REALL News - Vol 02 No 01 - 1994

Magazine Overview

The REALL News, Volume 2, Number 1, published in January 1994, is the official newsletter of the Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL). This issue marks the completion of REALL's first year of publication. The organization is described as a non-profit educational and scientific entity focused on developing rational thinking and applying the scientific method to claims of the paranormal and fringe science. REALL's primary geographic region of coverage is central Illinois. The newsletter emphasizes its commitment to objective, critical inquiry and does not reject paranormal claims outright.

In This Issue

This issue features several articles and columns:

• From the Editor -- Bob Ladendorf: Ladendorf thanks patrons and subscribers, reflecting on the past year and looking ahead to 1994. He anticipates an intensification of the debate over false memories, particularly in relation to child abuse charges, and notes the disturbing potential for abuse and false accusations. He also comments on the Bay Area Skeptics' analysis of psychic predictions, finding them generally vague and inaccurate. Ladendorf quotes James Callaghan: "A lie can be half-way around the world before truth has got its boots on."

• From the Chairman -- David Bloomberg: Bloomberg wishes readers a Happy New Year and expresses skepticism about end-of-the-world predictions. He humorously predicts that the Cubs will not win the World Series, he will not win the lottery, California will not slide off into the ocean, President Clinton will not be abducted by aliens, and Ross Perot probably will be. He outlines hopes for REALL in 1994, including diverse speakers at meetings (creation/evolution, psychic detectives), membership growth, increased activity in distributing facts to the media, and consistent production of a high-quality newsletter.

• Noah's Ark Hoax Update -- David Bloomberg: This special report updates readers on the controversy surrounding the CBS program "The Incredible Discovery of Noah's Ark." It details how George Jammal, a key figure in the show, admitted his story was a hoax. The report covers the initial denial by Sun International Pictures and CBS, the subsequent admission by Jammal, and the impact on Sun's operations, including staff layoffs and potential cancellation of UFO-related programming. David Balsiger, Sun's former chief researcher, discusses the stringent research guidelines that were implemented but found to be not worth the effort, leading to Sun's withdrawal from network TV projects. The article notes that no legal action has been taken, and Balsiger now suggests a disclaimer on such shows would have been beneficial. Jammal's stated motive was to expose faulty research by organizations like the Institute for Creation Research.

• Child Abuse or Science Abuse?: This section title appears at the end of the Noah's Ark article, suggesting a continuation of the theme.

• A REALLity Check Extra -- David Bloomberg: This section focuses on False Memory Syndrome (FMS), noting its prominence in media attention. It discusses the case of Elizabeth Carlson, who is suing her therapist for allegedly implanting false memories. Bloomberg expresses skepticism about the accuracy of repressed memories, citing experiments showing false memories can be implanted and the potential for abuse claims to become "witch hunts." He argues that scientific evidence, not biased therapists, should guide public policy on memory repression.

• REALLity Check -- David Bloomberg: This column touches on several topics. It mentions FMS again, noting its media impact. It then discusses a study from the Journal of Abnormal Psychology on UFO sighters, which found they interpret reality differently but are not lacking in intelligence or mental stability. The article critiques the UFOlogical community's selective interpretation of these findings. It also recounts a story of two women in Virginia claiming alien abductions, highlighting the use of hypnosis and leading questions.

• Alternative Medicine: The newsletter critiques various alternative medicine practices, including "alternative veterinarianism" (acupuncture for cats, homeopathy for dogs). It references a Chicago Tribune article and quotes a skeptic, Dr. Larry Fox, who states homeopathy has no scientific basis. The article also notes upcoming FDA regulations requiring prior approval for health claims made by dietary supplement manufacturers.

• Cold Fusion, Alchemy, and Other Mix-Ups: This section reports on a controversy at Texas A&M University involving Professor John Bockris, who supported the Pons and Fleischman cold fusion results. An internal review criticized a "breakdown of scientific objectivity." The article details how Joe Champion, claiming he could transmute metals, offered a significant investment to the university for research, which was later revealed to be part of a fraudulent scheme. Champion was jailed, and the investor was charged with securities fraud. Bockris still believes chemical transmutation is possible.

• Because They Don't Know the Words: This article discusses the "Taos Hum," a mysterious humming noise heard by some residents in Taos, New Mexico. It mentions claims of UFO activity and secret government experiments, but also notes theories involving tectonic plates or the inner ear. The article critiques a Congressman's speculation about secret weapons projects causing the hum.

Indexes and Online Resources

The issue includes a comprehensive Subject Index and Author Index for REALL's 1993 publications, covering a wide range of topics from "Alien Abductions" to "UFOs" and specific authors like David Bloomberg and Bob Ladendorf. It also promotes participation in skeptic message areas on computer BBS networks, specifically mentioning "The Temples of Syrinx" in Springfield, Illinois, operated by David Bloomberg, which hosts FidoNet SKEPTIC, EVOLUTION, and UFO conferences.

Membership Information

A membership form is provided, outlining various membership levels (Regular, Student, Family, Patron) and a subscription-only option, with prices listed for annual memberships. The address for REALL in Springfield, IL, is included for mail-in applications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism, the importance of the scientific method, and critical examination of claims related to the paranormal, pseudoscience, and controversial topics like false memories and UFOs. The editorial stance, as articulated by both the editor and chairman, is one of rational inquiry, a rejection of unsubstantiated claims, and a commitment to presenting evidence-based information. The newsletter actively debunks hoaxes and critiques what it perceives as unscientific or pseudoscientific reporting in popular media.