Skeptic - 1999 - Vol 12 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Volume: 12
Issue: Number 1
Date: 1999
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: United Kingdom
ISSN: 0959-5228

This issue of The Skeptic magazine, Volume 12 Number 1, presents a range of articles that critically examine various phenomena, from alleged alien encounters to gender-based beliefs and historical curiosities. The cover prominently features the headline "ALIEN Non-Abductions?" accompanied by an image depicting a UFO and an alien figure, setting a tone of skeptical inquiry into popular paranormal topics.

Skeptic in Chains

Wendy M Grossman, the editor, reflects on the persistent public fascination with aliens, noting her recent involvement in TV shows discussing UFOs. She recounts a debate on CompuServe regarding the 1984 Rendlesham Forest sighting, where the explanation of a lighthouse beam was contentious. Grossman also draws an analogy between interacting with aliens and living with fish, highlighting the potential communication barriers due to differences in size, environment, and sensory perception. She touches upon the idea of crop circles possibly being messages of hunger and announces two pieces of good news: the start of monthly skeptic pub meetings in London, organized by Scott Campbell, and the success of an initiative to get The Skeptic into British libraries, with 125 sponsors contributing.

Hits and Misses

This section, compiled by Wendy Grossman, Scott Campbell, and Simon Brophy, covers several disparate topics:

• Pill's grim progress: Discusses "Cellasene," a herbal pill marketed for cellulite reduction, and raises questions about the integrity of its manufacturer's spokesman, Gianfranco Merizzi, who admitted he would claim it worked even if it didn't.
• Hoddle mania: Critiques England football manager Glenn Hoddle's comments suggesting disabled individuals' conditions were due to past-life sins. It notes his reliance on faith healer Eileen Drewery and questions his acceptance of physical causality.
• Mist opportunity: Reports on a news item about a city council claiming proof of ghosts after security cameras at a Victorian museum captured strange figures and mist. The curator, Stuart Warburton, is quoted as being certain the hall is haunted.

Paranormal Picture Gallery

Hilary Evans presents a historical illustration from a 13th-century French manuscript. The image depicts a scene in a hospital where a bird (a Calandar) is used to determine a patient's prognosis: if it faces the patient, recovery is expected; if it turns away, the patient is doomed. Evans notes the scarcity of hospital beds and the historical methods of medical prognostication.

Conservative Faith

This piece reports on the Peniel Pentecostal Church in Essex, whose "Bishop" Michael Reid claimed to perform faith-healing miracles. The Advertising Standards Authority challenged the claim, but Reid provided X-rays as evidence, which the ASA deemed "anecdotal." The article notes the church's encouragement for members to give 10% of their salary and its acquisition of a branch of the Brentwood Conservatives.

Devil may care

This article examines the Vatican's revised guidelines on exorcism, which reportedly take into account modern understanding of mental disturbance. Bishop Corrado Balducci is quoted as stating that most supposed possessions are mental disturbances, though he believes a small percentage are genuine. The Vatican is encouraging priests to use less dramatic language, replacing terms like "Prince of Darkness" with "cause of evil." The article questions whether these changes are superficial and notes the Vatican's previous decree that God is not an old man with a white beard.

Kraft work

This section discusses Dr Thomas Kraft of Harley Street, who claims that positive thinking can increase bust size, charging £100 per session. The article questions whether this applies to other body parts and suggests that Kraft, like Glenn Hoddle, believes personal circumstances are the individual's fault. It implies that short people are short because they didn't want to be tall enough, and those with poor vision didn't think positively about having perfect vision.

Are Women More Gullible Than Men?

Mike Hardwidge presents a survey suggesting that men and women have roughly equal belief in the paranormal, contrary to popular misconception. He argues that men are conditioned to deny such beliefs to avoid appearing weak. The survey indicates that while belief in God, communication with the dead, and fortune tellers is higher among women, belief in Hell and the Devil is similar for both genders. Hardwidge also explores the presence of horoscopes in magazines, noting their absence in most men's magazines and their prevalence in women's magazines, suggesting this is more a social than a gender barrier. He concludes that if women show more interest in the paranormal, it's due to greater spiritual sensitivity and awareness, not gullibility.

Sprite

This is a humorous cartoon by Tim Pearce, featuring a conversation about moving furniture for good luck, with one character attributing their good luck to a "supernatural protector."

Skeptics in the Pub

An announcement for "Skeptics in the Pub," a regular event in London presented by The Association for Skeptical Enquiry (ASKE) and The Skeptic magazine. It details the venue, the types of topics discussed (science, pseudoscience, paranormal phenomena, etc.), and lists upcoming speakers, including Mike Hutchinson and Dr Richard Wiseman.

