REALL News - Vol 01 No 08 - 1993

Magazine Overview

Title: The REALL News
Issue: Volume 1, Number 8
Date: September 1993
Publisher: Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL)

This issue of The REALL News, the official newsletter of the Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL), focuses on media criticism, particularly concerning documentaries presented by Sun International Pictures, Inc. REALL is a non-profit educational and scientific organization dedicated to rational thinking and the application of the scientific method to paranormal and fringe science claims. The organization does not reject paranormal claims outright but is committed to objective, critical inquiry. The primary geographic region of coverage for REALL is central Illinois.

In This Issue

The issue features several articles, including "From the Editor" by Bob Ladendorf, "From the Chairman" by David Bloomberg, and a "Special Report" titled "Incredible Mysteries of Sun Pictures" also by David Bloomberg. Other sections include "Predicting the Lottery" by David Bloomberg, "REALLity Check" by David Bloomberg, and a letter from Farrell Till to CBS regarding their documentary programming.

Editor's Note and Chairman's Column

Bob Ladendorf, the Newsletter Editor, notes that this expanded issue features David Bloomberg's extensive examination of the controversy surrounding CBS's purported documentaries on biblical mysteries. Ladendorf emphasizes REALL's interest in claims that can be scientifically examined and its role as a forum for evaluating media productions, warning about the manipulative potential of filmmakers.

David Bloomberg, the Chairman, humorously opens his column with a sitcom theme reference. He thanks Robert McGrath for a successful presentation in Springfield and highlights REALL's ongoing need for speakers. He also announces an upcoming roundtable discussion on media treatments of fringe-science and paranormal issues, and provides details on book sales and a postponed September meeting.

Special Report: Incredible Mysteries of Sun Pictures

David Bloomberg's special report delves into the practices of Sun International Pictures, Inc., which produced several CBS specials biased towards pro-literalism and pro-creationism. REALL had previously reported on two such shows, "The Incredible Discovery of Noah's Ark" and "Ancient Secrets of the Bible, Part II." New information suggests that George Jammal, a key figure in the Noah's Ark show, may have fabricated his story to expose Sun's shoddy research, allegedly with the help of Dr. Gerald Larue. Jammal claimed to have found the Ark on Mt. Ararat but lost all evidence except a piece of wood when his companion died in a landslide.

Sun Pictures responded with a six-page defense, questioning Dr. Larue's motives and defending their research. They presented testimony from psychiatrist Dr. Paul Meier, who found Jammal's account "totally believable" and noted his emotional display, despite also calling him a "perfectionist performer." Sun also claimed to have analyzed a map Jammal provided, stating it could only have been drawn by someone with experience in the mountain. However, Sun admitted they did not know if the piece of wood was authentic, claiming it was not their practice to test artifacts, yet also stating they didn't have time to test it for a deadline.

Dr. Larue, a professor emeritus of biblical history and archaeology, stated that he felt "set up as a straw man" in a previous Sun production. His background includes work with organizations critical of religious claims. Sun's response implies his claims are suspect due to his secular humanist views and criticism of Sun.

Regarding the research, Meier admitted he only studied Jammal from tapes and did not know him personally. Sun's defense of their research is questioned, especially since Meier's assessment of Jammal as a "perfectionist performer" could explain his emotional display without validating the story.

Sun's defense of their research is further scrutinized. They claim to have analyzed Jammal's map, but did not explain why it indicated experience with the mountain. Regarding the piece of wood, Sun admitted they didn't know if it was authentic, stating it wasn't their practice to test artifacts, but then claimed they didn't have time to test it. Sun's explanation that their shows are "entertainment" is contrasted with their claims of conducting research.

Sun maintains that Jammal's account is factual unless he admits to an elaborate hoax or third-party evidence substantiates Larue's claims. Jammal himself refused to comment, citing legal advice. Larue asserts that Jammal was coached to expose Sun's hoax and that the entire CBS program was a hoax, not a discovery or documentary.

Farrell Till, editor of The Skeptical Review, also criticized Sun's methodology, recounting his own experience where his contributions were heavily edited or replaced, and his arguments were misrepresented. David Balsiger, Sun's Chief Researcher, admitted that their shows are "scripted" and that editing is necessary to fit time constraints, but claimed experts have liberty. However, he also stated that interviewees' pieces might be shortened or edited, and factors like gender ratios can influence inclusion.

Larue stated that Jammal never went to Mt. Ararat and was coached by Larue to expose Sun's "hoax." Larue described the show's title and premise as lies, stating it was presented as entertainment only after the fact.

Balsiger clarified that Sun's shows are contracted under the entertainment division, not news or documentary, and are considered "reality TV." He stated they are forbidden from creating news. He mentioned upcoming Sun shows on CBS, including "Ancient Mysteries of the World" and a UFO program, raising questions about CBS's earlier denial of future Sun programs.

