Skeptic - 1991 - Vol 5 No 6

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 5, Number 6
Date: November/December 1991
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: UK
Price: £1.85

This issue of The Skeptic delves into various topics related to skepticism, paranormal phenomena, and critical thinking. The cover features a striking image of a crop circle in Wiltshire with the headline "Rolling Your Own in Wiltshire," hinting at an investigation into these enigmatic formations. Other highlighted articles include "Are Psychic Experiences Illusions?", "Assessing the Evidence," "Your Psychic Questions Answered," and "Alternative Medicine in the EC."

Contents and Key Articles

Hits and Misses by Steve Donnelly

Steve Donnelly's column addresses several contemporary topics. He begins by recounting an interview with Uri Geller on BBC television where Geller claimed not to have ferromagnetic testicles and demonstrated his ability to deflect a compass without physical contact, attributing it to psychic powers. Donnelly also touches upon the concept of 'military intelligence' being an oxymoron, citing US Army officers using telepaths from a company called PSI Tech to locate biological weapons sites in Iraq. The article mentions Major Edward Dames and retired Major General Albert Stubblebine. Furthermore, Donnelly discusses the 'Fateful Fatima' prophecies, contrasting claims from the Weekly World News about dire predictions for 1993 with a more positive interpretation from the Wall Street Journal regarding the conversion of the USSR.

Seeing is Believing? by Susan Blackmore

Susan Blackmore, a psychologist at the University of Bristol, explores the nature of psychic experiences, proposing that they are often illusions rather than evidence of paranormal phenomena. She categorizes these illusions into five types: illusions of connection, illusions of control, illusions of pattern and randomness, illusions of form, and illusions of memory. Blackmore argues that these cognitive biases, which help us make sense of the world, can lead to misinterpretations that are perceived as psychic. She notes that research suggests individuals prone to these illusions, metaphorically termed 'sheep' compared to 'goats,' are more likely to report psychic experiences and believe in the paranormal, regardless of whether genuine paranormal events occur.

Ask Professor Mesmo

This column features Professor John Aloysius Mesmo, a 'metaphysical pure mathematician,' who answers readers' psychic problems. In this issue, a reader named Blade, accompanied by Zitz, expresses concern about hearing backward chanting in heavy metal music, fearing it is affecting their sanity and potentially leading Zitz to join a monastery. Professor Mesmo humorously suggests that the 'virus' of backward chanting is a form of mind-bending and recommends attending an outdoor rock concert like 'Monsters of Rock' to overcome the influence, citing the unpleasant conditions as a deterrent.

The Summer of '91 by Martin Hempstead

Martin Hempstead, a member of the Wessex Skeptics, provides an edited version of a talk given at the Third Euroskeptics Congress. He discusses the phenomenon of crop circles, which became prominent in Wiltshire and Hampshire during the summer of '91. Hempstead critiques the various groups investigating crop circles, including CERES (run by Dr. Terence Meaden), CPR (Colin Andrews and Pat Delgado), and CCCS. He challenges the common assertion that crop circles are impossible to fake, arguing that many investigators exhibit 'hubris' by dismissing human capabilities. Hempstead scrutinizes Meaden's 'plasma vortex' theory, questioning its scientific basis and pointing out inconsistencies, particularly regarding the alignment of patterns with tram lines. He also discusses the use of dowsing and 'spagyric analysis' by some investigators and mentions historical accounts of similar phenomena, such as the 'mowing devil.'

