Phoenix Skeptics News - Vol 1 No 1 - 1987

Magazine Overview

The Phoenix Skeptics News, Volume 1, Issue 1, published bimonthly in July/August 1987, is the inaugural issue of this publication from the Phoenix Skeptics organization. The magazine aims to be informative, featuring "feature" articles, tidbits, book reviews, and announcements of upcoming meetings and conferences. The organization is seeking suggestions for a newsletter name and welcomes contributions for feature articles or smaller items.

Welcome and Organizational Matters

The "Welcome!" section introduces the newsletter and its purpose. It also outlines the activities of the "July Meeting," an organizational meeting held on Saturday, July 25, which included advice from Ted Bluestein of the Tucson Skeptics. Attendees were asked about their interest in working on the newsletter, media relations, or investigations. The organization plans to establish a "Resource Library" to catalog information available in members' libraries, requesting details such as title, author, publisher, date, and a précis for books and magazines.

Feature Article: Cold Reading

The main feature article, "Cold Reading" by Jim Lippard, discusses the technique used by psychics and fortune tellers. It recounts an incident on May 27, 1987, where psychic David Newman gave seemingly accurate readings on a KTAR talk show. Newman later revealed his name as Bob Steiner, a professional magician and member of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal, who studies "this nonsense." The article explains that cold reading involves making assumptions about people's common problems and fears, and using observations of appearance, mannerisms, and speech to create the impression of paranormal insight. It details how readers build upon initial observations and use "fishing" techniques (phrasing statements as questions) to elicit more information. The article recommends several publications for further study on cold reading, including works by Kenneth Feder, Ray Hyman, James Randi, and Ronald A. Schwartz.

Local Radio Talk Show Features Psychics

A short section highlights a local talk radio program hosted by Frank Baranowski on KFYI Radio 910 AM, Saturdays from 7-10 pm, which often features psychics as guests. Listeners are encouraged to tune in to practice identifying cold reading techniques.

Modem Users Take Note

This section provides information for modem users, listing several Phoenix-area computer bulletin boards that host paranormal discussions, including "The Other Side," "Mistywood II," and "Black Castle." It also mentions the Skepticism SIG on Cleveland Free-Net.

Foes Turn Up Heat: Fire Walking

An article by Simon Fisher, "Foes turn up heat: Fire walking is not so hot, skeptics of seminars say," addresses self-help guru Anthony Robbins' seminars. Jim Lippard, chairman of the Phoenix Skeptics, argues that firewalking is not a mystical experience and does not require paying $125 or $495 to learn. He states that almost anyone can walk on hot coals barefooted. The Phoenix Skeptics distributed flyers explaining the physics of firewalking at a seminar, which reportedly caused dismay to Robbins' staff. Larry Prochazka, marketing executive for Robbins Research Institute, explained that firewalking requires mental control and is a "metaphor" for overcoming fears. He noted that Robbins has trained staff from the U.S. Army, Hughes, and AT&T. The article cites psychologist William McCarthy, who explains that coals are poor conductors of heat and the short contact time prevents burns. This section is reprinted from the Tempe (Ariz.) Daily News Tribune.

Postscript

Jim Lippard recounts the Phoenix Skeptics' experience distributing flyers at an Anthony Robbins seminar. They were asked to leave the property but continued distributing flyers to attendees. Larry Prochazka invited them to view the firewalking but later withdrew the invitation.

Book Reviews

This section notes that there are no book reviews in this issue but invites readers to submit their own reviews.

Local Conference on Health Fraud

Information is provided about an upcoming conference titled "The Great Pretenders: Health Fraud in the Market Place," hosted by the Arizona Public Health Association on September 16-18. Speakers include Victor Herbert, M.D., J.D., James Randi, James Lowell, Ph.D., and William Jarvis, Ph.D. The cost for the conference is detailed.

Upcoming Phoenix Skeptics Meetings

Details are given for upcoming meetings held at Jerry's Restaurant, 1750 N. Scottsdale Rd., Tempe, starting at 12:30 pm. The August 29 meeting features Professor Hans Sebald discussing "Which Witch is Which? Historical and Contemporary Observations of Witchcraft." The September 26 meeting will have Professor Charles Cazeau speaking on "Nostradamus: Prophet or Fraud?" Suggestions for future topics and speakers are welcomed.

Publication Information and Membership

The Phoenix Skeptics News is published bimonthly by the Phoenix Skeptics, with Jim Lippard as Chairman and Ron Harvey as Editor. The organization's goals are listed: to test paranormal claims scientifically, to serve as an information clearinghouse, and to promote critical thinking. The subscription rate is $10 per year. The publication details how to address correspondence and notes that CSICOP-recognized groups may reprint articles. A membership form is included, requesting contact information and areas of interest, with a $10/year fee for regular members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical thinking, scientific skepticism, and the debunking of pseudoscientific claims. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of applying scientific methodology and logic to investigate paranormal phenomena, self-help gurus, and claims of psychic abilities. The publication aims to educate its readers and encourage them to question extraordinary claims. The emphasis is on providing factual, scientific explanations and exposing techniques like cold reading and the perceived misinterpretations surrounding firewalking.