Skeptic - 1996 - Vol 10 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Volume: 10
Issue: Number 2
Date: 1996
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: United Kingdom
ISSN: 0959-5228
Price: £2.00

This issue of The Skeptic delves into various topics, primarily focusing on skepticism towards paranormal claims, UFO phenomena, and debunking myths. The cover prominently features a jet aircraft with the headline "UFOs yesterday and today," indicating a central theme of the issue.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by Dr. Steve Donnelly, addresses the pervasive nature of "irrational modes of thought." It highlights the magazine's commitment to exposing such irrationality, whether in paranormal beliefs, pseudoscientific claims, or even in areas like hi-fi equipment, animal rights, and management consultancy. The editor encourages readers to submit examples of their own "skeptical bugbears" for future coverage.

Articles and Features

Paranormal Picture Gallery: The memory and myth of the Unicorn

Hilary Evans explores the myth of the unicorn, arguing that the widespread belief in its mythical status is a commentary on human skepticism. She notes that historical accounts from travelers in the East (Bernard de Breydenbach, 1487) and West (Conquistadores in Central America, circa 1500) suggest the unicorn was considered real at the time. Evans posits that the creature's mythical status may have arisen from a collective guilt over hunting it to extinction, leading people to deny its existence.

Hits and Misses

• Steve Donnelly presents a collection of short, often humorous, anecdotes and news items. These include:
• Disarming fellow: The case of Thomas Passmore of Norfolk, Virginia, who cut off his own hand due to religious fervor, and subsequently sued the hospital for not reattaching it.
• The train on (orbital) platform 5...: A patent filed in 1972 by a British Rail employee for a 'lifting platform' space vehicle powered by thermonuclear fusion, raising questions about the feasibility and safety of such a design.
• Satanic Barbie: A brief mention of Islamic hardliners in Iran attempting to dissuade people from buying Barbie dolls, deeming them 'unwholesome' and a negative influence on children.

The goat sucker of Puerto Rico

This section discusses 'El Chupacabras,' a creature reported in Puerto Rico that allegedly sucks the blood of animals. Described as a cross between a Grey alien, a porcupine, and a kangaroo, it has been sighted throughout the island, causing fear and damage.

Rocks go walkabout

An account of tourists returning stolen pieces of Ayers Rock (Uluru) in Australia to neutralize a perceived curse. The manager of Uluru National Park encourages this belief to deter souvenir theft. Similar curses are mentioned in relation to petrified wood from the Petrified Forest National Park in the US.

On the wings of a prayer

This piece satirizes a company called Lindsay Scientific, which claims to beam prayers to God electronically via a microwave radio beam, charging $9.95 per page.

Testing a 'Psychic' Guru

Richard Wiseman and Erlendur Haraldsson investigate the claims of Swami Premananda, an Indian religious leader who claims to perform miracles, including materializing objects. The authors conducted tests at his ashram in India. They found that under controlled conditions (with a transparent bag over his hand), Premananda failed to materialize objects. When the conditions were relaxed, he produced a small statue and 'vibuti' (fine grey powder), but analysis of video footage suggested he was secretly taking these items from his lap. The investigation concluded that Premananda's abilities were likely normal rather than paranormal.

The Skeptic's Dictionary: The Dogon and Sirius

Robert Todd Carroll excerpts from his online dictionary, focusing on the Dogon tribe of West Africa and their alleged knowledge of Sirius B. Carroll critically examines Robert Temple's book 'The Sirius Mystery,' suggesting that the Dogon's astronomical knowledge might be explained by contact with terrestrial civilizations or discussions of astronomical topics in the scientific press of the time, rather than extraterrestrial visitors.

Blazing Saucers

Martin S Kottmeyer analyzes the historical shift in UFO sighting reports, particularly focusing on the change from emphasis on high speed in the 1940s (e.g., Kenneth Arnold's report) to a focus on hovering in later decades. He discusses how the initial fascination with speed waned as technology advanced, making high speeds less extraordinary. Kottmeyer suggests that the cultural perception of what constitutes a mysterious UFO has evolved, influenced by media and societal context, rather than necessarily reflecting changes in actual phenomena.

