Skeptic - 1996 - Vol 10 No 5-6

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 10 Numbers 5 & 6
Date: 1996
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £4

This special double issue of The Skeptic, marking the end of its tenth year of publication, offers a diverse range of articles aimed at debunking paranormal claims and promoting critical thinking. The cover prominently features the question "Music from Beyond The Grave?", hinting at investigations into spiritualist mediums or claims of communication from the deceased through music. The issue also includes a "Paranormal Picture Gallery" by Hilary Evans, detailing unexplained ghost stories, and an editorial reflecting on the magazine's journey and its reliance on reader support.

Featured Articles and Content

Editorial

The editorial, penned by the editors, reflects on the magazine's tenth anniversary and expresses gratitude to contributors and readers. It announces plans for the next issue to celebrate the milestone and generate media coverage to increase circulation. The editors emphasize their dependence on reader support through subscriptions and contributions.

Paranormal Picture Gallery

Hilary Evans presents two ghost stories. The first, set in 1884 at Hyde Park Place, London, describes the inexplicable vanishing of a housemaid on a staircase, an event that baffled the residents and was reported to the Society for Psychical Research. The second story is continued on the inside back cover.

Hits and Misses

Steve Donnelly's "Hits and Misses" column covers several intriguing items. One report details a 25 lb object, described as a sheet of metal, falling from the skies in Selsdon, near Croydon, and crashing into a car park. Another item discusses an insurance policy that reportedly pays out to individuals who are abducted by aliens. The column also touches upon a study suggesting that religious participation may be beneficial for health and mentions an Israeli internet company offering to email prayers to God at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.

Psychic Con-men

Richard Wiseman and Emma Greening investigate exploitative psychics in London. They set up an undercover operation using two actresses to consult with five alleged psychics who claimed to be able to remove curses. The article details how the psychics attempted to exploit the actresses' fabricated problems, recommending expensive 'treatments' involving items like white underwear, candles, and herbal baths, and employing manipulative tactics to ensure secrecy and continued custom.

Koestler's Legacy

Robert L Morris, Professor of Experimental Physics at the University of Edinburgh, discusses the establishment and work of the Koestler Chair of Parapsychology. He outlines the chair's remit to conduct objective scientific research into purported psychic abilities and describes the 'Integrative Parapsychology' approach, which involves investigating both 'psi hypotheses' (genuine psychic phenomena) and 'pseudopsi hypotheses' (explanations involving error or deception). The research lines include studying 'what's not psychic but looks like it', assessing new means of communication, and exploring the history of parapsychology. Morris highlights the importance of scientific methodology and avoiding both false positive and false negative errors.

Evolution of Belief

This section notes the Vatican's evolving stance on the theory of evolution, with Pope John Paul II acknowledging it as 'more than just a hypothesis' in a letter published in October. While accepting that the human body may be a result of Darwinian evolution, the Church maintains that the spiritual soul is directly created by God, rejecting theories that posit the spirit emerging from matter.

Wedding Spirit

An unusual story from France details a woman who married her dead fiancé two years after his murder. Patricia Montenez fought a legal battle to have the posthumous marriage recognized, eventually obtaining special permission under a law originally intended for fiancées of soldiers killed in World War I.

Other Articles and Features

• Other articles in this issue include:
• Tears of glass: A report on a young girl in Lebanon who is weeping tears made of glass.
• Chinese furniture arrangement: A humorous piece on the application of Feng-Shui principles in the office.
• Skeptical Books for Christmas: A selection of books recommended for Christmas.
• Ho Ho Ho! It's Techno-Santa: An article by Nick Kim.
• Festive Fifty Prize Quiz: A quiz for the festive season.
• The Wandering Womb: An article by Botulin Saxx.
• Sprite: An item by Donald Rooum.
• From Penny Dreadfuls to Video Nasties: An article by Chris Willis.
• Music From Beyond the Veil: An article by Melvyn Willin.
• Get a Life - Forever!: An article by Toby Howard.
• Ask Apollo: An item by Marjorie Mackintosh.
• Psychic Diary: A regular feature.
• Skeptic at Large: A regular feature.
• Reviews: Book reviews are included.

The issue also features contributions from various clipping contributors and includes advertisements for Donald Rooum's "Titania's Curse" and "Wildcat comic books".

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Skeptic consistently promotes a rational, evidence-based approach to understanding phenomena, actively challenging pseudoscience, paranormal claims, and conspiracy theories. The magazine's editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims and to seek scientific explanations. Themes recurring throughout the issue include the investigation of psychic phenomena, the debunking of hoaxes and scams, the examination of scientific and pseudoscientific theories (such as evolution), and the critique of media portrayals of the paranormal. The magazine also fosters a sense of community among its readers, evident in its acknowledgments of contributors and its focus on reader engagement through quizzes and letters.

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 10, Numbers 5 & 6, published with a cover price of £3.50, delves into various topics related to skepticism, paranormal claims, and critical thinking. The magazine features articles on psychic exploitation, historical hoaxes, military technology, end-of-the-world prophecies, and recommendations for skeptical reading material.

