REALL News - Vol 08 No 05

Magazine Overview

The REALL News, Volume 8, Number 5, dated May 2000, is the official newsletter of the Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL). It is dedicated to promoting rational thinking and applying the scientific method to paranormal and fringe-science phenomena. The publication covers a range of skeptical inquiries and critiques of pseudoscientific claims.

Article: Another Visit to a Holistic Health Fair by David Bloomberg

David Bloomberg recounts his second visit to a holistic health fair, noting that while the products and people differed, the underlying themes remained the same. He describes encountering a vendor selling 'chi machines' who claimed it could cure cancer, citing a high PSA level as evidence of his own cancer and asserting the machine's swaying motion massages blood vessels and oxygenates the body. The vendor also claimed the machine eliminates the need for exercise and that '80% OF CHRONIC DISEASE PROBLEMS ARE LINKED TO THE SPINE.' Bloomberg expresses concern that people might use such devices to treat serious conditions like heart problems or diabetes. He also mentions the use of Kirlian photographs as 'proof' of the machine's efficacy. Another booth promoted the idea that 'the colon is the largest perpetrator of disease,' advocating for regular colonic irrigation. Bloomberg notes the similarity in the percentage (80%) claimed for both spine and colon as the cause of critical illness, highlighting the lack of agreement.

Article: From the Chairman by David Bloomberg

David Bloomberg thanks Professor Malcolm Levin for a talk on creation/evolution, emphasizing the difference between scientific and religious teaching. He announces the May meeting featuring David Gehrig discussing the 'Holocaust Revisionism on Trial in London' case, detailing the libel trial where writer David Irving sued Professor Deborah Lipstadt. The trial concluded with a verdict against Irving. Bloomberg also mentions the upcoming June meeting, which will include a 'Skeptic Jeopardy' game and annual elections, encouraging members to volunteer for board positions.

Article: From the Editor by Wally Hartshorn

Wally Hartshorn discusses his personal tradition of making resolutions in May, aligning with the Society for Creative Anachronism's (SCA) celebration of May 1 as the start of their 'Society year.' He plans to reactivate his skeptic-related websites, including REALL's site (www.reall.org), aiming to post back issues and give the site a makeover. He also intends to update the Skeptic News website (www.skepticnews.com), which has been dormant. Hartshorn encourages readers to make May 1 their personal New Year's Day for making resolutions.

REALLity Check by David Bloomberg

This section provides a series of short critiques on various topics:

• Sue the Scientists!: David Bloomberg reports on BlackLight Power, Inc., which is allegedly threatening to sue scientists who criticize its claims about a new form of hydrogen ('hydrinos'). He contrasts this with proper scientific practice, which involves publishing peer-reviewed papers and replicating results.
• Not So Healthy, Part 3: The article notes that high doses of Vitamin C may not only clog arteries but also potentially make cancer worse by protecting tumor cells from radiation and chemotherapy. It also cites a report from the Institute of Medicine stating there is no evidence that large doses of vitamins C and E prevent chronic diseases and that most people get sufficient nutrients from food.
• Maybe Healthy?: The National Institutes of Health is launching a large-scale study on glucosamine and chondroitin supplements for arthritis, noting that anecdotal evidence has been weak and past studies showed bias. The article emphasizes the importance of proper scientific study over anecdotes and highlights potential side effects like blood-thinning interactions and effects on diabetics.
• Biting Commentary: The article addresses the myth that sharks do not get cancer, citing a presentation at the American Association for Cancer Research meeting that discussed 40 cases of tumors in sharks. It debunks claims that shark cartilage prevents cancer, referencing a 1998 study showing its ineffectiveness.
• Pulling Out All the Stops: This segment discusses a claim by Elian Gonzalez's Miami relatives that an image of the Virgin Mary in a mirror proved he was blessed and should not be returned to Cuba. Bloomberg sarcastically notes the 'staggering piece of evidence.'
• Good Thing Dead People Can't Sue: The article mentions psychic medium Christine Toomey's new book, 'In Her Own Words - The After Death Journal of Princess Diana,' claiming she was contacted by Diana. Toomey's next book is announced as 'Wake Up! You're Not Dead Yet! An After Death Dialogue with Chris Farley.'
• Whatever: Citing Ellen Goodman, the article discusses 'whateverism,' where people avoid taking a stand for truth, leading to the acceptance of contradictory ideas like evolution and creationism being equally valid. Goodman argues that science and religion are not equal options and that 'whatever' is not a valid stance when dealing with scientific facts.
• When Stories Replace Science: A U.S. News & World Report article about 'creation safaris' is criticized for presenting creationist claims as if they were scientifically supported, without providing any scientific rebuttal. The article highlights the preference of some creationists for believing they are divine creatures rather than descendants of apes, emphasizing that personal preference is irrelevant to scientific fact.
• Better Butter or Bogus?: The article discusses 'nutraceutical' foods and supplements that claim to fight common health problems, noting that the FDA is concerned because they don't fit easily regulated categories. It mentions margarines like Benecol and Take Control that claim to lower cholesterol, but questions the evidence for other products. The article also notes that Congress is considering requiring research for nutraceutical health claims.
• A Legendary Article: The Chicago Tribune published an article on urban legends, interviewing David Mikkelson of 'snopes.com.' The article discussed how 'harmless' legends can have real-world effects and listed several websites related to urban legends.
• And in this corner...: This section questions the conflicting advice given by various diet books, noting that some authors have asked the government to fund a study to test competing diets.
• Fragments or Fraud?: The article revisits the case of Binjamin Wilkomorski, author of a supposed Holocaust memoir, 'Fragments: Memories of a Wartime Childhood.' It was revealed that Wilkomorski 'recovered' these memories in therapy, and evidence contradicted his claims. A lawsuit has been filed against him in Switzerland for fraud.
• The Straight Dope on Alternative Medicine: The article references two columns by Cecil Adams from 'The Straight Dope' that critique homeopathy and acupuncture. Adams calls homeopathy 'nuts' and questions its effectiveness, noting that its principles are based on concepts like 'eye of newt.' Regarding acupuncture, he points out that while it has public relations success, much of the research published in China only reports positive results, and there is a lack of decent evidence for its effectiveness in treating pain. He also notes the underlying theory of disease being caused by imbalanced 'qi' is unscientific.

Article: ("Health Fair" continued from page 1)

This continuation of the health fair review details the services offered by 'Bodytudes,' an 'Alternative Life Center,' including past life regression, ear candling, chakra alignment, reiki, and crystal healing. It mentions a 'Crystal Enlightenment' class and a hypnotherapy certification weekend. The author notes that four out of 24 booths were likely aware of the clientele's interest in the supernatural, including tarot card readers and dream readers. Several multi-level marketing booths sold 'non-toxic' products and nutritional supplements with vague claims. The review concludes that while the specific miracle cures may change, the claims remain similar, and rationality was absent from the fair.

Article: Our Next Meeting

This section announces the next REALL meeting on Tuesday, May 2, at 7:00 PM at the Lincoln Library in Springfield, Illinois. The topic is 'Holocaust Revisionism on Trial in London' by David Gehrig, who will present the case, its background, and Auschwitz history.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The REALL News consistently promotes critical thinking, skepticism, and the scientific method. The publication actively debunks pseudoscience, health fads, and historical revisionism, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based reasoning. The editorial stance is clearly against unsubstantiated claims, whether in health, science, or history, and advocates for rigorous investigation and factual accuracy. The newsletter serves as a platform for disseminating skeptical perspectives and encouraging its readers to question extraordinary claims.