CBS Documentary Controversy: Farrell Till's Letter to CBS

Farrell Till, writing to CBS, protested the broadcast of fundamentalist programs like "The Incredible Discovery of Noah's Ark" and "Ancient Secrets of the Bible" as documentaries. Till, who appeared as a critic in the latter, felt he was promised the ability to write his own script but found his contributions heavily edited or replaced by superficial statements. He criticized the shallowness of the critics' segments and the use of a psychology professor to read a prepared script, questioning her qualifications to critique biblical issues. Till argued that such programs, intended to promote biblical fundamentalism, should be presented as movies, not documentaries, to avoid misleading the public.

Predicting the Lottery

David Bloomberg provides a step-by-step guide on how a self-proclaimed psychic might bilk people by predicting lottery numbers. The method involves offering free publicity through media interviews, picking numbers with the caveat that order doesn't matter and they might not hit for weeks, and then offering paid private readings. The guide explains how to manipulate the perception of success by stretching the timeframe and claiming credit for any hits, even if they were coincidental or the result of multiple readings.

REALLity Check

This section covers various topics. REALL was mentioned in The State Journal-Register for an article about Robert McGrath's presentation. "Alternative medicine" is discussed, with a mention of the newly established Office of Alternative Medicine under the National Institutes of Health. David Bloomberg's letter to the editor on this topic is noted. The issue also touches on the creationism debate in Vista, California, where a school board's resolution to present "scientific evidence that challenges any theory in science" is seen as a way to introduce creationism. The unconstitutionality of teaching creationism as science is highlighted. The section also mentions a pagan school proposal in California and the controversial concept of False Memory Syndrome, citing a lawsuit and the American Medical Association's concerns about memory enhancement techniques.

Further items include a case involving a fortune teller, Ruby Stevens, charged with theft for allegedly promising to remove a curse for money. The judge denied a motion to dismiss, questioning the "reasonable belief" of the claims. The new Fox show "The X-Files" is introduced, described as a pro-UFO drama with a conspiracy theme, and the possibility of it preparing the public for alien contact is mentioned.

A Nod to our Patrons

REALL expresses gratitude to its patron members for their financial support, which enables the organization to grow. Patron members are those who donate $50 or more.

Book Sales and Future Issues

REALL is offering a 20% discount on books from Prometheus Books. An order will be placed once a minimum of 10 books is reached. Future issues are planned to cover topics such as current research updates on paranormal/fringe science activities, paranormal beliefs in medieval times, the end of the world, using computer bulletin boards for skeptical information, and an introduction to Susan Blackmore.

Skeptics Online

The newsletter encourages readers to participate in skeptic message areas on computer BBS networks. David Bloomberg operates "The Temples of Syrinx" BBS in Springfield, which hosts various skeptical conferences and message areas.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around media criticism, the scientific evaluation of extraordinary claims, the promotion of rational thinking, and the debunking of pseudoscience and misinformation. REALL's editorial stance is clearly skeptical, advocating for rigorous scientific methodology and critical analysis of claims, particularly those presented in popular media. The newsletter actively engages with issues such as the presentation of creationism in schools, the validity of alternative medicine, and the potential for media to mislead the public. The emphasis is on evidence-based reasoning and the importance of distinguishing between entertainment and factual reporting.

This document is a membership form for The REALL News, Volume 1, Number 8, published in 1993. It details the various membership options and benefits available to subscribers and members.

Membership Options and Benefits

The form outlines several tiers of membership:

• Regular Membership: Includes The REALL News and all associated membership benefits. This option costs $20 per year.
• Student Membership: Available to full-time students at a discounted rate of $15 per year.
• Family Membership: Priced at $30 per year.
• Patron Membership: For those who wish to contribute more, this membership costs $50 or more per year. It includes all benefits of a regular membership, a listing in The REALL News, and "eternal gratitude" (defined as one year).
• Subscription Only: For individuals who only wish to receive The REALL News without other membership benefits, the cost is $12 per year.
• Trial or Gift Subscription: A special offer for $3 for 3 issues.

The form provides fields for the applicant's Name, Address, City, State, ZIP, Phone number, and Interests. It also specifies that a subscription to The REALL News is available without full membership, and that full-time students can join at a discounted rate.

Contact Information

Interested individuals are instructed to bring their completed form to a meeting or mail it to:

REALL
P.O. Box 20302
Springfield, IL 62708

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The document's primary focus is on soliciting new members and subscribers for The REALL News. It emphasizes the value of membership, offering different levels to accommodate various interests and contribution capacities. The publication appears to be community-oriented, as indicated by the mention of bringing forms to meetings and the inclusion of a family membership option. The editorial stance, as presented through this form, is welcoming and aims to foster a sense of community and gratitude among its supporters.