Skeptic - 1996 - Vol 10 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 10, Number 4
Date: 1996
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £2

This issue of The Skeptic magazine, dated 1996, focuses on the psychological aspects of paranormal phenomena, with a prominent cover story on "The psychology of alien abductions." It also features articles on multiple personality disorder, psychic detectives, and the nature of belief and perception.

Editorial

The editorial discusses the inauguration of the James Randi Educational Foundation in Florida and laments the lack of a similar non-profit educational foundation in the UK dedicated to promoting rationalism and combating antiscience. It suggests that skeptics in the UK need to hone their skills in interviewing, public speaking, and even conjuring tricks to gain media attention and challenge the influence of those who promote paranormal beliefs.

Articles and Features

"The psychology of alien abductions"

This cover story, though not fully detailed in the provided pages, is indicated as the main focus of the issue.

"Is There Anybody In There?" by Dr John Gillies

This article examines the evidence for and against Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD), framing it as a classic case of 'skeptics versus believers.' Gillies discusses the controversy surrounding MPD, with some psychiatrists questioning its existence. He presents the views of Colin Ross, who suggests that skeptics' doubts stem from a fear of the implications for personal identity and the prevalence of child abuse. The article explores the philosophical challenges MPD poses to notions of identity and the potential for it to be iatrogenically manufactured by therapists. It contrasts the approaches of 'believers' and 'skeptics' in dealing with MPD cases, noting that skeptics are sometimes accused of 'wishful thinking.'

"Hits and Misses" by Steve Donnelly

• This section covers various topics:
• Marketing pseudoscience: Donnelly reflects on how people profit from paranormal ideas, citing examples like New Age car repair services and a 'Donnelly Weight Loss Scheme' involving attaching craved foods to the head with sticking plaster, which has been preempted by a commercial product called Sveltepatches.
• Hirsute genius: A study by Dr Aikarakudy Alias suggests a correlation between body hair and intelligence in men, with hairy males tending to have better grades.
• Levity indeed: The article questions the timing of a Sunday Telegraph report on an 'Antigravity' device at Tampere University of Technology, noting its similarity to an eccentric inventor's 'Levity Disk.'

"Tanker in the sky"

Mike Jones, a Rochdale postman and UFO researcher, suggests that UFO activity in Yorkshire and Greater Manchester during the summer of '95, coinciding with water shortages, might indicate aliens stealing water.

"Lottery course"

Barnfield College in Luton is offering an eight-week course on how to win the lottery, taught by psychic Philip Griggs, who claims to use a 'lottery board' and numerology. The article notes Griggs' own limited lottery success and his background in palm-reading.

"Face the facts"

This piece discusses ongoing academic debate about the Turin Shroud. An Italian study claims to have found the imprint of a Roman coin dated to AD29, suggesting it could be the burial cloth of Christ. However, the article points out that previous carbon dating placed the shroud between 1260 and 1390, and suggests the professors involved, experts in computer science and forensic medicine, may be overlooking logical interpretations.

"Sleuths and Spirits" by Chris Willis

This article explores the role of the supernatural in detective fiction. It notes that while a detective story might seem to preclude supernatural elements, superstition and detection are intertwined. Examples include historical instances of police investigating mediums and fictional portrayals of psychic detectives. The article discusses how fake mediums have been exposed in stories, citing Peter Lovesey's "A Case of Spirits" and Tom Gallon's "The Spirit of Sarah Keech." It recounts the case of Lilian Wyles, a CID officer who investigated a medium in 1928. The piece also examines F. Tennyson Jesse's "Solange Fontaine," Gilbert Frankau's "Misogyny at Moulins," and Agatha Christie's "The Sittaford Mystery," where supernatural messages are used to solve murders. The article highlights Dorothy L. Sayers' "Strong Poison," where Miss Climpson masquerades as a medium, and the work of Frederick Bligh Bond, an archaeologist who claimed to receive guidance from a spirit. It concludes by mentioning Paul Gallico's "The Hand of Mary Constable" and the unfinished Dickens novel "Edwin Drood," which was reportedly completed by a medium.

