Skeptic - 1997-98 - Vol 11 No 4

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 11, Number 4, published quarterly from Manchester, UK, features a cover story titled 'Does astrology work?' and a price of £2.50. The issue date is indicated as November 30th, based on the copy deadline for the next issue.

Editorial and Publisher Information

The magazine is published by The Skeptic, with an ISSN of 0959-5228. Wendy M. Grossman is the founding editor and a writer and folksinger. Associate Editors include Steve Donnelly and Toby Howard. The editorial team can be contacted via email at [email protected] or by phone. Article submissions are accepted via email or post to PO Box 475, Manchester M60 2TH, UK. The copy deadline for the next issue was November 30th.

Contents

The issue includes a variety of articles and columns:

• Skeptic in Chains by Wendy Grossman
• Does Astrology Work? by Julie Birkby
• The Skeptics' Dictionary by Robert Todd Carroll
• Hits and Misses by Steve Donnelly
• The Truth About Pond Scum by Andrew Leonard
• Cream Crackers by Will Stevens
• Trial by Fire by Chris Willis
• Sprite (no author listed)
• Skeptical Stats by David Morton and Wendy Grossman
• Philosopher's Corner by Julian Baggini
• Psychic Diary by Toby Howard
• Reviews
• Letters

The front-cover artwork is courtesy of the Mary Evans Picture Library.

Articles and Features

Skeptic in Chains

Wendy M. Grossman reflects on the eight years since she last ran the magazine, then called 'The British and Irish Skeptic'. She notes the increased visibility of skeptical viewpoints in media and public discourse, but also laments the growing coverage of paranormal topics, citing homeopathy being available on the NHS and people trusting psychics with their health. Grossman emphasizes the ongoing struggle to convince people that comfort is not always truth and that evidence should guide belief, contrasting this with the appeal of comforting, often apocalyptic, narratives.

A new feature, 'Skeptical Stats', is introduced as an emailed digest of the new issue, intended to keep media and friends informed. The magazine also plans to make back issues available on the Web. Due to rising paper costs, the subscription price is increasing from £10 to £15 for new subscribers, though existing subscribers can renew at the old rate until summer 1999. Readers are invited to contribute ideas for the magazine's future.

Paranormal Picture Gallery

An illustration accompanies a piece by Hilary Evans, co-proprietor of the Mary Evans Picture Library. The text discusses how many people believe they are receiving messages from other worlds. It uses the example of Saint Birgitta of Sweden in the 14th century, who is depicted receiving 'Revelations' and passing them on, contrasting this with modern channelers who do not provide visual evidence of their process.

Does Astrology Work?

Julie Birkby's prize-winning essay examines astrology. It traces its origins to ancient practices of interpreting natural occurrences and notes that modern astrology claims to be based on scientific principles rather than magic. The article distinguishes between astrology being 'true' and 'working', and addresses whether it is a science. It highlights that while many users seek comfort and guidance, and some astrologers incorporate psychology, many critics argue that astrology lacks a scientific basis, citing discrepancies with astronomical discoveries and the lack of a plausible mechanism for influence. The article also discusses how the success rate of astrological predictions is often criticized for being based on vague statements, shrewd guesses, or chance, and that the belief in astrology is often rooted in bias, generality, and social desirability, rather than objective reasoning. The Barnum Effect and cognitive dissonance are cited as reasons for continued belief.

The Skeptics' Dictionary: On myths and moonshine

Robert Todd Carroll debunks the myth that the full moon influences human behavior. He reviews studies that have failed to establish a significant correlation between lunar phases and events such as crime, traffic accidents, births, or psychiatric admissions. Carroll attributes the persistence of these myths to public ignorance, the influence of professionals who spread misconceptions, and the selective attention of believers. He notes that the mass media often reinforces these lunar myths.