Other Sections

• Another bloody miracle: Discusses the phenomenon of miraculous relics, using the example of St. Januarius's blood in Naples and scientific explanations like thixotropy.
• No sweat: Reports on a British company, Bodywise, marketing a substance derived from sweat pheromones to debt collection agencies to encourage bill payment.
• Save your Bacon: Covers a New Age group's attempt to find writings in a Virginia graveyard to prove Francis Bacon wrote Shakespeare's plays.
• Spiritual healing: Discusses the integration of spiritual healing into the NHS and the efforts of the National Federation of Spiritual Healers.
• Reviews: Includes a review of the 3rd EuroSkeptics conference.
• Letters: A section for reader correspondence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of paranormal claims, the assessment of evidence, and the psychological factors that contribute to belief in the supernatural. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, advocating for rational inquiry, scientific methodology, and the debunking of pseudoscience. The magazine aims to educate its readers about cognitive biases and the importance of evidence-based reasoning, as exemplified by the articles on crop circles and psychic experiences. The inclusion of diverse topics, from Geller's claims to alternative medicine and even the interpretation of rock music, underscores a broad interest in applying skeptical analysis to various aspects of modern life.

This issue of 'The Skeptic' (November/December 1991, Volume 16) focuses on critical examination of phenomena often presented as paranormal or mysterious, with a strong emphasis on evidence assessment and skepticism. The cover story, 'Assessing Evidence' by John Lord, delves into the difficulties of evaluating claims, particularly in paranormal contexts, while other articles dissect the crop circle phenomenon and the struggles of alternative medicine for recognition.

Crop Circles: Hoax or Phenomenon?

The lead article, 'The Mowing Devil', and subsequent sections by Martin Hempstead, thoroughly investigate the crop circle phenomenon. It presents the argument that many crop circles are, in fact, elaborate hoaxes. The authors recount their own successful attempts to create crop circles, demonstrating how easily experts were fooled. They highlight the claims of Doug Bower and Dave Chorley, who asserted they had been hoaxing circles for years and were responsible for starting the craze. The article criticizes prominent figures like Terence Meaden and Pat Delgado for their uncritical acceptance of crop circles as genuine phenomena, pointing out their susceptibility to being misled even by deliberate fabrications. The authors suggest that the 'experts' often exhibit a lack of objectivity and employ flawed reasoning, such as appealing to authority or using subjective techniques. The article also notes the media's role in sensationalizing the issue, often giving platforms to proponents of paranormal explanations without sufficient critical scrutiny.

The 'Wessex Skeptics' Investigation

The article details an experiment where the authors, as part of the Wessex Skeptics, created a crop circle to test expert reactions. They describe the process, the challenges, and the surprising results, where even members of the Centre for Crop Circle Studies (CCCS) declared their artificial creation to be genuine. This experiment aimed to demonstrate that the alleged 'unfathomable mysteries' of crop circles were, in fact, reproducible by human effort.

Critiques of Expert Claims

The authors challenge the claims of experts regarding the impossibility of faking certain complex patterns, such as those in rape crops. They also address the argument that the sheer scale and dedication involved in creating crop circles rule out hoaxing, countering with statistical reasoning about the potential number of hoaxers. The article concludes that the burden of proof now lies with the experts to demonstrate that any crop circles are genuinely inexplicable.

Assessing Evidence: A Skeptical Approach

John Lord's article, 'Assessing Evidence', provides a framework for critically evaluating information, particularly in areas prone to pseudoscience. He identifies two primary problems: drawing conclusions too hastily ('jumping to conclusions') and presenting claims in a way that makes them impossible to assess objectively. Lord uses examples from the 'Birmingham Six' case, the Gulf War reporting, and the 'fog of war' to illustrate the unreliability of memory and testimony, and the challenges of obtaining accurate news coverage. He also discusses the 'fog of news,' where errors and garbled stories are common due to the rush to publish.

Paranormal Claims and Harry Price

Lord applies his principles to paranormal investigations, specifically referencing Harry Price's work on the haunting of Borley Rectory. He argues that Price 'overdescribes' phenomena to make them sound more extraordinary than they are, and 'underdescribes' by omitting crucial details that would allow for critical evaluation. The example of the 'belt-lifting phenomenon' is used to show how a seemingly trivial incident can be inflated into evidence of a 'ghostly presence' through Price's narrative style, while simultaneously lacking the necessary information for a definitive, normal explanation.