Skeptical Stats

Compiled by Wendy Grossman, Rachel Carthy, and Richard Hall, this section presents a list of 26 unusual statistics, ranging from the amount awarded to trance channeler JZ Knight to the cost of inflatable aliens. It includes data on UFO reports, dowsing tests, firewalks, and the population of a town related to a multiple personality disorder case.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around skepticism towards paranormal claims, including UFOs, psychic phenomena, faith healing, and exorcism. The magazine consistently questions anecdotal evidence and promotes scientific explanations. The editorial stance is clearly one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims and to seek rational explanations. The articles often highlight the psychological and social factors that contribute to belief in the paranormal, suggesting that gender roles and societal conditioning play a significant part in how individuals perceive and report unusual experiences. The "Skeptical Stats" section further reinforces this by presenting data that often debunks or contextualizes sensational claims.

This issue of "The Skeptic" (Volume 12, Number 1) features a two-part investigation by Hilary Evans titled "Abductions that Never Leave the Ground." The article delves into the phenomenon of alien abductions, examining the claims, evidence, and skeptical perspectives surrounding these experiences. It also includes an article by David Hambling on "The Brahan Seer" and a piece by A J McKerracher on "Feng Shui Revisited."

Abductions that Never Leave the Ground

Part One: The Reality of the Alien Abduction Experience

Hilary Evans begins by framing the alien abduction experience as a present-day reality, moving from science fiction to a perceived global phenomenon. He notes that while many may not believe it, these experiences are considered by some to be a significant turning point in human history, potentially merging humanity with otherworldly civilizations.

Tens of Thousands: The article highlights the dramatic increase in reported abduction cases over the past twenty years. Budd Hopkins, a leading investigator, claimed to have investigated 1,500 cases years ago. A 1992 Roper Poll suggested 3.7 million Americans might have experienced abductions, leading to global estimates of 16 to 200 million. This statistic is used by abductionists to argue that abductees cannot all be lying or deluded, as they genuinely believe they had real, physical experiences.

The Abduction Problem: The core of the abduction experience, as defined by criteria adopted by Rodeghier et al., involves being taken against one's will by non-human beings to an enclosed place (assumed to be a spacecraft) where examination or communication occurs. This is presented as a physical experience.

Challenges to Consensus Reality: The article discusses the difficulties in accepting abduction stories at face value, particularly when they involve seemingly impossible events like passing through solid objects or enforced pregnancies. It questions how to reconcile the claims of honest witnesses with the lack of corroborating evidence and the presence of contradictions and implausibilities.

Virtual Reality and Alternative Explanations: Various schools of thought are presented, including those who propose "virtual reality" or "imaginal reality" as explanations. However, the article finds these theoretical frameworks unsatisfactory when applied to actual cases, as they struggle to account for physical events like bodily transport or impregnation. Examples like Travis Walton and Linda Napolitano are used to illustrate these challenges.

The Abductionists' Stance: Proponents like David Jacobs insist that abductions are factual, here-and-now experiences, and that any problems must be addressed on that level. The article notes their unwillingness to accept hypotheses that transcend consensus reality.

Proving Abductions Are Real: The author argues that if abductions were real, tangible proof should exist, such as photographic evidence, recovered artifacts, or undeniable physical marks. The absence of such evidence leaves only witness testimony, which the article scrutinizes.

Evaluating Testimony: The reliability of testimony is questioned, citing an example investigated by Don Worley where witnesses reported an event that no one else in the area remembered. The article suggests that subjective evaluations can be problematic and that witnesses, as well as their reports, need scrutiny.

The Role of Hypnosis and Suggestion: The article delves into the influence of hypnosis, citing Betty Hill's cautionary tales. One case describes a woman whose abduction fantasies, developed in a New Age psychic class and reinforced by hypnosis, were later traced to childhood trauma and mistreatment. Another example shows how hypnosis can create elaborate abduction narratives, even when the individual has no prior memory of such events. The article suggests that psychological issues, trauma, or even simple suggestion can lead individuals to interpret their experiences as alien abductions.

External Triggers and Psychological States: The article explores how external events, combined with predispositions, can trigger experiences. Alvario's case, where seeing a satellite reentry led to a recalled abduction experience under hypnosis, is presented. The article also discusses how certain psychological conditions, like bi-polar disorder, can manifest symptoms that are misinterpreted as alien encounters, especially when medication levels are low.

Imaginary Abductees: The experiments conducted by Alvin Lawson and Dr. McCall are discussed, where hypnotized volunteers with no prior knowledge of UFOs created similar abduction narratives. This suggests that while abductees may have real psychological experiences, the content of these narratives may not reflect physical reality. The article notes that cultural differences, such as the higher exposure to abduction stories in America compared to Britain, can influence the details of these imaginary scenarios.