Hits and Misses

Steve Donnelly's column covers several skeptical topics:

• Ghostly real estate: A couple is suing to get their money back for a haunted cottage, claiming the vendors failed to declare paranormal occurrences. The article suggests forming an 'Association of Skeptical Lodgers' to debunk hauntings.
• Aubergines, potatoes and dusters: This section discusses how people find patterns and meaning in randomness, citing examples like sacred aubergines with the name of God, crosses on potatoes, and Christ's face on a duster. It also mentions the Manchester Museum's advice on preserving such items.
• Indian rope-trick: A study by Peter Lamont and Richard Wiseman reveals the Indian rope-trick is a trick, not a paranormal phenomenon. They examined accounts and found that the longer the time between observation and report, the more fantastic the account becomes. Their investigation in India confirmed the trick could be performed using special ropes or wires, but the boy did not disappear.
• Sermon-bites: The article notes the decline of Christianity in Britain and initiatives by the Anglican diocese of Lichfield to teach clergymen how to deliver more engaging sermons using techniques from popular media.

Donnelly thanks contributors and announces he is moving on to a new science column.

The Truth About Pond Scum

Andrew Leonard investigates the claims surrounding 'Super Blue-Green Algae' from Oregon's Upper Klamath Lake. He describes the algae as 'green gold' due to its economic importance, with hundreds of millions of dollars in sales, primarily by the company Cell Tech. Despite the enthusiasm of 'algae eaters' who claim it boosts energy and mental clarity, critics denounce the craze as a New Age hoax. Leonard's investigation highlights how information about such products spreads online, and he personally consumes the algae to understand its role in the local economy and its purported benefits.

Other Columns

• Cream Crackers by Will Stevens
• Trial by Fire by Chris Willis
• Sprite
• Skeptical Stats by David Morton and Wendy Grossman
• Philosopher's Corner by Julian Baggini
• Psychic Diary by Toby Howard

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards paranormal claims, the scientific investigation of pseudoscientific beliefs, and the critical examination of popular myths and hoaxes. The magazine consistently promotes a rational, evidence-based approach, debunking claims related to astrology, psychic phenomena, and other unsubstantiated beliefs. The editorial stance is clearly one of promoting critical thinking and scientific literacy, challenging comforting narratives with factual evidence and logical reasoning.

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 11, Number 4
Date: Undetermined, but likely 1999 based on content.

This issue of The Skeptic tackles a range of topics through a skeptical lens, including the controversial blue-green algae industry, a paranormal experiment, and the historical debate surrounding spontaneous human combustion.

Article: Blue-Green Algae and Cell Tech

The article investigates Cell Tech, a company marketing blue-green algae as a food product. The author notes that Cell Tech operates its own website and enforces guidelines for its distributors, but is prohibited by the FDA from making specific health claims, leading to vague pronouncements about the algae's benefits. The company's response to perceived misinformation on the internet is examined, particularly its defense against claims of containing a neurotoxin called 'anatoxin-a' and its ridicule of the idea that this toxin might be responsible for the energy-boosting effects reported by users.

The author explores the online landscape surrounding algae, including phycology websites, mailing lists, and Usenet newsgroups where discussions range from scientific research to 'algae flame wars.' Key figures in toxic algae research, Wayne Carmichael and Donald Anderson, are identified. The article highlights that some health professionals view algae eaters as 'hopeless dupes.'

Further investigation reveals that Victor Kollman, brother of Cell Tech founder Daryl Kollman, was previously forced by the FDA to shut down a company for making illegal therapeutic claims. Distributors are reported to be making broad claims, such as improved energy, memory, and immune function. Andrew Weil is quoted as stating there is 'not a shred of evidence' to support these health claims.

Cell Tech's home page addresses two specific claims: the presence of the neurotoxin 'anatoxin-a' and its potential link to energy boosts. The company denies the neurotoxin charge and dismisses the latter claim.

The author then delves into the story behind Cell Tech's public response, which appears to be a reaction to Mark Thorson, an individual who has actively campaigned against Cell Tech's use of the internet for advertising. Thorson, a neurobiology major, has researched Cell Tech's FDA file and compared nutrient levels, concluding that the algae's effects might be psychopharmacological rather than purely nutritive. He believes people may be addicted to the stimulant-like effects.