Psychic Exploitation: A Case Study

An investigation by Richard Wiseman and Emma Greening from the Perrott-Warrick Research Unit at the University of Hertfordshire exposed the unethical practices of five psychics. Actresses, feigning distress, consulted these psychics who offered solutions involving expensive creams and lotions (£450-£900). Common themes included suggesting clients were cursed by friends or family, advising them to isolate themselves, and claiming to be the sole solvers of their problems. The psychics failed to detect the actresses or the filming for a television exposé, suggesting a lack of genuine psychic ability. Wiseman expresses dismay at the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

The Cardiff Giant: A Hoax of Belief

Robert Todd Carroll discusses the Cardiff Giant, a hoax perpetrated in 1869 by George Hull. This carved gypsum slab, presented as the fossilized remains of an ancient giant, attracted thousands of visitors who paid 50 cents to see it. Despite immediate suspicion from experts who identified it as a fraud, the public's desire to believe in such wonders, particularly those that seemed to support Biblical accounts, fueled its popularity. P.T. Barnum even had a duplicate made, which reportedly outdrew the original. Kenneth Feder's perspective is cited, highlighting how people's desire to believe can override rational and scientific conclusions, a pattern seen in many paranormal cases.

The Santa Conspiracy: An Alien Hypothesis

Steve Donnelly presents a controversial theory linking Santa Claus to UFOs and alien abduction. He posits that the global prevalence of the Santa Claus myth suggests a basis in fact. Donnelly suggests that the 'mysterious flying vehicle' associated with Santa is akin to UFO reports, and that the increasing number of Santas in department stores is part of a government-sanctioned cover-up. His most startling claim is that a significant percentage of children are abducted by aliens dressed as Santa and replaced with alien substitutes, with governments complicit in this "mammoth" conspiracy. He even suggests that some senior establishment figures might be aliens.

Smart Bombs or Dumb People?

David Hambling critically examines the reliability and accuracy of 'smart bombs' or Precision Guided Munitions (PGMs), particularly in light of their portrayal during the Gulf War. While impressive visuals were presented, Hambling questions the actual effectiveness. He details the evolution of guided weapons from World War II to modern 'brilliant' weapons with imaging infrared seekers. However, he highlights significant problems: laser-guided bombs can lose lock, television-guided systems have narrow fields of view, and infra-red seekers can be confused by heat sources or decoys. He cites claims of low hit rates for cruise missiles and questions the cost-effectiveness of expensive smart weapons compared to older, simpler ones. The article concludes that war is inherently messy and cannot be solved by technology alone, warning against the notion that pressing a launch button is a solution to foreign policy issues.

Millennium: The End of the World is Getting Nigh

Kevin McClure explores the phenomenon of apocalyptic beliefs and end-of-the-world prophecies. He notes the emergence of new, often greedy, individuals in this field, particularly with the approaching millennium. McClure discusses Nostradamus, critiquing how his prophecies are often misinterpreted or fabricated by modern authors like Peter Lorie and V J Hewitt to fit current events. He also addresses the Book of Revelation, viewing it as a text with vivid, often cruel imagery, and questions its inclusion in the Biblical canon. McClure contrasts the historical approach to paranormal claims with the current "unprecedented drivel," where skepticism is often dismissed. He observes that while many people are naturally skeptical, the adult population is more susceptible to paranormal claims, especially when presented in a sensational manner by the media.

Where Fish Once Walked: Stimulating Sixth-Form Skepticism

Ian Rowland, a psychic illusionist, shares his experiences giving talks on analytical thinking and skepticism to sixth-form colleges. He uses demonstrations like hammering a nail into his head and performing 'psychic surgery' to capture students' attention. Rowland notes that most sixth-formers are naturally skeptical and resistant to paranormal claims, attributing this to their desire not to look foolish, their street-wise awareness of scams, and their engagement with a learning process that values comprehension. He contrasts this with the adult population, suggesting that the decline in critical thinking occurs after leaving school. Rowland emphasizes the importance of reaching young people with messages of critical thinking and rational analysis, believing it is crucial for the long-term prospects of sane reasoning in society.

Skeptical Books for Christmas

This section features recommendations for skeptical books from various contributors to The Skeptic. Jim Lippard suggests "The Psychology of the Psychic" by David Marks and Richard Kamman and "The Fringes of Reason" by Ted Schultz. Wendy Grossman recommends Martin Gardner's "Science: Good, Bad, and Bogus" and John Allen Paulos's "Innumeracy." Carol Tavris's "The Mismeasure of Woman" and Cecil Adams's "The Straight Dope" are also mentioned. James Randi praises Carl Sagan's "The Demon-Haunted World" and John Sladek's "The New Apocrypha."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of extraordinary claims, the exploitation of belief, and the importance of evidence-based reasoning. The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical stance, challenging paranormal phenomena, hoaxes, and unsubstantiated claims. There is a strong emphasis on promoting critical thinking and analytical skills, particularly among younger generations, as a defense against misinformation and manipulation. The editorial stance is clear: to question, to investigate, and to rely on evidence rather than blind faith or sensationalism.

This issue of *The Skeptic* magazine, Volume 10, Numbers 5 & 6, published in 1997, focuses on skepticism, pseudoscience, and paranormal phenomena. The cover features a humorous illustration of 'Techno-Santa' embracing modern technology for his gift delivery, with the headline 'Ho, Ho, Ho! It's Techno-Santa!'