The Dangers of Misinterpreting Data

Lord also critiques the tendency to jump to conclusions in medical and health reporting. He uses the example of lead in petrol and its alleged link to lower intelligence in children living near motorways. While acknowledging the facts (higher lead levels and lower intelligence), he questions the causal link, suggesting that other factors, such as social class and environmental upbringing, might be involved. He criticizes journalists for presenting simplistic, causal explanations without considering alternative interpretations, thereby distorting public understanding.

The Struggle of Alternative Medicine for Recognition

Wim Betz's article, 'The Struggle of Alternative Medicine for Recognition,' examines the challenges faced by non-conventional therapies in gaining acceptance and legal standing in Europe.

Acupuncture in Belgium

In Belgium, the practice of alternative medicine by non-registered doctors is illegal, yet lay practitioners often operate without prosecution unless a complaint is made. Two organizations of acupuncturists petitioned the Minister of Health, arguing that acupuncture meets public needs, should be practiced by trained individuals (not solely doctors), and that its success is sufficient proof of its efficacy. They proposed a training program recognized in the USA. While the minister encouraged medical faculties to organize training, universities ultimately refused. A key question raised was why acupuncture was favored over other equally scientific and popular alternative therapies.

Homoeopathy and the European Community

The article discusses the impact of EEC directives (1965, 1975) on the registration of medicines. These directives require extensive proof of effectiveness and highlight undesirable side effects, posing significant challenges for manufacturers of traditional medicines and homoeopathic practitioners. Homoeopaths have lobbied for adaptations to these regulations, arguing that the strict scientific proof requirements obstruct free trade and are unsuited to their methods. While a review of the directives was ordered, the outcome for homoeopathy remains uncertain.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently promotes a skeptical and evidence-based approach to understanding the world. The editorial stance is critical of unsubstantiated claims, particularly those found in paranormal research and sensationalized media reporting. The magazine advocates for rigorous scientific methodology, careful assessment of evidence, and a cautious approach to interpreting complex phenomena. It highlights the importance of distinguishing between genuine mysteries and those that can be explained by known factors, including human ingenuity in creating hoaxes. The publication also implicitly supports the scientific method as the most reliable tool for acquiring knowledge, while acknowledging the difficulties in applying it consistently, especially when dealing with public perception and media influence. The recurring theme is the need for critical thinking and a healthy dose of skepticism when confronted with extraordinary claims.

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: November/December 1991
Volume: 5
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: UK
Language: English
ISSN: 0952-7779
Price: £4.99

This issue of The Skeptic, dated November/December 1991, features a cover story titled "Skeptic at Large" by Wendy M Grossman, focusing on "Irritation with irrigation" and critiquing the water management practices in the western United States. The magazine also includes a report on the Third European Skeptics conference in Amsterdam, along with several reviews of books and articles related to science, skepticism, and the paranormal.

European Parliament Proposal on Homoeopathic Medicine

The issue details a European Parliament proposal aimed at creating a simplified registration method for homoeopathic medicines. The proposal acknowledges that homoeopathy is officially recognized in some member states and tolerated in others, despite being widely prescribed. It highlights the unique properties of homoeopathic medicines, such as low active substance concentration, making conventional clinical trial methods difficult to apply. The proposal emphasizes freedom of choice of therapy, considering allopathy, holistic medicine, and homoeopathy as complementary approaches. Key articles of the proposal include definitions of homoeopathic medicines, labeling requirements, exemption from proof of therapeutic action, and provisions for member states to refuse registration while still permitting use of medicines registered elsewhere. It also mandates that homoeopathic medicines be commercialized in non-dangerous dilutions and include a warning to seek advice from a competent homoeopath if symptoms persist. The proposal also outlines items to be formulated within five years, including a European pharmacopoeia, directives for alternative medicine practice, social security coverage for homoeopathic treatments, and the organization of official training.