The Brahan Seer

David Hambling investigates the life and prophecies of Coinneach Odhar, known as the Brahan Seer, a Scottish psychic from the 16th century. Despite a formidable reputation for accurate predictions, including the Highland Clearances and the end of the Seaforth family, Hambling scrutinizes the historical evidence.

Historical Context and Legends: The only historical record of the Brahan Seer is from a 1577 witchcraft trial. Many of his attributed prophecies appear to be legends that grew over time, with some predating him and others being vague enough to be interpreted broadly. The story of his death, involving Lady Seaforth ordering his execution and his "Doom of The Seaforths" prophecy, is presented as a dramatic legend, but historical records do not support the execution.

Scrutiny of Prophecies: Hambling examines specific prophecies, such as the "jaw of the sheep" foretelling the Highland Clearances, and notes that similar predictions were attributed to Thomas the Rhymer. The prophecy about the end of the Seaforth line is questioned due to the seer's age if the event occurred as described. Several prophecies, like the loch overflowing or Loch Ussie flooding, are presented as awaiting fulfilment. The prediction of the collapse of Clach Toll arch is seen as common sense rather than clairvoyance.

Cultural Conditioning of Myths: The article suggests that the Brahan Seer's prophecies, like those of Robin Hood or King Arthur, tell us about the dreams and psyche of the people who tell them. The prophecies reflect a gloomy side of the Scottish psyche, focusing on massacres, dispossession, and destruction, rather than positive outcomes like wealth or peace.

The Case of the Fairburn Castle: A prediction about a cow giving birth in the tower of Fairburn Castle is presented as a fulfilled prophecy. However, Hambling suggests the farmer might have known about the prophecy and potentially facilitated the event for commercial gain, drawing a parallel to modern farmers and crop circles.

Vague Prophecies and Interpretation: Many of the Brahan Seer's other prophecies are described as vague, such as "Rome was, London is, Edinburgh will be." The article concludes that while the Seer's predictions appear impressive in bulk, close examination reveals them to be insubstantial and subject to interpretation, making him not a true prophet in a specific sense.

Feng Shui Revisited

A J McKerracher discusses the popularity of Feng Shui in the West, exploring its origins, principles, and the commercialization of the practice.

Origins and Principles: Feng Shui, originating in China during the Shang Dynasty (16th-11th centuries BC), is a system that seeks to harmonize human environments by positioning buildings and furniture to exploit natural energies. Practitioners claim it can increase energy levels, enhance prosperity, and improve well-being by considering factors like building orientation, furniture placement, and the flow of energy.

Commercialization and Western Appeal: The article notes the significant commercialization of Feng Shui, with readily available products like "hanging Feng Shui crystals." It suggests that Westerners are receptive to such practices, often embracing Eastern philosophies while dismissing Western religion. The appeal lies in seeking "enlightenment" and finding comfort in a complex world.

Skepticism and Common Sense: While acknowledging the potential for common sense within Feng Shui (e.g., people preferring views and disliking traffic), the author expresses skepticism towards some claims, such as those involving the curing of Irritable Bowel Syndrome or improved exam results through specific placements. The article contrasts the embrace of Feng Shui with the denial of Western science.

Responsibility and Human Agency: McKerracher argues that relying on external forces like Feng Shui to protect individuals or places from danger can lead to an "abnegation of responsibility." He contends that human beings, not earth energies, are responsible for conflicts and suffering. The article concludes that while Feng Shui practices might offer comfort, they cannot shift the ultimate burden of human responsibility.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "The Skeptic" strongly leans towards a skeptical and critical examination of paranormal claims. The primary article on alien abductions systematically deconstructs the phenomenon by highlighting the lack of physical evidence, the unreliability of witness testimony, and the significant role of psychological factors, suggestion, and cultural influences in shaping these experiences. The magazine promotes a rational, evidence-based approach, questioning phenomena that cannot be empirically verified. The articles on the Brahan Seer and Feng Shui also adopt a critical stance, scrutinizing historical accounts and popular beliefs for factual accuracy and logical consistency, while also exploring the cultural and psychological underpinnings of these phenomena. The overall editorial stance is one of promoting critical thinking and skepticism towards claims of the paranormal and unexplained.

This issue of *The Skeptic* (Volume 12, Number 1) features a cover story titled "Rhyme and Reason" by Steve Donnelly, who is identified as a Professor of Experimental Physics at the University of Salford. The issue also includes a "Philosopher's Corner" column by Julian Baggini, and a "Reviews" section covering several books.