The investigation takes a physical turn as the author travels to Klamath Falls, Oregon, the source of the algae. Cell Tech dominates the town, owning all cold storage facilities and filling warehouses with freeze-dried algae. The company's headquarters are prominent, and it is a major employer. Cell Tech's operations involve harvesting algae from a canal that drains Klamath Lake, using large mechanized equipment.

During the author's visit, toxic algae experts Wayne Carmichael and Donald Anderson are present, working for Cell Tech. A significant concern is the potential presence of microcystis, a toxic strain of algae that can 'bloom' and pose a threat to animals and humans. While other countries have regulations for microcystis in drinking water, the U.S. does not, though Oregon is advocating for a standard. Marta Kollman is reluctant to discuss microcystis, calling it a 'controversy,' but notes Cell Tech is conducting tests for separation methods.

Concerns are raised about the adequacy of testing and the industry's transparency. Jacob Kann, an aquatic ecologist, expresses worry about the depletion of native fish stocks due to agricultural runoff supercharging the lake with nutrients, which favors algae growth and may lead to future toxic blooms.

Marta Kollman, however, maintains an optimistic view, attributing past blooms to hot weather and stating that the lake is a 'bottomless cornucopia.' Cell Tech has ambitious growth plans, aiming to significantly increase its distributor base.

The author concludes that potential health hazards are associated with consuming Super Blue Green Algae, but also acknowledges that consumers may be getting something for their money. The article ends with a reflection on the complexity of truth and the nature of information found online, suggesting that the internet provides starting points rather than definitive answers.

Article: Cream Crackers - A Paranormal Experiment

This article details an experiment conducted by a group of skeptics to test a paranormalist's claim that he could prevent milk from turning sour using psychic powers. The experiment was coordinated via the CIX conferencing system and involved participants in different parts of the country.

Six members set up 55 pairs of milk samples, with one sample in each pair designated as the 'target' for the paranormalist and the other as the 'control.' The paranormalist was given five different target lists, and his task was to keep the designated sample fresh. After two weeks, participants tasted the samples and judged which was fresher.

The results showed 18 'hits' (target sample fresher), 20 'misses' (target sample less fresh), and 17 'ties' (unable to decide). When ties were excluded, the results were 18 hits (47.37%) and 20 misses (52.63%). The author concludes that there was no evidence that the paranormalist had any influence on the milk, as the success rate was not significantly different from chance.

The experiment highlighted the difficulty of setting up a robust experimental protocol with multiple participants remotely, especially without face-to-face contact. The author, Will Stevens, notes that while the results were disappointing, the exercise was instructive. He also mentions that the paranormalist had previously claimed an '85% success rate.'

Article: Trial by Fire - Spontaneous Human Combustion

This article by Chris Willis explores the historical phenomenon of spontaneous human combustion (SHC), particularly as depicted in Charles Dickens' novel 'Bleak House' through the character of Krook.

Dickens' portrayal of Krook's death by SHC was met with skepticism from critics like G. H. Lewes, who deemed it a scientific impossibility and a fault in art. Dickens responded by citing various supposedly scientific sources from the 19th century to support the phenomenon, satirizing Lewes's doubts.

The article explains that SHC was widely debated in the 19th century, with many reputable scientists believing in it. Sources cited by Dickens include writings that linked SHC to over-indulgence in alcohol, suggesting that flammable gases from spirits could build up in the body. Krook is depicted as a habitual drunkard who dies after drinking heavily.

The article references Robert Macnish's 'The Anatomy of Drunkenness' and the 'Philosophical Transactions' as sources for Dickens's ideas. It also mentions that modern physiologists dismiss SHC as ridiculous, with John West pointing out that the concentration of alcohol in the body would be infinitesimally low.

