North Texas Skeptic - Vol 22 No 03 - 2008

Magazine Overview

Title: The North Texas Skeptic
Issue Date: March 2008
Volume: 22
Issue: 3

This issue of The North Texas Skeptic, published by The North Texas Skeptics organization, focuses on skepticism, the critique of pseudoscientific claims, and observations on consumer behavior related to alternative medicine and popular culture.

Feature Article: Can you "see" me now?

This article by Prasad Golla introduces Shirley Potter, a woman from Nachadoges, Texas, who claims to be brain-damaged and possesses the ability to see "energies." Despite her articulate nature, the author expresses skepticism about her claims, particularly her assertion of being brain-damaged, as MRIs reportedly found nothing abnormal. The article details a challenge activity undertaken by the North Texas Skeptics, where Shirley Potter was tested for her alleged abilities. She claimed to see "energies" around objects and people, and even to read people's past. A specific test was conducted where Shirley attempted to identify the location of a hand placed behind a door, a test she claimed to be able to do by sensing "energies." The results of two sets of trials, each with five attempts, showed Shirley correctly identifying only 2 out of 5 spots in both sets, leading the author to conclude that a 100% success rate would be expected given her claims, and that her performance was significantly below par.

Following the test, Greg Aicklen, another participant, joined the discussion. Shirley also mentioned other claims, such as seeing "malign organs" and curing them by touch. The article notes Shirley's military training and her playing Sudoku on a PDA, contrasting with the "brain damaged" label she uses.

Retail Skepticism

Kristine Danowski contributes an article reflecting on her experience working at a large bookstore, referred to as "Big Ass Books." She observes the reading habits of customers, noting the popularity of celebrity-gossip magazines like People and Us Weekly, as well as "women's interest" magazines such as Glamour and Cosmo. Danowski expresses bewilderment at why people would pay to be told they don't measure up to arbitrary ideals. She also notes the sale of new age and paranormal books, including those on alternative medicine, astrology, and psychics, which she dismisses as "garbage."

The article also touches upon the sale of fiction bestsellers and children's books. Danowski recounts an instance where a customer bought "The Hidden Messages in Water," a book she considers drivel. She also criticizes the bookstore's sponsorship of a children's book drive, noting that the store donated nothing itself, relying entirely on customer and nonprofit donations.

Web News: Dr Frank's Pain Relief Spray

John Blanton reviews "Dr Frank's Pain Relief Spray," an advertised product claiming to alleviate chronic joint and muscle pain. The product is promoted as a non-prescription oral spray absorbed through mucous membranes. Blanton expresses skepticism, particularly regarding the claims of alternative medicine and homeopathy, which he notes some skeptics consider "hokum." He presents testimonials from users and a chiropractor, Dr. Kevin Khalili, who claims positive results for his patients. The article provides a link to the product's website and Dr. Khalili's MySpace page.

Web News: Kinoki Foot Pads

This section, also by John Blanton, discusses "Kinoki Foot Pads," an advertised product claiming to detoxify the body by absorbing toxins through the feet overnight. The infomercial shows the pads turning brown from absorbed toxins. Blanton notes the product's claims of removing "heavy metals, metabolic waste, toxins, parasites, chemicals, cellulite, and more." He cites reviews giving the product three stars and mentions its advertised ingredients, including bamboo vinegar and tourmaline, and its price of $19.95 per set. The article also references the concept of reflexology and the purported benefits of negative ions.

Web News: ExtenZe

This brief section, attributed to Prasad Golla and John Blanton, discusses "ExtenZe Male Enhancement," described as a proprietary blend of herbs and medical-grade substances. The article notes the product's marketing, which includes suggestive imagery and a video. It lists some of the purported ingredients, such as Ginseng-Eleuthero and Tribulus Terrestris, and questions the scientific basis for its claims, stating, "Who needs science?" The section notes the widespread advertising of ExtenZe online and mentions a complaint about a failed refund.

Skeptic Ink

A comic strip by Prasad Golla and John Blanton, titled "Skeptic Ink," is included. The comic depicts a conversation about "Creation Science" degrees and the Department of Education, with a humorous exchange about precedent and approval processes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of pseudoscientific claims, alternative medicine, and products with unsubstantiated marketing. The North Texas Skeptics organization positions itself as a proponent of scientific inquiry and evidence-based reasoning, encouraging the public to approach extraordinary claims with skepticism. The editorial stance is clearly against unverified claims and promotes critical thinking, as evidenced by the detailed debunking of various products and phenomena presented throughout the issue. The magazine also serves as a platform for promoting the organization's events and membership.