• Copycat sightings: Following Arnold's report, numerous copycat sightings occurred, with 53% emphasizing speed. These reports often described objects as hurtling, streaking, and flying at tremendous speeds.
• Speed shift: Statistics show a decline in speed emphasis in UFO reports from 53% in 1947 to 22% by 1986, while hovering increased from 3% to 49% in the same period.
• UFOs in the movies: The article notes how films have influenced the perception of UFOs, initially depicting them with high speeds but later shifting towards slow movement and hovering, mirroring the trend in reported sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Skeptic consistently adopts a critical and evidence-based approach, aiming to debunk paranormal claims and expose pseudoscience. The magazine champions rational thought and scientific investigation, as evidenced by its detailed analysis of UFO reports, psychic claims, and mythological beliefs. The editorial stance is clearly one of promoting skepticism and encouraging a rational understanding of phenomena, often by providing historical context and scientific explanations for events that are frequently sensationalized.

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 10, Number 2
Date: January 2000 (estimated from cover date)
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £2.50

This issue of The Skeptic, a magazine dedicated to critical examination and skepticism, features a range of articles that challenge popular beliefs and pseudoscientific claims. The cover story, "How Not to Get Rich Quick" by Dene Bebbington, scrutinizes schemes promising easy wealth, while other articles explore lucid dreaming, the debunking of the '10% brain myth,' and Fortean phenomena.

How Not to Get Rich Quick

Dene Bebbington's article critically examines various methods people use to try and get rich quickly, starting with the National Lottery. He notes that while the lottery offers the chance of millions for a small stake, the odds are extremely slim (1 in 14,000,000). Bebbington finds it peculiar that roll-over weeks, which do not change the odds, attract more players, suggesting greed as a motivator. He also recounts an anecdote about a 'lottery expert' selling advice, questioning why such a person would sell knowledge rather than use it themselves.

Bebbington then discusses chain letters, a concept familiar from childhood, which have evolved into online 'make-money-fast' schemes. These typically involve sending a small sum to a few people and creating a new list, promising substantial returns. He argues that mathematically, these are 'zero-sum games' where money only circulates among participants, making it impossible for everyone to profit significantly; the average return is often just the initial investment.

A more honest, though still flawed, approach discussed is multi-level marketing (MLM). While some distributors do make money, Bebbington points out that only a very small fraction (less than 1%) achieve significant financial success. The core flaw, he explains, is the pyramid structure where success relies on recruiting 'downliners,' and ultimately, there's always someone at the bottom with no recruits. The psychology used to entice people into these schemes is also criticized, likening it to cult recruitment tactics that prey on perceived inadequacies.

John Paulos' concept of a 'step-by-step scam' is introduced, involving sending out conflicting stock market predictions to large groups and then charging for further 'accurate' predictions. This is presented as an illegal operation but illustrates the skepticism needed for 'can't lose' schemes. The article concludes that for someone to gain, someone else must lose, and that schemes promising easy riches often have underlying flaws or are outright scams.

The Lure of Lucid Dreaming

Duncan Barford's article, "The Lure of Lucid Dreaming," investigates the phenomenon of being aware that one is dreaming while in a dream state. Enthusiasts define it as 'dreaming while knowing you are dreaming' and claim that through practice, one can 'wake up' within dreams. Barford notes that lucid dreams are often described as vivid, realistic, and accompanied by a sense of bodily awareness, sometimes blurring the line with 'out of body' experiences. Proficient lucid dreamers reportedly can alter dream scenery and events, creating a personal 'virtual reality' without real-world risks.

However, Barford expresses skepticism. He finds it doubtful that one can truly 'wake up' inside a dream and is unconvinced by claims of therapeutic applications for lucid dreaming. He questions the variability in the 'quality' of lucidity and highlights anomalies, such as written texts in dreams that mysteriously change or have elusive meanings. He cites examples of dreamers reporting vague interpretations of written content, suggesting that reading in a dream is not possible because the eyes are shut and dream images are not perceptions originating from the external world.

Barford recounts his own experience with 'false lucidity,' where he felt conscious in a dream but later realized it was an illusion. He argues that the dream content, not a true 'state of mind,' creates the illusion of lucidity. He concludes that lucid dreams are essentially 'dreams about dreams' and that the world of dreams remains inaccessible to waking consciousness, advising against expensive courses or equipment aimed at inducing lucidity.

