REALL News - Vol 02 No 03 - 1994

Magazine Overview

The REALL News, Volume 2, Number 2, published in March 1994, is the official newsletter of the Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL). This electronic version aims to inform its readers about skeptical investigations into paranormal and fringe-science phenomena.

Purpose of REALL

The Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL) is a non-profit educational and scientific organization. Its mission is to foster rational thinking and apply the scientific method to claims concerning the paranormal and fringe sciences. REALL engages in research, convenes meetings, publishes this newsletter, and disseminates information to its members and the public, with a primary focus on central Illinois. The organization believes the scientific method is the most reliable path to knowledge and does not dismiss paranormal claims outright but commits to objective, critical inquiry.

In This Issue

The issue features several articles and columns:

• From the Editor - Bob Ladendorf: Discusses the Loch Ness Monster photo being exposed as a hoax, emphasizing that extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof. He also touches upon the Bernardin case retraction and the importance of confronting unscientific presentations without alienating audiences.
• From the Chairman - David Bloomberg: Highlights a successful presentation by Professor Malcolm Levin, increased membership, and personal experiences with pseudoscience in the media and from acquaintances. He also plugs the magazine "Skeptic" and provides information for reporting creationism in Illinois schools.
• On the Till-Hovind Debate - Prof. Karen E. Bartelt, Ph.D.: Details a debate between creationist Kent Hovind and skeptic Farrell Till regarding the Genesis flood story. The article critiques Hovind's arguments, including his use of a slide show, claims about human size and IQ, and assertions about the geologic column and Noah's Ark. Till's counterarguments focus on defining science, the seaworthiness of the ark, and the improbability of Hovind's claims.
• Another Psychic Encounter - Det. Bruce Walstad: Recounts an experience participating in a TV show panel discussing fortune telling. Walstad, representing the skeptical viewpoint, debated psychics and shared his experience with "cold reading" tactics and the show's format.
• REALLity Check - David Bloomberg: Addresses several topics:
• Unreliable Memories and Cardinal Bernardin: Discusses the dropping of sexual abuse charges against Cardinal Bernardin, attributing the accuser's claims to unreliable memories possibly influenced by hypnosis.
• FMS and Family Disaster: Summarizes an article about how False Memory Syndrome (FMS) can devastate families, using an example of a daughter's therapy leading to accusations of abuse against her father and mother.
• Recycled Prophecies: Critiques the television program "Ancient Prophecies" for its extensive disclaimer, suggesting it allowed for one-sided and unsubstantiated claims.
• Maharishi, Mozambique, & Medicine: Examines Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's plans in Mozambique, questioning the benefits for the country versus the personal gain for the Maharishi. It also touches on herbal "medicine" and the skepticism of doctors.
• Close Encounters of the FOX Kind A REALLity Check Extra - David Bloomberg: Critiques the FOX network's UFO show "UFO Encounters," labeling it as one of the worst UFO shows seen. It analyzes three featured cases (Carp, Puerto Rico, Long Island), asserting they are well-known hoaxes or lack credible evidence, citing opinions from UFOlogy experts.

REALL's Operations and Membership

The newsletter includes information about REALL's operations, including its P.O. Box address in Springfield, Illinois. It grants permission for other skeptic organizations to reprint articles, requesting credit and copies of the publications. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily REALL. A section thanks patron members for their support and provides a membership form with various subscription options.

Skeptics Online

Readers with computers and modems are encouraged to participate in online skeptic message areas, specifically mentioning "The Temples of Syrinx" BBS in Springfield, which hosts FidoNet SKEPTIC, EVOLUTION, and UFO conferences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards paranormal claims, the importance of scientific methodology, the debunking of hoaxes, and the critical examination of pseudoscientific topics like creationism, psychic phenomena, and UFOlogy. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rational thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and a critical approach to extraordinary claims, as exemplified by the organization's name and its content.