"Paranormal Picture Gallery" by Hilary Evans

This feature presents an illustration from a 1905 publication, "Je Sais Tout," depicting a clandestine meeting of a Chinese secret society studying a map of Western Europe. The accompanying text humorously suggests a conspiracy involving Chinese restaurants infiltrating Western society.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical stance, critically examining claims of the paranormal, pseudoscience, and controversial psychological phenomena. The editorial emphasizes the importance of rationalism and evidence-based reasoning in countering superstition and misinformation. The articles often deconstruct claims by looking for logical explanations, psychological motivations, or potential fraud, while acknowledging the public's fascination with the unexplained. The magazine appears to advocate for a rigorous, evidence-based approach to understanding phenomena, particularly in fields like psychology and parapsychology.

This issue of The Skeptic magazine, Volume 10 Number 4, published in August 1996, features a cover story titled 'Abduction Theory' by Nick Rose, which questions whether sleep-related psychological experiences could be the answer to the mystery of alien abductions. The magazine also includes reviews of children's paranormal books, an examination of photographic evidence, and a skeptical dictionary entry on auras.

Articles

Abduction Theory by Nick Rose

Nick Rose explores the phenomenon of alien abductions and proposes that sleep paralysis and hypnagogic/hypnopompichallucinations might be the cause of these experiences, rather than actual extraterrestrial encounters. He references a Roper Poll survey of unusual experiences, noting that the most common 'symptom' reported was waking up paralyzed with a sense of a strange presence. Rose explains that sleep paralysis is a natural phenomenon where the body is immobilized during sleep, often accompanied by hallucinations. He suggests that people may interpret these experiences as alien abductions based on their cultural context. The article cites research indicating that sleep paralysis and hallucinations can occur independently and that alien abduction might be a modern interpretation of these phenomena, rather than the cause of them. The author concludes that while the idea of alien abduction is intriguing, the evidence points more towards psychological and physiological explanations.

Kid's Stuff: Dr Richard Wiseman and Clive Jeffreys

This article critically examines popular 'non-fiction' paranormal books written for children. Wiseman and Jeffreys analyzed five books, finding that they overwhelmingly present a pro-paranormal viewpoint, with an average of 85.2% of passages supporting paranormal claims. The authors highlight instances where these books promote pseudoscience, such as misrepresenting the work of Cleve Backster on plant consciousness or presenting faked photographs of levitation as evidence. They criticize the books for failing to provide a balanced perspective and for containing factual errors, arguing that this misinforms young readers. The authors suggest that a more valuable approach would be to present children with evidence and encourage critical thinking about paranormal claims, similar to how detective stories engage young readers.

Closing the Door on Evidence by Tom Napier

Tom Napier discusses the evolving nature of evidence, particularly in the context of paranormal claims. He argues that while physical evidence like artifacts or samples would be compelling, the increasing sophistication of technology makes photographic and video evidence less reliable. Napier explains how computer-generated imagery can now convincingly fake moving objects, making it difficult to distinguish real footage from fabricated material. He notes that while advanced technology can create realistic simulations, it also offers new ways to analyze physical evidence, such as carbon-14 dating or DNA testing, which could potentially verify claims about phenomena like Noah's Ark or Bigfoot.

The Skeptic's Dictionary: Auras by Robert Todd Carroll

Robert Todd Carroll debunks the concept of auras, describing them as colored outlines emanating from living beings, supposedly visible to those with psychic powers or detectable through special goggles or Kirlian photography. He recounts a test on US television where a psychic failed to identify partitions containing people based on seeing their auras. Carroll argues that reading auras is subjective and akin to Rorschach tests, lacking scientific validity. He also touches upon claims of using Kirlian photography to restore damaged CDs and discusses differing interpretations of what aura colors signify dying patients.

