British and Irish Skeptic - 1988 - Vol 2 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: The British & Irish SKEPTIC
Issue: Volume II, No. 3
Date: May/June 1988
Publisher: The British & Irish Skeptic (published bimonthly from Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland)

This issue of The British & Irish Skeptic presents a collection of articles and departments dedicated to critical examination of paranormal claims, pseudoscience, and the New Age movement. The magazine aims to promote rationalism and scientific inquiry.

Articles

• Findhorn: The Foundation Built on Sand by Steuart Campbell: This report scrutinizes the Findhorn Foundation, a spiritual community in Scotland. Campbell questions the Foundation's claims of miraculous plant growth, attributing the initial spectacular results to intensive composting and animal manure on previously farmed land, rather than spiritual influence or 'devas' as claimed by adherents. The article also touches on the Foundation's expansion into an education and business center, attracting thousands of visitors and students, and notes local resentment towards its growing influence and land acquisition.

• Interview: Paul Kurtz (Part Two) by Wendy M. Grossman: In the second part of the interview, Paul Kurtz, chairman of CSICOP, discusses the role of imagination in paranormal beliefs. He argues that while imagination is vital for creativity, it becomes problematic when the line between fantasy and reality is blurred, leading people to accept speculative ideas as fact. Kurtz addresses the 'Star-Baby' business and the Gauquelins' astrological research, highlighting the media's role in promoting paranormal claims and the public's interest in a 'transcendent universe'. He criticizes magazines like 'Fate' for their uncritical promotion of the paranormal and defends CSICOP against ad hominem attacks. The discussion also touches on the Gauquelins' research correlating planetary positions with professions, and the disputed attempts to replicate their findings.

• The Case Against ESP by Anthony Garrett: This article presents arguments against the existence of Extra-Sensory Perception (ESP).

• Telepathy: a Mechanism? NO! by Stephen Donnelly: Donnelly argues that there is no plausible mechanism for telepathy.

• Recognizing Pseudoscience by Sven Ove Hansson: Hansson provides guidance on how to identify and recognize pseudoscience.

Departments

• Skeptics in the News: Reports on various news items relevant to skepticism. One item details the outrage of British humanists over the 'Jesus is alive' slogan appearing as a postmark on mail, a campaign funded by a Christian bookseller. Another report introduces the Manchester Skeptics Group, seeking recruits to investigate paranormal claims with a critical approach.

• Hits & Misses: This section includes a report on the Loch Ness Monster fish farm, where local opposition feared it would reduce the credibility of the monster myth. It also notes that a challenge adjudicated by the B&IS was a misunderstanding, and the magazine declined to hold the cheque.

• European Report: Covers news from Spain and France. In Spain, Luis Alfonso Gamez Dominguez reports on the interest in the paranormal and the work of Randi. In France, reports discuss the Aetherius Society's warnings about 'magnetisation periods' and their courses on spiritual healing, as well as the investigation into astrology by Michel Gauquelin.

• In Progress: An update on the magazine's production, announcing changes in typesetting and printing to improve quality. It also mentions upcoming information sheets on astrology, dowsing, and creationism, and appeals for reader contributions, news items, and clippings.

• Psychic Diary by Toby Howard: Howard's column likely offers a skeptical perspective on recent paranormal claims or events.

• Reviews: Several books and publications are reviewed: Michael Heap reviews Peter Casson in Sheffield; Chris Wright reviews "Mysteries of the Pennines"; Steuart Campbell reviews Susan Blackmore on "Antenna"; and Wendy M. Grossman reviews "The Roving Mind".

• Letters: A section for reader correspondence.

• The Press Gallery: Likely features clippings from other publications related to skepticism or paranormal claims.

Specific Reports and Incidents

• Outrage at Jesus postmark: British humanists expressed outrage over the Post Office's decision to use a "Jesus is alive" slogan as a postmark for six weeks, calling it an imposition of religious belief on the public.

