REALL News - Vol 09 No 03 - 2001

Magazine Overview

The REALL News, Volume 9, Number 3, published in March 2001, is the official newsletter of the Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL). The publication's mission is to promote rational thinking and the scientific method. This issue features articles on human evolution, skepticism towards alternative medicine, UFO sightings, and the Shroud of Turin, alongside organizational news and a letter to the editor.

Is Human Evolution Special?

This lead article by David Bloomberg challenges the traditional, linear view of human evolution. It introduces the work of Ian Tattersall and Jeffrey H. Schwartz, who argue that human evolutionary history, like that of other animals, was characterized by a 'bushiness' with multiple species coexisting and many going extinct. Their book, "Extinct Humans," presents anatomical comparisons of pre-human fossils rather than just chronological layers. Schwartz emphasizes that humans are like other animals in having diverse, coexisting pre-human lines, and that our current status as the sole surviving species is a 'strange evolutionary fluke' due to the exploitation of our brains. The article explains that the linear view was perpetuated by the assumption of only one human species existing at any time and the apparent differences between modern humans and apes, which made hominid fossils seem to fit a straight-line progression. Tattersall and Schwartz's research suggests that the lineage leading to Homo sapiens separated from that of Neanderthals as much as 650,000 years ago, and that Homo sapiens coexisted with Neanderthals for over 70,000 years before the latter died out. This period also saw an 'explosion of expression' in Homo sapiens, indicating a greater use of their brains for art, language, and survival. The authors suggest that invading humans may have been indirectly responsible for the extinction of other hominid species, citing historical patterns of human behavior. While some scientists applaud this work, others remain unconvinced. The researchers aim to provide enough information for people to form their own conclusions, asserting that human ancestors were subject to the same evolutionary rules as other animals.

From the Chairman

David Bloomberg, Chairman of REALL, thanks Malcolm Levin for a presentation at a recent meeting. He notes that the presentation was disrupted by creationists David Sack and John Henry, who, despite claiming to provide information, hindered the students' understanding. Bloomberg recounts an instance where Sack challenged the use of the word 'gene' as a substitute for a more technical term, and another where Sack avoided a question about whether he had read provided material. Bloomberg expresses concern that such disruptions prevent productive learning opportunities and states that the Board will consider measures to prevent recurrence.

A Nod to Our Patrons

This section lists patron members of REALL, acknowledging their financial support which enables the organization to continue its work in promoting critical thinking.

REALLity Check

This section provides brief updates on various topics:

Kansas Leaves the Dark Ages

On February 14, the Kansas Board of Education voted 7-3 to restore evolution and related matters to the state science standards, reversing a previous decision. The article notes the opposition from creationist members and the potential for further challenges.

Unidentified Flying Planets

An article in Discover magazine's "Sky Lights" column is discussed, which explains that Venus is frequently mistaken for a UFO due to its brightness. The article also mentions other objects and phenomena that can lead to misidentification, such as reflections, satellites, and atmospheric conditions, and advises on how to avoid jumping to conclusions.

First Humans, Now Animals

This segment critiques the expansion of alternative medicine into veterinary practices. It mentions the formation of a task force by the American Veterinary Medicine Association to address alternative therapies. The article quotes Dr. David Ramey, who emphasizes the importance of science-based practices, and contrasts this with proponents of alternative medicine who argue for its expansion.

Shrouded in Nonsense

The author criticizes a State Journal-Register article about the Shroud of Turin, written by Steven Spearie, which featured Mark Antonacci, a proponent of the shroud's authenticity. The article is accused of lacking skepticism and allowing Antonacci to frame the debate. The author refutes claims made in the article, particularly those questioning carbon dating and suggesting an instantaneous burst of radiation as an explanation for the image. The author points to evidence like carbon dating placing the shroud in the 1300s and a bishop's letter denouncing it as a forgery from that period.

Did You Hear the One About the Cop Who Spread False Stories?

This brief item reports on a Springfield police department spreading an urban legend about con men calling about phone company issues. The rumor was found to have been circulating for years on urban-legend websites.

Not So Healthy, the Continuing Saga

A U.S. News & World Report article on the side effects of dietary supplements, herbs, and the like is discussed. The article highlights numerous adverse-event reports and deaths associated with supplements like ephedra and ginkgo. It notes that the FDA cannot require scientific safety studies due to legal limitations and that the supplement industry significantly influences campaign finance, impacting regulatory oversight.

Skeptic News in the News

This short piece mentions that U.S. News magazine listed the Skeptic News website as a link for conspiracy information. It congratulates Editor Wally Hartshorn.

Fox = Supermarket Tabloid TV

The author expresses dismay over a Fox "special" that claimed the moon landing was a hoax, viewing it as a platform for conspiracy theories and questioning the decision to air such content.

Pardon Me?

This item discusses the controversial presidential pardon of Glenn Braswell, who was convicted of mail fraud and perjury related to selling herbal supplements. It notes that the U.S. Justice Department was not consulted and that Braswell had ties to George W. Bush and Jeb Bush, with the pardon request handled by Hugh Rodham.

Letter to the Editor

J. E. (Joe) Armstrong writes in response to a previous newsletter that awarded the Pantagraph for its local stories. He criticizes the Pantagraph for publishing an article on energy healing without sufficient skepticism, despite the publication's stated aim. Armstrong notes that the article was not prepared by the news division, suggesting a need to identify the source of articles for veracity. He expresses concern about the growing cultural acceptance of alternative therapies and the trend towards 'immuno-psychology.' He mentions contemplating writing a guest column on science standards and keeping a diary of annoying intellectual issues for a potential future book titled "Swimming Upstream in America."

Our Next Meeting

This section announces an upcoming meeting on Tuesday, March 6, at 7:00 PM, featuring a video presentation by Steven Hassan titled "Releasing the Bonds: Combating Cult Mind Control and Empowering People to Think for Themselves." Hassan, a former cult member and licensed Mental Health Counselor, will discuss cult techniques and mind control.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The REALL News are skepticism, the importance of the scientific method, and critical examination of claims related to evolution, alternative medicine, paranormal phenomena, and conspiracy theories. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and against pseudoscience, misinformation, and unsubstantiated claims. The publication actively debunks what it considers to be 'nonsense' and promotes rational thinking, as exemplified by its critique of the Pantagraph, the Shroud of Turin claims, and the promotion of alternative therapies. The organization REALL itself is dedicated to the development of rational thinking and the application of the scientific method.