REALL News - Vol 02 No 06 - 1994

Magazine Overview

Title: The REALL News
Issue: Volume 2, Number 6
Date: June 1994
Publisher: Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL)
Focus: Skepticism, critical examination of paranormal and fringe science claims.

Editor's Note

Bob Ladendorf, the editor, begins by mentioning his recent study vacation in England and Wales and his immediate return to editing the newsletter. He notes that he reviewed articles, including a criticism of John Mack's new book on alien abductions by Martin Kottmeyer and a column by Chairman David Bloomberg titled "REALLity Check." He also references an article by Robert McGrath, a frequent contributor, who provides an extended review of Susan Blackmore's book on near-death experiences.

Chairman's Message

David Bloomberg, the Chairman, discusses the recent REALL meeting, noting that elections took place and the Board of Directors remained the same, with Wally Hartshorn and Kevin Brown trading positions. He announces the next meeting on June 27th, where he will present on "repressed memories" and their connection to claims of childhood sexual abuse, satanic ritual abuse, and alien abductions. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Lincoln Library in Springfield. Bloomberg also touches upon receiving numerous unsolicited documents, many from individuals he describes as "crackpots." He shares an experience of being asked by a Canadian UFO investigator to examine a document proposing a "unified theory of UFO technology," admitting his limitations in quantum mechanics and particle physics and soliciting help from readers who might understand it. He concludes by reminding readers about a 20% discount on Prometheus Books.

Articles

A Matter of Life and Near-Death by Robert E. McGrath

This article is an extended review of Susan Blackmore's book, "Dying to Live: Near-Death Experiences." McGrath introduces the phenomenon of Near-Death Experiences (NDEs), which have gained significant interest over the past 20 years, describing common elements such as feelings of bliss, out-of-body experiences (OBEs), tunnels, bright lights, and meeting luminous beings. He notes that these experiences are reported globally and historically, often interpreted as evidence of a spirit or soul existing after death.

McGrath highlights Blackmore's approach as a scientific examination of NDEs, setting forth a theory to explain the facts and evaluating competing explanations. Blackmore identifies common features of NDEs, including feelings of bliss, OBEs, tunnels, and reliving life events. She points out that many of these elements are not unique to NDEs and can occur in other conditions like drug-induced hallucinations and epilepsy.

Blackmore's theory suggests that NDEs are the experience of the brain slowly dying. She explains how the brain, when deprived of oxygen, struggles to maintain a coherent model of the world, leading to abnormal experiences. The "tunnel" experience is attributed to abnormal activity in the visual cortex due to anoxia, while feelings of peace and bliss are linked to endorphin release. The OBE is explained as a malfunction of the brain's model of "me in the world" as sensory input is cut off.

McGrath concludes that Blackmore's book is a definitive examination of NDEs, similar to her previous work on OBEs, "Beyond the Body." He emphasizes that science can address these phenomena and lead to important scientific understandings with deep implications for understanding human existence and how to live and die well.

Probe D'roid by Martin Kottmeyer

Kottmeyer discusses John Mack's new book, "Abduction," and specifically focuses on a pair of drawings depicting a probing instrument. He notes that Mack claims these drawings were made independently, yet they bear a striking resemblance to a device seen in the movie "Total Recall." The probe in question has four wire-like grabbers. Kottmeyer points out that these differ from earlier drawings of nasal implant probes associated with other abduction cases.

He recounts seeing the probe in "Total Recall," where Arnold Schwarzenegger's character, Quaid, uses a similar device to remove an electronic bug implanted in his head. The movie's probe is described as having four wire tines and is used for nasal implantation, resulting in a painful extraction of a "bug."

Kottmeyer notes that "Total Recall" was released in 1990, predating Dave's regression involving a wire-cage probe, which Mack dates to August 14, 1992. He mentions that Julia, another abductee, also recalled a similar wire-cage probe. Kottmeyer questions the independence of the drawings, given Julia's presence during Dave's description and the potential for cultural influence from the movie.

