British and Irish Skeptic - 1989 - Vol 3 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: The British & Irish Skeptic
Issue: Volume III, No. 1
Date: January/February 1989
Publisher: The British & Irish Skeptic
Country: UK
Price: £1.50

This issue of The British & Irish Skeptic, a publication dedicated to the scientific examination of claims of the paranormal, features a range of articles debunking or critically examining various phenomena and beliefs. The cover highlights topics such as the myth of firewalking, James Randi's visit to Manchester, strange therapies, irrationality, spoonbending, and the identity of Punxsatawny Phil.

Articles and Features

Hits and Misses

• Batman Digs Robin: This short piece discusses a peculiar request from the 'Society for the Advancement of Irreproducible Vampires and Lycanthropy Research' to exhume the body of Robin Hood to investigate vampire activity. The owner of the site, Lady Margarite Armytage, has refused permission.
• Toe and Heal?: This article critiques reflexology, a practice that claims to diagnose and treat ailments by massaging specific points on the feet. It describes the process of practitioners feeling for 'crystals' under the skin, which are said to indicate waste deposits. The author notes that reflexology is not available on the NHS.
• Red Stars: This section reports on the appearance of an astrology column in a Soviet newspaper, Moskovskaya Pravda, and contrasts it with predictions from the Daily Mail regarding problems for the Soviet Union. It also mentions a sociological study indicating interest in parapsychology and other paranormal beliefs in the USSR.
• Shrouded in Nonsense: This article addresses the ongoing debate about the Turin Shroud, referencing Joe Nickell's investigation which concluded it was a forgery. It discusses Ian Wilson's continued arguments, including his suggestion to scientifically examine handkerchiefs believed to bear Christ's likeness, and his questioning of the reliability of carbon dating.
• Bent Astrolabe: This piece humorously awards The Star newspaper its 'Bent Astrolabe award' for the biggest astronomical clanger of 1988, specifically for its headline story about a 'giant human face' on Mars, which NASA scientists attributed to a trick of the light.
• Clairvoyant Condemned: A tragic case is reported where a clairvoyant's prediction of death led a 79-year-old pensioner, Walter Petty, to become a recluse and ultimately hang himself. The coroner noted the prediction but could not definitively link it to his actions.
• Gina's Dream: This article recounts a story from the Northern Echo and The Guardian about amateur divers reporting a headless corpse in Coniston Water, which Gina Campbell, Donald Campbell's daughter, dreamt about. The article notes that the recovered body was not wearing Campbell's attire.
• Yellow Glows of Texas: This report details an incident in Crosby, Texas, where the Lemond family claimed a pile of wood emitted a glow resembling religious figures. The phenomenon attracted large crowds until American Gay Atheists debunked it by discovering a floodlight bulb.
• Profits in the Ascendant?: This article questions why astrologers don't use their 'powers' to predict horse races. It highlights a group of astrologers who formed the 'Gambling and Spirituality Workshop' and reportedly predicted winners of major races, making a small profit.
• Monster Odds: This piece mentions mountaineer Chris Bonington's 150-1 bet on proof of the Yeti emerging, citing footprints discovered during an expedition. It also dismisses claims that a British Army officer invented the Yeti story.
• Come back Galileo: This section discusses a survey revealing that while many people know the Earth orbits the sun, fewer understand the time it takes. It also notes that fewer Americans than Britons accept evolution and that many Britons believe laser beams work by focusing sound waves.
• Ghost Wanted: The 10th Duke of Atholl is reportedly seeking a ghost to attract tourists to his castle, but the ghost of a friendly 10-year-old child is not considered sufficient. He is looking for an 'unemployed, traditional, unfriendly' ghost with impeccable references.
• Medium or Psychic?: This article clarifies the distinction between mediums and psychics, as explained by Psychic News. A psychic can be clairvoyant, while a medium communicates with spirit forms. It questions whether astrologer Russell Grant, who is described as psychic and formerly a medium, uses spirit communication or astrological information.
• L. Ron Writes Again?: This piece critiques a Sheffield Journal article that reviewed L. Ron Hubbard's book 'Dianetics' as a 'new theory' by a living scientist, despite Hubbard having died three years prior and the book being published in 1950. It also mentions followers seeking injunctions to prevent the publication of his boy scout diary.
• Swinging the Lead: This article discusses 'geopathic stress', described as mysterious energy streams in the Earth. It mentions Jonathan Sale's solution of demolishing his kitchen and suggests simpler methods like using a pendulum diviner and hammering copper pipes into the ground to counteract these 'black energy streams'.

