REALL News - Vol 04 No 09 - 1996

Magazine Overview

The REALL News, Volume 4 Issue 9, published in September 1996, is a newsletter from The Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL), a non-profit educational and scientific organization focused on rational thinking and the scientific method. This issue features a two-part article on the Exeter UFO incident, a discussion on the media's portrayal of scientific findings, and a critique of creationist arguments.

The Exeter File: Part 1

This section, written by Martin Kottmeyer, delves into the classic 1965 UFO incident at Exeter, New Hampshire. Kottmeyer begins by recounting the initial encounter of Norman Muscarello with a UFO exhibiting brilliant red lights. The event gained official character when Patrolman Eugene F. Bertrand and later Patrolman David Hunt also witnessed the object. The case is considered a classic, with books by John Fuller and Ron Story highlighting its significance, and it was even featured in a 1966 Congressional hearing that led to the Condon investigation.

Kottmeyer, however, expresses skepticism about the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) for the Exeter case. He raises several points for consideration:

• Location: He questions why aliens would choose an obscure location like Exeter, New Hampshire, which has no apparent strategic, economic, or geological significance.
• Object Behavior: Muscarello and Fuller described the object as moving like a "floating leaf," "wobbling and yawing," and hovering silently. Kottmeyer argues that such "fluttering behavior" would impede the usefulness of a reconnaissance vehicle and questions the technological superiority of visitors who cannot stabilize their craft. He also notes the object's erratic movements, such as darting and turning on a dime, which he suggests are not exclusive to extraterrestrial craft.
• Flashing Lights: Witnesses reported five bright lights flashing in a specific 1-2-3-4-5-4-3-2-1 pattern. Kottmeyer notes that this pattern is rare in UFO literature and questions its purpose, especially if aliens wish to operate secretly.
• Angle of Lights: Muscarello's report, corroborated by Bertrand, stated the lights were in a line at a "sixty degree angle." Kottmeyer points out that this is unusual, as UFOs are typically depicted with lights horizontal to the horizon, and suggests this might be a violation of standard behavior.
• Altitude and Movement: The object remained close to the ground and disappeared into the distance rather than ascending. Kottmeyer notes that while it darted, hummingbirds and dragonflies can perform similar maneuvers without being extraterrestrial.
• Apparent Mischief: The object's movements, including appearing to back off when Muscarello dove into a ditch and later approaching Bertrand, are interpreted by Kottmeyer as potentially mischievous rather than indicative of advanced technology.

Kottmeyer concludes that these points suggest something may be wrong with the ETH interpretation and hints at an alternate solution to be presented in Part 2.

From the Editor

Bob Ladendorf, the editor, introduces the issue, noting that the magazine features two prolific writers with a "twist." He highlights Kottmeyer's two-part article on Exeter and David Bloomberg's "REALLity Check" column. Ladendorf also mentions that due to the length of these articles, some other features have been delayed.

From the Chairman

David Bloomberg, Chairman of REALL, announces the issue's "first contest," stemming from Kottmeyer's Exeter article. Readers are encouraged to submit alternative explanations for the incident, with the best or funniest guess winning a three-month extension to their membership and subscription. Bloomberg also announces an upcoming REALL meeting featuring a Skeptics Society video on "Quantum Quackery."

REALLity Check

Martian Science

David Bloomberg discusses the media's handling of NASA's announcement of potential evidence for past life on Mars. He generally praises the media for including proper disclaimers and explaining the scientific method, attributing this to scientists being careful not to overstate their case, possibly due to the lingering memory of the cold fusion controversy. He cites a Chicago Tribune article that correctly noted the normal scientific process of dissension and differing hypotheses.

Speaking of Creationists...

Bloomberg connects the discussion of Martian science to the ongoing debate with creationists. He criticizes creationists for using language to mask their intentions and counter scientific arguments, particularly their tactic of demanding evolution be presented as a "controversial theory" with "serious weaknesses." He points out that the term "theory" in science refers to a well-established body of knowledge, unlike its common usage implying uncertainty. Bloomberg highlights the Tribune's editorial criticism of creationists' anti-science agenda and references past court rulings that have prohibited the teaching of "creation science" in public schools.

He argues that creationists often exploit a misunderstanding that there is a significant scientific debate about evolution being a fact. Bloomberg stresses the importance of scientists being active in public forums like school boards to counter misinformation.

More Misinformation

This section addresses misinformation related to AIDS, focusing on the claims of virologist Peter Duesberg, who argues that HIV does not cause AIDS and that it is caused by drug use and the drugs used to treat HIV. Bloomberg notes that Duesberg's claims have been widely debunked and ignored by the scientific community, yet he has managed to convince some reporters.

Bloomberg refutes Duesberg's arguments, including the claim that Nature's refusal to print his letters indicates a conspiracy. He likens it to an athlete not making the Olympics, stating that scientific journals have the right to reject unscientific claims. He also dismisses Duesberg's appeal to authority, such as the mention of "fellow skeptics" numbering over 200 Ph.D.s and M.D.s, by pointing out that the number of scientists who *do not* support Duesberg is far greater. Bloomberg also debunks Duesberg's conspiracy theory that scientists are motivated by profit, noting that the vast majority of scientists researching AIDS are not millionaires.

Legendary

Kottmeyer briefly mentions an interview he gave to the State Journal-Register for a story on urban legends. He notes that the article quoted Jan Brunvand, an expert on urban legends, and also mentioned the "Blue Star LSD tale." He also discusses a sidebar on ghost stories, clarifying the distinction between urban legends (friend-of-a-friend stories) and personal accounts of hauntings. He reiterates that no "ghost story" has ever been proven to be supernatural.

Masthead Information

This section provides contact information for REALL, including its P.O. Box and email addresses for the Chairman and Editor. It also outlines REALL's purpose as a non-profit educational and scientific organization dedicated to rational thinking and the scientific method, and states that The REALL News is its official newsletter.

A Nod to Our Patrons

A list of REALL's patron members is included, thanking them for their financial support.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are critical examination of paranormal claims, particularly UFOs, through the lens of the scientific method. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical of unsubstantiated claims and advocates for evidence-based reasoning. The magazine actively debunks misinformation, whether it concerns UFOs, creationism, or AIDS, and promotes rational thinking and scientific literacy. The engagement with readers through contests and encouraging alternative explanations for phenomena like the Exeter incident also highlights a commitment to open inquiry within a skeptical framework.