• California Skeptics' Next Hurdle: The Nostradamus Quake by Robert Reinhold: This article details how the Southern California Skeptics, led by physicist Al Seckel, addressed the hysteria surrounding Nostradamus' prediction of an earthquake in Los Angeles in May 1988. The group worked to debunk the prophecy, explaining that the film "The Man Who Saw Tomorrow" and its interpretations were flawed, and that planetary alignments did not support the prediction. The article contrasts the emphasis on comfort and appearance in Los Angeles with the East Coast's focus on the mind, and criticizes the failure of the school system in fostering critical thinking skills.

• Randi to Tour: James Randi is planning a tentative European tour for mid-September to mid-October.

• Bent Astrolabe for Brooke Bond: Brooke Bond Tea received the "Bent Astrolabe Award" for the biggest astronomical clanger of 1987 for their "Unexplained Mysteries of the World" picture card series.

• Her Last Bow: Doris Collins announced her upcoming tour of Britain would be her last, and that she plans to open a healing center.

• The Loch Ness Monster Fish Farm: Plans for a fish farm in Loch Ness met opposition from local bodies fearing it would detract from the 'monster myth' on which they depend.

• Aetherial News: The Aetherius Society published a bulletin warning about "magnetisation periods" in 1988 and mentioning a "giant Spacecraft from Mars" with "Astrometaphysicians" on board, capable of conditioning solar energies. The society also offers courses in spiritual healing and Kinesiology.

• Calling Nessie: The Scottish Tourist Board announced a 'special hot-line' and a temporary radio station (GB2LNM) to promote Loch Ness. Radio ham Danny Macrae handled inquiries and sent out information cards about Nessie.

• Regan's Revenge: Donald Regan's new book alleged that President Reagan's decisions were influenced by his wife Nancy's reliance on an astrologer, who apparently did not foresee the revelations.

• Graphologists Organize: A new graphology center opened in London to screen job applicants, with merchant bankers SG Warburg reportedly using graphology for vetting. The Academy of Graphology was established to act as a qualifying body and promote the inclusion of graphology in university curricula.

• Nostradamus in California: This report revisits the Nostradamus prediction of a "New City" earthquake in May 1988, comparing the public panic to the "War of the Worlds" broadcast. It highlights the role of the Southern California Skeptics and the Griffith Observatory in providing scientific counter-information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of paranormal claims, pseudoscience, and New Age beliefs. The magazine consistently promotes a skeptical, rational, and scientific approach to understanding the world. The editorial stance is clearly against the uncritical acceptance of extraordinary claims, emphasizing the importance of evidence, logical reasoning, and distinguishing between imagination and reality. The magazine actively debunks popular myths and exposes flawed reasoning, while also reporting on the activities of skeptical organizations and individuals.

This issue of The British & Irish Skeptic, dated May/June 1988, focuses on "Recognizing Pseudoscience" with an article by Sven Ove Hansson. The magazine features discussions on various paranormal topics, including ESP, telepathy, UFOs, and psychic phenomena, all examined from a skeptical viewpoint.

Article: The Gauquelin Data and the 'Star-Baby' Controversy

An interview or discussion segment addresses the controversy surrounding the work of the Gauquelins and Marvin Zelen's interpretation of their 'Zelen test' data. The issue of fraud and the difficulty in replicating findings, particularly in America, are highlighted. CSICOP's stance is presented as open-minded but unconvinced of replication, urging independent verification. The discussion also touches upon the departure of some individuals from CSICOP, framing it as normal organizational differences rather than a major split.

Article: The Case Against ESP by Anthony Garrett

Anthony Garrett, a physicist, argues that the problem with ESP is not scientific but one of fraud, humbug, and publicity. He cites the case of Dr Soal of London, whose number-guessing data was found to have been doctored. Garrett questions whether scientists trained in zoology and botany are the best suited for ESP research, suggesting that stage magicians, with their expertise in deception, might be more appropriate consultants for detecting fraud. He notes that negative results from experiments are often difficult to publish, while positive results are favored. Garrett concludes that while he doesn't claim ESP doesn't exist, the evidence strongly suggests it probably doesn't, and advocates for rigorous, double-blind experiments with magician consultants.