The Ten-Percent Solution

Barry Beyerstein's article, "The Ten-Percent Solution," tackles the persistent myth that humans only use 10% of their brains. He explains that proponents of this myth often use it to argue for the existence of latent psychic powers. Beyerstein traces the origins of this 'factoid,' noting its presence in self-improvement courses and its popularization through anecdotal accounts of people recovering from severe brain damage.

He argues that the 10% figure is neurologically nonsensical. Stroke victims who lose far less than 90% of their brain function are severely debilitated, making the idea of 90% unused brain capacity implausible. Furthermore, he points out that the brain is metabolically expensive, and evolution would not favor such a large, unused organ. Modern neuroscience, using techniques like EEGs and MRI scans, shows that all areas of the brain are active, even during sleep, and that distinct functions are distributed across different regions.

Beyerstein suggests that the myth may stem from misinterpretations of early neurological experiments, particularly those involving animals with large portions of their cortex removed, or from confusion regarding 'silent cortex' in higher species, which refers to areas not directly involved in sensory or motor functions but crucial for abstract thought and language. He also speculates that the myth might have originated from modest admissions by neuroscientists about the limitations of their understanding, which were then misconstrued as evidence of unused brain potential.

The article concludes that while the 10% myth may offer a comforting illusion of untapped potential, it lacks scientific basis and serves more as a metaphor for self-improvement than a factual statement about brain function.

Un-Conventionally Speaking

Chris Willis reports on the Fortean Times 'UnConvention,' a gathering focused on strange phenomena, curiosities, and prodigies. The event featured talks on topics such as alien abductions, false memory syndrome, Mayan prophecies, reincarnation, and ghosts. Richard Wiseman demonstrated Victorian mediumship ruses, and a screening of the 'Roswell alien autopsy' footage was shown.

The conference attracted around 1500 attendees and included talks by Nick Pope, who investigated UFO sightings for the Ministry of Defence and believes in extraterrestrial visitors. Robin Ramsay discussed the rise of conspiracy theories, and a debate touched upon whether the British government deliberately withholds UFO information. The exhibition showcased Fortean Zoology, featuring cryptids like the 'Beast of Bodmin' and the Loch Ness Monster, as well as attempts to re-introduce the Quagga.

Other attractions included a talk on owlman sightings and an exhibition on the Quagga's re-introduction. A section on hoaxes covered a case of a handicapped man presented as a monster. Talks on vampires revealed their aversion to clean houses and folklore surrounding them. Willis concludes that the UnConvention was enjoyable for those with open minds, though she humorously notes that some audience members seemed exceptionally open-minded.

Psychic Diary: A Matter of Some Gravity

Toby Howard's "Psychic Diary" column discusses the concept of levitation. He contrasts the fantasy of effortless flight with the reality of modern air travel. Howard notes the historical claims of levitation by various figures, including saints, fakirs, and mediums, but points out the difficulty in demonstrating this under controlled conditions.

He mentions Transcendental Meditation practitioners who claim to levitate, but Howard attributes their 'levitations' to energetic bouncing. In contrast, he explains that physicists and engineers view levitation as feasible through technology, citing magnetic levitation (maglev) as an example used in designing wheel-less trains. He also describes a 'FreeSpace ESS900 Levitation System' that can float small objects using an electromagnet, suggesting that a larger-scale version for humans might be possible if the anatomical challenges of inserting a magnet could be overcome. Until then, he concludes, true levitation for humans remains limited to the realms of fantasy or technological assistance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue of The Skeptic is the critical examination of claims that lack empirical evidence or logical consistency. The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical stance, debunking popular myths and pseudoscientific theories with reasoned arguments and scientific evidence. The articles challenge beliefs in easy wealth, paranormal abilities, and unsubstantiated phenomena, encouraging readers to approach extraordinary claims with a healthy dose of doubt and critical thinking. The editorial stance is clearly aligned with rationalism and scientific inquiry, aiming to inform and educate readers about the flaws in common misconceptions and extraordinary claims.

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 10, Number 2
Date: 1996 (implied by volume and issue numbering)
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: United Kingdom
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Skeptic at Large by Wendy Grossman

Wendy Grossman's column, 'Skeptic at Large,' uses the analogy of spring cleaning her office to discuss the importance of mental organization and critical thinking. She argues that people, like her office, tend to accumulate extraneous information and preconceptions, which can hinder clear thought. Grossman challenges the notion that media professionals inherently know more than the general public, stating they are subject to the same societal influences and often lack specialized knowledge. She emphasizes that true understanding requires actively filtering and critically evaluating information, rather than passively accepting it. Grossman also touches on the difficulty of changing deeply ingrained preconceptions, likening their insidious nature to termites.

