REALL News - Vol 02 No 04 - 1994

Magazine Overview

Title: The REALL News
Issue: Volume 2, Number 4
Date: April 1994
Publisher: Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL)
Focus: Skepticism, critical thinking, and the scientific examination of paranormal and fringe science claims.

From the Editor -- Bob Ladendorf

Bob Ladendorf opens the issue by referencing a childhood toy submarine, drawing a parallel to the alleged confession by Christian Spurling that the famous 1934 Loch Ness Monster photograph was a hoax, constructed from a toy submarine and cement. Ladendorf acknowledges Spurling's deathbed confession but, like the REALL chairman, emphasizes that such confessions do not constitute proof without corroborating evidence. He highlights the problem of anecdotal oral history and the need for corroboration. Ladendorf also points to recent scientific studies suggesting that Loch Ness could not support a large creature due to insufficient food supply. He then directs readers to Det. Bruce Walstad's survey on the police use of psychics, noting that the results indicate more usage than previously reported and anticipating an ongoing debate on the topic.

From the Chairman -- David Bloomberg

David Bloomberg begins by directing attention to a flyer (not included in this electronic version) for a presentation by Ranse Traxler on Creationist Activities in Illinois Public Schools. This event is noted as REALL's first Champaign-Urbana event. Bloomberg also offers to arrange carpooling for Springfield-area members. He then discusses the significant presence of the Institute for Creation Research (ICR) in Illinois during March and April, with events scheduled in Chicago and Morton, and a debate at SIU-Edwardsville. He mentions that James "The Amazing" Randi was scheduled to be in St. Louis on the same day as a Morton ICR workshop, noting the conflict in scheduling and the likely preference of most people for Randi's event. Bloomberg also looks ahead to May, which will include REALL's second annual elections meeting, to be accompanied by a video presentation. He solicits input on video choices, which range from false memories to anti-evolutionary content, and encourages members interested in becoming officers to make their interest known and attend the May meeting.

Special Report: Police Use of Psychics

By Det. Bruce Walstad

Detective Bruce Walstad presents the results of a questionnaire he conducted throughout 1993 to investigate the police use of psychics. He notes the prevalence of media stories portraying psychics as effective crime solvers, which can create a false impression of their widespread success. Walstad states that in his eight years of research, he has found no hard evidence of psychics helping police solve crimes. The survey questioned 270 police officers from 14 states, with 263 usable responses. The officers represented departments of various sizes, from 2 to 12,000 sworn personnel.

Key findings from the survey include:

• Personal Use: 35.75% of officers indicated they would personally use a psychic in an investigation, while 62.75% said no.
• Departmental Use: Only 5.5% of departments were known to currently use psychics, with 69.5% not using them and 25% unknown.
• Past Use: 23% of departments had used psychics in past investigations, 40.5% had not, and 36.5% were unknown.
• Frequency of Use: When used, departments reported using psychics one time (30 instances), two times (18), three times (8), four times (3), or five times (4).
• Case Types: Psychics were most often involved in homicide (52%) and missing person cases (40.5%).
• Involvement Method: Psychics were called in by an officer (41%), by family (20%), or volunteered themselves (34%).
• Usefulness of Information: Only 13.5% of respondents felt the information given by a psychic was useful, while 50% said it was not useful, and 36.5% were unsure.
• Case Solved Without Psychic: 51% believed the case could have been solved without the psychic's assistance, and 0% believed it could not.

Walstad notes that command personnel were more skeptical than other ranks. He also identifies potential limitations of the survey, including insufficient participants in certain categories and the possibility that patrol officers may not be privy to all investigation procedures or departmental history.

REALLity Check

By David Bloomberg

David Bloomberg addresses the recent news that the 1934 Loch Ness Monster photograph may be a hoax, as confessed by Christian Spurling shortly before his death. Bloomberg expresses skepticism about relying solely on deathbed confessions without further substantiation, especially when the report comes months after the alleged event. He mentions that REALL's Nessie expert, Robert McGrath, is investigating the claim, with a further report expected next month. He also briefly touches on the question of whether the hoax is the claim itself or the confession.

Memories and the Law

This section discusses recent articles from the State Journal-Register concerning false memories. It highlights that the American Medical Association and American Psychiatric Association have cautioned against techniques that may induce false memories. The article notes that state lawmakers are considering restoring a "cap" on the time allowed before filing abuse charges, a measure removed the previous year, in light of cases where the quality of evidence has been questioned. It also points out that some supporters of the cap's repeal are now reconsidering their stance, with one representative blaming the "right wing" for the repeal effort, while the author suggests they may have previously lacked understanding of "repressed memories."

What's That Smell?

This segment reviews a Chicago Tribune article on aromatherapy. The article covered various aspects, including medical claims, the use of scents for productivity, and supposed skepticism among users. A researcher quoted in the article stated, "We don't have any proof of medical gains from aromatherapy." While acknowledging that fragrance might not cause harm, the researcher cautioned that relying on aromatherapy for cures could prevent individuals from seeking proven medical treatments, making it harmful. The author of this section aligns this sentiment with the general skeptical stance on "alternative" treatments.

Book Capsules

Two book reviews are provided by David Bloomberg:

• Flim-Flam by James "The Amazing" Randi (Prometheus Books, 1982): Randi's book is described as investigating paranormal beliefs and detailing how simple research can debunk such claims. It is recommended for those new to skepticism.
• The Hundredth Monkey and Other Paradigms of the Paranormal (Kendrick Frazier, Ed., Prometheus Books, 1991): This collection of articles from Skeptical Inquirer covers various paranormal topics, including astrology, crashed-saucer claims, and medical controversies, and is considered a useful resource.

A Nod to Our Patrons

REALL expresses gratitude to its patron members, who provide financial support. A list of patron members is provided, including David Bloomberg, John Lockard, Jr., David Brown, Alan Burge, D.D.S., Edward Staehlin, Wally Hartshorn, Ranse Traxler, and Bob Ladendorf.

Letters to the Editor

The newsletter encourages members to submit letters to the editor for publication, noting that they may be edited for length and must include name, address, and phone number.

Predictions for Future Issues

Upcoming topics mentioned include a Susan Blackmore book review, an examination of "Looking into the Sun -- and other tabloids," "Artificial Alien Insemination," and "The Baby Train."

Skeptics Online

Information is provided for accessing skeptic message areas on computer BBS networks, specifically mentioning "The Temples of Syrinx" in Springfield, operated by David Bloomberg. This BBS hosts FidoNet SKEPTIC, EVOLUTION, and UFO conferences, as well as ParaNet conferences, and offers various text files on related topics.

Membership Form

A membership form is included, detailing options for regular membership, student membership, family membership, patron membership, subscription only, and trial/gift subscriptions, along with pricing and mailing instructions to REALL in Springfield, IL.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The REALL News consistently promotes a skeptical and critical approach to claims, particularly those related to the paranormal and fringe sciences. The organization firmly advocates for the scientific method as the primary means of acquiring knowledge. While not outright rejecting paranormal claims, REALL insists on objective inquiry and evidence-based reasoning. The newsletter serves as a platform for disseminating research, discussing controversial topics from a rational perspective, and informing its members about relevant events and organizations within the skeptical community. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence, scientific rigor, and debunking pseudoscience, as demonstrated by the articles on psychics, the Loch Ness hoax, and aromatherapy.