The Sanghyang Jaran Dance

Chris Wright recounts his experience attending a 'fire dance' in Bali, Indonesia. The dance, part of a religious ritual to exorcise spirits, involves boys and girls entering a trance state. The highlight is the 'sanghyang jaran' where a boy rides a hobbyhorse and dances through and over a pile of burning coconut husk embers. Wright's personal experiment with the embers suggests that their low thermal capacity, rather than magic, explains why the dancer does not get burned. He notes that while the trance state seemed impressive, its reality was not entirely clear.

Sprite

This is a comic strip by Donald Rooum, featuring two characters discussing a message from a 'beautiful creature' that 'things will work out, and not to worry'. The punchline suggests that 'something was lost in transmission'.

Skeptical Calendar

• This section lists upcoming events and meetings for various skeptical organizations:
• The Sceptic and the Paranormal: A series of five lectures at the University of Surrey by Dr John Lord, covering critical thinking and the evaluation of paranormal claims. The course fee is £15.
• London Student Skeptics: Meetings scheduled at Conway Hall, London, including talks on Near Death Experiences, The Evolution Conspiracy, and Physics and Irrationalism.
• Council Against Health Fraud: An organization aiming to combat quackery by providing expert opinion and promoting consumer protection in healthcare. They are accepting subscriptions at £12 per year.
• Irish Skeptics Meetings: Saturday morning meetings at Buswell's Hotel, Dublin.
• Festival Science et Illusions: An upcoming festival in Paris (May 12-21, 1989) billed as an international confrontation between science and non-verified beliefs, featuring exhibitions, demonstrations, and debates.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of paranormal claims, pseudoscience, and irrational beliefs. The magazine consistently promotes scientific methodology, critical thinking, and evidence-based reasoning. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, aiming to debunk hoaxes, expose fraudulent practices, and educate readers about the scientific explanations for phenomena often attributed to the supernatural or unexplained. There is a strong emphasis on distinguishing between genuine scientific inquiry and unsubstantiated claims, particularly in areas like parapsychology, astrology, and alternative medicine.

This issue of The British & Irish Skeptic, dated January/February 1989, focuses on promoting critical thinking and debunking pseudoscientific claims and common misconceptions. It includes announcements for an upcoming CSICOP conference, a transcribed lecture by James Randi, and several articles by David Fisher analyzing various forms of irrationality and flawed reasoning.

CSICOP European Conference Announcement

The magazine announces the 1989 CSICOP European Conference, scheduled for May 5-7, 1989, in Bad Tölz, West Germany. The conference aims to bring together European experts on paranormal and pseudoscientific topics. The program will include members of the CSICOP Executive Council, such as James Randi. Translation services into English, German, and Spanish will be provided. Topics to be covered include Fringe Medicine, The Philosophy of Pseudoscience, Earth Rays and Dowsing, and Graphology. A call for speakers is also issued, inviting individuals to submit proposals to Amardeo Sarma at G.W.U.P. in Rossdorf, West Germany, before January 15, 1989. Accommodation details will be sent to early registrants, with a warning that late registrants might need to stay in Munich.

Randi in Manchester: Transcribed Lecture by James Randi

This section features an edited transcript of a lecture given by James Randi at the Manchester Skeptics. Randi begins by defining skepticism, emphasizing that it's not about automatic disbelief but about demanding strong evidence for extraordinary claims. He uses the example of claiming to have a goat versus claiming to have a unicorn to illustrate the need for varying levels of proof based on the claim's nature. Randi highlights the necessity of making assumptions in everyday life but warns against misplaced trust in media, books, and television. He demonstrates this by revealing that the microphone he was speaking into was not connected, showing how easily an audience can make basic, unverified assumptions. Randi, who is often labeled a 'debunker,' states his approach is that of an investigator with an open mind, though he admits his extensive experience in investigating paranormal claims has led him to find rational explanations for all phenomena encountered. He offers a $10,000 reward to anyone who can prove their paranormal claims under controlled conditions. Randi recounts his experiences investigating claims, including alleged psychic abilities in China where children supposedly read paper through their armpits, which he attributes to trickery. He also discusses the case of Uri Geller, describing Geller's spoon-bending tricks as easily replicable conjuring, and demonstrates how watch-time manipulation can be achieved through misdirection. Randi criticizes faith healers, citing Peter Popoff as an example of a 'racket' that exploits vulnerable people, and notes his own exposure of Popoff led to bankruptcy.