Reviews

Good as Gould by Stephen Jay Gould

Reviewed by David Langford, this section discusses Stephen Jay Gould's book "Dinosaur in a Haystack: Reflections in Natural History." Langford praises Gould as an excellent popular science essayist, noting the book's 34 essays cover a wide range of topics including evolutionary theory, scientists' personalities, and various scientific and historical subjects. Gould's work is characterized by a concern for truth, debunking myths like the flat Earth in the Dark Ages and challenging 'impossible' evolutionary intermediates. Langford highlights Gould's ability to dismantle anecdotes and his exploration of scientific accuracy, though he notes that some parallels drawn by Gould can be overly contrived.

Randi strikes again by James Randi

David Langford reviews James Randi's "The Supernatural A-Z," a book that examines 666 subjects related to the supernatural, paranormal, and fringe science. Randi, a known skeptic and psychic investigator, exposes mistaken ideas, fraudulent claims, and hoaxes. The review lists various topics covered, including astrology, UFOs, homeopathy, and religious phenomena, as well as specific groups like Scientologists. Randi also provides biographies of notable figures in the supernatural scene and explains the tricks used by psychics. Langford notes that Randi's work sometimes presents a split personality, with balanced appraisal in some parts and overly credulous belief in others, particularly when discussing the limitations of science.

Divine anthropology by André and Lynette Singer

Reviewed by Dave Unsworth, this section covers "Divine Magic: The World of the Supernatural." Unsworth describes the book as an anthropological survey of beliefs across cultures and time, finding it well-written and visually supported. However, he criticizes the authors' speculations on paranormal phenomena, noting a shift from balanced appraisal to what he perceives as over-credulous belief. Unsworth argues that the authors shy away from presenting verifiable evidence and fail to address the incompatibility of many beliefs. Despite these criticisms, he finds the book a good introduction to the diversity of human belief.

Mysticism at the nineteenth hole by Michael Murphey and Rhea A White

Reviewed by Andy Brice, this section discusses "In the Zone: Transcendent Experience in Sports." The authors propose that sports can evoke 'metanormal capabilities' akin to mystical experiences. Brice finds the book's anecdotes weak support for its thesis and the reading dull. He notes that the authors' objectivity is inconsistent, and their heart doesn't seem to be in it. The review highlights the authors' reliance on fantastical sources and their reporting of phenomena like 'one inch punches' and 'internal power generation' with a lack of critical skepticism, leading Brice to conclude that the book goes too far in its open-mindedness.

Quotable jokes by Tom McHugh

Vicki Hyde reviews Tom McHugh's "Flying Saucers are Everywhere," a collection of UFO and ancient astronaut material. Hyde finds the book amusing if one is familiar with UFO lore, but suggests that as a 136-page book, the jokes wear thin. She highlights a humorous anecdote about shaving armpits and the 'kook factor' equation proposed by McHugh (SkUFO = kBC) to explain the relationship between UFO sightings and book sales. Hyde concludes that McHugh's work is a valuable service in highlighting the absurdity of some UFO-related claims.

The sticks twitch by Sig Lonegren

Reviewed by Jan Willem Nienhuys, this section discusses Sig Lonegren's "The Dowsing Rod Kit." Nienhuys describes the kit and its accompanying booklet, calling the book a 'course in self-deceit.' He criticizes the underlying idea that anything circumventing rational thought is powerful and true, and notes that the book fails to mention skeptical tests for dowsers. The review highlights a remarkable chapter about 'earth energies' found on a blacksmith's lawn, which moved in a grid pattern.

Fleeced! Telemarketing Rip-offs and How to Avoid Them by Fred Schulte

John Gillies reviews Fred Schulte's "Fleeced!" which details telemarketing scams. Gillies notes that while the book focuses on North American scams, the rip-off schemes are familiar worldwide. The book describes various telemarketing operations, from small illegal scams to larger-scale exploitations targeting vulnerable groups like the elderly. Schulte also provides appendices listing scam types and techniques for countering objections. Gillies recommends Robert Cialdini's "Influence: Science and Practice" for a more in-depth analysis but finds Schulte's book a valuable journalistic account.