SHC became an 'urban myth,' with authors like Frederick Marryat and Herman Melville also portraying it as a punishment for alcoholism. These incidents aligned with Victorian Christian beliefs about divine retribution for sin, with fire being a frequent form of punishment.

Dickens also contrasts Krook's death with Esther Summerson's ordeal by fire (fever and hallucination) in the same novel, where she survives and preaches Christian morality. The article notes that Dickens himself maintained his belief in the 'fact' of SHC until evidence suggested otherwise.

The article concludes by mentioning that while Dickens's depiction may have given credence to a widely-held belief, modern science dismisses the notion. The author, Chris Willis, is a freelance journalist and researcher.

Article: Skeptical Stats

This regular column presents a series of statistics that highlight the often bizarre or counter-intuitive nature of data related to paranormal beliefs, pseudoscience, and societal trends.

• Key statistics from this issue include:
• Americans spent $1 billion on psychic phone networks in 1997.
• Stephen Glass fabricated 27 stories for The New Republic.
• The cost of a personal five-year horoscope is £18.99.
• 7 out of 10 Eagle Star employees were hospitalized after a motivational firewalk.
• 1,009 articles were published about the 50th anniversary of Roswell in 1997.
• 0 psychics predicted the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, beforehand.
• 90% of UFOs UFOlogists agree have natural explanations.
• IBM head Thomas J. Watson thought only 5 computers would sell worldwide in 1943.

The column provides sources for each statistic, compiled by David Morton and Wendy Grossman.

Article: Philosopher's Corner - Sometimes there are no straight answers

Julian Baggini, editor of The Philosopher's Magazine, discusses the confusion surrounding the terms 'conventional' and 'alternative' medicine. He argues that 'alternative medicine' is not a single discipline but an umbrella term for a wide range of practices with diverse theoretical frameworks, unlike conventional medicine which shares a common understanding of human physiology and research methods.

Baggini uses Gilbert Ryle's concept of 'category mistakes' to explain this confusion, comparing it to a foreigner visiting Oxford and asking 'where is the university?' after seeing all the colleges and libraries. The university is not a physical entity like a college but an organized collection of them.

He contends that it makes little sense to be 'for or against alternative medicine' as a whole because it is not a unified entity. While conventional medicine should be the first choice for the unwell due to its overwhelming evidence base, Baggini suggests that if conventional medicine cannot help, there is no reason to dismiss alternative therapies outright. He acknowledges that some alternative therapies may have a proven positive effect for certain conditions, but stresses that this does not endorse alternative medicine in general.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Skeptic magazine consistently adopts a critical and evidence-based approach to examining claims related to the paranormal, pseudoscience, and health. The editorial stance is one of rigorous inquiry, seeking to debunk unsubstantiated claims through scientific investigation, historical analysis, and logical reasoning. The magazine aims to educate readers by presenting factual information and challenging beliefs that lack empirical support, while also acknowledging the complexities and nuances of certain phenomena, such as the historical debate on spontaneous human combustion or the potential for some alternative therapies to offer relief when conventional medicine fails. The 'Skeptical Stats' column serves as a recurring feature to highlight the often surprising or absurd statistics associated with these topics.

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 11 Number 4, published in 1997/8, features a cover story titled 'Seeking needles in inter-galactic haystacks' by Toby Howard. The magazine focuses on skeptical inquiry into paranormal claims, scientific investigations, and critical reviews of books and phenomena.

Cover Story: Seeking needles in inter-galactic haystacks

Toby Howard discusses the concept of 'meta-computing', a method of using networked PCs to form a vast super-computer for complex problems. He highlights the SETI@home project, which utilizes this approach to search for extraterrestrial intelligence by analyzing radio telescope data from the Arecibo Observatory. Howard explains that while traditional SETI efforts are limited by specialized equipment, meta-computing allows for a broader search. The project, conceived by Dan Werthimer, aims to digitize Arecibo data and have volunteers search it using free analysis software on their PCs. Over 100,000 people have signed up, but the project faced funding issues, requiring an additional $200,000 for infrastructure. Howard encourages readers to participate and provides links for SETI@home, the Great Internet Mersenne Prime Search (GIMPS), and information on calculating pi.