Psychic Diary: Toby Howard on Reverse Speech

Toby Howard investigates David John Oates' theory of 'Reverse Speech,' which posits that the human brain generates hidden meanings in backward speech. Howard recounts his initial skepticism and his subsequent examination of Oates' research, which analyzes backward speech from public figures like Bill Clinton, Bob Dole, and Neil Armstrong. While Howard acknowledges Oates' genuine belief and dedication, he ultimately finds the theory implausible and unsupported by evidence, likening it to the discredited 'Mirror Talk' concept. He concludes that despite the strangeness of the ideas, Oates appears to be a sincere believer rather than a fraud.

Advertising Standards Authority Upholds Complaint

This section reports on an Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruling that upheld a complaint against an advertisement for Uri Geller's 'Mind Power Kit.' The advertisement claimed the kit contained secrets to extraordinary powers, including a book, cassette, and imbued crystals. The ASA found that the advertisers provided no specific evidence that the kit's components possessed claimed powers and had not been tested. The ASA asked the advertisers to cease using these claims.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is skepticism towards paranormal claims and the critical examination of evidence. The magazine consistently promotes a rational, scientific approach, challenging pseudoscientific theories and highlighting the importance of verifiable proof. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of critical thinking and the debunking of unsubstantiated claims, whether they relate to alien abductions, psychic phenomena, or questionable evidence presented in popular media, particularly for children.

This issue of *The Skeptic*, Volume 10, Number 4, dated October 1996, features Wendy Grossman's column 'Talking about free speech'. The magazine covers a range of skeptical reviews on topics including ufology, psychology, alternative medicine, and the occult.

Talking about free speech

Wendy Grossman opens the issue by reflecting on the complexities of free speech, particularly in the context of the internet and the challenges of regulating content like child pornography and bomb recipes. She contrasts this with the lack of similar regulatory action against AIDS denial theories promoted by Peter Duisberg, questioning the societal approach to dangerous speech and the underlying assumption that the public is a 'corruptible' entity needing protection by an 'incorruptible' elite. Grossman also touches upon the growing trend of American Health Maintenance Organizations considering 'alternative therapies' due to consumer pressure, noting the cost-effectiveness argument for unproven treatments.

Reviews

Burning questions

Two books on Spontaneous Human Combustion (SHC) are reviewed: Larry E. Arnold's *Ablaze: The Mysterious Fires of Spontaneous Human Combustion* and John E. Heymer's *The Entrancing Flame*. Arnold's book is dismissed as a collection of anecdotal, mythical, and fictional accounts lacking scientific understanding, with theories ranging from the bizarre (Sennacherib's army) to the mundane (chicken coops). Heymer's book, based on his experience as a crime officer, presents ten cases of suspected SHC. While intriguing, the review questions the similarity of cases without witnesses and finds Heymer's 'scientific' theory about defective mitochondria unconvincing.

Houses of myth

Robyn M. Dawes' *House of Cards: Psychology and Psychotherapy Built on Myth* is reviewed by Mike Hutton. Dawes, a psychological researcher, challenges fundamental clinical assumptions, arguing that therapy effectiveness is unrelated to therapist training or type, and that childhood experiences are not the main determinant of adult behavior. The review highlights Dawes' critique of the self-esteem movement and the superiority of statistical prediction over clinical judgment. The book is praised for its clear arguments and witty style.

A victim's tale

Christopher C. French reviews George Magner's *Chiropractic: The Victim's Perspective*. Magner, who claims to have been injured by chiropractors, founded the Victims of Chiropractic group. The book details the history of chiropractic, critiques its training and schools, and debunks the concept of spinal subluxation. It also examines how chiropractic gained licensing through political lobbying and criticizes its unscientific and religious-like approach. The review notes the dangers of chiropractic manipulation and the book's inclusion of patient tips.

Pleiadian playtime

Lewis Jones reviews Kal K. Korff's *Spaceships of the Pleiades: The Billy Meier Story*. Jones admits to being initially daunted by the book's size but found Korff's style engaging. The book comprehensively debunks Billy Meier's claims of over seven hundred alien contacts, including encounters with a Pleiadian cosmonaut named Semjase, photographic evidence, and claims of time travel. Korff's investigation is presented as a model of careful investigation that convincingly argues Meier's case is an elaborate hoax.

