REALL News - Vol 02 No 08 - 1994

Magazine Overview

The REALL News, Volume 2, Number 8, published in August 1994, is the official newsletter of the Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL). It is presented as an "Electronic Version" and encourages subscriptions to continue its publication. The organization is described as a non-profit educational and scientific entity focused on rational thinking and the scientific method concerning paranormal and fringe science phenomena, primarily serving central Illinois.

In This Issue

The issue features several articles: "From the Editor" by Bob Ladendorf, "From the Chairman" by David Bloomberg, "A Challenge to Federal & State Agencies" by James Randi, "Alternative Medicine: Entertainment vs. News at NBC" by David Bloomberg, and "Scooby Doo, Where Are You?" by Tim Madigan.

Purpose and Organization

REALL's purpose is to conduct research, convene meetings, publish a newsletter, and disseminate information. It adheres to the scientific method and does not reject paranormal claims a priori but insists on objective inquiry. The newsletter lists its Board of Directors and Editorial Board, 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 organization's 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.

Editor's Note

Bob Ladendorf, the editor, highlights the "Scooby Doo" article by Tim Madigan, reprinted from CSICOP's Skeptical Briefs, noting how the cartoon character displayed skepticism. He also mentions James Randi's feature article as a follow-up to a previous videotape shown at a meeting and David Bloomberg's "REALLity Check Special" on alternative medicine.

Chairman's Note and Videotape Library

David Bloomberg, the Chairman, discusses a previous James Randi lecture videotape and announces REALL's intention to show more from the Skeptics' Lecture Series. REALL has purchased tapes from the Skeptics Society and is seeking suggestions for future viewings. Donations are accepted to help cover the cost of these tapes ($14.95 each when buying three or more). These tapes will form REALL's library, with a borrowing policy to be established. The "Beyond Belief" video from CSICOP is also available. A list of available videotapes is provided, covering topics such as skepticism, JFK assassination, mathematics, repressed memories, cryonics, atmospheric phenomena, facilitated communication, statistics, history of witchcraft, human creativity, paranormal magic, altered states, creationism, psychology of belief, personal responsibility, extraterrestrial intelligence, pseudoscience, Afrocentrism, racism, Holocaust revisionism, and physics of psychics.

Feature Article: A Challenge to Federal & State Agencies by James Randi

This section delves into historical examples of pseudoscientific claims and governmental indifference to scientific testing. It begins with "Animal Magnetism," detailing Dr. Franz Anton Mesmer's 18th-century practice, which was investigated by the French Academy of Sciences (including Benjamin Franklin) and deemed to be based on suggestion. The article then discusses "Rays from Nancy," referring to Professor Prosper Ren Blondlot's 1903 announcement of strange radiations, which were later exposed as imaginary by physicist Robert Wood. The "Mystery Rays from Germany" section critiques the concept of "E-rays" or "earth rays," which are claimed to be undetectable radiations causing cancer, detectable only by dowsers. The article notes the lack of scientific backing and the reliance on anecdotal evidence and belief.

Magic Water: Homeopathy

The article examines homeopathy as an "alternate healing" modality founded by Samuel Hahnemann. It explains the principle of "Like cures like" and the extreme attenuation of substances used, often resulting in pure water. The author criticizes homeopathy for focusing on symptoms rather than causes and likens it to magic. A 1988 investigation by Nature magazine into a scientist's claims about homeopathy in France found the results questionable, and subsequent replication attempts were invalid.

Hot Interest in Cold Fusion

This brief section touches upon the concept of "cold fusion," noting that despite scientific rejection, significant funding continues to be poured into it, largely due to the interest from various agencies and sponsors.

Perpetual Emotion, Again

This section discusses Joe W. Newman, who claimed his "free energy" machine was valid, securing investment from the Mississippi Board of Energy & Transport. The machine is described as a direct-current motor powered by batteries, and Newman insists it is a "free energy" idea, not perpetual motion.

