REALL News - Vol 04 No 11 - 1996

Magazine Overview

Title: The REALL News
Issue: Volume 4 Issue 11
Date: November 1996
Publisher: The Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The REALL News features several articles and columns focusing on critical examination of pseudoscientific and creationist claims, with an emphasis on the scientific method. The main article, "Honey, I Shrunk the Sun! Evolution of a Creationist Myth" by David Bloomberg, debunks a common creationist argument. Other sections include "In Case You Missed It..." which summarizes and rates various articles and news items, and "REALLity Check" which discusses current topics such as electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and alternative medicine.

Honey, I Shrunk the Sun! Evolution of a Creationist Myth

David Bloomberg, REALL's chairman, details how creationists often employ tactics like writing letters to the editor to spread misinformation, bypassing scientific scrutiny. He uses the example of F.R. Hedinger's letter to the State Journal-Register, which claimed the sun was shrinking by about 5 feet per hour and that there was no proof for the sun's age or evolution. Hedinger used this to argue that the Earth must be young and evolution impossible, citing the Book of Genesis. Bloomberg explains that Hedinger's claim stemmed from a misinterpretation of a 1979 presentation by John Eddy and Aram Boornazian at the American Astronomical Society. This presentation was intentionally tentative, meant to encourage further research, not to be taken as established fact. Subsequent studies, including one by Eddy and Frohlich in 1984, showed that while there might be cyclical changes in the sun's diameter (around a 76-year cycle), the rapid, long-term shrinkage claimed by creationists was not supported by evidence. Bloomberg highlights how creationists like Russell Akridge of the Institute for Creation Research (ICR) adopted these tentative results as "scientific proof" against evolution, ignoring the scientific community's subsequent findings and re-evaluations. The article emphasizes how the scientific method, through peer review and further research, corrected the initial puzzle presented by Eddy and Boornazian's data, while creationists perpetuated a myth.

In Case You Missed It...

This section, edited by Bob Ladendorf, provides brief summaries and ratings (1=Pro-skeptical to 5=Pro-paranormal) of recent articles, books, and shows:

• "Counter-attack (creation v evolution)" (The Economist, Aug. 17, 1996): A neutral overview of the creation/evolution debate in schools, noting the persistence of creationist efforts and the avoidance of teaching evolution by some teachers. (Rating: 3)
• "Ask Marilyn." (Parade, Sept. 15, 1996): Marilyn vos Savant dismisses the Ouija board as "hooey" and suggests a blindfolded test to prove its nonsense. (Rating: 1)
• "Science Solves the Ancient Mysteries of the Bible." (Popular Mechanics, Dec. 1996): Presents scientific explanations for biblical events like Noah's Ark, Lot's wife, the Red Sea parting, the Star of Bethlehem, and the Burning Bush, generally leaning towards scientific interpretations. (Rating: 2)
• "False 'recovered memory' defamation suit is settled." (AP, Nov. 16, 1996): Reports on the settlement of a $1 million lawsuit by the Rutherfords against a church counselor for instilling false memories of abuse in their daughter Beth. The Rutherfords plan to use the settlement to warn others about the dangers of recovered memory therapy. (Rating: 2)

Ongoing ... and Upcoming

This section notes that James Randi is looking for a copy of the 1970s SRI film "Experiments with Uri Geller." It also announces that the Arts and Entertainment network will begin a new series called "The Unexplained" in January 1997, with the first episode focusing on "psychic detectives."

From the Editor

Bob Ladendorf praises David Bloomberg's article as an excellent retort to creationist assertions and a call to action for readers to respond to unfounded claims. He introduces two new regular features: "In Case You Missed It..." and "Ongoing ... and Upcoming." He also mentions an upcoming REALL meeting on December 15th for discussion of scientific and pseudoscientific matters.

From the Chairman

David Bloomberg recounts his experience writing a letter to the editor and the subsequent unsolicited calls he received. He reiterates the importance of responding to misinformation and encourages REALL members to submit articles. He also promotes the upcoming lunch/discussion meeting at Shakey's Pizza & Buffet.

REALLity Check

Are EMFs Dangerous?

David Bloomberg discusses the debate surrounding electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from power lines and appliances. He cites a 3-year study by the National Research Council (NRC) commissioned by the Department of Energy, which concluded that there is "no conclusive and consistent evidence" that EMFs cause cancer or other health problems at normal exposure levels. While high doses can have biological effects, these are not equivalent to home exposure levels. The study found epidemiological links to leukemia were not persuasive, and while a "wire code" showed a higher cancer rate in homes near power lines, actual EMF measurements did not correlate with childhood leukemia, suggesting other factors like air pollution might be involved. The report concluded that current evidence does not show EMFs pose a human-health hazard, though some panel members called for more research, stating that effects from environmental EMFs "cannot be totally discounted."

False Memory Suit Settled

This section details the settlement of a false memory lawsuit in Springfield, Missouri. Beth Rutherford, after therapy with counselor Donna Strand, "remembered" being repeatedly raped and given an abortion by her father. This led to her father's resignation from his church. However, it was revealed that the father had a vasectomy years prior, and Beth was a virgin, confirmed by a gynecological exam. The Rutherfords settled a defamation and malpractice lawsuit for $1 million against Strand, which they plan to use to educate others about the dangers of recovered memory therapy.

OAM, Oh My!

This segment discusses the Office of Alternative Medicine (OAM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and its new director, Wayne B. Jonas. Jonas, who co-authored "Healing with Homeopathy," has a background that includes a medical school rotation being repeated due to his suggestion of a homeopathic remedy. The article questions whether Jonas can reconcile running a scientific research program with his personal beliefs in alternative medicine. It notes his book suggests homeopathic effects might be due to placebo or a concept involving "biophotons." Physicist Robert Park describes the OAM's practices as "ancient religious practices dressed up with New Age technobabble." Jonas's past research at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, involving a homeopathic preparation, was rejected by three immunology journals.

Masthead Information

Includes information on the electronic version of the newsletter and subscription details.

Purpose

The Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL) is a non-profit educational and scientific organization dedicated to rational thinking and applying the scientific method to paranormal and fringe-science claims. REALL conducts research, convenes meetings, publishes a newsletter, and disseminates information. Its primary region is central Illinois. REALL believes the scientific method is the most reliable system for knowledge acquisition and engages in objective, critical inquiry.

REALL News is its official newsletter.

Membership information is provided elsewhere. The Board of Directors and Editorial Board are listed, including Chairman David Bloomberg and Newsletter Editor Bob Ladendorf.

REALL Contacts

REALL's P.O. Box and general contact information are provided.

A Nod to Our Patrons

A thank you to patron members who provide financial support to REALL, with a list of their names and locations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The REALL News consistently promotes skepticism, rational thinking, and the scientific method. It actively debunks pseudoscientific claims, creationist arguments, and unsubstantiated alternative medicine practices. The publication emphasizes the importance of evidence-based reasoning and critical evaluation of information presented to the public. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science and anti-pseudoscience, encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims and to rely on rigorous scientific investigation. The newsletter aims to educate its readership about the flaws in fringe science and to provide accurate, scientifically grounded information.