Explanations accompanying the proposal reveal a 1987 EC survey showing that 7-25% of the population sought advice from alternative therapists annually, with homoeopathy, acupuncture, and manual therapies being the most sought after. The survey also indicated that people with higher educational qualifications used these methods more frequently. A significant point of controversy is identified as classical medicine's unwillingness to accept proofs offered by homoeopathic doctors, leading to rare acceptance of scientific articles in orthodox publications. The proposal argues that conventional test methods are unsuitable for homoeopathic medicine and that its efficacy is proven by tens of thousands of practitioners and millions of patients. It advocates for regulated practice to prevent non-experts and calls for equal opportunities for homoeopathic and allopathic medicines, with health insurance systems not differentiating between them.

Skeptic at Large: Irritation with Irrigation

Wendy M Grossman's article critiques the extensive and often irrational misuse of natural resources in the western United States, drawing heavily from Marc Reisner's book "Cadillac Desert." Grossman highlights the historical myth that settlers could change the climate by tilling the soil, leading to a belief that they had conquered the land. When this proved false, they turned to mining groundwater, a finite resource. The subsequent development of massive water projects, including dams like Boulder, Hoover, and Grand Coulee, is presented as a costly and often misguided endeavor. The article points out that these projects, by selling water at prices far below cost, contributed to the nation's trillion-dollar debt. It also discusses the myth of the small farmer benefiting from cheap water, noting that large corporations and cities also benefited, leading to profligacy and the cultivation of water-demanding crops. The precarious balance of cities like Los Angeles, dependent on water supplies that cross vulnerable fault lines, is emphasized. The article concludes that the history of water management in the US is rife with faulty reasoning, dishonesty, and an unwillingness to admit mistakes, and that the myth of reclaiming the desert is unsustainable, citing the historical failure of desert civilizations due to salt accumulation.

Reviews

Puns and protons

David Martin reviews Judith Stone's "How to Tell a Proton from a Crouton: An Amateur's Guide to Science." While the book is described as a collection of essays resulting from Stone's attempts to overcome her scientific illiteracy, Martin notes it's not a true guide to science but rather a personal journey through various aspects of American science and technology. Topics include mummification, persuasion through odors, and building better mousetraps. Martin laments the low level of scientific literacy in Americans, citing a survey where fewer than 6% qualified as scientifically literate. He praises the book's light-hearted style and amusing essays but warns readers about the author's "awful" puns. The review concludes with Stone's quote: "I haven't totally vanquished my ignorance, I've just stopped being so damned proud of it."

A waste of words

Nick Beard reviews "The Heart of the Healer," edited by Dawson Church and Alan Sherr. Beard dismisses the book as a "tired, ignorant and cliched diatribe about the spiritual failings of modern medicine," finding it unworthy of reading except for reviewers and those seeking marketing bonuses. He criticizes the inclusion of an essay by HRH Charlie, expressing a personal view that Britain would be better off without a monarchy. The review highlights Prince Charles's speech to the BMA in 1982, where he suggested professional jealousy as a reason for doctors' dismissal of alternative therapy. Beard mocks Charles's assertion that modern medicine loses sight of the patient as a whole and his reference to Paracelsus. He describes the book's content as filled with "essential oneness, spiritual potential, attunement and related drivel," labeling it a "crap book." Beard raises a serious point about protecting patients from "pompous, unquestioning practitioners" who use methods like "therapeutic touch" and "visualisation work" to connect with "inner messengers." He satirizes the cliché of "doctors playing God," urging readers to dismiss such claims and seek out practitioners who do not rely on innate, magical healing powers.

Science for kids

Bill Penny reviews two books: James A. Haught's "Science in a Nanosecond: Illustrated Answers to 100 Basic Science Questions" and Dan Barker's "Maybe Yes, Maybe No: A Guide for Young Skeptics." Haught's book is praised for its concise and clear answers to children's science questions, with illustrations accompanying each answer. Penny notes the book covers topics in chemistry, physics, biology, and geology. However, he criticizes the lack of an index or contents page, suggesting it's best as a supplement to other reference books. Barker's book is described as encouraging skepticism in young children, using cartoons and stories to illustrate rules of clear thinking and good science. Penny notes that the book lists miracles alongside ESP, UFOs, and astrology as subjects skeptics do not accept due to lack of proof.

