REALL News - Vol 01 No 06 - 1993

Magazine Overview

Title: The REALL News
Issue: Volume 1, Number 6
Date: July 1993
Publisher: Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL)
Focus: Skeptical examination of paranormal and fringe science phenomena.

In This Issue

This issue of The REALL News, the official newsletter of the Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL), presents a variety of articles and commentary from a skeptical viewpoint. The newsletter aims to promote rational thinking and the application of the scientific method to claims of the paranormal and fringe science.

Articles and Features

The Alien "Booger" Menace

Authored by Martin Kottmeyer, this article critically examines the phenomenon of alleged alien nasal implants reported by abductees. Kottmeyer suggests that these claims may stem from a misinterpretation of past medical procedures, particularly sinus treatments, and a cultural reworking of these fears within the context of hypnotic regression. He analyzes how such ideas might propagate through anecdotal accounts and media portrayals, drawing parallels to fictional depictions of implants. The article highlights the implausibility of such procedures from a medical standpoint, noting the septic nature of nasal passages and the lack of surgical precedent for such interventions. Kottmeyer points to the case of Sandra Larson and Betty Andreasson as examples where prior medical experiences might have been reinterpreted as alien operations during hypnosis.

REALLity Check: Noah's Ark Hoax

David Bloomberg, in his "REALLity Check" column, debunks a Creationist documentary aired by CBS titled "The Incredible Discovery of Noah's Ark." Bloomberg, referencing a Time magazine article, reveals that the documentary was a propaganda vehicle for creationists and contained factual inaccuracies, conjecture, and fantasy. The piece highlights how a skeptic, Gerald Larue, exposed the shoddy research by Sun International, the production company. Larue demonstrated that a piece of wood presented as part of Noah's Ark was actually contemporary pine soaked in juices and baked in an oven. Despite the lack of scientific testing, CBS aired the program, which was defended as an "entertainment special" rather than a documentary.

Ball Lightning

The "Weather Watch" section in Discover magazine, as noted in the newsletter, discusses ball lightning. A theory proposed by David Turner of the University of Bristol suggests ball lightning is a "glowing, grapefruit-sized sphere" that acts as a "floating, self-sustaining chemical reactor" involving plasma, steam, nitrites, and nitrates. This phenomenon is often reported in conjunction with UFO sightings.

Vitamins or "Alternative Medicine"?

This section questions whether many "vitamin supplements" are essentially alternative medicine under a different guise. Citing a Newsweek article, the author points out that the vitamin industry is largely unmonitored, and the FDA's potential regulation is met with resistance. The article notes that L-tryptophan, a dietary supplement, has been linked to deaths and illnesses, suggesting potential risks. It also critiques the argument that health claims should be allowed if any data supports them, arguing this undermines the scientific method, a hallmark of alternative medicine.

Pennies and Bacon and Warts, Oh My!

This brief segment touches upon Ann Landers's column, where she published letters suggesting "simple" or "magical" ways to get rid of warts. The suggestions included rubbing warts with bacon and tossing it over one's shoulder, taking megadoses of vitamin C, rubbing warts with pennies and giving them to a beggar, or using a raw potato. The author finds these suggestions unscientific and inappropriate.

The Theory of Dark Suckers

Presented as a "light side" piece, this article humorously explores a pseudoscientific theory that "dark is sucked into the bulb" of electric lights, making dark heavier and faster than light. It provides examples such as electric bulbs, candles, and the observation of dark settling at the bottom of bodies of water to support its claims. The theory is attributed to an unknown author and reprinted from the Arkansas Rockhound News.

Board Member Self-Portraits

Brief biographical sketches are provided for new members of the REALL Board of Directors: Ronald P. Larkin (Wildlife Ecologist), Steve Egger (Professor of Criminal Justice), Frank Mazo (Forklift Operator), and Kevin Brown (Illinois State Police). These profiles highlight their backgrounds, interests, and professional expertise, often with a connection to skepticism or critical analysis of paranormal claims.

Call for Articles & Clippings

REALL encourages its members to submit articles, newspaper clippings, and letters to the editor to contribute to the newsletter and foster discussion within the organization.

No-Back Back Page

Martin Kottmeyer revisits the observation that the alien in the Carl Higdon abduction case reportedly had no visible back. Kottmeyer compares this to ancient fairylore and suggests it might be influenced by the movie "The Astounding She-Monster" (1958), where an alien's costume was damaged, forcing it to move backward.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The REALL News consistently promotes a skeptical and evidence-based approach to paranormal and fringe science claims. The organization, REALL, is dedicated to rational thinking and the scientific method. The editorial stance is critical of pseudoscience, media sensationalism, and unsubstantiated claims, while encouraging objective inquiry. Themes recurring in this issue include the critical analysis of UFO abduction accounts, the debunking of hoaxes presented as fact, and the examination of pseudoscientific practices like alternative medicine. The newsletter also serves as a platform for its members to share their perspectives and engage in critical discussion.