REALL News - Vol 01 No 11 - 1993

Magazine Overview

The REALL News, Volume 1, Number 11, December 1993, is the official newsletter of the Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL). This electronic version of the newsletter aims to promote rational thinking and the scientific method in examining paranormal and fringe-science claims. REALL is a non-profit organization based in central Illinois, committed to objective, critical inquiry.

In This Issue

This issue features several articles and columns:

• From the Editor -- Bob Ladendorf: Ladendorf reflects on REALL's first year of publishing monthly issues and thanks readers and supporters. He announces plans for a special 12-page anniversary issue in February 1994, which will include a full index of the first year's writings and new articles. He also reminds readers about membership renewal for Volume 2, which begins with the January 1994 issue.
• From the Chairman -- David Bloomberg: Bloomberg discusses the importance of membership renewals for REALL's continued operation and ability to engage in activities like outreaches, bringing in speakers, and pursuing non-profit status. He emphasizes the need for financial support and encourages members to consider becoming Patron members. He also highlights the effectiveness of gift subscriptions as a way to expand membership.
• A Nod to Our Patrons: The newsletter thanks patron members who have contributed $50 or more, listing Alan Burge, Wally Hartshorn, David Bloomberg, Bob Ladendorf, and others.
• The Five "Laws" of Quack Science -- Roy Auerbach: This article, summarized from remarks by Roy Auerbach, outlines characteristics that help identify quackery. These include claims that are "Think Big" (grandiose scope), "Think Difficult" (hard to verify), the "Rule of Paranoia" (scientist feels persecuted), and "No Criticism Allowed" (dissemination before peer review). It also notes the tendency for quack scientists to be "Lonely Heroes of the Laboratory."
• Pseudo-Science Terminology: Young vs. Old -- David Bloomberg: This piece begins a series discussing terms used in skeptical literature. It differentiates between young-earth and old-earth creationists, noting that while both reject evolution, they differ on the age of the earth. Bloomberg clarifies that believing in a creator God does not automatically make one a creationist and that REALL focuses on scientifically testable claims.
• REALLity Check -- David Bloomberg: This section covers several topics:
• College Campus Cults: It discusses reports from the Illinois Times and 20/20 about cults on college campuses, using the Champaign-Urbana Church of Christ as an example, and describes their recruitment tactics.
• Illinois Creationism: It commends the Illinois Times for its coverage of the evolution/creation debate in public schools, mentioning REALL member Professor Malcolm Levin and the positive reception from the National Center for Science Education. It also addresses a letter to the editor that equated evolution with a "godless religion."
• The Chicago Tribune reported (Oct. 9) that an Arizona psychologist lost his license to practice after he used exorcism as a "treatment" for a 10-year-old boy. The psychologist claimed the exorcism "cured" the boy, but the author suggests being away from abuse was the likely factor. The psychologist had a prior warning for using prayer as treatment.
• Dateline Does It Again: This segment critiques Dateline NBC's report on Dr. Kurt Donsbock, who allegedly sold a cancer cure in Mexico. Donsbock, a "graduate chiropractor" with a doctorate in naturopathy, was accused of using unproven therapies and selling supplements containing methamphetamine. His credentials and business practices were questioned.
• High Profile FMS: The article touches on False Memory Syndrome (FMS), noting recent Chicago Tribune coverage and the case of Cardinal Bernardin, who was accused of molestation that the accuser claimed to have recently remembered under therapy. The author expresses concern about the media's focus on high-profile cases and the potential for false accusations.

Skeptics Online

David Bloomberg operates The Temples of Syrinx BBS in Springfield, which hosts skeptic-related conferences, including FidoNet SKEPTIC, EVOLUTION, UFO, and ParaNet conferences, offering access to various skeptic text files.

Membership Form

The newsletter includes a membership form with options for Regular, Student, Family, and Patron memberships, as well as a subscription-only option and a trial/gift subscription. Contact information for REALL is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims, the importance of the scientific method, and the promotion of rational thinking. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based inquiry and critical examination of extraordinary claims, as exemplified by REALL's focus on debunking pseudoscience and promoting scientific literacy. The organization actively engages in educating the public and members on these topics.