REALL News - Vol 02 No 07 - 1994

Magazine Overview

The REALL News, Volume 2, Number 7, published in July 1994, is the official newsletter of the Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL). REALL is a non-profit educational and scientific organization based in central Illinois, dedicated to promoting rational thinking and the scientific method in the examination of paranormal and fringe-science phenomena. The newsletter is presented in an electronic version, with a call for subscriptions to support its continuation.

In This Issue

The issue features several articles and columns: "From the Editor" by Bob Ladendorf, "From the Chairman" by David Bloomberg, "The Eyes That Spoke" by Martin Kottmeyer, "REALLity Check" by David Bloomberg, and a list of "Organizations of Interest to Skeptics."

Purpose of REALL

The Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL) is committed to research, meetings, and dissemination of information. It operates under the principle that the scientific method is the most reliable way to gain knowledge. REALL does not reject paranormal claims outright but insists on objective, critical inquiry.

Editorial and Board Information

The newsletter lists its Board of Directors, including Chairman David Bloomberg, Assistant Chairman Prof. Ron Larkin, Secretary-Treasurer Kevin Brown, Newsletter Editor Bob Ladendorf, and At-Large Members Prof. Steve Egger, Wally Hartshorn, and Frank Mazo. The Editorial Board includes Bob Ladendorf and David Bloomberg. The REALL mailing address is P.O. Box 20302, Springfield, IL 62708. Permission is granted to other skeptic organizations to reprint articles with proper credit, and REALL requests copies of such reprints. The views expressed are those of the individual authors and not necessarily REALL.

From the Editor (Bob Ladendorf)

Bob Ladendorf opens by referencing the O.J. Simpson case as a major news story and a memorable TV moment. He then connects this to Martin Kottmeyer's article, "The Eyes That Spoke," suggesting that supposed memories of actual events, like alien encounters, can be influenced or created by television programs. Ladendorf also highlights the upcoming REALL meeting in July, which will feature a presentation by magician and skeptic investigator James "The Amazing" Randi, focusing on the negative effects of pseudoscience. He also mentions the inclusion of a list of other organizations that may be of interest to readers and encourages comments.

From the Chairman (David Bloomberg)

David Bloomberg expresses satisfaction with the increased attendance at recent REALL meetings, noting the presence of many new faces. He announces the July meeting will feature a video of James "The Amazing" Randi. Bloomberg recounts a visit to the St. Louis Science Center where he was dismayed to find debunked UFO books for sale alongside scientific texts, potentially misleading the public. He also reminds readers about a 20% discount on Prometheus Books, including a new book on "psychic detectives."

The Eyes That Spoke (Martin Kottmeyer)

Martin Kottmeyer's article investigates the origins of the "wraparound eyes" motif in alien abduction lore, particularly in the context of the Barney and Betty Hill case. He notes that Donald Keyhoe, in his book "Aliens From Space," was mystified by the aliens' hideous faces, specifically their long, slanting, wraparound eyes. Keyhoe did not fully accept the case but did not reject it either, posing the question of how such images are created in the subconscious.

Kottmeyer draws a parallel to an episode of the 1960s television series "The Outer Limits" titled "The Bellero Shield," which aired on February 10, 1964. The Hill's UFO encounter occurred on September 20, 1961. Initially, Kottmeyer dismissed the TV influence due to the timeline, but the resemblance was too strong. He discovered that the earliest accounts of Betty Hill's dreams did not mention wraparound eyes; these details emerged later during hypnotic regression sessions with Dr. Simon. Crucially, Barney's first mention of wraparound eyes occurred during a hypnosis session on February 22, 1964, just 12 days after "The Bellero Shield" aired. This temporal proximity strongly suggests the TV episode influenced the description.

Further evidence comes from the dialogue in "The Bellero Shield," where a Bifrost alien states, "In all the universes... all who have eyes, have eyes that speak... Your eyes teach me." This concept of speaking eyes is echoed in Barney's hypnosis session where he says, "Only the eyes are talking to me... They're just eyes..." Kottmeyer argues that this shared motif, along with the physical descriptions, makes a strong case for cultural contamination or pseudomemory.