He argues that the similarity of the drawings is marginal because such a wire-cage implant grabber is not uniquely alien if it has already been seen by millions of people through a major motion picture. Kottmeyer finds it ironic that a movie dealing with amnesia, violence, and uncertain reality is connected to the ambiguities of alien abduction memories.

REALLity Check by David Bloomberg

This section covers several distinct topics:

Who's Crying Now?
Bloomberg reports on a "weeping icon of Mary" at the St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Cicero, Illinois, which was declared a miracle by church officials. He criticizes the process, noting that Bishop Basil's determination of authenticity was based on a "cursory physical examination" and an exorcism, rather than scientific testing. Bloomberg quotes the Chicago Tribune, stating that the determination was "more a matter of faith than science" and that no laboratory tests were conducted. He expresses disappointment that thousands are flocking to see the icon without scientific verification.

FMS Lawsuit
Bloomberg details a significant false memory syndrome (FMS)-related lawsuit where Gary Ramona sued the therapists of his daughter, Holly. Holly, initially seeking help for bulimia, was told by her therapist that 80% of eating disorders are caused by sexual abuse. This led to events including the use of sodium amytal to induce a hypnotic state, during which she accused her father of sexual abuse. Her mother believed her, leading to divorce and Gary losing his job. Gary sued the therapists, winning a judgment, though not the full amount requested. The jury found that the therapists should have been more skeptical and challenged Holly's beliefs. The case received media attention, including a Dateline NBC segment.

Bloomberg notes that while therapists called the verdict a setback, he believes it is a boon for the profession, encouraging more careful practices. He references editorials from the Springfield State Journal-Register and an article from the Illinois Times that discussed the case and related issues of repressed memories and pseudoscience.

Mack Attack
Bloomberg discusses Harvard psychiatrist John Mack's new book, "Abduction," and the media's critical reception of his methodologies and abandonment of the scientific method. He contrasts the Chicago Tribune's superficial "he said - she said" reporting with Dateline NBC's more investigative approach, though he feels Dateline could have done better. He points out that Mack insists alien encounters are real, while psychologist Robert Baker offers alternative explanations. Bloomberg highlights that Mack only works with patients already convinced of alien encounters and never challenges them, drawing a parallel to the Ramona jury's ruling against therapists who did not challenge recovered memories. He also critiques Mack's leading questions during a hypnosis session shown on Dateline.

Bloomberg suggests that the methods used in alien abduction investigations are similar to those employed in FMS cases and announces that he will discuss false memories in greater detail at the upcoming REALL meeting on June 27th.

Skeptics Online

This section provides information for readers interested in participating in online skeptic communities. It directs readers to The Temples of Syrinx BBS in Springfield, which operates at (217) 787-9101. David Bloomberg operates this BBS, which hosts FidoNet SKEPTIC, EVOLUTION, and UFO conferences, as well as international message areas and ParaNet conferences dedicated to UFO and paranormal topics. It also offers text files on various skeptic-related subjects.

Membership Information

The newsletter includes a membership form for REALL, outlining various membership levels: Regular ($20/Year), Student ($15/Year), Family ($30/Year), Patron ($50 or more/Year), Subscription Only ($12/Year), and Trial or Gift Subscription ($3 for 3 issues). Patron members receive a listing in The REALL News.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The REALL News consistently promotes a skeptical and rational approach to paranormal claims and fringe science. The editorial stance is to apply the scientific method to all phenomena, not to reject claims a priori, but to subject them to critical inquiry. This issue highlights concerns about the uncritical acceptance of anecdotal evidence, the influence of popular culture on beliefs, and the importance of rigorous scientific methodology in understanding complex phenomena like NDEs and alien abductions. The newsletter also emphasizes the dangers of pseudoscience and the need for critical thinking, particularly in areas like psychology and memory recovery.