Featured Articles and Contributions

The issue includes a diverse range of contributions from authors, researchers, and consultants, each recommending skeptical books and sharing their perspectives.

Book Recommendations

• Martin Gardner's 'Fads & Fallacies in the Name of Science': Described as a seminal and critical treatment of spurious psychic, pseudoscientific, and occult subjects, Martin Gardner is regarded as the father of skepticism in the USA. This book is a frequently updated upgrade of his earlier work.
• James Randi's 'The Faith Healers': Chris Willis highlights Randi's exposé of con-artists who masquerade as evangelists and faith healers, detailing financial scams and faked healings.
• 'The Alchemist' by Ben Jonson: Not strictly a book, this play is mentioned for its portrayal of a fake magician who deceives people with supernatural claims, illustrating early 'psychic' con-artistry.
• Elaine Morgan's works: Steuart Campbell recommends Morgan's books on evolution, including 'The Descent of Woman' and 'The Aquatic Ape Theory', which propose that mankind evolved in water.
• Howard Donahue's 'Mortal Error': Campbell also praises this book for its analysis of the JFK assassination, suggesting Oswald's shots did not kill Kennedy, but a bodyguard's accidental discharge of a weapon did.
• John Sladek's 'The New Apocrypha': Lucy Fisher found this book while searching for the meaning of life, noting its witty coverage of various absurd beliefs. James Randi's 'Flim-Flam!' is also mentioned, with Fisher appreciating its critique of the Cottingley Fairies.
• Umberto Eco's 'Foucault's Pendulum': Mike Walsh describes this novel as having a brilliant plot where sceptics concoct a conspiracy story that turns out to be true, leading to their demise.
• Richard Feynman's 'Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!': Neville W Goodman recommends this as a skeptic's primer, highlighting Feynman's witty anecdotes and critical approach.
• Sir Julian Huxley's 'Evolution': Simon Birstingl cites this as an early influence, full of diagrams that captivated him as a child and fostered a scientific approach.
• James Randi's 'The Truth About Uri Geller': Birstingl nominates this as his all-time favorite skeptical book, praising its detailed debunking of Geller's claims.
• Terence Hines' 'Pseudoscience and the Paranormal': Steve Donnelly describes this as a concise encyclopedia of paranormal topics, useful for understanding various fringe subjects.
• Francis Crick's 'The Astonishing Hypothesis': Donnelly suggests this book for those interested in the capabilities of the human brain and consciousness, written by a Nobel laureate.
• Richard Dawkins' 'The Selfish Gene': Donnelly recommends this for restoring one's place in the universe, countering the idea of human importance.
• Evon Z Vogt and Ray Hyman's 'Water Witching U.S.A.': Mike Hutchinson notes this book as an education in skepticism, using dowsing and other phenomena to demonstrate false thinking.
• Susan Blackmore's 'The Adventures of a Parapsychologist': Robert E McGrath calls this the best single book on the topic, praising Blackmore's rigorous questioning of reality and self.
• Paul Kurtz's 'Transcendental Temptation': McGrath, while respecting Kurtz, found this book overly dense and not conducive to changing the world.
• Toby Howard's favorite: Howard names Umberto Eco's 'Foucault's Pendulum' as his favorite, appreciating its intellectual depth despite its flaws.
• Christopher Evans' 'Cults of Unreason': Howard recommends this classic for its survey of nutty ideas from the seventies, including sections on L. Ron Hubbard and the Aetherius Society.
• Kenneth Silverman's biography of Houdini: Mike Hutchinson mentions this as a comprehensive new biography, noting the injustice often done to Houdini in other accounts.
• H.G. Wells' 'Mr Belloc Objects': Dave Langford praises this as Wells's best polemical volume, a witty debunking of Belloc's criticisms.
• John T. Sladek's 'The New Apocrypha': Langford reiterates his admiration for this book, noting its satirical approach to credulity and its extensive bibliography.

'Techno-Santa' Article

Nick Kim, a scientist from Hamilton, New Zealand, presents a humorous report titled 'Ho, Ho, Ho! It's Techno-Santa!'. This article imagines Santa Claus embracing modern technology for his gift delivery. It details a 'Techno-Santa' equipped with a satellite receiver, infrared night-vision glasses, a recoilless rifle to make a surgical hole through chimneys, depleted uranium shells, a heads-up display, laser target designation, smart presents, boot-mounted navigation systems, a high-speed anti-radiation missile to deal with 'Santa-hating scientists', a supercomputer to filter population data, and a new reindeer-based propulsion system.

'The Wandering Womb' Article

This article, presented as an 'extraterrestrial report' by alien scientist Botulin Saxx and translated by Nick Kim, addresses the 'wandering womb' theory, which originated with the philosopher Plato. Plato suggested that a female ape's womb could become 'indignant' and move around the body, causing disease, a concept linked to the word 'hysteria'. The report details a fictional study conducted by Anthrax H Thritt, an exobiologist, who investigated this phenomenon in 50,000 female 'hairless apes' (humans). The study found no evidence of wandering wombs, concluding that the theory, despite its influence on exobiology, lacks empirical support. The article also touches upon Plato's account of Atlantis, suggesting it warrants further examination.

