disaster, suggesting that the paint, not hydrogen, caused the explosion.

Diploma Mills

This piece discusses the issue of diploma mills, highlighting Dr. Addison Bain and Dr. Lynn Ianni, who allegedly obtained degrees from California Coast University, a distance-learning institution with no campus or courses, raising questions about the legitimacy of their credentials.

Science by Intimidation

The article discusses how the IMAX film "Volcanoes of the Deep Sea" was rejected by several science centers due to brief references to evolution. It argues that this censorship, driven by religious objections, stifles scientific discourse and education, drawing a parallel to the Scopes trial.

Fiction: An Imaginative Creation

This segment critiques novels like "The Da Vinci Code" and "State of Fear" for their perceived anti-science or manipulative narratives, even when using scientific citations for authenticity.

Hydrogen: The Hindenburg Disaster Retold

This article revisits the Hindenburg disaster, challenging the common explanation that hydrogen explosion caused the fire. It presents Dr. Addison Bain's theory that the fabric covering was the primary cause, noting that this claim led to revisions in museum exhibits but was also met with strong scientific opposition.

The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal

This section provides information about the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP) and its publication, The Skeptical Inquirer, encouraging critical investigation of paranormal claims.

IMAX and Creationism

By John Blanton

This article details the controversy surrounding the IMAX film "Volcanoes of the Deep Sea," which was initially pulled from the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History due to objections from creationists who took offense at brief mentions of evolution. The article notes that the film was later reinstated after public outcry and discusses how science in the public forum can be influenced by market pressures and vocal opposition.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Throughout the issue, The North Texas Skeptic consistently promotes a rational, evidence-based approach to understanding the world. The publication champions critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and the rejection of pseudoscience and unsubstantiated claims. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific explanations over faith-based or supernatural ones when addressing phenomena in the physical realm. The magazine also highlights the importance of distinguishing between opinion and fact, and it critiques instances where religious or ideological beliefs interfere with the acceptance and dissemination of scientific knowledge.