Howard concludes his regular column, expressing enjoyment in writing for The Skeptic over the past decade and announcing that Steve Donnelly will take over the column in the next issue.

Reviews

WARM AND FUZZY: There Are No Accidents: Synchronicity and the Stories of our Lives by Robert H. Hopcke

This review by John C. McLachlan critically examines Robert H. Hopcke's book, which explores the concept of 'Meaningful Synchronicities' – coincidences that are perceived as significant. McLachlan notes that Hopcke, Director of the Centre for Symbolic Studies in California, bases his ideas on psychoanalytic and Jungian psychotherapy. The reviewer finds the book to be a collection of anecdotes linked by 'psychobabble', questioning whether coincidences are truly meaningful or simply a result of human pattern recognition. An example is given of a therapeutic session where a power outage and subsequent restoration are interpreted as a synchronistic event, leading McLachlan to sarcastically suggest the patient might have considered if he was paying the therapist.

SPREAD OF EXCELLENCE: Life's Grandeur by Stephen Jay Gould

Reviewed by John C. McLachlan, this book by Stephen Jay Gould challenges the tendency to view populations as either averages or extreme examples. Gould advocates for understanding the 'spread of excellence' as expanding or contracting variation. He uses the evolutionary tree of horses as an example of a once-bushy lineage reduced to a single twig. Gould also argues against a universal drive towards complexity, positing that the bell curve of complexity is limited by the irreducible simplicity of bacteria.

CONSPIRACIES AT LARGE

This section reviews two books related to the UFO phenomenon:

• The UFO Invasion: The Roswell Incident, Alien Abductions, and Government Cover-ups by Kendrick Frazier, Barry Karr, & Joe Nickell (Editors)
• The Real Roswell Crashed Saucer Cover-up by Philip Klass

Reviewed by Lewis Jones, the review notes that the UFO phenomenon gained traction after Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting of 'flying saucers'. 'The UFO Invasion' compiles articles from 'Skeptical Inquirer' covering various aspects of the UFO phenomenon from psychological, engineering, and investigative perspectives. The review highlights the Roswell incident as a central topic, marking its 50th anniversary in 1997. It recounts the initial press release about a 'flying disc' recovery, which was later identified as a weather balloon, and the subsequent rise of conspiracy theories, particularly following books like Charles Berlitz and William Moore's 'The Roswell Incident'.

Philip Klass, a Senior Editor with Aviation Week & Space Technology, is presented as a leading UFO skeptic. His book, 'The Real Roswell Crashed Saucer Cover-up', is described as charting the 'Roswell myth' and exposing the selective use of evidence by conspiracy proponents. Klass argues that the debris found was from Project Mogul, a US military attempt to detect Soviet nuclear tests. He contends that the government cover-up narrative was largely fabricated by authors and producers for their own reasons, and that crucial documents, available since the 1970s, have been selectively quoted or ignored by UFO proponents.

A FAKER COMES CLEAN: The Psychic Mafia by M. Lamar Keene

Reviewed by Rachel Carthy, this book is a reprint of M. Lamar Keene's confession about his 13 years as a professional medium. Keene details how he and others in the 'psychic mafia' defrauded clients, exploiting their gullibility and desire for reassurance about the afterlife. The review notes the book's cynical tone and its insights into the psychology of deception. Carthy suggests that while the book is fascinating, it would benefit from an update on the current state of Spiritualism and a more comprehensive bibliography.