Article: Telepathy: a mechanism? NO! by Stephen Donnelly

Stephen Donnelly, a physicist, critiques a proposed mechanism for telepathy involving gamma-ray radiation, as presented in a previous issue by Gordon Gray. Donnelly argues that this theory is scientifically unsound. He explains that gamma-rays are highly energetic and have wavelengths incompatible with the size of molecules in cell membranes, which Gray suggested were tuned to these frequencies. Furthermore, the energy radiated by a single nerve impulse is astronomically too small to produce a gamma-ray photon. Donnelly also dismisses the idea that brains need protection from telepathic signals, suggesting that detecting such signals could be advantageous for survival. He concludes that the gamma-ray mechanism for telepathy is as implausible as the 'helium bubble' explanation for UFOs.

Article: Recognizing Pseudoscience by Sven Ove Hansson

Sven Ove Hansson defines science as the systematic search for knowledge that can be established or controlled independently of any particular individual. He proposes seven criteria to distinguish science from pseudoscience:

1. Personal Authority: Crediting individuals with unquestionable authority.
2. Lack of Repeatability: Trusting unrepeatable experiments.
3. Biased Selection of Examples: Choosing examples that support a theory while ignoring contradictory ones.
4. Lack of Reality Testing: Evading tests against sensory experience or reality.
5. Contradictory Evidence Ignored: Maintaining a theory despite reliable empirical evidence to the contrary.
6. Refutation Not Accepted: Accepting results as confirmation but not as refutation.
7. Lack of Replacement: Displacing existing theories without offering a viable alternative.

Hansson illustrates these criteria with examples from various pseudoscientific fields, including Scientology, biorhythms, and the work of Erich von Däniken.

Toby Howard's Psychic Diary

This column provides a roundup of paranormal news and events in the UK. It highlights the tendency of paranormal publications to feature celebrities endorsing psychic phenomena, and discusses an article on psychic surgery in the Philippines. The column also mentions paranormal-themed holidays, the 'Lion People' group promoting a new philosophy, and the use of computers in modern astrology, including 'ASTRO*CARTO*GRAPHY'. It concludes with a humorous anecdote about a clairvoyant's prediction.

Reviews: Conferences - Assuming Randi's Mantle

Michael Heap reviews a performance by stage hypnotist Peter Casson, who presented his show as a 'National Scientific Investigation into the supernatural'. Heap notes Casson's claims of psychic abilities and his invention for treating 'Aquaphobia'. The review mentions religious groups protesting Casson's show, interpreting his microphone failures as divine intervention. Heap describes the performance, including Casson's attire and a failed attempt to photograph a lady's thought contents.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of paranormal claims and the demarcation between genuine science and pseudoscience. The magazine consistently advocates for rigorous methodology, empirical evidence, and skepticism. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific inquiry and against the uncritical acceptance of unsubstantiated claims, emphasizing the importance of clear, testable, and repeatable evidence. The publication aims to serve the skeptical community by encouraging debate and promoting sound scientific reasoning.

This issue of The British & Irish Skeptic, dated May/June 1988, presents a collection of articles and reviews that critically examine paranormal claims, psychological phenomena, and pseudoscientific endeavors. The magazine maintains a skeptical stance, aiming to provide balanced and comprehensive accounts of UFO phenomena and related topics.

Stage Hypnosis and Probability

The issue opens with a detailed account of a stage hypnosis show by Peter Casson. The author describes Casson's 'experiments,' which involved volunteers guessing Zener cards and identifying hidden photographs. While Casson claimed high scores, the author notes that the results, particularly for the photographs, seemed 'surprisingly inept' given the typical content of a local newspaper. The show also included demonstrations with a forked twig and dowsing rods, and past-life regressions, which elicited a mixed audience reaction.

Casson's views on psychics are also discussed, with a quote from him calling Doris Stokes's work 'bogus.' The article notes Casson's attendance at a CSICOP London Conference in June 1985 and his claim to be the only hypnotist able to produce a medically verifiable hypnotic trance. Casson had challenged anyone claiming psychic powers to a demonstration, offering to make them rich and famous if they succeeded in bending a brass rod psychically.