Soggy science and murky magic

Nick Neave reviews Serena Roney-Dougal's "Where Science And Magic Meet." Neave compares the book to James Burke's "Connections" program, noting its attempt to tie together parapsychology, New Age theory, magic, fairy lore, witchcraft, Eastern mysticism, electromagnetism, and feminism. He criticizes the book's naive approach and its lambasting of modern science, particularly its use of quantum physics to support claims of magic. Neave finds the leaps in logic "giant and implausible" and notes the absence of evidence. He discusses the book's review of parapsychological research, including Rhine's studies and dream experiments, and its acceptance of psychic surgeons and mediums. Neave also covers Roney-Dougal's research on the pineal gland and its link to the "Yogic Chakri" system. He points out the book's discussion of Earth energy, geomagnetic anomalies, and UFOs as explanations for hauntings and psychic abilities, and its warning about the dangers of electricity. The review concludes by criticizing the book's chapter on "The Fairy Faith" and its plea for natural magic, deeming the work a "jigsaw consisting of pieces which are from a variety of different puzzles and has cast them together with little concern for their correctness of fit."

Contrary to Reason?

Tim Axon reviews Stanley Jeyaraja Tambiah's "Magic, Science, Religion, and the Scope of Rationality." Axon finds the book a welcome exploration of the terms 'science,' 'religion,' and 'magic,' challenging the simplistic dichotomies often used by skeptics. He praises Tambiah's anthropological approach, which emphasizes the internal coherence and rationality of primitive beliefs and practices. Axon agrees with Tambiah's view that interpreting other cultures requires a "negotiation" between one's own framework and that of the other, rather than a simple description and evaluation. He suggests that while Western rationality may be superior for prediction and control, other cultures have developed systems of thought with their own interest and validity.

Celtic tales

John Yates reviews John Matthews' "A Celtic Reader" and Deike Rich and Ean Begg's "On the Trail of Merlin." Yates notes that Matthews' collection offers a mixture of ancient tales and modern scholarship on Celtic tradition, though he finds some commentary too technical. Rich and Begg's book is described as a beautifully illustrated and practical guidebook to sacred sites associated with Merlin and Celtic tradition across Britain and Ireland. Yates admires the authors' frankness in admitting that the historicity of Merlin is unknown, while acknowledging that others, like Nikolai Tolstoy, make a convincing case for it. He highlights the book's focus on the spiritual and emotional satisfaction derived from a quest to correlate myths with real places.

The way of the shaman

Mike Rutter reviews Roger N. Walsh's "The Spirit of Shamanism." Rutter describes shamanism as an ancient cultural phenomenon attracting New Age interest. He notes that shamans are trained to enter altered states of consciousness using various methods, including ascetic practices, dancing, drumming, and drugs. Shamans journey into spiritual realms to fight evil and seek wisdom and healing. Rutter finds the book's discussion of evidence for shamans not being mentally ill interesting, but wishes for a more critical approach. He points out the book's acknowledgment of trickery among shamans but its justification that it helps the patient believe. Rutter is intrigued that the book turns to the placebo effect rather than supernatural powers to explain healing, suggesting sugar pills are easier and cheaper.

Short, but sweet

Toby Howard provides a brief review of Pete A. Sanders Jr.'s "You are Psychic!"