Festive Fifty Prize Quiz

The magazine includes a 'Festive Fifty Prize Quiz' with 50 questions designed to challenge readers' knowledge on paranormal, scientific, and general trivia. Prizes include a bottle of champagne and a subscription to The Skeptic. The quiz covers a wide range of topics, from mistaken UFO sightings to the age of the universe according to different theories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and the debunking of pseudoscience and paranormal claims. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of skepticism, promoting a rational approach to extraordinary claims and highlighting the importance of evidence-based reasoning. The inclusion of book reviews, humorous articles like 'Techno-Santa', and a challenging quiz all serve to engage readers in the skeptical mindset and encourage critical evaluation of information.

This issue of 'SPRITE', identified as Volume 10, Numbers 5 & 6, published by 'The Skeptic', appears to be from 1995. The cover features a cartoon strip titled 'SPRITE' depicting a man interacting with ethereal figures. The main article, 'From Penny Dreadfuls to Video Nasties, and back again' by Chris Willis, critically examines the societal reaction to controversial media.

From Penny Dreadfuls to Video Nasties, and back again

Chris Willis's article draws striking parallels between the modern moral panic surrounding 'video nasties' and the Victorian concern over 'penny dreadfuls'. Both phenomena are characterized by middle-class anxiety over working-class juvenile crime, with entertainment forms seen as incitements to criminal activity. The author argues that in a secular society, 'video violence' has become a convenient scapegoat for crime, replacing the devil. Young viewers are presumed to be impressionable, with their minds treated as a 'tabula rasa', a view that contradicts modern child psychology which sees children as active information processors.

Ann Hagell of the Policy Studies Institute is quoted expressing concern that attention is misdirected, emphasizing that the crucial question is not what children watch, but how they interpret it.

Videos on Trial

The article highlights the 'Child's Play 3' controversy, where the film was alleged to have inspired the murder of toddler James Bulger. The tabloid press largely ignored the judge's nuanced comment that video exposure 'may in part be an explanation', instead creating a moral panic. The Sun and Daily Mirror ran sensational headlines, with the Mirror even reporting on the judge's statement blaming videos. Despite similarities between the film and the murder, the police did not introduce the video as evidence due to a lack of proof that the children had watched it. The author notes that the video provided an easy scapegoat, allowing the press to ignore other potential influences on the killers.

The Victorian Connection

Similar concerns about violence in entertainment existed in the mid-to-late nineteenth century, coinciding with rising juvenile crime rates and the proliferation of 'penny dreadfuls'. These publications, sold in penny installments, offered weekly doses of murder, mystery, and mayhem, targeting adolescent boys directly. Middle-class commentators feared that these stories could lead to 'copycat' activities, with Edward Salmon citing cases of youths allegedly driven to crime by reading such tales. Francis Hitchman and Thomas Chambers echoed these sentiments, blaming 'unwholesome literature' for juvenile delinquency. However, Thomas Wright suggested that boys might exploit these fears to receive lighter sentences.

Alfred Harmsworth, a newspaper magnate, claimed that 'penny dreadfuls' were responsible for creating thieves and filling prisons. The article notes that Harmsworth was promoting his own 'wholesome' boys' weekly at the time. The circulation of penny dreadfuls was massive, with some claiming readership in the hundreds of thousands, and the 1870 Education Act increased their potential market.

Scapegoats Then and Now

Both penny dreadfuls and video nasties serve as convenient scapegoats for rising juvenile crime rates. Dr Julian Petley and Lavinia Carey of the British Videogram Association are quoted discussing how these forms of media become easy targets for moral outrage and calls for censorship. The author contrasts this with the more difficult task of addressing complex issues like urban deprivation, poverty, and poor education.

Boys and Girls

Concern over rising violent crime in the 1990s, as in the 1890s, has focused on working-class boys. The underlying assumption in tabloid coverage of video nasties is that girls rarely watch violent videos or read violent fiction, viewing them primarily as potential victims rather than perpetrators. Historically, unemployed working-class boys have been seen as potential delinquents, a fear now linked to the power of moving visual images. Hugh Redwood noted in the 1950s that boys from the slums were 'wonderful training material for good or evil', easily influenced by Hollywood. The advent of video recorders has brought this entertainment into the home, making the threat seem more immediate.

Nanny Knows Best

The article discusses the concept of a 'nanny state' where censorship is used as a form of social control, potentially manipulating citizens' thought processes, as depicted in Orwell's '1984'. The author questions whose values determine what people are allowed to read or watch. The piece concludes by noting the ongoing controversy surrounding David Cronenberg's film 'Crash', which faced bans and objections, illustrating the continued tension between artistic expression and societal fears.

Music from Beyond the Veil or Within Ourselves?

This section, authored by Melvyn Willin, investigates musical mediums who claim to receive inspiration from the 'spirit world'. Music plays a significant role in spiritualism, with singing thought to encourage communication with spirits. Sceptics suggest that singing might be used to mask the sounds of confederates or trap doors. In séances, musical instruments have allegedly been played by spirits, and mediums have claimed to receive music directly from deceased composers.