PSYCHIC HEARSAY: Psychic Discoveries: The Iron Curtain Lifted by Sheila Ostrander and Lynn Schroeder

Michael Hutton reviews this book, which compiles anecdotal accounts of paranormal events from the USSR and Eastern Europe collected in the 1960s. Hutton finds the book to be a disorganized collection of hearsay without analysis, jumping between topics like ESP, dowsing, and psychotronic generators. He questions the purpose of such a book, suggesting it primarily serves to show that charlatans and gullible believers exist in all countries. He criticizes the inclusion of outdated information, such as claims about Russian space probes discovering artificial structures on the moon in a 1997 publication, and notes the inadequate bibliography.

IT'S A MIRACLE: The Complete Story of the Course by D. Patrick Miller

Reviewed by Rachel Winston, this book explores 'A Course in Miracles' (ACIM), a spiritual program dictated to psychologist Dr. Helen Schucman. Winston describes ACIM as a 'post-modern version of Christianity' that blends prescription and permission, rejecting the 'New Age' label but exhibiting many New Age characteristics. The review highlights the fundamental differences between ACIM and orthodox Christianity, which have led to ACIM being denounced as heresy. However, ACIM claims to 'rehabilitate' Jesus's teachings by revealing the true nature of doctrines distorted by churches. The book is presented as a guide for ACIM devotees, emphasizing its principle that only God is real and everything else is an illusion.

Doctors fooled: The Death of Innocents: A True Story of Murder, Medicine, and High-Stakes Science by Richard Firstman and Jamie Talan

Reviewed by John Gillies, this book investigates Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and the theory that some cases may be serial infanticide. The review focuses on the work of Dr. Albert Steinschneider, whose 1972 paper on Apnea as a cause of SIDS laid the groundwork for apnea monitoring. However, forensic pathologist Linda Norton suspected infanticide, leading to investigations that resulted in the conviction of Waneta Hoyt for smothering her five children. The book is described as a detailed account mixing medical-legal thriller with an investigation into bad science and forensic medicine, arguing that while most SIDS deaths are not homicides, multiple unexplained deaths in a single family warrant thorough investigation.

Letters

No Nitpicking

Eric Stockton of Orkney argues that the concept of 'miracle' itself should be questioned, not just individual claims. He states that an event can only be considered miraculous if we have comprehensive knowledge of all laws of nature, which is impossible. He suggests that surprising events are either contrary to all laws or accord with unknown laws, and that scientific discovery often reveals seemingly miraculous events to be natural, albeit beyond previous understanding.

Phantoms in the sky

Robert Bartholomew and Philip Cole's article on 'Zeppelin Hysteria' is discussed by Steuart Campbell of Edinburgh. Campbell points out that reports of phantom airships predate Count Zeppelin's work, originating in the 1890s in the USA. He suggests that some sightings, such as those from Sheerness and Dover in 1912-1913, were likely misidentifications of planets like Saturn and Jupiter, possibly enhanced by mirages. Campbell questions why secretive UFOs would draw attention by flying with bright lights, drawing a parallel to the phantom airship reports.

Hot coals

Diana Brown writes to correct a factual error in a Sunday Times article about firewalking. The article claimed there was no scientific explanation for why people can firewalk without getting burnt, attributing the lack of pain to endorphins but not explaining the lack of burns. Brown states this is incorrect and intends to write to the editor, encouraging others, particularly physicists, to do the same.

Back Issues and Subscriptions

The magazine provides details for ordering back issues and subscriptions, including pricing for different postal zones and a discount structure for multiple back issue orders. A list of past issues from Volume 4 (1990) to Volume 11 (1997/8) is provided, with brief descriptions of their contents.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of The Skeptic consistently promotes a rational and evidence-based approach to claims of the paranormal, supernatural, and pseudoscientific. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, as evidenced by the critical reviews of books on UFOs, psychic phenomena, and New Age beliefs. The magazine emphasizes critical thinking, scientific investigation, and the debunking of fraud and deception. Recurring themes include the analysis of UFO sightings, the psychology of belief, the examination of medical and scientific mysteries from a skeptical perspective, and the exposure of fraudulent practices in the paranormal field. The magazine also highlights the importance of scientific methodology and the dangers of accepting extraordinary claims without extraordinary evidence.