REALL News - Vol 09 No 05 - 2001

Magazine Overview

This issue of The REALL News, dated May 2001, is the official newsletter of the Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL). It focuses on critical examination of paranormal claims and fringe science, with a strong emphasis on skepticism and the scientific method.

A Klassic Abduction Found by Martin S. Kottmeyer

This article delves into William Tenn's 1948 science fiction story "Consulate," published in *Thrilling Wonder Stories*. Kottmeyer notes that while the story has not garnered much attention among SF scholars, it possesses unique charms as an alien abduction tale. The narrative begins with a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, Fronac, pondering humanity's difficulty in reaching other planets, which leads to a discussion about the likelihood of advanced alien life. The story then shifts to two men fishing who encounter a mysterious green bulbous object that envelops their boat in a force bubble, transporting them through space. They experience a "mutual nightmare" and are eventually brought to Mars, where they encounter alien beings and learn about a galactic federation. The story explores themes of alien observation, the vastness of the universe, and the potential for isolation imposed by advanced civilizations. Kottmeyer highlights several parallels between the story's elements and common UFO motifs, such as the "escalation of hypothesis" in sightings, transparent force bubbles, and the aliens' ability to fly without visible propulsion. He also notes similarities to the "mindscan" concept and the indifferent attitude of aliens described in later abduction literature. The article points out two peculiar coincidences: the story's protagonist having the same name as the famed UFO debunker Philip Klass, and the abduction narrative appearing in a Boston newspaper, mirroring the experience of Betty and Barney Hill.

From the Chairman by David Bloomberg

David Bloomberg, Chairman of REALL, shares his experience attending a meeting of leaders from local skeptics groups in Buffalo, New York, hosted by CSICOP. He describes the meeting as productive and mentions encountering prominent figures in the skepticism movement like Paul Kurtz, Barry Karr, and Joe Nickell. He teases that the discussions covered topics that will be addressed at the next REALL meeting, including potential changes to bylaws and the election of new officers. Bloomberg also announces upcoming social meetings for REALL members during the summer.

A Nod to Our Patrons

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

Why Nightmares are Good, Part 1: The Sentinel by Bob Ladendorf

Bob Ladendorf proposes a novel hypothesis for nightmares, suggesting they are not solely psychological manifestations but are triggered by a physical problem that forces the sleeper to awaken. He contrasts this with existing theories, including Freud's psychoanalytic approach and the activation-synthesis hypothesis proposed by J. Allan Hobson. Ladendorf argues that nightmares serve as a mechanism to return consciousness to the real world, often due to physical discomforts like pressure on an arm or the need to urinate. He supports his hypothesis with excerpts from his personal dream journal, detailing instances where nightmares were immediately followed by waking up with a tingling hand or the urge to urinate. He notes that while common sense might suggest this connection, it has not been seriously considered in sleep research literature. Ladendorf plans to explore the evidence and ramifications of his hypothesis in subsequent parts of the article.

TV Reviews: In the Land of Hope and Glory by Bob Ladendorf

This review examines Antony Thomas's HBO documentary "In the Land of Hope and Glory," which explores the practices of faith healers Benny Hinn and Reinhard Bonnke. Ladendorf, drawing parallels to James Randi's work, finds the healers to be showmen who manipulate vulnerable audiences. He notes the filmmakers' difficulty in obtaining follow-up information on supposedly healed individuals and the heartbreaking scenes of suffering Nigerians. The review highlights the documentary's complex portrayal, acknowledging that while the healers may be fraudulent, the hope they offer provides temporary solace to those in despair. The review also touches upon scientists' explanations for the crowd's emotional responses and references Carl Sagan's observation about the low rate of attested cures at Lourdes.

Larry King Live

This section reviews an episode of CNN's "Larry King Live" that discussed ghosts and haunted houses. Ladendorf criticizes the show for heavily favoring proponents of the paranormal, with only a brief opportunity for skeptics Michael Shermer and James Randi to present their views. He describes the footage as often unconvincing and notes that Larry King seemed to trivialize the topic with jokes. The review concludes by suggesting the show could be part of NBC News' "Fleecing of America" series, rephrasing a lyric from "Land of Hope and Glory" to "Land of Hype and Gory."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of paranormal claims, the importance of the scientific method, and the debunking of pseudoscience. The editorial stance of The REALL News and REALL is clearly skeptical, advocating for rational thinking and objective inquiry into phenomena, while also acknowledging the psychological and social factors that can lead people to believe in extraordinary claims. The publication aims to inform its members and the public about potentially misleading or fraudulent claims in areas such as UFOs, alien abductions, and faith healing.