Musical Instruments and Mediums

The Davenport brothers in the mid-nineteenth century were known for feats involving musical instruments, though they referred to their displays as 'entertainments' and did not claim spiritual origins. James Randi suggested that D. D. Home may have used a harmonica to create musical effects. Other mediums, like the Eddy brothers and Jonathan Koons, produced spirit music from instruments. Investigations into the medium Margery Crandon included musical manifestations.

Inspired Performers

French medium George Aubert claimed to play difficult works in a trance, possessed by the spirit of 'Mehul'. Jesse Shepard was guided by a spirit to develop his singing. Emma Hardinge Britten wrote a cantata, 'The Song of the Stars', in an inspired state.

Contemporary Musical Mediums

In the 1970s, several musical mediums published their works. Clifford Enticknap believed he channeled Handel's music, with their relationship originating in Atlantis. Enticknap wrote an oratorio, 'Beyond the Veil'.

Rosemary Brown's musical mediumship has caused controversy since the 1960s. While some believe she contacted dead composers, others suggest she had subconscious depths. Experts analyzing her music often describe it as pastiche, lacking the vision of the original composers, though some pieces bear hallmarks of the alleged composers. Brown has been reluctant to discuss her music since publishing her third book, which focused more on poetry and fairies.

Case Studies of Musical Mediums

Willin conducted research into modern-day musical mediums, placing advertisements and contacting establishments. He devised a questionnaire to ascertain trends and similarities among those claiming spirit-derived musical inspiration. Thirteen people returned questionnaires, with varying levels of detail. A high proportion were born in the 1930s, suggesting retirement might be a common factor.

Ages of Participants

Most participants were born in the 1930s, with retirement appearing to be a common factor. The lack of daytime work may have allowed previously stifled attributes to develop, and a sense of urgency to explain talents might arise as life approaches its conclusion. The prevalence of older individuals in spiritual churches is noted, though younger mediums are emerging, with musical mediums being an exception, except for alleged communicators with John Lennon.

Occupations and Education

Participants included music teachers, performers, librarians, civil servants, and chartered accountants. Most had attended secondary or grammar schools, achieving O and A-levels, but none claimed a degree. Musical education varied from none to diplomas, with most having at least an amateur interest in music.

Psychic Abilities and Theories

All participants claimed clairvoyance, clairaudience, or similar abilities, with varied beliefs about the source. Some felt a direct connection with spirits like Novello and Caruso. Favorable conditions for spirit contact were peace and quiet. Some mentioned a 'buzz' of nervous energy indicating spirit presence. There was general agreement that an external force ('spirit') guided them, providing evidence of the continuation of the soul after death, with music serving as tangible proof.

Appraisal

Willin concludes that most musical mediums appear genuine in their belief, and many do not seek financial gain, though some desire public recognition. He notes that some mediums minimize their musical training, while others have extensive backgrounds. The author suggests that retirement might provide a gap in emotional and physical lives, alleviated by such activity, and that a sense of urgency or personal importance might drive these claims. He also posits that spiritualism offers a convenient alternative, allowing criticism to be redirected towards the spirit composer.

Conclusion

Based on past and present sources, musical mediums have not achieved a high enough standard of composition or performance to be acclaimed by professional musicians, with Rosemary Brown being a notable exception. The author suggests that by entering the 'domain' of professional musicians, mediums invite comparison. He believes that if mediums claimed to be 'inspired by' composers rather than 'dictated to', their music might be more readily accepted. To accept their claims requires suspending belief in conventional reality. While a transcendental feeling might be achieved in a trance-like state, the author suggests that fully alert analytical minds would not experience this, hinting at the nature of the creative force at work.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine 'The Skeptic' consistently adopts a critical and analytical stance towards phenomena often accepted uncritically by the public. This issue demonstrates this by dissecting the 'moral panic' surrounding media, questioning simplistic cause-and-effect relationships, and examining claims of supernatural influence with a rational and evidence-based approach. The editorial stance appears to favor skepticism towards extraordinary claims, encouraging readers to question assumptions and seek deeper understanding of complex social and psychological issues. The comparison between 'penny dreadfuls' and 'video nasties' underscores a recurring theme of historical parallels in societal anxieties about media and youth. The exploration of musical mediums further exemplifies the magazine's interest in parapsychological claims, analyzed through a lens of critical inquiry rather than outright acceptance.

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 10, Numbers 5 & 6, features a cover story titled 'Get a life - forever!' by Toby Howard, exploring the Extropian movement. The magazine also includes articles on the Delphic Oracle, media criticism, and reviews of several books on topics ranging from the devil and witchcraft to science and the paranormal.

Extropianism: The Quest for Immortality

Toby Howard introduces the Extropians, a group founded by 'Max More', 'Tom Morrow', and 'FM-2030', who aim to live forever and reject taxes. Extropians define 'extropy' as the opposite of entropy, representing a measure of intelligence, information, energy, vitality, experience, diversity, opportunity, and growth. They are described as techno-freaks who believe science and technology offer the only hope for the future. Their ultimate goal is to become 'posthuman' by reconstituting themselves physiologically, genetically, and neurologically, eventually uploading their minds into computer networks and colonizing space.

