REALL News - Vol 04 No 10 - 1996

Magazine Overview

The REALL News, Volume 4 Issue 10, published in October 1996, is a newsletter from The Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL), a non-profit organization dedicated to rational thinking and the scientific method concerning paranormal and fringe-science phenomena. This issue focuses heavily on debunking UFO sightings and critiquing pseudoscientific claims.

The Exeter Terrestrial Hypothesis by Martin Kottmeyer

Martin Kottmeyer presents his theory that the famous Exeter UFO case was a sophisticated prank involving an "upscale moving-star kite." He draws parallels to historical kite experiments, including Isaac Newton's early kite with a lantern in the mid-1600s, which caused local speculation. Kottmeyer references a 1929 children's manual, "The American Boys Handy Book," which described a "Moving Star" kite with a paper lantern. He notes that modern kite enthusiasts also use lights, flares, or battery-powered flashlights on kites. His hypothesis for Exeter involves five strobe flashers linked to a sequencer, powered by a portable supply, attached to a large box kite, which would explain the object's movement, silence, and flashing pattern. He addresses specific points from Part 1 of his analysis: the prankster likely lived in Exeter, the object's fluttering was due to its kite-like construction, the flashing lights were intended to attract attention and create wonder, and the rural setting provided darkness and privacy. Kottmeyer also notes that Air Force records confirm a wind out of the West that evening, contradicting a claim by another author about the absence of wind. He concludes that the kite explanation is far more plausible than an extraterrestrial one, rendering the latter "dis-proven and rendered foolish."

Crash-Retrieval at Gatchellville by Martin Kottmeyer

Kottmeyer continues his debunking by analyzing the Gatchellville, Pennsylvania UFO case from March 8, 1977. Eleven witnesses reported a red ball of light that moved erratically, dropped to the ground, and started a grass fire. Investigators noted a burned area and soil depth consistent with root burning, but found no hydrocarbon residues. The case was previously classified as a CEII (Close Encounter of the Second Kind) with physical traces. Kottmeyer argues that the fire was not assisted by gasoline and stopped due to lack of fuel, not because it was extinguished. He suggests the "crashed UFO" was likely a kite with a flare or lantern, and the "foil-like strips" retrieved from a tree were Mylar, a common kite material. He dismisses the extraterrestrial explanation as "rendered foolish."

From the Editor

Bob Ladendorf, the editor, introduces Martin Kottmeyer's analysis of the Exeter UFO sighting, suggesting it was a hoax and that prosaic explanations can be found with diligent research. He also mentions new Internet e-mail addresses and the REALL website. Ladendorf wishes readers a happy holiday season and previews future content.

From the Chairman

David Bloomberg, Chairman, recounts attending a Penn & Teller show, highlighting their skeptical approach to paranormal claims. He discusses REALL's unsuccessful "contest" to identify the Exeter UFO, expressing hope that Kottmeyer's Part II will provide a clear explanation. Bloomberg also announces an upcoming REALL meeting featuring an A&E broadcast about UFOs, noted to be at least partly skeptical. He expresses interest in inviting a "real-life ghostbuster" to a future meeting, seeking reader input on this departure from their usual focus on skeptical speakers.

REALLity Check by David Bloomberg

David Bloomberg's column tackles two main topics: the Natural Law Party and the questionable practices of Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs).

Hopping Mad

Bloomberg criticizes the Natural Law Party's claims of "Yogic flying" and their belief that meditation can solve national problems like crime and deficits. He cites Senate candidate Jim Davis and presidential candidate John Hagelin, who suggest meditation can reduce healthcare costs and crime. Bloomberg finds their claims of "scientific technology of consciousness" to be pseudoscientific and mocks their attempts to use scientific-sounding language to justify their practices, referencing a theoretical physicist's explanation of "yogic flying" related to the unified field. He notes that followers claim to be able to fly but have not yet reached the necessary consciousness level, and that no one outside the group has ever witnessed actual flight.

HMOs Endorsing Quackery?

Bloomberg discusses reports about HMOs considering alternative medicine treatments like acupuncture and naturopathy. He argues that the reasoning is not based on the efficacy of these treatments but on customer demand and lower costs compared to conventional medicine. He quotes columnist Joan Beck, who points out that these "treatments" lack rigorous scientific testing and are considered quackery by many physicians. Bloomberg highlights a concerning statement from William Jarvis of the National Council Against Health Fraud, who reported an HMO referring AIDS patients to a clinic offering dietary supplements as a cheaper alternative to AZT, with the implication that the patient would die sooner. He also notes that some HMOs require referrals for specialists but allow direct access to alternative medicine practitioners.

Governments Funding Quackery?

This section extends the critique of pseudoscientific practices to government funding. It mentions the German health minister's support for homeopathy, despite a lack of scientific evidence. A pilot study funded by the European Commission found no valid reason to exempt homeopathy from scientific testing, concluding that published trials were of low quality. The article notes that homeopathy is popular in some European countries, with insurance companies covering it, possibly due to lower costs. In the U.S., Congress has increased the budget for the Office of Alternative Medicine within the National Institutes of Health, including funding for a center on chiropractic health care, influenced by senators with ties to the chiropractic field.

Exaggerated Testimony and the Indian Rope Trick

This segment discusses a letter in Nature (9/13) investigating the reliability of witness testimony for extraordinary claims, using the example of the 19th-century Indian rope trick. The authors found a correlation between the time elapsed since witnessing an event and the complexity of the memory, with longer periods leading to more elaborate and exaggerated accounts. They concluded that extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof, and witness statements alone are insufficient.

Papal Science

The Pope's statement that the theory of evolution is compatible with Christian faith and supported by scientific data is mentioned. REALL, while not taking a position on religious matters, notes that creationists often argue illogically against evolution, and it anticipates their response to the Pope's statement. The author expresses frustration with the tendency to ignore evidence, particularly in the realm of fringe science and paranormal claims.

Masthead Information and Purpose

The newsletter concludes with masthead information, including REALL's P.O. Box, contact e-mails for the Chairman and Editor, and a list of patron members. The purpose of REALL is reiterated: to promote rational thinking and the scientific method, conduct research, convene meetings, and disseminate information. REALL does not reject paranormal claims a priori but is committed to objective, critical inquiry. The REALL News is its official newsletter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the application of the scientific method to debunk extraordinary claims, particularly in the field of UFOlogy and paranormal phenomena. The editorial stance is strongly skeptical, favoring rational explanations and evidence-based reasoning over speculative or pseudoscientific theories. The magazine actively seeks to dismantle commonly accepted narratives about UFOs by proposing mundane explanations like kites and pranks. Furthermore, it critically examines the growing acceptance of alternative medicine and pseudoscientific practices by both private organizations (HMOs) and governmental bodies, highlighting concerns about the lack of scientific rigor and potential for exploitation. The publication champions critical thinking and evidence-based inquiry as essential tools for understanding the world.