The Burning Question

The author poses a question about why it is difficult to convince federal agencies to perform simple tests on matters like homeopathy, chiropractic, perpetual motion, dowsing, polygraphs, graphology, astrology, Christian Science healing, and other easily tested notions that contribute to public confusion and damage. The National Institutes of Health are criticized for frittering away funding on grants for dubious science rather than testing basic claims.

Alternative Medicine: Entertainment vs. News at NBC

This article, transmitted over the Internet by James Randi, critiques an NBC documentary titled "Cured! Secrets of Alternative Healing." The author, David Bloomberg, describes the show as a documentary in name only, filled with anecdotal stories and biased presentations. It claims homeopathy cured the bubonic plague (without citation), that "qi" is scientifically proven (contrary to evidence), and that homeopathy works for pets. James Randi is quoted criticizing the show for "misinformation, wild claims about totally unproven 'ancient wisdom' and 'alternative therapies'" and for editing skeptics "beyond effectiveness." The article contrasts this with a "Dateline NBC" segment that investigated "ozone therapy" practiced by Lucas Bovier in the Dominican Republic. Bovier, wanted in the U.S. for practicing medicine without a license, claimed to cure various diseases, including cancer and AIDS, with a 90 percent success rate. However, Dateline found no verifiable successes, with some patients dead, others sick, and three in remission after conventional treatment. Bovier alleged the woman who died was "sacrificed" as part of a government plot. The author expresses hope that news divisions like Dateline will prevail over entertainment programming in such investigations.

Scooby Doo, Where Are You?

Tim Madigan recounts meeting a Skeptical Inquirer reader who mentioned the return of the Scooby Doo cartoon. Madigan initially expresses dismay but then reflects on how the original cartoon espoused a skeptical message. The characters of Mystery, Inc. consistently found rational explanations for supposed paranormal events. Madigan's respect for the cartoon grew after reading a Scooby Doo book that detailed a "haunted house" episode where the "ghost" was revealed to be a hoax orchestrated by the owner's sister. However, he notes that the revised Scooby Doo has deviated from its original theme, treating goblins and demons as real and lacking rational denouements. He calls for a return to the original format and suggests appointing Scooby Doo as the official mascot of Skeptical Briefs.

This article originally appeared in the June 1994 issue of Skeptical Briefs, the newsletter of the Committee for Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal.

A Nod to Our Patrons

REALL thanks its patron members who donate $50 or more to support critical thinking. A list of patrons is provided, including David Bloomberg, John Lockard, Jr., David Brown, Danville, Robert Smet, Ph.D., Alan Burge, D.D.S., Edward Staehlin, Wally Hartshorn, Ranse Traxler, and Bob Ladendorf.

Letters to the Editor

REALL encourages letters from members on any topic covered in the newsletter, with the possibility of editing for length. Name, address, and phone number are required.

Future Issues

Topics for future issues include "Looking into the Sun -- and other tabloids" and "Cancer Clusters."

Skeptics Online

This section promotes participation in skeptic message areas on computer BBS networks. It highlights "The Temples of Syrinx" in Springfield, operated by David Bloomberg, which carries FidoNet SKEPTIC, EVOLUTION, and UFO conferences, as well as ParaNet conferences. It also offers a variety of skeptic, scientific, UFO, evolution/creation, and urban legend text files.

Membership Form

A membership form is included, detailing options for Regular Membership ($20/Year), Student Membership ($15/Year), Family Membership ($30/Year), Patron Membership ($50 or more/Year), Subscription Only ($12/Year), and Trial or Gift Subscription ($3 for 3 issues). Memberships include The REALL News and other benefits, with patron membership offering a listing in the newsletter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism, the scientific method, and the critical examination of pseudoscientific claims and alternative medicine. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and scientific inquiry, actively debunking or questioning claims that lack empirical support. The newsletter serves as a platform for promoting critical thinking and challenging what it perceives as misinformation in media and public discourse, particularly concerning health and paranormal phenomena. The nostalgic look at Scooby Doo underscores the idea that skepticism can be taught and appreciated from various sources, even popular culture.