Third European Skeptics Conference

This section reports on the third European Skeptics conference organized by the Dutch group Skepsis in Amsterdam. The conference featured talks by Paul Kurtz on "Psychology, Religion and the Paranormal," Dutch physicist J Hilgevoord on quantum mechanics, and Wim Betz on alternative medicine. Physician and political scientist S F Hartkampf discussed state interference in paranormal matters, and British psychologist Michael Heap presented on using scientific thinking to address psychological difficulties. The experiences of the Wessex Skeptics at a fundraising banquet are also mentioned. A significant portion of the report is dedicated to the "Mars effect," a statistical anomaly concerning the correlation between the position of Mars at birth and the eminence of individuals, with researchers Piet Joengbloet, Carl Koppenshaar, and Cornelis de Jager attempting to explain it without astrological hypotheses. Francoise Gauquelin's work is noted, and Göttingen University psychologist Suitbert Ertel is mentioned for questioning the Dutch approach. The report concludes that the Mars effect remains an anomaly for which skeptics have no unequivocal explanation. The afternoon session included a talk by Terence Hines on psychotherapy, comparing it to witch-doctors, and Claude Benski on a university course for students dealing with paranormal topics. The author expresses a preference for more down-to-earth conferences appealing to the general public.

Prometheus Books Prize Crossword

A crossword puzzle by "Skepticus" is presented, with clues related to skepticism and science. The sender of the first correct entry will win a copy of Kendrick Frazier's book "The Hundredth Monkey, and Other Paradigms of the Paranormal."

Letters

Clever boys?

MS Ruddock from Banbury writes to Wendy Grossman regarding her "Skeptic at Large" article on "Brainsex" by Moir and Jessel. Ruddock questions Grossman's interpretation of the book's claims about IQ tests, stating that the instructions for the tests she administered required subtracting points from girls' scores to equalize with boys. Ruddock recalls Wechsler's conclusion that some sub-tests might demonstrate female superiority in general intelligence. Ruddock suggests Grossman may be blinded by feminism, tells lies, or reads too carelessly.

Wendy Grossman replies, clarifying that she might have been thinking of a passage on page 89-90 of "Brainsex" discussing attempts to iron out social or environmental factors in math IQ tests. She admits her comment was a slight oversimplification and reiterates her astonishment that anyone could take IQ tests seriously as a scientific indicator, recommending Stephen Jay Gould's "Mismeasure of Man" and Carol Tavris's forthcoming book "The Mismeasure of Woman."

Unitarian skepticism

Ms H Behringer from London WC1 responds to a question about which church encourages critical questions of its beliefs, suggesting "Unitarian." She describes the denomination's living tradition, drawing from humanist teachings that emphasize reason and science while warning against "idolatries of the mind and spirit."

Synchronised Cycles

Susan Deal from Sheffield inquires about the widely cited claims that women's menstrual cycles synchronize with the moon's phases and with each other when living in the same household. She notes that books and magazines often present this as fact without providing sources. Deal points out the discrepancy between the female cycle (28 days) and the moon's cycle (29.5 days) and states she has never experienced synchronized menstruation, attributing coincidental periods to coincidence rather than synchronization. She seeks scientific sources for these claims.

Universal experience

A writer from Sheffield shares a personal account of a "mystical experience" that seemed to support David Bohm's belief in a holographic universe, describing a feeling of being in "All, and All in me."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Skeptic are skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims, particularly in the realms of alternative medicine and paranormal phenomena. The magazine consistently advocates for critical thinking, scientific evidence, and rational evaluation of claims. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science and anti-pseudoscience, as evidenced by the reviews of books and the reporting of skeptical conferences. There is a strong emphasis on debunking unsubstantiated beliefs and promoting a rigorous approach to understanding the world. The issue also touches upon broader societal issues such as consumer protection, the role of government in regulating therapies, and the historical and environmental consequences of human endeavors like large-scale water management.

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: November/December 1991 (Volume 5, Issue 5.5)
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of The Skeptic features a collection of letters to the editor, an article discussing the concept of miracles, and an announcement for a student society event. The magazine maintains a focus on skepticism and the critical examination of paranormal claims.

