REALL News - Vol 08 No 06

Magazine Overview

The REALL News, Volume 8, Number 6, dated June 2000, is the official newsletter of the Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL), a non-profit organization dedicated to rational thinking and the scientific method. The issue features a quote from James Randi: "It's a very dangerous thing to believe in nonsense."

Fighting Ignorance with The Straight Dope, Part 2: Evolution Edition

This section, authored by David Bloomberg, continues a recurring column that addresses questions submitted to Cecil Adams' 'The Straight Dope' newspaper column. This installment focuses on evolution and creationism.

Reader's Arguments (Kenneth W. Blackburn)

Kenneth W. Blackburn presents arguments against evolution, questioning how dinosaurs could be expected to reappear after extinction, why dangerous predators like saber-tooth tigers and giant bears didn't become the dominant successors if evolution favors the strongest, and why transitional species (e.g., birds turning into reptiles) are not readily observable.

Response to Blackburn (David Bloomberg)

David Bloomberg refutes Blackburn's points. He explains that 'survival of the fittest' means adapting to environmental changes, not necessarily being the strongest or most dangerous. He clarifies that dinosaurs and mammals like tigers and bears did not coexist; mammals rose to prominence after the dinosaurs' extinction. Regarding transitional species, Bloomberg states that all animals are in a continuous state of change, with genes mutating and adapting, citing antibiotic-resistant bacteria as an example of ongoing evolution. He urges Blackburn to consult basic biology texts for information on evolutionary transitions.

Reader's Arguments (John, Alabama)

John from Alabama raises several questions challenging evolution and scientific consensus:

• The Big Bang Theory: Questions how the Big Bang, if matter was pulled together by a gravitational spin, could result in planets and moons rotating in different directions.
• Observable Evolution: Asks why animals are not seen evolving into 'something else' in real-time.
• Shrinking Sun: Claims the sun is shrinking at a constant rate, which would engulf the Earth if it were millions of years old, making life impossible.

Response to John (David Bloomberg)

David Bloomberg addresses John's points, identifying them as common creationist claims that have been debunked:

• Big Bang vs. Evolution: He emphasizes that evolution and the Big Bang theory are distinct. Evolution concerns life on Earth, while the Big Bang concerns the universe's origin. The Big Bang theory describes an explosion outwards from a singularity, not a gravitational spin, and the varied rotation of planets is due to various factors, including collisions.
• Observable Evolution: Bloomberg explains that evolutionary changes are gradual and take many generations to become noticeable. He cites examples like influenza viruses, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and insecticide-resistant mosquitoes as evidence of ongoing evolution, even on a minor scale.
• Shrinking Sun Myth: Bloomberg refers to a previous article he wrote debunking the 'shrinking sun' myth.

Reader's Argument (Jeremy)

Jeremy questions the certainty that all humans evolved from a single common primate ancestor, asking if it's possible that different primate evolutionary branches resulted in organisms now lumped as humans.

Response to Jeremy (David Bloomberg)

David Bloomberg confirms that it is certain that humans evolved from a common primate ancestor, clarifying that this refers to a species, not a single individual. He explains that while evolution can produce similar traits independently in different species (convergent evolution), it does not merge two distinct species into one. DNA testing consistently shows humans as a single species. Fossil evidence, such as evolutionary trees, shows a branching pattern with multiple hominid species existing simultaneously, but ultimately only Homo sapiens survived. He mentions the coexistence of Neanderthals with Homo sapiens until about 30,000 years ago and notes that their rapid disappearance, in light of Homo sapiens' subsequent record, suggests interactions were rarely positive.

Carleton Coon's Hypothesis and Modern Genetics

The article discusses Carleton Coon's mid-60s hypothesis that basic human races evolved separately from Homo erectus. While Coon was not considered a crackpot, a major objection was that humans could interbreed, suggesting a single species. Modern genetic techniques have since shown that Coon's ideas do not hold up. Carleton Jr. has attempted to incorporate this into a 'Progressive Humanism' theory, suggesting Homo sapiens evolved in Africa and interbred with local Homo erectus, creating 'sapient' hybrids that became the ancestors of modern racial groups. Bloomberg notes this is not impossible but that the majority opinion favors the 'radiation' theory, where Homo sapiens evolved and spread out, with racial differences arising from superficial variations rather than separate evolutionary paths.