The Extropian Principles, a dynamic document, outline five key tenets: Boundless Expansion, Self-Transformation, Dynamic Optimism, Intelligent Technology, and Spontaneous Order. The movement is compared to Friedrich Nietzsche's concept of the Superman. Many Extropians opt for cryogenic freezing as a gamble to preserve their heads until technology can revive them or scan their neurological structures. Politically, they favour a free market and oppose imposed government. Howard expresses concern about the self-satisfaction and selfishness he detects in the Extropian movement, questioning if they would engage in altruistic activities.

Ask Apollo: The Delphic Oracle

Marjorie Mackintosh examines the Delphic Oracle of Apollo in Greece, one of the most famous oracles of the ancient world. The sanctuary was located on Mount Parnassus and was believed to be the center of the world. While its origins are lost to history, evidence suggests a settlement from the late second millennium BC and a sanctuary from the 8th century BC. Myths describe Apollo fighting and killing a serpent, Python, who guarded the shrine, possibly reflecting the ousting of an earlier deity's followers.

The oracle's significance grew as a national shrine, offering unbiased advice to the quarreling Greek city-states. The sanctuary included a temple, theatre, stadium, and treasuries for offerings. Buildings were white with red roofs, decorated with reliefs and statues. The wealth of offerings is exemplified by gifts from King Croesus of Lydia.

The process of consultation involved preliminary rites and the sacrifice of a goat. Only men were allowed to question the oracle, which operated once a month for nine months a year. The Pythia, a peasant woman aged at least 50, would enter a trance, and her response was interpreted by a priest. While a tradition of young virgins being chosen as Pythias exists, it is likely a myth to explain the oracle's spokeswoman being a middle-aged peasant rather than a young girl.

Quasi-rationalistic explanations for the Pythia's trance, such as inhaling gases from a cleft in the rock or chewing laurel leaves, are discussed and largely dismissed as untenable. The most accepted suggestion is that the Pythia was a highly suggestible peasant woman whose trance state required no artificial aids, possibly triggered by the ceremonial context and limited readings per year. The final prophecy was written in verse by priests, leaving room for manipulation.

The oracle had both hits and misses. A famous miss was failing to predict the Greek victory in the Persian war. Hits often relied on clever ambiguity, such as the prophecy to King Croesus that if he attacked the Persians, he would destroy a mighty empire (his own). The oracle declined with the rise of Christianity and was eventually rediscovered by tourists.

Psychic Diary: A Big Question and a Media Nightmare

Toby Howard reflects on his difficulty in answering the question, 'Why do you produce The Skeptic magazine?'. He recounts an uncomfortable experience being interviewed by students for a documentary, where he struggled to articulate the purpose of the magazine. Howard admits to a psychological weakness regarding public appearances, preferring to leave media engagements to articulate friends like Steve Donnelly and Wendy Grossman.

He recalls a particularly difficult live radio interview with UFO researcher Jenny Randles, moderated by DJ Alan Beswick, who relentlessly questioned his role as a skeptic. This experience led Howard to question his involvement, but he acknowledges the value of The Skeptic as a non-profit enterprise sustained by volunteer writers and readers.

Howard discusses the magazine's mission to support the slow process of building human knowledge through careful, methodical research, rather than offering miracle cures or promoting fringe beliefs. He emphasizes the importance of compassion and working with humans.

Skeptic at Large: On Technology and Compassion

Wendy Grossman discusses her conviction that trash TV talk shows, like those hosted by Geraldo and Jenny Jones, serve as modern equivalents of Lourdes, offering desperate people a last-ditch hope for a miracle cure. She notes the irony that intellectuals often despise such shows, yet the shows themselves rely on the written word, a medium intellectuals value.

Grossman recounts an episode of Geraldo's 'Divorce Busting' and a Jenny Jones show where secret same-sex crushes were revealed. The latter show had a tragic aftermath when one of the guests was murdered. She also touches upon an internet case where a woman sought someone to torture her to death, highlighting the dark side of online interactions.

Grossman contrasts the perceived community standards of mainstream media with the open and experimental nature of the internet, where users can explore fantasies without the same constraints. She argues that The Skeptic's role is to support scientific research and the building of knowledge, while also remembering to have compassion for humans.

Reviews

The devil we know by Gerald Messadié is reviewed by Martin Bridgstock. The book argues that the devil does not exist and that the belief in a personification of evil is harmful, leading to mistrust and intolerance. Messadié traces the concept of the devil through various cultures, suggesting it originated with Zoroastrian priests to demonise political opponents and later served to justify witch-hunts and the Inquisition.

In Pursuit of Physical Mediumship by Robin P Foy is reviewed by Richard Wiseman. The book is an autobiographical account of Foy's search for psychic phenomena, detailing séances with medium Leslie Flint and the formation of groups like the 'Noah's Ark Society'. Wiseman finds the book repetitive and unconvincing, as it relies solely on anecdotal evidence without providing strong proof of phenomena, making it difficult for skeptics to assess.

The Trouble with Science by Robin Dunbar is reviewed by Sven Ove Hansson. Hansson describes the book as a defense of science against relativist and postmodernist critics. Dunbar argues that science is a natural, universal characteristic of life, providing examples from 'primitive' peoples and chimpanzees. The book also explores the development of human reasoning, particularly in relation to complex social relationships, and proposes improvements to science education.