Complacently Irrational? Or Irrationally Complacent? by David Fisher

This article, authored by David Fisher, challenges the reader's assumptions and explores various fallacies in scientific understanding and media reporting. Fisher argues that skeptics should not blindly accept 'known facts' but should engage their own critical thinking. He introduces the 'Orson Welles Syndrome' to describe trivial factual errors, citing examples from newspapers and media that demonstrate inaccuracies. He also discusses Knoll's Law of Media Accuracy, which suggests that newspaper stories are true except when the reader has first-hand knowledge. Fisher points out how media outlets can misreport scientific facts, such as confusing aircraft models or misidentifying bacteria. He notes the similarity between the search for 'psi' phenomena and the search for Salmonella bacteria in eggs, both being difficult and often fruitless.

Fisher critiques the tendency of some skeptics to dismiss claims a priori, suggesting this can lead to a shaken belief system. He examines the 'Trivial Pursuit Syndrome,' where incorrect answers in popular games can mislead. He emphasizes that even textbooks can be wrong, not just on cutting-edge topics but on fundamental concepts, and that people tend to accept printed information without question. Fisher illustrates this with the example of a physics handbook from 1914 that incorrectly depicted the trajectory of water spouting from holes in a cylinder, an error that has propagated through subsequent textbooks. He argues that such persistent errors reveal a broader issue with how scientific knowledge is transmitted and accepted.

The Road Goes Ever On

This section delves into further scientific misconceptions. Fisher discusses the fallacy that a person in a rigid box cannot push it forward, and the incorrect assertion that a rocket is propelled by the pressure of gases on its closed end, rather than by the exhaust. He also addresses the common error that if two men pull a rope with 100lb each, the stress is 200lb, when it is actually 100lb. The article touches upon the fallacy that falling from a great height is dangerous due to the fall itself, rather than the impact, and notes that terminal velocity is reached after a certain distance, making longer falls survivable without a parachute once that velocity is achieved.

Fisher then examines the concept of 'centrifugal force,' explaining that it is not a true force in Newtonian mechanics and that students often incorrectly apply it. He criticizes the simplistic explanation of flight often given on programs like 'Tomorrow's World,' which attributes lift solely to path length differences over an aerofoil, ignoring other factors and the possibility of symmetrical aerofoils. He also debunks the idea that skating on ice works because pressure melts a thin film of water and that water always freezes at 0°C.

Further Historical Perspectives and Conclusion

Fisher continues by discussing how scientific fallacies can persist over generations, citing the example of the 'five-finger lift' trick, which has been presented as a mystical phenomenon despite having simple explanations. He critiques the notion that scientists working at the frontiers of knowledge are the most certain, arguing that they are often the least certain. He also touches upon Einstein's comment that ESP, if it existed, would not obey an inverse-square dependence on distance, suggesting that some phenomena might not follow conventional physical laws. The article concludes by stressing that no source of information should be blindly followed and that a healthy skepticism requires constant evaluation of new information. Fisher suggests the need for a new verb to describe an attitude between proof and belief, as science 'proves' nothing and 'believes' in a way that can be confused with religious belief.

Friday 13th

This section briefly examines the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th. Fisher suggests that while the superstition itself might seem irrational, a statistical analysis could reveal a bias towards bad events on Friday the 13th, not because the day itself is unlucky, but because Friday the 13th occurs more frequently than other Fridays. He advocates for proper statistical comparison of equivalent days over time rather than simply counting occurrences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the importance of critical thinking, scientific literacy, and the debunking of pseudoscience and common misconceptions. The editorial stance is clearly pro-skepticism, advocating for rigorous evidence-based reasoning and a cautious approach to claims that lack empirical support. The magazine aims to educate its readers about logical fallacies, media inaccuracies, and the pitfalls of accepting information uncritically, encouraging a more informed and rational worldview.