Mysteries of the Pennines Lecture Day

Chris Wright reports on 'Mysteries of the Pennines,' a day of illustrated lectures held in Sheffield. The event featured five speakers covering topics such as UFOs, ghosts, legends, traditions, and earth mysteries. Rob Wilson discussed legends of the Sheffield area, focusing on 'ley' lines and astronomical alignments, though the author expressed skepticism about the validity of these theories. David Clarke and Andy Roberts presented on 'Spooklights of the Pennines,' suggesting natural terrestrial origins like plasma jets, and appearing less keen on the extraterrestrial hypothesis. Terence Whitaker spoke about 'Ghosts of the Pennines,' sharing case histories of haunted houses. Jenny Randles, a well-known UFO writer, gave a talk on the Pennine UFO mystery, covering various origin theories without explicitly endorsing any single one.

The author concludes that the day was successful, though he humorously notes that none of the speakers shed light on his personal interest in the design of theatre seats.

The Undoing of a Parapsychologist

Steuart Campbell reviews a BBC2 program, 'Antenna,' which focused on the conversion to skepticism of Dr. Sue Blackmore, a parapsychologist at Bristol University. Blackmore's interest in parapsychology stemmed from personal experiences, including the 'tunnel of light' and out-of-body experiences. However, her own experiments, particularly with Tarot cards, failed to yield consistent results. She noted the 'experimenter effect' and the influence of belief in psi. Ultimately, she concluded that parapsychology would have to do without psi, predicting that all strange experiences would eventually be explained by conventional means.

Book Review: The Roving Mind

Wendy M. Grossman reviews Isaac Asimov's 'The Roving Mind,' a collection of essays covering science, technology, population control, and other speculative topics. Grossman highlights Asimov's ability to write entertainingly on complex subjects and notes his dedication to CSICOP. The review points out Asimov's arguments for lowering the birth rate, his examination of Reagan's philosophy, and his thoughts on the future of collecting. The essays were originally written for various publications between 1973 and 1982, and Grossman suggests that reading them together offers insight into tailoring arguments for different audiences. Asimov's final essay, about his father, emphasizes the value of learning.

Letters to the Editor

Hilary Evans, as editor of 'UFOs 1947-1987,' responds to Steuart Campbell's review of the book. Evans defends the book's contributors, stating that most of them do not assume UFOs are equivalent to alien spacecraft and that many items were written specifically for the publication. Evans also refutes Campbell's claim of 'antagonism to science,' explaining it as a critique of bad or defective science, and argues that amateur researchers are necessary when qualified scientists do not examine the UFO question. Evans encourages readers to obtain the book for a balanced account of the UFO phenomenon.

Nonein Board Test Report

Redge Lewis provides a humorous and detailed report on a test of the 'Nonein Board,' a device purportedly used for communication. The test involved qualified testers, deep-frozen turkey entrails, and a cave location. The report describes the board's movement, the messages received (which were often nonsensical or repetitive), and the eventual jamming of the central pivot. The author concludes that the experiment was a trial run and not a psychic experience, and that the results were questionable.

Media Reviews

The Irish Times reports on the settlement of damages claims against a hypnotist, Paul Goldin, by six people who claimed their speech impediments were not cured after attending his course.

The Sunday Times features an article on the marketing of Whitley Strieber's book 'Communion: Encounters With The Unknown,' highlighting the use of striking, title-less book jackets and a telephone number for a recorded message to drive sales and publicity.

The Irish Times also reviews two books on faith healers: James Randi's 'The Faith Healers' and Lucinda McCray Beier's 'Sufferers and Healers.' The review criticizes the exploitative practices of modern faith healers, contrasting them with the more humble approach of some 17th-century healers.

Back Issues and Subscriptions

The final pages provide information on subscriptions, back issues, and contact details for The British & Irish Skeptic magazine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of paranormal claims, the psychology of belief, and the scientific investigation of unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based reasoning and the critique of pseudoscience. The magazine aims to provide a counterbalance to sensationalist reporting on topics like UFOs and psychic phenomena, encouraging readers to approach such subjects with a discerning and analytical mind. The inclusion of book reviews, letters, and reports on lectures demonstrates a commitment to engaging with the broader discourse on these subjects from a rationalist perspective.