Hitler: Black Magician by Gerald Suster is reviewed by Sven Ove Hansson. Suster posits that Hitler used black magic to achieve his ends, drawing on his expertise in Aleister Crowley. The review questions the plausibility of a high-school dropout like Hitler engaging in consistent study of esoteric disciplines and complex philosophies.

Myths of the Middle Ages edited by John Matthews, featuring essays by Sabine Baring-Gould, is reviewed by Wolf Roder. The book presents scholarly investigations into myths like the 'Sangreal' and the Antichrist. Roder notes that Baring-Gould was a prolific writer and that his essays offer skeptical lessons, such as how a lack of evidence can help a myth propagate.

New Lands by Charles Fort is reviewed by Ian Rowland. Rowland expresses a diminished admiration for Fort, finding his writing in 'New Lands' to be nearly incomprehensible, pseudo-profound, and filled with 'hallucinatory torrents of images and ideas'. He suggests that the website www.forteantimes.com is a more accessible and topical alternative.

Does God Exist? Science Says Yes! by Alan Hayward is reviewed by Donald Rooum. Rooum praises Hayward's approach to debating creationism, noting that he uses the best arguments of opponents. While acknowledging some errors in the book, Rooum finds Hayward's understanding of geology and molecular biology impressive. Hayward proposes that millions of separate creative acts, rather than a single evolutionary process, explain life's development.

Conscious Dreaming: A Unique Nine-Step Approach to Understanding Dreams by Robert Moss is reviewed by John Gillies. Gillies finds the book frustrating, despite its interesting psychological and anthropological information, due to its 'New verbiAge' and anecdotal examples. The book's core message is to 'Be open to possibility!' or, as a skeptical reader might put it, 'Be totally uncritical!'. The author's personal account of a lonely childhood in Australia, where he turned to dreams for comfort, is highlighted as the most intriguing section.

What Witches Do by Stewart Farrar is reviewed by John Gillies. The book is described as a factual, albeit partisan, outline of modern Wicca beliefs and practices, detailing Farrar's own initiation and experiences. It covers basic beliefs, rites like 'handfasting', and aspects of Tarot reading, clairvoyance, and healing, with a New Age flavour and emphasis on respect for nature. The review notes that witchcraft is an ancient religion often subject to prejudice.

The Paranormal: A Guide to the Unexplained by Anthony North is reviewed by Chris Willis. Willis dismisses the book as a waste of time, criticizing North's selection of occult claims to fit a half-baked theory of racial memories. North is described as a believer who denounces science and praises a universal 'creative, higher mind'. The review finds the book's 'evidence' to be anecdotal and its approach wrongheaded, calling such books the inspirational literature of occult religion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Skeptic magazine consistently adopts a critical and evidence-based approach to paranormal claims, fringe science, and pseudoscientific beliefs. The editorial stance emphasizes the importance of scientific reasoning, intellectual precision, and the slow, methodical process of building human knowledge. The magazine critiques media sensationalism, particularly in talk shows, and questions the validity of claims that lack empirical support. While advocating for skepticism, the publication also stresses the need for compassion and an understanding of human experience. The reviews in this issue reflect this stance by dissecting books on topics like Extropianism, oracles, witchcraft, and the devil, offering reasoned critiques and highlighting the importance of critical thinking.

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 10, Numbers 5 & 6, published bimonthly, features a wide range of reviews and articles focusing on skepticism, paranormal claims, and pseudoscientific theories. The cover headline is "Anything goes," reflecting the eclectic nature of the content.

Book Reviews

Anything Goes by Michael Colmer

Reviewed by Sven Ove Hansson, this book is described as an "Oracle for Executive Decision Making." The reviewer finds it difficult to take seriously, noting that its main part consists of 77 numbered predictions with advice on various topics, consultable through methods like dice rolls or desk calculator use. The introductory section covers a variety of methods such as graphology, dowsing, astrology, and biorhythms, with the author professing belief in horoscopes for individuals and companies. The review highlights the horoscope for Barings Bank and the case of Nick Leeson, suggesting that Colmer's predictions are only useful post-factum and that more timely predictions would require payment to him as a 'management psychic advisor.'

Aliens: The Final Answer? by David Barclay

Reviewed by Anson Kennedy, this book offers a controversial thesis that modern paleontology is wrong and that humans are not mammals but a special breed of living dinosaurs, bred by intelligent dinosaurs 70 million years ago. Barclay suggests these dinosaurs were wiped out by a nuclear holocaust caused by humans 65 million years ago, with survivors being the 'Greys' seen in alien abductions. Kennedy dismisses Barclay's evidence, including discredited examples of human footprints in dinosaur-era rock, and criticizes his muddled use of scientific theories like the iridium layer and nuclear winter hypothesis. The reviewer concludes that the book is far from providing a correct answer.

On the Celtic bandwagon

This section reviews several books on Celtic themes: R. J. Stewart's "Celtic Myth, Celtic Legend," Courtney Davis's "Celtic Ornament: Art and the Scribe," and "The Celtic Image," and Courtney Davis and Elaine Gill's "The Book of Celtic Saints." Reviewed by Chris Willis, the books are noted for their lavish illustrations and appeal to the 'New Age' movement. Willis questions whether Celtic mythology has been distorted to serve these beliefs, citing an example where the story of Merlin and Nimue is presented with politically correct commentary. The review notes that "Celtic Ornament" is beautifully laid out with Celtic-style calligraphy and borders, and "The Celtic Image" aims to introduce the reader to the present-day 'Celtic Renaissance.'