This issue of The British & Irish Skeptic, dated January/February 1989, features a cover story titled 'Reviews: A special report on radio and the paranormal'. The magazine critically examines how British radio, particularly the BBC, covers topics such as parapsychology, pseudoscience, and the paranormal, questioning the balance and rigor of its reporting.

The Provenance of Misinformation by Nick Beard

Nick Beard, a qualified doctor and computer consultant, explores the nature of medical evidence and the common criticism that alternative medicines lack evidence of efficacy. He contrasts confirmatory and supportive evidence, highlighting valid clinical trials (randomised double-blind controlled methods) as the most reliable. Beard argues that while orthodox treatments may also lack rigorous trials, the accusation is often unfounded. He uses homeopathy as an example, questioning how practitioners arrive at remedies without proper research, attributing it to principles like the 'law of similars'. The article touches upon the controversial Benveniste fiasco regarding in vitro research on basophil degranulation. Beard concludes that unproven treatments are experimental and questions the ethics of charging for them, advocating for better regulation of the alternative medicine field. He also notes that the article is based on material for his forthcoming book, 'A Modern Budget of Paradoxes'.

Psychic Diary by Toby Howard

Toby Howard, a lecturer in computer graphics and co-editor of the magazine, writes about the Church of the SubGenius, a cult founded by Reverend Ivan Stang. Howard describes the church's unique mythology, centered around the figure of J.R. 'Bob' Dobbs, and its embrace of 'SLACK'. He details Stang's unconventional methods of acquiring ordination and his non-conformist approach. Howard notes Stang's fascination with other people's beliefs and his ability to synthesize various 'cultish' ideas into a humorous and satirical framework. Stang's book, 'High Weirdness by Mail', is mentioned as a guide to unusual ideas and beliefs accessible through mail order. Stang's view on the rise of New Age nonsense and the potential decline of rationalism is presented as a pessimistic but thought-provoking perspective.

Skeptic at large... by Wendy M. Grossman

Wendy M. Grossman, founder of The British & Irish Skeptic and a writer, discusses the distinction between harmless fantasies (like Santa Claus) and those that insulate individuals from reality, arguing the latter can be harmful. She shares personal anecdotes about traditions associated with Groundhog Day and New Year's Day in America and Scotland, respectively. Grossman also describes a friend's Winter Solstice party and another friend's New Year's tradition focused on conversation rather than just drinking. She emphasizes that these traditions, while varied, often hold personal meaning and provide a sense of continuity, contrasting them with the harmful nature of fantasies used to shield children from difficult truths.

Heaven and Earth by Michael Hutchinson

Michael Hutchinson, secretary of the British Committee and UK distributor for Prometheus Books, reviews a 1982 BBC programme called 'Bend! Bend! Bend' from the QED series, which explored metal bending. He highlights two points of interest for skeptics: the involvement of magicians Steve Shaw and Mike Edwards in James Randi's Project Alpha, and the subsequent exposé of Project Alpha. Hutchinson discusses the controversy surrounding whether Shaw and Edwards were 'plants' and the role of producer Tony Edwards and James Randi in the media coverage. He also details an interview with Dr. Mark Shafer of the McDonnell Laboratory for Psychical Research, whose findings supporting the psychics were broadcast, much to his embarrassment. The article points out how the BBC edited Randi's response to imply a denial of the 'plants' rumour, suggesting that media truth can be manipulated.

Reviews: A special report on radio and the paranormal

This section comprises several reviews of radio programmes that dealt with the paranormal and related topics.

'In the Beginning', Soundings, BBC Radio 4, 1 January 1989 (Reviewed by PN)

This programme on biblical creationism is criticized for giving the impression that it presents a serious challenge to evolution. The reviewer notes that while presenter Trevor Barnes appeared skeptical, the overall impression was unbalanced. Sylvia Baker, a contributor, is quoted as saying that if one is convinced the Bible teaches a young Earth, one should interpret geological evidence to fit that view, a statement that went unchallenged.