Letters to the Editor

Funding Trouble Vivien Gibson from Ealing shares an intense, ecstatic, and dynamic personal experience, expressing a desire to experience it again, while remaining open to the possibility of it being a result of brain chemicals.

Robin Lindsey from Peterborough expresses disappointment with an advertisement for the 'James Randi Defence Fund' in a previous issue, viewing it as indicative of bias. Lindsey argues that The Skeptic should remain neutral and not favor one party in disputes, suggesting that such bias could lead to the magazine being labeled an 'Instant Debunking' publication. Lindsey requests that a similar advertisement for Uri Geller's Defence Fund be printed, stating a desire for fair play without supporting or opposing Geller.

Lindsey further elaborates on the inconsistency of the magazine's stance, noting that while an address for Geller's side was provided in a previous 'Hits & Misses' section, the advertisement for Randi's fund was problematic. Lindsey states a personal belief that Uri Geller's psychic abilities have not been conclusively demonstrated and that his performances can be replicated by professional conjurers.

No miracles please... Dr. Peter May's article, 'The Documentation of a Miracle?', is discussed by Steuart Campbell from Edinburgh. Campbell argues that Dr. May's lack of success in finding miracles is consistent with the notion that 'changes in the very nature of things' are impossible. Campbell contends that Jesus himself did not perform miracles, citing the Law of Moses forbidding testing God and Jesus' Temptation story as evidence. Campbell suggests that Gospel accounts of miracles are mistaken or contrived, offering alternative explanations for events like turning water into wine, walking on water, feeding thousands, and healing illnesses, asserting that people had to heal themselves.

Fundamental mistake? Jim Kelly from Birmingham expresses strong disapproval of the article 'Loco in Lowestoft' published in The Skeptic 5.5. Kelly criticizes Jean Dorricott for describing how her husband alerted educational welfare officers to a speaker at a creationist meeting due to his 'strong fundamentalist leanings.' Kelly deems this action deplorable and more akin to McCarthyism than open-minded skepticism, and is horrified that The Skeptic appears to endorse such an action by publishing it.

Editorial Response

The Editors respond to the concerns raised, particularly regarding the 'Loco in Lowestoft' article. They state that they do not generally impose their views on contributors but aim to encourage rational and intelligent examination of psychic phenomena. They are open to articles from believers, skeptics, and those in between. The Editors clarify that Jean Dorricott's article expressed her personal views and actions, and its publication does not imply endorsement of the idea that skeptics should 'alert' employers to their employees' beliefs.

Event Announcement

Come to the The London Student Skeptics Yuletide Party

A meeting and party are announced for the London Student Skeptics on December 16, 1991. The event will feature a video show of an episode from the James Randi: Psychic Investigator series, followed by discussion and a Yuletide Party. The party will be held in Room 3C of the University of London Union building on Malet Street, starting at 7:30 pm for 8:00 pm. Attendees are invited to enter a raffle for a chance to win a bottle of champagne. Mike Howgate is listed as the contact person for details, with contact information provided for The London Student Skeptics and a telephone number.

Back Issues

The issue includes a comprehensive index of back issues of The Skeptic, detailing the volume, year, and titles of articles published from Volume 1 (1987) to Volume 5 (1991). This serves as a reference for readers interested in past content.

Subscription Information

Details for subscribing to The Skeptic are provided, including postpaid rates for the UK, Europe (airmail), and the rest of the world (surface and airmail). Cheques and P.O.s in Sterling are payable to The Skeptic. The postal address for subscriptions is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue highlights recurring themes of debate within the skeptical community, including the nature of evidence for paranormal claims, the potential for bias in skeptical publications, and the definition and application of skepticism. The editorial stance, as articulated by the editors, is one of encouraging open-minded yet rational inquiry, allowing for diverse viewpoints while maintaining a commitment to critical examination. The controversy surrounding the 'Loco in Lowestoft' article underscores the ongoing tension between reporting on potentially controversial actions and endorsing them.