Phoenix Skeptics News - Vol 1 No 6 - 1988

Magazine Overview

Title: The Phoenix Skeptics News
Issue: Volume 1, Issue 6
Date: May/June 1988
Publisher: Phoenix Skeptics
Type: Bimonthly publication of the Phoenix Skeptics.

Meetings and Events

April Meeting James Lowell of the Tucson Skeptics presented an eye-opening talk on Mexican cancer clinics, detailing integrated metabolic therapy, blood crystallization, hair analysis, iridology, laetrile, and megavitamins. The meeting also included a business session where Mike Stackpole was unanimously voted a Fellow.

May Meeting Jim Lippard spoke on psychic detectives and his research into local cases, with a related article in this issue.

Press Coverage The Phoenix Skeptics received media attention in May, particularly regarding revelations of Nancy Reagan's use of astrology. Jim Lippard and Mike Stackpole appeared on KTAR and KFYI, respectively. Lippard provided commentary, and Stackpole debated an astrologer. Jim Lippard was quoted in an Arizona Republic article by Holly Remy, and another article by Charles Kelly in The Republic contained quotes from Hans Sebald. The organization also issued letters requesting disclaimers for daily horoscope columns. Hans Sebald's article, "On the Distinction Between Nonbelief and Disbelief," was reprinted from a previous issue.

Turin Shroud Update By Jim Lippard Samples of the Shroud of Turin were sent for radiocarbon dating to three labs, along with dummy samples. Dr. Michael Tite of the British Museum noted that the linen's herringbone weave might give away the shroud sample. Professor Paul Damon of the University of Arizona stated that the shroud sample is easily distinguishable from control samples but expects accurate dating. Results were anticipated by the end of the year.

Dr. Stranges Lives Up to His Name By Mike Stackpole This article critiques a lecture by Dr. Frank Stranges on government conspiracy to cover up UFOs and his alleged meeting with "Valiant Thor" from Venus. Stackpole attended the lecture, estimating 150-200 attendees and a $5 donation. Stranges sold his books at a reduced price. The lecture included claims of UFO research referrals from the NSA and CIA, an account of Dwight Eisenhower's encounter with a UFO in 1953-54 at Edwards AFB, and a description of a 30' diameter alien craft. Stranges claimed the craft dematerialized and caused Eisenhower's heart attack. He also discussed alien abductions and suggested aliens are "Godly messengers." Following an intermission, Stranges recounted meeting Valiant Thor at the Pentagon, who knew his name and showed him an advanced "space suit." Stranges claimed Valiant Thor and others lived in the interior of Venus. He also asserted he was the source for Erich von Daniken's work and that there is UFO research at the UN. Stranges used a technique involving auras to validate claims of telepathic abilities and healing powers. The lecture concluded with an "olde-timey religious revival" theme. Stackpole notes that Stranges' case relies on anecdotal evidence and that he has a history of promising appearances by celebrities that are later canceled. A significant point of credibility loss is Stranges' 1972 conviction for possession of marijuana with intent to traffic.

Near-Death Experiences and TV By Jim Lippard This section discusses a TV series on Channel 12 (KPNX) titled "Beyond and Back" which focused on near-death experiences (NDEs). Lippard wrote a letter to the producer, Julie Frisoni, protesting the series' "biased and inaccurate coverage" and outlining seven points of complaint. These included the series' implication that NDEs prove survival of death, the inaccuracy of claims that NDEs are universally similar across cultures, the flawed argument that NDEs are not hallucinations because they have lasting effects, the assertion that NDEs feel "real," the assumption that NDEs involve soul separation, the underestimation of existing research on NDEs, and the exclusion of conclusions from researchers like Bruce Greyson that NDEs are amenable to psychological explanation.

Frisoni responded point-by-point, defending the series' coverage. She argued that NDE subjects had indeed "died" according to Harvard Law School definitions, that the basic experiences are similar but interpretations are cultural, and that the distinction between hallucinations and NDEs was made by a doctor. She denied claiming NDEs involved soul separation but acknowledged the series put forth that hypothesis. Regarding research, she stated that many doctors and researchers had ignored the topic. Frisoni also stated that Bruce Greyson was the only skeptic willing to speak critically on camera, and that she searched for critics for months.