'Act of God', Soundings, BBC Radio 4, 8 January 1989 (Reviewed by JY)

This programme explored the question of divine intervention in disasters. It featured discussions with Christian thinkers and examined the 'Wrath of God' theory concerning the fire at York Minster. The reviewer criticizes the programme for operating within a closed 'religious broadcasting' framework, excluding atheists, agnostics, and free-thinkers, and for its poor quality of interviewing and research. The reviewer also notes the programme's conclusion that the AIDS virus is a 'warning' against unchristian behaviour.

Invasion of the Mindsnatchers, BBC Radio 4, 21 & 22 December 1988 (Reviewed by SD)

This two-part broadcast examined the reasons behind the widespread belief in the paranormal in the United States. Produced by the BBC Radio Science Unit, it differed from typical paranormal programmes by focusing on the societal impact of irrational beliefs. The programme featured interviews with attendees of a CSICOP conference. Professor Ray Hyman and James Randi suggested that presenting science in a more entertaining manner could reduce irrational beliefs. The reviewer notes the programme's lack of gratuitous sound effects but complains about the difficulty in tracking speakers. Despite this, the programme offered a fascinating insight into how irrational belief permeates American society.

Shelley von Strunckel, Radio Oxford (November) (Reviewed by JB)

This phone-in programme invited the public to share psychic experiences and guess the identity of a mystery person (Merlin). The reviewer found the conversations dull and the psychic's descriptions of her experiences, particularly her sense of horror at Pompeii, to be unconvincing and easily explained by imagination and historical documentation. The reviewer felt the psychic failed to offer anything substantial and that the exercise was a waste of time.

The Food Programme, BBC Radio 4, 13 January 1989 (Reviewed by WC)

This programme discussed biodynamic farming, which emphasizes a relationship with the cosmos and the use of renewable local resources. It featured an interview with sculptor Norman Mommens, who believed his carvings influenced plant growth, and analytical chemist Dr. Neil Warnt, who compared biodynamic farming to homeopathy. The programme also touched upon the concept of a 'life body' and the influence of the moon on crop growth. The reviewer criticizes the programme for its uncritical stance, lack of scientific evidence, and for promoting biodynamic farming as an advertisement.

LBC Radio (London) (Reviewed by MH)

The reviewer criticizes LBC for its extensive coverage of the paranormal and quackery, including phone-in programmes featuring fortune tellers, numerologists, astrologers, and alternative medical advisers. The reviewer notes that LBC lacks a science correspondent and promotes misinformation, calling it the 'information station' which is more accurately the 'Misinformation station'.

Letters

Freedom (Letter from Donald Rooum, London)

Donald Rooum responds to a previous article ('Down to a Bristol Fair', B&IS II.6), challenging propositions that absolute freedom would destroy society, that 'we' frame laws, and that followers of casual dress are 'a bit odd'. Rooum argues that while skepticism about the paranormal doesn't preclude embracing other beliefs, it's disconcerting to see such opinions in a skeptical journal.

Psychic Snails (Letter from Leslie Shepard, Dublin)

Leslie Shepard refers readers to 'Historic Oddities and Strange Events' by S. Baring Gould for more details on the 'Snail Telegraph' story.

Astrological Schooldays (Letter from Michael Heap, Sheffield)

Michael Heap shares an observation about his earliest schooldays, noting that classmates born earlier in the school year (Virgo and Libra) seemed to have higher status. He wonders if these early formative experiences, influenced by astrological signs, could lead to persistent character differences. Heap offers this as a conjecture to draw attention to possible environmental and cultural influences on personality.

Fuzzy Logic (Letter from Michael Heap, Sheffield)

Michael Heap discusses the widespread nature of relativism and gullibility, suggesting it needs to be fought with philosophy and science. He uses psychotherapists as an example, noting their rejection of traditional religion but adoption of concepts like the 'collective unconscious' to explain spirituality. Heap contrasts his materialist view with their concept of 'spirit' and his own 'absolutist' stance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around skepticism, the critical examination of pseudoscientific claims, and media analysis, particularly concerning radio broadcasts. The magazine consistently advocates for evidence-based reasoning and scientific rigor, critiquing instances where these principles are lacking, especially in media coverage of the paranormal and alternative medicine. The editorial stance is clearly one of promoting critical thinking and challenging unsubstantiated beliefs, while also acknowledging the complexities of human psychology and societal influences on belief systems.