REALLity Check

This column by David Bloomberg covers several skeptical topics:

Big Feet, Little Evidence

Bloomberg comments on a feature article about a Bigfoot investigator, noting that while the investigator aims to make Bigfoot hunting respectable, the claims still suffer from a lack of evidence. He clarifies his position is against making claims without evidence, not against the idea itself.

Fatima or Nostradamus?

This section discusses the Catholic Church's revelation of the third 'secret' of Fatima, which foretold the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II. Bloomberg likens it to a Nostradamus prophecy, arguing that it functions as a prediction only in hindsight, with parts that don't fit being ignored. He criticizes the tendency to interpret vague prophecies to fit events after they occur.

Watered-Down Claims

The Federal Trade Commission settled charges against marketers of 'Vitamin O' for $375,000 due to false health claims. The product, described as 'stabilized oxygen molecules,' was essentially salt water. The FTC prohibited further unsupported claims, but Bloomberg feels the companies got off lightly.

For Cows Only

Dr. Dean Edell is cited regarding colostrum supplements, the first breast milk from a mother. While touted for various health benefits, Edell states there is no scientific evidence for these claims, especially since the commercially available product is from cows, not humans. He raises concerns about people using such supplements as cures, potentially ignoring effective treatments.

The Magic Wars of Africa: Update 2000

This article by Richard Petraitis discusses the continuation of 'magic wars' in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Uganda

The Holy Spirit Movement, formerly led by Alice Lakwena, has been succeeded by Joseph Kony, Lakwena's cousin. Kony leads the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), which combines fundamentalist Christianity with traditional African religion. The LRA, now equipped with machine guns and mines, forcibly abducts children (ages twelve to sixteen) to fill its ranks, forcing young girls into marriage and punishing dissenters. The LRA inductees are told that a nut oil will make them holy and fearless, and that obeying the Holy Spirit prevents death in battle.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

The article notes that the Democratic Republic of the Congo also experiences conflicts involving 'bullet-proof rebels' who use 'maji' (magic water) and charms for protection. Mai Mai tribesmen and Hutu militias engage in combat, believing in the protective power of maji, often wearing shower caps and bath plugs. This practice is seen as a revival of tactics used during the BiAfrican civil war.

From the Editor

Wally Hartshorn welcomes readers to the issue, noting it's the eighth year of publication and soliciting suggestions and articles. He highlights the focus on creation/evolution in this issue and mentions an article by Richard Petraitis on the problems caused by belief in magic in Africa. He also notes David Bloomberg's 'REALLity Check' column.

From the Chairman

David Bloomberg reports on the May meeting, which featured a presentation by David Gehrig on Holocaust denier David Irving. He also mentions a skit performed by 'The REALL Players.' He announces the June meeting will include the annual lunch and Skeptic Jeopardy game, as well as elections for board members. He also calls for a volunteer to organize REALL's library.

REALL Librarian Needed

REALL is seeking a volunteer to organize its collection of books, magazines, and videotapes to make the library more accessible for members and to encourage donations.

REALL Contacts

Provides contact information for REALL, including a hotline, chairman, editor, and website.

Our Next Meeting: Skeptic Jeopardy!

An announcement for the June 4th Skeptic Jeopardy meeting at Shakey's Pizza & Buffet in Springfield, Illinois. The event is free and open to the public, with a BYOLM (Bring Your Own Lunch Money) policy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The REALL News consistently promotes critical thinking, skepticism, and the scientific method. The magazine actively debunks pseudoscientific claims, creationist arguments, and paranormal phenomena. It provides a platform for reasoned debate and the examination of evidence, as seen in the detailed responses to evolution-related questions and the critique of health scams and unsubstantiated prophecies. The publication also covers fringe science topics and social issues through a skeptical lens, as exemplified by the article on Africa's magic wars. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and against belief based on faith or unsupported claims.