Phoenix Skeptics News - Vol 1 No 5 - 1988

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Phoenix Skeptics News, Volume 1, Issue 5, published in March/April 1988, is a bimonthly publication of the Phoenix Skeptics. It features articles on paranormal promoters, skeptical analysis of various claims, and organizational updates.

Important Announcements and Meetings

The April meeting was rescheduled to Friday, April 29, at 7 p.m. The February meeting featured Jeff Jacobson discussing Scientology and its cult nature, and the failures of attempts to test its scientific claims. Philip Klass, author of UFO books, lectured at ASU on March 5 about investigating UFO cases and seeking down-to-earth explanations. The March meeting featured Mike Stackpole, who discussed the claims of dangers associated with Dungeons and Dragons, concluding that attributed suicides were less than expected for the population segment.

The Organization Explained!

An explanation of the Phoenix Skeptics' organizational structure is provided, noting that it is organized similarly to CSICOP to prevent hostile takeovers. A disadvantage mentioned is that not all members have voting rights, which are reserved for 'Fellows' who petition for membership and are expected to contribute more time and effort.

Frank Baranowski: Promoter of the Paranormal

This article, written by Jim Lippard, reviews a talk given by Frank Baranowski, a Mesa hypnotist known for lecturing on paranormal subjects and performing past-life regressions. Baranowski began by denigrating science with the myth that scientists proved bumblebees can't fly. He discussed various phenomena, including a claim about Arizona State University journalism professor Walter Abel having a near-death experience, which Lippard investigated and found no record of such a professor at ASU. Baranowski also claimed a reputable source, Walter Uphoff, had recorded spirit voices on tape, which CSICOP had investigated and found to be motor noise. Regarding ghosts, Baranowski cited Elizabeth Rauscher as a top physicist who believes in ghosts, but Rauscher stated she researches electronics and has only a layman's interest in ghost-like phenomena, denying she is a top physicist. Baranowski promoted Richard Hoagland's book 'The Monuments of Mars,' calling Hoagland a genius and advisor to NASA, though Lippard found no mention of Harvard or NASA advisory roles in Hoagland's biography. Baranowski also claimed the Soviet Union was taking Hoagland's claims seriously for an upcoming Mars mission. The lecture included claims about Origen living '480 years after Jesus,' Baranowski and Kübler-Ross being priests in past lives, a 'time warp' experience while searching for the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine, and Thelma Moss being forced to resign due to studies on Valium and Darvon. Baranowski also presented a videotape about hypnotic regression, featuring Devone Stephenson, who claimed to be the reincarnation of her deceased sister, Arduce. The article notes that the show avoided scientific explanations and potential suggestion cues. Baranowski also distributed photocopies of past-life regression cases, including Gene Sutherland, who allegedly spoke Russian in his sleep, and Mary Pelzer, who overcame a fear of water through regression, though she reported speaking English with a European accent under hypnosis. The article concludes that Baranowski makes extraordinary claims without providing extraordinary proof.

Bibliography and Further Reading

A list of cited articles and books is provided, including works from 'Skeptical Inquirer,' 'Fate,' and 'Nature,' as well as personal communications and books by authors like Richard Hoagland and James Randi.

Book Review: The New Inquisition: Irrational Rationalism and the Citadel of Science

Jim Lippard reviews Robert Anton Wilson's book, which criticizes 'Fundamentalist Materialism' and advocates for 'liberal materialism.' Wilson targets the 'Citadel of Science' for its perceived intolerance. Lippard notes Wilson's work is marred by shoddy research, citing misrepresentations of articles and individuals like Mario Bunge and Gary Zukav. The review details Wilson's account of the 'Mars Effect' controversy, criticizing his distortion of the Zelen test and CSICOP's involvement. It also discusses Wilson's portrayal of the Columbus, Ohio poltergeist case and James Randi's involvement, again highlighting misrepresentations. Wilson's claims about Velikovsky's predictions are also examined, noting Wilson's omission of Velikovsky's incorrect predictions. Despite the criticisms of Wilson's scholarship, Lippard finds the book's message about avoiding dogmatism worthwhile and entertaining, but advises caution in accepting Wilson's explanations.

Robert Anton Wilson and the H.E.A.D. Revolution

Zak Woodruff reports on a lecture and seminar by Robert Anton Wilson. Wilson's lecture, 'The H.E.A.D. Revolution,' focused on Hedonic Engineering And Development, encouraging the expansion of perspectives and views of reality. Wilson's philosophy suggests that 'the only truth is that there are many truths.' Woodruff notes Wilson's tendency to use non-scientific sources and his entertaining approach. Wilson discussed parapsychological aspects of rabbits and synchronicity, using examples from King Arthur and Jimmy Carter, which Woodruff interprets as tongue-in-cheek. Wilson also shared opinions on religion and politics, expressing apathy towards politics and making critical remarks about figures like Reagan and Jesse Jackson. The presentation was described as enjoyable, though prone to tangents.

Editor's Ramblings

The editor apologizes for the lateness of recent newsletters and plans to improve timeliness. Ted Karren has started a 'phone tree' to inform members of upcoming events. The newsletter also recommends 'The Skeptical Inquirer' and 'Zetetic Scholar' publications. Contributions from members are encouraged.

Upcoming Meetings

Meetings are typically held on Saturdays at Jerry's restaurant in Tempe. A special meeting on April 29 will be a Friday night event at 7 p.m. featuring James Lowell speaking about Mexican cancer clinics and health fraud. The May 21 meeting is scheduled for the normal time and place, with speaker and topic to be announced.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Phoenix Skeptics News consistently promotes a skeptical approach to paranormal claims, emphasizing scientific investigation, logic, and critical thinking. The publication aims to debunk pseudoscience and misinformation, as exemplified by the detailed critiques of Frank Baranowski's paranormal claims and Robert Anton Wilson's sometimes questionable research methods. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rationalism and the scientific method, while acknowledging the entertainment value of some unconventional ideas, provided they are presented with appropriate caveats. The organization itself is structured to maintain its core principles against potential internal challenges.