African Magic? by Malidoma Patrice Somé

Dave Unsworth reviews Malidoma Patrice Somé's "Of Water and the Spirit: Ritual, Magic, and Initiation in the Life of an African Shaman." Unsworth notes that Somé presents stories of the supernatural, such as a man rising from the dead, as commonplace in Africa. The book chronicles Somé's upbringing, including his time in a seminary and his eventual reintegration into his tribe, where he undergoes a magical initiation ceremony. Unsworth finds the tale gripping and well-written, appreciating Somé's descriptions of the missionary world and its contrast with traditional village life, though he notes that his own attempts to contact spirits have been unsuccessful.

Perchance to dream by Chris Robinson with Andy Boot

Wolf Roder reviews Chris Robinson and Andy Boot's "Dream Detective." Robinson claims to have psychic premonitions of future events, which he has allegedly used to help the police. The book details his experiences, including predictions of IRA attacks and the murder of WPC Yvonne Fletcher. Roder criticizes the book for presenting a one-sided account, noting that Chris's dreams are often ambiguous and interpreted after the fact. He also points out that experimental tests of Robinson's claims, conducted by himself and Sue Blackmore, showed no psychic ability. Roder concludes that the book is inaccurate and of little interest to those seeking an objective assessment.

Bookwatch

This section provides brief mentions of recent books of interest to skeptics:

• Fortean Studies Volume 2 by Steve Moore and John Brown.
• The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan.
• Medical Blunders by Robert Youngson and Ian Schott.
• The Cult at the End of the World by David Kaplan & Andrew Marshall.
• The Entrancing Flame by John E Heymer.
• Ablaze! by Larry E Arnold.
• Science and Wonders by Russell Stannard.
• In Perfect Timing by Peter Caddy.
• Climbing Mount Improbable by Richard Dawkins.
• Biological Anomalies: Mammals - 1 by William R Corliss.

Letters

Home alone by Ean Wood

Ean Wood responds to Mark Lawson's article about the potential loneliness of humanity in the cosmos. Wood argues that humans have always been alone, even when exploring the Earth and encountering other civilizations. He suggests that even if we encounter alien beings, the fundamental experience of being alone will persist.

Fairy tales by Leslie Shepard

Leslie Shepard writes about the Cottingley Fairy photographs, arguing that the case is more complex than previously presented. He suggests that Arthur Conan Doyle may have been fooled because the original photographs were retouched by an expert. Shepard also notes that while Elsie claimed the photos were fakes, her cousin Frances maintained she had played with fairies. He recommends a series of articles by Geoffrey Crawley for a comprehensive survey of the case.

Infamous or famous? by Dene Bebbington

This letter discusses the work of Cyril Burt. The writer suggests that Dene Bebbington should have mentioned Robert Joynson's "The Burt Affair" and Ronald Fletcher's "Science, Ideology and the Media," which they believe clear Burt's name. The letter also references previous articles in The Skeptic on the topic and quotes R.C. Lewontin's complaint about Arthur Jensen's article on IQ, noting that Jensen's article began by discussing failed attempts to boost IQ in the USA.

Calling all writers

Edward Fleischmann is starting a Journal of the Unexplained and is seeking articles from small groups on their latest theories and investigations.

Full marks by Phil Hancock

Phil Hancock commends Toby Howard for admitting his failed paranormal experiments, contrasting this with a 'high-handed know-it-all' attitude sometimes adopted by skeptics. He emphasizes the need for critical thinking and informed decisions.

Subscribe to The Skeptic

This section provides subscription details for The Skeptic magazine, including prices for the UK, Europe, and the rest of the world, as well as information on ordering back issues with discounts for multiple purchases. It lists the contents of various back issues from Volume 4 (1990) to Volume 10 (1996).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Skeptic include skepticism towards paranormal claims, UFOs, and alternative medicine. The magazine consistently promotes critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and a scientific approach to understanding phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly one of promoting rational inquiry and debunking pseudoscience, as evidenced by the reviews and letters sections. There is a strong emphasis on media literacy and the importance of questioning accepted narratives, particularly those presented in popular culture and the media.