Pathological science

Michael Allaby comments on the supposed health risks of electromagnetic fields, referencing a *Time Magazine Online* report that found no evidence linking power lines to cancer or developmental abnormalities. Despite this, a large government study is underway, and the issue has become a costly 'pathological science' driven by public fear, making it difficult to scotch the myth.

Regression lesson

John Gillies reviews M. D. Faber's *New Age Thinking: A Psychoanalytic Critique*. Faber analyzes various New Age beliefs, such as crystal healing and shamanism, using psychoanalytic terms like 'infantile omnipotence', 'regressive fusion', and 'narcissistic inflation'. The book argues that New Age thinking is a response to timeless human preoccupations and fears, not solely a product of postmodernism. The review concludes that Faber's work, while perhaps an exaggeration of its subtitle, would have been approved by Freud.

Hollywood babbles on

Les Francis reviews *Hollywood Haunted: A Ghostly Tour of Filmland* by Laurie Jacobson and Marc Wanamaker. The book explores ghost stories and legends associated with Hollywood locations and figures. Francis notes that while the book is entertaining, the authors appear to believe the stories they recount.

Bookwatch

This section provides brief descriptions of recent books of interest to skeptics. Titles include *The Encyclopedia of the Paranormal*, *The Fortean Times Book of the Millennium*, *The Prehistory of the Mind*, *Behind the Crystal Ball*, *Ghosts*, *In Search of the Light*, *The Extraordinary Story of Life on Earth*, and *Complementary Medicine: An Objective Appraisal*.

Letters

Several letters are published:

• Devil dealers: A reader notes a car dealer using the number 666.
• Swans and mirages: Stueart Campbell and Martin S. Kottmeyer debate Kenneth Arnold's UFO sighting, with Kottmeyer defending his review and questioning Campbell's interpretation of Arnold's observations.
• What's the target?: Jim Josefsson expresses weariness with the constant debunking of UFOs and similar phenomena, suggesting that skeptics are becoming a new religion that attacks only small delusions while ignoring larger ones like clitoridectomy.
• Job seekers beware: Gilian Sathanandan expresses skepticism about the use of psychometric tests in job selection.
• Pathological science: Michael Allaby reiterates that there is no evidence linking electromagnetic fields to health risks, criticizing the ongoing costly research as 'pathological science'.

The Arthur Industry

Chris Willis reviews several books related to Arthurian legends: Mike Dixon-Kennedy's *Arthurian Myth and Legend*, R. J. Stewart's and John Matthews' *Merlin Through the Ages*, and John Matthews' *The Unknown Arthur* and *Arthur and the Grail Quest*. While acknowledging the research, Willis questions the appeal of these works and notes the prevalence of male contributors. He finds Matthews' *Arthur and the Grail Quest* to be the best of the bunch, highlighting its exploration of the Grail legend and the Nazi search for it.

Anything but impartial

Nick Kim reviews Andrew Boyd's *Dangerous Obsessions: Teenagers and the Occult*. Kim criticizes the book for its biased portrayal of the occult, arguing that it conflates dabbling in activities like astrology with serious crime and ritual abuse. He points out the book's lack of verifiable details and its misrepresentation of a UK Health Department inquiry regarding ritual abuse.

Atlantis in Wisconsin

Chris Willis reviews Frank Joseph's *Atlantis in Wisconsin*. The review describes the book as degenerating into a pseudoscientific theory that Atlantis is the source of all ancient European metallurgy, enlisting a wide range of unscientific evidence to support its claims.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a skeptical and evidence-based approach to claims of the paranormal, pseudoscientific theories, and alternative practices. The editorial stance is critical of unsubstantiated beliefs and highlights the importance of scientific rigor, critical thinking, and accurate reporting. The issue engages with themes of free speech, the nature of belief, the scientific method, and the dangers of pseudoscience.