REALL News - Vol 08 No 08

Magazine Overview

Title: The REALL News
Issue Date: August 2000
Publisher: Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL)
Content Focus: Skepticism, debunking myths and conspiracy theories, scientific inquiry.

Article: Don't You Believe It! Scientists Report: Bumblebees Can't Fly

This article by Robert Novella addresses a common misconception: that science has proven bumblebees cannot fly. Novella explains that this myth likely originated in German technical universities in the 1930s due to preliminary calculations based on conventional aerodynamics, which did not account for the complex, three-dimensional movements of insect wings. He highlights that at the scale of bees, air behaves more like a viscous fluid (molasses) than it does for larger aircraft. Modern research, particularly by scientists like Charles Ellington and Michael Dickinson, has revealed that precise wing rotations at the end of a stroke generate extra lift through phenomena like delayed stall and leading-edge vortices. The myth arose from applying airplane aerodynamics to insects without considering their unique flight mechanics. Novella emphasizes that science has not proven bees can't fly; rather, the misunderstanding stems from applying the wrong scientific models.

Article: Fighting Ignorance with The Straight Dope, Part 3: Conspiracies

This installment by David Bloomberg tackles several conspiracy theories.

Moon Landing Hoax Bloomberg addresses the persistent claim that the moon landings were faked. He notes that proponents often dismiss any evidence as part of the conspiracy itself. He debunks a specific argument that dry sand doesn't leave footprints, explaining that the moon's soil is fine and compactable like talcum powder, which does leave clear prints. He also points out that if the landings were faked on Earth, a dry desert landscape would have been used, not one that mimics the moon's soil properties.

The Protocols of the Elders of Zion This section details the history of the infamous anti-Semitic forgery. Bloomberg explains that the Protocols purport to be a Jewish plan for world domination. He traces their origins to a likely fabrication in Paris around 1897-1899, possibly by Russian secret police. The text was published in Russia in the early 1900s and later promoted by figures like Henry Ford. In 1921, Philip Graves of The Times of London proved the Protocols were plagiarized from earlier works, specifically Maurice Joly's satire and Hermann Goedsche's novel "Biarritz." Despite being debunked multiple times by courts and researchers, the Protocols continue to be used to justify anti-Semitism and persecution, leading to thousands of deaths.

Chupacabra Bloomberg examines reports of the chupacabra, a creature allegedly responsible for draining the blood of farm animals, particularly goats. He notes that descriptions vary widely, from alien-like creatures to dinosaur hybrids. He cites the Skeptic's Dictionary, which suggests that authorities attribute these deaths to stray dogs or exotic animals. The phenomenon is compared to cattle mutilation stories, and the lack of blood in carcasses is explained by natural processes like blood settling and insect activity after death. The spread of chupacabra sightings is seen by believers as evidence of an alien pet, while skeptics view it as a myth spreading geographically.

From the Editor

Wally Hartshorn introduces the issue, highlighting Robert Novella's article from the New England Journal of Skepticism and David Bloomberg's ongoing series. He also plugs his new website, www.skepticplanet.com.

From the Chairman

David Bloomberg announces the delayed Skeptic Jeopardy game and apologizes for the absence of his "REALLity Check" column due to a vacation. He encourages members to submit their "best" or "worst" suggestions for the year-in-review.

REALL Purpose and Membership

The newsletter provides details about REALL's mission as a non-profit organization dedicated to rational thinking and the scientific method. It outlines membership rates and lists patron members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the debunking of persistent myths and conspiracy theories through scientific reasoning and critical inquiry. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, promoting the scientific method as the most reliable way to obtain knowledge and encouraging objective, critical examination of paranormal and fringe-science claims. The publication aims to combat misinformation and promote a rational worldview.