North Texas Skeptic - Vol 20 No 04 - 2006

Magazine Overview

The North Texas Skeptic, Volume 20, Number 4, published in April 2006, is a magazine dedicated to critical examination of paranormal claims, pseudoscientific theories, and popular beliefs from a skeptical perspective. This issue features articles that delve into conspiracy theories, scientific studies, and cultural phenomena, all analyzed through a lens of reason and evidence.

Lacking luster: 9/11 Conspiracy Theories and Skepticism

This lead article by John Blanton revisits the author's previous dismissal of Thierry Meyssan's book, "L'Effroyable Imposture," which questions the official account of the 9/11 attacks. The author admits to being too hasty, citing new 'evidence' brought forth by actor Charlie Sheen. Sheen is quoted as questioning the feasibility of a group of 'misfits' bringing down the World Trade Center towers and damaging the Pentagon using only utility knives and pepper spray, suggesting a 'controlled demolition.' The article sarcastically notes the backlash against Sheen's 'temerity' and praises his 'sterling personal life' and 'commitment to human welfare.' The author then draws parallels between the 9/11 conspiracy industry and the Kennedy assassination conspiracy industry, predicting that 9/11 will eventually have its own 'Conspiracy Museum.' The article critiques the 'deniability' afforded by the deaths of witnesses and the political climate that allows detractors of the Bush administration to benefit from such theories.

Events Calendar

The magazine includes an events calendar for April 2006, featuring a talk on 'Really Alternative Energy' by John Brandt on April 8th and a Board of Directors/Social Meeting on April 22nd.

Web News

This section, curated by John Blanton, presents various news items from the web, often with a skeptical or humorous take:

Fairies stop developers' bulldozers in their tracks

This piece reports on a housing development in Scotland that was halted because villagers protested that a new housing estate would 'harm the fairies' living under a rock. The developer, Marcus Salter, was forced to redesign the plans to accommodate the fairies' home, highlighting local superstitions.

Dutchman builds modern Noah's Ark

Johan Huibers is building a one-fifth scale replica of Noah's Ark as a testament to his Christian faith. The article notes the practical differences from the biblical account, such as using farm animals instead of all species and employing modern materials. It humorously contrasts Huibers' need for bank loans with Noah's situation.

'Spaghetti Monster' is noodling around with faith

This article, based on a USA Today report by Dan Vergano, discusses the 'Flying Spaghetti Monster' (FSM) parody religion, also known as 'Pastafarianism.' Originating as a protest against the teaching of intelligent design in Kansas schools, the FSM posits that pirates control global warming and that the FSM created the universe. The article highlights its origins as a satirical response to the intelligent design movement and mentions the ongoing 'culture wars' surrounding creationism.

What's new

This section, by Robert Park, presents various news clippings and brief reports:

Miracle medicine: prayers of scientists have been answered.

A study of intercessory prayer for coronary bypass patients found no significant benefit, with a slight increase in complications attributed to 'performance anxiety' in those aware of the prayers. The article questions the units of prayer and the efficacy of different individuals' prayers.

Cold-fusion day: does Fleischmann still brew tea on hot plate?

This report notes that D2Fusion, Inc. has appointed cold-fusion pioneer Martin Fleischmann as a senior scientific advisor. It references the 1989 announcement of cold fusion and suggests that Fleischmann may still hold the 'secret' to the technology.

Miracle medicine: Wash Post hypes prayer study on page one.

This piece critiques a Washington Post article for hyping a study on intercessory prayer, arguing that the controversy was settled in 1872 by Sir Francis Galton, who found no difference in longevity between those prayed for and the general population.

Mouse medicine: controversial cure for diabetes is verified.

Three research groups have verified a controversial cure for Type I diabetes in mice, where the pancreas repairs itself in a significant percentage of cases. Despite the encouraging findings, the article notes the history of mouse cures not translating to humans.

The H-prize: would incentives hasten transition to hydrogen?

Representative Bob Inglis is introducing legislation to create incentives for a hydrogen economy, inspired by the success of the Ansari X-Prize.

Just a theory: Anglican leader speaks out about creationism.

The Archbishop of Canterbury stated that creationism devalues the Bible as 'just another theory,' a statement noted for its irony.

The bigger prize: is "the anthropic principle" infectious?

This article discusses John Barrow being awarded the 2006 Templeton Prize for his work on 'The Anthropic Cosmological Principle.' The principle suggests that the laws of nature are fine-tuned by a 'Great Designer' to allow for intelligent beings. The article mentions Frank Tipler's extreme conclusions from this principle.

Below the ground state: before spring there is march madness.

This report revisits the 1989 cold fusion announcement by the University of Utah, noting that the story had been leaked and that optimistic reports continued for weeks. It also mentions Randell Mills and his 'hydrino' theory, and the ongoing credulous reporting on his company, BlackLight Power.

Perpetual fraud: notorious huckster is up to his old tricks.

This piece details the activities of Dennis Lee, who sells dealerships for perpetual motion machines. Despite past legal issues, Lee continues to operate through various companies, with education being presented as the primary weapon against such scams.

Bubble fusion: news of science that won't change your life.

The article discusses claims of deuterium fusion produced in a desktop experiment, similar to the 'cold fusion' controversy. Experienced physicists found no evidence, and Purdue University announced a review of Rusi Taleyarkhan's work.

School spirit: 8 out of 10 academics say they are spiritual.

A UCLA survey of faculty members indicated that 64% identified as religious, but only 38% responded to the survey, leading the author to suggest that only 38% are willing to discuss their spiritual beliefs.

Faith-based government: federal money for religious charities?

President Bush signed an executive order establishing a religion-based office in Homeland Security, and the administration provided over $2.1 billion to church-operated social programs.

Glucosamine and chondroitin: ineffective for arthritis pain?

Based on an NIH-funded trial, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate were found to be not significantly better than a placebo for reducing knee pain in osteoarthritis. The article notes that while the overall outcome was negative, some subgroups showed statistically significant pain relief, which statisticians attribute to fiddling with boundaries.

We feel your pain: what's new does a study of the bottom line.

This section discusses reader feedback on the glucosamine and chondroitin study, noting that anecdotal evidence from people using it on pets (who don't respond to placebos) suggests it might be effective. The authors are attempting to analyze the data by dividing messages into subgroups.

Dover effect: even in Utah, anti-Darwin legislation flops.

Legislation favoring intelligent design was defeated in Utah, a conservative state, suggesting the Discovery Institute will need to find new tactics.

Acupuncture: it doesn't matter where you stick the needle.

According to Lancet Neurology, German researchers found that Chinese acupuncture worked about as well as drugs in treating arthritis, but sham acupuncture (where the needle is inserted incorrectly) had similar results, implying the effect might be placebo-based.

Skeptic Ink

This cartoon by Prasad Golla and John Blanton humorously depicts the challenges faced by a cartoonist dealing with deadlines, creationism debates, and news about Charlie Sheen's 9/11 claims.

The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal

This section describes the mission of the committee, which promotes critical investigation of paranormal and fringe-science claims and disseminates factual information. It also mentions The Skeptical Inquirer magazine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The North Texas Skeptic revolve around the critical examination of claims that lack scientific evidence. The magazine consistently promotes skepticism towards conspiracy theories, pseudoscientific research, and religious or ideological beliefs that are not supported by empirical data. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific methodology, rational inquiry, and evidence-based reasoning, often using humor and satire to critique unsubstantiated claims. The magazine aims to educate its readers and encourage them to question extraordinary assertions, whether they come from fringe groups, political figures, or even popular culture.