He explains that hypnosis experts are aware of confabulation in regression work. The article concludes that Barney's subconscious likely drew upon the visual imagery from "The Outer Limits" to create the frightening alien appearance, as Betty's initial dream aliens were described as less frightening. Kottmeyer also notes that the "wraparound eyes" description has become a common feature in subsequent abduction literature, citing numerous cases and individuals. He also briefly touches upon the "speaking eyes" motif, finding it less common and potentially influenced by other cultural elements like "Star Trek."

REALLity Check (David Bloomberg)

David Bloomberg's column addresses several topics related to pseudoscience. He begins by criticizing the use of handwriting "analysis" in hiring, comparing it to astrological charts and noting that studies show no relationship between handwriting analysis and job performance. He points out that companies claiming accuracy often fall prey to confirmation bias, focusing on hits and ignoring misses.

Bloomberg then discusses his experience with false memory syndrome (FMS), which he presented on at a REALL meeting. An article about FMS and REALL appeared in the Illinois Times, and he also discussed FMS on the WMAY radio show "One-Eyed Jack."

He also critiques a Chicago Sun-Times article about acupuncture, which he found to be slanted in favor of the practice. Bloomberg questions the claims of acupuncture's efficacy, suggesting that the Western medical establishment's skepticism is warranted. He dismisses the argument that acupuncture must be effective because it is ancient, drawing a parallel to the continued use of astrology and palm reading.

Finally, Bloomberg touches on the impact of talk shows, referencing research by Vicki Abt and Mel Seesholtz that suggests television overemphasizes deviant behavior. He notes that these shows often feature topics relevant to fringe science, such as alien abductions and psychics, and can be sponsored by "psychic hotlines."

Organizations of Interest to Skeptics

A list is provided of various organizations that promote skepticism and critical thinking, including CSICOP, the False Memory Syndrome Foundation, the National Center for Science Education (NCSE), the National Council Against Health Fraud, the St. Louis Association for Teaching and Education (SLATE), and the Skeptics Society. Contact information and addresses are included for each.

A Nod to Our Patrons

REALL expresses gratitude to its patron members who provide financial support. A list of patron members is included, such as David Bloomberg, John Lockard, Jr., David Brown, Robert Smet, Alan Burge, Edward Staehlin, Wally Hartshorn, Ranse Traxler, and Bob Ladendorf.

Letters to the Editor

REALL encourages members to submit letters to the editor for publication, with the caveat that letters may be edited for length and must include name, address, and phone number.

Predictions for Future Issues

Potential future topics mentioned include "Alternative Medicine on NBC," "Looking into the Sun -- and other tabloids," "Loch Ness Hoax," and "The Panicky Guy."

Skeptics Online

Information is provided about "The Temples of Syrinx," a BBS operated by David Bloomberg in Springfield, which hosts skeptic message areas, including FidoNet SKEPTIC, EVOLUTION, and UFO conferences, as well as ParaNet conferences. It also offers various text files on skeptical topics.

Membership Form

A membership form is included, detailing options for Regular Membership ($20/Year), Student Membership ($15/Year), Family Membership ($30/Year), and Patron Membership ($50 or more/Year). A subscription-only option is also available ($12/Year), as is a trial or gift subscription ($3 for 3 issues). The form requests name, address, city, state, ZIP, phone, and interests.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The REALL News are skepticism, the critical examination of pseudoscientific claims, and the importance of the scientific method. The editorial stance is clearly that of a skeptical organization, aiming to debunk unsubstantiated claims and promote rational thinking. The newsletter actively engages with topics such as UFOs, alien abductions, false memory syndrome, handwriting analysis, and alternative medicine, consistently applying a critical and evidence-based perspective. There is a strong emphasis on distinguishing between scientific inquiry and unsubstantiated beliefs, often drawing parallels to popular culture's influence on perceptions of the paranormal.