Title: The British & Irish Skeptic
Issue: Volume III, No. 1
Date: January/February 1989
Publisher: Manchester Skeptics
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £1.50

This issue of The British & Irish Skeptic delves into various aspects of skepticism, critical thinking, and the examination of paranormal claims. It features a mix of opinion pieces, investigative articles, and a comprehensive index of past publications.

Articles and Content

Relativism and Reality (Lucy Fisher)

Lucy Fisher opens the magazine with a critical examination of what she terms 'fuzzy' worldviews and relativism. She recounts personal experiences in arguments where individuals seemed to reject objective truth, finding comfort in the idea that all arguments are equally valid. Fisher questions the advantage of such a perspective, suggesting it might stem from a desire to avoid being proven wrong or a form of intellectual snobbery. She posits that the embrace of illogic can be an attempt to cling to a religious worldview, divorced from the practical realities of the world, such as poverty and disease. Fisher argues that acknowledging reality as it is, however grim, is essential for addressing its problems.

Odd Items (Lucy Fisher)

In a separate piece, Lucy Fisher highlights two peculiar items from a catalogue of wares from a Mr Steven John, who describes himself as a 'Clairvoyant Extraordinaire'. The first item, 'Tawaza mixture' (£100.00), is presented as a preparation for prostitutes to enhance their clients' pleasure and increase their wealth. The second item, 'Mtoto' (£300.00), is described as a remedy to prevent miscarriages. Fisher finds the first item amusing but the second deeply concerning, noting its potential to exploit vulnerable women. She has written to Esther Rantzen of BBC-TV's 'That's Life' to suggest sharing the 'Tawaza mixture' for entertainment and investigating the advertiser of 'Mtoto'.

Professor Antony Flew's Letter

Professor Antony Flew of Reading contributes a letter, likely related to the 'Odd Items' section, expressing his views on the exploitation of people through dubious remedies and practices.

Magazine Index (Volumes I & II)

The magazine includes extensive indexes for its previous issues from Volume I (1987) and Volume II (1988). These indexes list numerous articles, reviews, and profiles covering a wide array of topics, including:

• UFOs and Alien Abductions: Articles like 'A Spanish Close Encounter', 'Abductions in perspective', 'UFO days', and 'UFO Hunt'.
• Psychic Phenomena and Pseudoscience: Topics such as 'The Knock Legend', 'Telepathy: a Mechanism?', 'Science vs. Pseudoscience', 'Magicians, Mediums and Psychics', 'The Case Against ESP', and 'Recognizing Pseudoscience'.
• Alternative Medicine and Health Claims: Including 'The BMA Report on Alternative Medicine', 'The 'Alternative' in Alternative Medicine', and 'Mtoto' (remedy for miscarriage).
• Specific Personalities and Cases: Features on Uri Geller ('The Geller Bumph', 'Geller in Reading', 'A Thorn in Geller's Side'), Doris Stokes, and Mark Plummer.
• Other Paranormal and Skeptical Topics: Such as 'The Monstrous Myth at Loch Ness', 'Creationism in Australia', 'Dowsing in the Country', 'The Shroud of Turin', and 'Comparative Astrology'.
• Reviews: A consistent feature across issues, reviewing books and other media related to paranormal claims and skepticism.

Subscription and Contact Information

Details are provided for subscriptions, with an annual cost of £10 for six issues. Back and sample issues are also available for purchase. Contact information for Manchester Skeptics is listed, along with details for Archives for the Unexplained (AFU), including their postal address in Sweden, PayPal, IBAN, BIC, and Swish details.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue and the indexed past issues revolve around the critical examination of paranormal claims, pseudoscience, and pseudoscientific methodologies. The editorial stance is clearly one of skepticism, encouraging readers to apply logic and evidence-based reasoning to claims that lack scientific validation. There is a consistent effort to debunk hoaxes, expose fraudulent practices, and educate the public about critical thinking. The magazine appears to advocate for a rational worldview, contrasting it with what it perceives as the dangers of uncritical acceptance of 'fuzzy' or illogical beliefs, particularly those that exploit people's hopes or fears.