An Artistic 'Phenom' By Ted Karren This article describes a performance by Luis Gasparetto, a Brazilian visitor who claimed to channel Picasso and other artists. Gasparetto offered a channeling class for $70. The author attended a teaser performance where Gasparetto painted using both hands and feet while in a trance. The author questions the phenomenon, noting that the paintings were to be sold and that the performance was lengthy, suggesting it was to produce more paintings. Karren concludes that Gasparetto did not prove anything, as modern artists could do the same without channeling, and suggests a background check and comparative analysis of the art are needed.

Psychic Detectives By Jim Lippard This article critically examines the claims of "psychic detectives" or "psychic sleuths." Lippard first addresses claim (a) of possessing psychic powers and claim (b) of successfully assisting police. He debunks Jeane Dixon's prediction of JFK's assassination, noting she made multiple predictions and changed her mind about the 1960 election. Studies on Dixon's predictions show no evidence of precognitive ability. The article then turns to claim (b), citing several cases where psychic detectives allegedly helped solve crimes. Lippard argues that these cases are often misrepresented or fraudulent. Examples include Gerard Croiset's prediction about a missing child in Eindhoven, Peter Hurkos' involvement in arson cases in Nijmegen, Dorothy Allison's alleged identification of "Williams" in the Atlanta murders (disputed by police), Greta Alexander's involvement in unsolved murders and a disappearance, and Jonathan Chris's claims of aiding the Tempe Police Department in the Christy Fornoff case (denied by police).

Lippard highlights that psychic detectives often work for free, which he attributes to publicity that attracts more clients and allows for higher fees. He cites studies showing police departments rarely consult psychics, and when they do, they report little or no substantial help. A 1978 study by Martin Reiser found psychics no better than students at guessing. A 1984 report from the Center for Scientific Anomalies Research (CSAR) supported skepticism. A survey of police investigators in England and Wales found that information supplied by psychics did not assist in solving crimes and was often irrelevant or inaccurate. The article also details the financial cost of using psychics in investigations, citing an example of the Sarah Jayne Harper case where an estimated £34,000 was spent.

The article concludes that psychic detectives are not as effective as claimed and can create an appearance of accuracy by selectively editing facts and ignoring failures. It notes that police departments continue to use psychics, with Pomona, California, having a written policy. Articles in law enforcement publications uncritically describe the use of psychics. The article also mentions psychics branching into the legal system, such as influencing jury duty and aiding in defense cases.

Bibliography and Further Reading This section lists several books and articles related to near-death experiences and paranormal phenomena, including works by James E. Alcock, Barry L. Beyerstein, Susan J. Blackmore, Julie Frisoni, Gerd H. Hövelmann, Jim Lippard, Ronald K. Siegel, and Peter Stafford.

Editor's Ramblings The editor welcomes new readers and suggests a name change for the newsletter to reflect its statewide or Phoenix-Tucson scope. The newsletter has grown over the past year, with smaller type and margins to manage mailing costs. Westercon, an annual science fiction convention, will be held in Phoenix, featuring panel discussions on astrology and channeling by Phoenix Skeptics members.

TUSKS Tips By Ken Morse This section announces a joint newsletter with the Phoenix Skeptics and plans for future public meetings. A TUSKS board meeting confirmed the action and set plans for the next season's public meetings, with the fall schedule to be published in September.

TUSKURRENCES Several members responded to media requests regarding "Nancy Nonsense." Ken Morse gave a television presentation critiquing "psi" presenters. Members are encouraged to engage critically with pseudoscience and make public statements as individuals unless officially endorsed by TUSKS.

Upcoming Meetings Phoenix Skeptics meetings are held on Saturdays near the end of the month at Jerry's restaurant in Tempe. The June 25 meeting will feature a demonstration of psychic powers. The July 23 meeting will feature Anita O'Riordan discussing scams against the elderly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards paranormal claims, critical analysis of UFO reports, the ineffectiveness of psychic detectives, and the scientific examination of phenomena like near-death experiences and channeling. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific inquiry, logic, and critical thinking, aiming to debunk pseudoscience and promote a rational understanding of the world. The publication actively seeks to counter misinformation and encourages its readers to do the same.