North Texas Skeptic - Vol 21 No 01 - 2007

Magazine Overview

Title: The North Texas Skeptic
Issue: Volume 21, Number 1
Date: January 2007
Publisher: The North Texas Skeptics
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The North Texas Skeptic celebrates the organization's 20th anniversary, marking two decades since its formation in the summer of 1987. The lead article, "After 20 years" by John Blanton, reflects on the history and evolution of the North Texas Skeptics (NTS), originally founded as the Dallas Society to Oppose Pseudo-science (DSTOP) in 1983.

History and Evolution of NTS

The article details how the organization reorganized and adopted the name North Texas Skeptics in 1987. It highlights the early days, with Vicki Hinson-Smith producing the initial issue, followed by Tony Dousette taking over as newsletter editor. Ronnie Hastings is credited with establishing the NTS's stance on creationism through coverage of local "mantrack" claims. The publication's journey is described as an evolution from a group that "poke[d] fun at psychics, faith healers and young-Earth creationists" to one that continues to do so, but now also includes "old-Earth creationists."

• Key historical moments and topics covered in past issues include:
• The "human" tooth fossil presented by Carl Baugh and its analysis as a fish tooth.
• Discussions on crystal power and parapsychology.
• John Thomas's exploration of graphology (handwriting analysis).
• The story of Gerolamo Cardano, who predicted his death and committed suicide on the appointed day.
• Coverage of homeopathy and ghost busters.
• A party held at Mel Zemek's house in December 1988.
• Ronnie Hastings's appearance on the Nova documentary "God, Darwin and the Dinosaurs," which addressed Carl Baugh's "mantrack" claims.
• An examination of the academic credentials of creationists Carl Baugh and Don Patton.
• Reports on Don Patton's Metroplex Institute of Origin Science (MIOS).
• The activities of MUFONs (Mutual UFO Network).
• The ministry of faith healer Robert Tilton, and its exposé by Ole Anthony and ABC's "Prime Time Live."
• The rise of Intelligent Design (ID), with a symposium at Southern Methodist University in March 1992 featuring Phillip Johnson and Michael Ruse, which is identified as the initial gathering of the ID movement.
• The NTS's involvement in opposing the introduction of the ID text "Of Pandas And People" into the Plano school board's science curriculum in 1995, assisting the citizen group Keep Quality in Plano Schools (KQUIPS).

The article also notes the passing of early leaders Mel Zemek, Tony Dousette, and Joe Voelkering, while acknowledging the continued support from John Thomas and Ron Hastings. Treasurer Mark Meyer and newsletter composer/editor Keith Blanton are recognized for their long-term contributions.

Newsletter Production and Technology

The evolution of the newsletter's production is also detailed. Early editions were created on a dot-matrix printer. The transition to laser printers and offset printing with saddle stitching improved the appearance. When the publication moved to monthly issues without increasing subscription fees, xerographic reproduction with a staple became necessary. The advent of desktop publishing significantly streamlined production, allowing an entire edition to be completed in an afternoon. The internet has further transformed the process, with writers submitting text via modem, email, and now, with contributors spread across the country and even internationally, everything is handled electronically. Examples include articles submitted from an island in the Pacific and cartoons sent from India.

Organizational Structure and Membership

The NTS is described as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) scientific and educational organization. Its goals include promoting critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and educating the public about paranormal phenomena and pseudoscience claims. The organization is associated with the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP).

Membership is open to individuals in the North Texas area who share the organization's concerns. While members may hold diverse views, the common principle is that truth is established through rational inquiry. The newsletter is published monthly and mailed to members. The issue outlines four membership categories: Patrons, Scientific and Technical Consultants, Fellows (voting members), and Associates.

Events Calendar and Future Meetings

• The "Events Calendar" section highlights upcoming NTS activities:
• 2007 Elections: Saturday, January 13, 2007, at 2 p.m. at the Center for Nonprofit Management in Dallas.
• NTS Social Dinner / Board Meeting: Saturday, January 27, 2007, at 7 p.m. at Good Eats in Dallas.

A list of "Future Meeting Dates" for 2007 is also provided, running from January 13 through December 8.

Paranormal Challenge

Page 5 details the "North Texas Skeptics Paranormal Challenge Instructions." The NTS offers a $12,000 prize to any claimant who can demonstrate a psychic or paranormal power or ability under scientifically valid observing conditions. The process requires a detailed written agreement, or "protocol," outlining the specific ability to be demonstrated, the test procedures, and the criteria for success or failure. The challengers, listed as Gregory H. Aicklen, John F. Blanton, Prasad N. Golla, Mike Selby, and John A. Thomas, emphasize that this is a personal offer and not a contract until a protocol is agreed upon. Both parties waive claims for damages and agree to the use of any data or results obtained during the challenge.

Membership Application

The final pages include an "Address Correction Requested" notice and an "Application for Membership." This section details the benefits of membership, including voting rights and newsletter subscriptions, and provides options for annual dues ($35.00 for members, $15.00 for newsletter recipients) with discounts for e-mail delivery. It also includes a space for tax-deductible donations and an option to "Bill me."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the celebration of the NTS's 20-year history, the critical examination of paranormal and pseudoscientific claims, and the promotion of scientific inquiry and rational thinking. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and skepticism towards extraordinary claims, while maintaining an open mind to fair and systematic testing. The organization actively engages with issues related to creationism and intelligent design, aiming to educate the public and counter misinformation. The NTS positions itself as a resource for critical thinking and scientific literacy in the North Texas area and beyond.