Nostradamus: The Final Reckoning by Peter LeMesurier

Reviewed by Toby O'Neil, this book is the latest in a series by LeMesurier on topics of interest to the 'psychic fringe.' The reviewer finds the book to contain little content and much unfounded conjecture, similar to LeMesurier's previous works on the Great Pyramid and Nostradamus. The book presents a future calendar of events, including an Islamic invasion of Europe followed by a counter-invasion and subsequent peace. O'Neil criticizes LeMesurier's reliance on various sources, including the Great Pyramid's chronology, religious scriptures, and modern psychics, and notes that Arthur C. Clarke's forecasts often contradict the more apocalyptic visions. The review points out that the book is more about LeMesurier's method of interpretation than Nostradamus's prophecies themselves, requiring readers to consult another of his books for details on his method. O'Neil recommends James Randi's "The Mask of Nostradamus" as a prior read.

Tall stories by Michael Hesemann

Reviewed by Toby O'Neil, "The Cosmic Connection: Worldwide Crop Formations and ET Contacts" is discussed. The reviewer notes that the book's color pictures of crop circles are clear enough to reconstruct how they were made, questioning Hesemann's statement that the stimulus for their formation is unknown. O'Neil also criticizes Hesemann's selective skepticism regarding psychics and dowsers, and his tendency to sacrifice facts to an 'obscurationist theory.' The book also features UFO shots that reveal parallels between cosmic vehicles and terrestrial automobile design.

Unnatural boredom by Rupert Sheldrake and Matthew Fox

Reviewed by Christopher C. French, "Natural Grace: Dialogues on Science and Spirituality" features dialogues between Sheldrake, known for his controversial theory of morphic resonance, and Matthew Fox, a 'post-denominational priest.' French found the book either boring or irritating, despite usually finding Sheldrake's ideas interesting. He criticizes the book's inclusion of 'neuromythology' and vague New Age notions, particularly the idea of a 'spiritual pygmy' being left-brain dominant.

Amazing, but true? by Geoff and Hope Price

Reviewed by Dene Bebbington, "Miracles: True Stories of How God Acts Today" presents numerous accounts of apparent miracles attributed to divine intervention. Bebbington finds the book's narrative of a capricious God difficult to reconcile with the suffering in the world. The reviewer quotes the book's assertion that miracles flourish through trust in God's promises and a childlike certainty that God is acting on mankind's behalf, but finds these explanations facile.

Surgical slip-ups by Robert Youngson and Ian Schott

Reviewed by Toby Howard, "Medical Blunders" is described as a superb book that examines historical and modern medical mistakes. The review highlights examples of quack cures like 'Film-O-Sonics' and the 'Oscilloclast,' and discusses the bizarre anatomical ideas of physician Galen, including his insistence on blood-letting. The book also covers mistakes made by early plague doctors, clinically insane nineteenth-century physicians, and tragic errors involving modern drugs like thalidomide. Howard notes that the book is excellently written and researched, with the authors showing respect for the medical profession, but concludes with a cautionary note: 'Trust me, I'm a doctor', don't.

Bookwatch

This section provides brief descriptions of several other books:

• The Loch Ness Monster: The Evidence by Steuart Campbell: A revised edition of an in-depth analysis of Nessie.
• The Near-Death Experience Reader edited by Lee W Bailey and Jenny Yates: A collection of articles on NDEs.
• Twilight of the Celtic Gods by David Clarke with Andy Roberts: An account of modern people claiming to maintain ancient Celtic beliefs.
• Gods and Goddesses edited by Elizabeth Hallam: An illustrated book describing deities worldwide.
• Psychic Warrior by David Morehouse: The 'true story' of the CIA's 'paranormal espionage program.'
• Life's Grandeur by Stephen Jay Gould: A collection of essays.
• Fortean Times Weird Year 1996 edited by Joe McNally and James Wallis: A collection of strange events from the year.
• Fire on Earth by John and Mary Gribbin: A search for the 'doomsday asteroid.'

Hilary Evans' Paranormal Picture Gallery

This feature presents a story from Daniel Defoe's "Secrets of the Invisible World" about a young lady who meets the parish minister on her way to a clandestine rendezvous. The minister persuades her not to go, and Defoe concludes it was her Guardian Angel who saved her.

Order back issues

This section lists available back issues of The Skeptic from Volume 10 down to Volume 4, with details of their contents. It also offers discounts for ordering multiple back issues.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Skeptic consistently adopts a critical and evidence-based approach to paranormal claims, pseudoscience, and New Age beliefs. The magazine reviews books that promote such ideas, often highlighting their lack of scientific rigor, logical fallacies, and reliance on anecdotal evidence. The editorial stance is clearly one of skepticism, encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims and to seek rational explanations. Themes recurring throughout the issue include critiques of ufology, alternative medicine, psychic phenomena, and pseudohistory, alongside a general promotion of scientific literacy and critical thinking.