Good Vibrations

Steve Donnelly's article, "Good Vibrations," explores the concepts of 'frequency' and 'energy' from both a scientific and a New Age perspective. He begins by discussing the use of quartz crystals in watches for timekeeping and questions why astrologers believe these crystals can improve people's energy levels and frequencies. Donnelly explains that 'frequency' in physics is a precise measure of oscillation (cycles per second or hertz), contrasting it with the vaguer meanings used in general conversation or by New Age believers. He relates personal frequencies to his pulse rate (1 Hz) and molecular vibrations (terahertz), and notes the cosmic microwave background frequency (around 100 GHz). He humorously suggests that achieving a 'cosmic frequency' would require cooling his body to -270° Celsius.

Donnelly finds 'energy' a more complex term, noting its scientific forms (kinetic, potential) and everyday usage related to food. He highlights how proponents of the paranormal use 'energy' in even more diverse ways, referencing concepts like 'Qi' or 'Chi,' 'Feng-Shui,' and 'Earth Energy.' He concludes this section with a sarcastic piece of advice: to improve personal energy and that of a quartz crystal, one should drop the crystal off a high cliff while eating a Mars bar.

Philosopher's Corner: What happens when "language goes on holiday"

Julian Baggini, editor of *The Skeptic*, discusses how language can be misused, leading to nonsensical statements that appear grammatical. He uses the example of a newspaper supplement promising to predict 'exactly what might happen in 1999.' Baggini focuses on the prophecies of Nostradamus, arguing that their appeal stems from a disregard for the proper use of words and a confusion between 'prediction' and 'foreknowledge.' He contends that making correct predictions does not equate to seeing the future, and that claims of genuine foreknowledge require more than chance or skillful forecasting. He also criticizes the misuse of terms like 'foreknowledge' and 'charisma' when applied without sufficient evidence, comparing it to mislabeling a cat as a dog.

Reviews

This section features reviews of several books:

• "Abracadabra!: Secret Methods Magicians and Others Use to Deceive Their Audience" by Nathaniel Schiffman: Reviewed by Lewis Jones. The book examines how magicians' deception techniques are used in the real world. While acknowledging the author's premise, Jones finds the book to be a mildly interesting read but not the eye-opener it could have been, suggesting that magicians are latecomers to the principles of deception.

• "Weird Water and Fuzzy Logic: More Notes of a Fringe Watcher" by Martin Gardner: Reviewed by Lewis Jones. Gardner critically examines pseudoscience and New Age beliefs, noting a decline in science education and a rise in interest in the occult. The book compiles his popular columns and reviews, offering lucid explanations of complex topics like probability theory. It also discusses bizarre theories about water's 'memory' and curative properties.

• "Think to Win: The Power of Logic in Everyday Life" by S Cannavo: Reviewed by Chris Willis. This book is praised for its formula-free approach to teaching rational thinking and argumentation. It covers the definition of reasoning, logical fallacies (including 'mystification'), and the distinction between inductive and deductive thinking. The reviewer recommends it for those new to philosophical thinking.

• "Why People Believe Weird Things" by Michael Shermer: Reviewed by Susan Crawley. Shermer examines beliefs not supported by evidence, including pseudoscience and pseudo-historical claims. The book discusses near-death experiences, alien abductions, creationism, and Holocaust denial, explaining how mass beliefs spread through feedback loops. The author suggests that people believe weird things because they offer intrinsic or extrinsic rewards, hope, or meaning.

• "The Reasonable Woman: A Guide to Intellectual Survival" by Wendy McElroy: Reviewed by Louise Johnson. This book aims to help readers make the most of their minds by cultivating good habits like reading, concentrating, and arguing rationally. While some aspects are described as reassuring and repetitive, the section on 'Intellectual Therapy' is noted as potentially sinister. The latter half of the book, focusing on the psychology and tactics of arguing, is considered helpful.

• "Confirmation: the Hard Evidence" by Whitley Strieber: Reviewed by Wendy M Grossman. Strieber recounts his experiences with alleged alien implants and discusses similar cases and surgeries performed by Dr. Roger Leir. The book suggests that 'secret governments' might be involved in mind control experiments and that UFOs represent 'rejected knowledge.' Strieber encourages embracing this knowledge for potential immortality.

• "Borderlands" by Mike Dash: Reviewed by Anthony Campbell. Dash, who works for *Fortean Times*, offers a skeptical look at anomalous phenomena like apparitions, parapsychology, UFOs, and cryptids. The reviewer finds the book to be a useful source of references, though most cases were already familiar.

• "The Wreck of The Titanic Foretold?" edited by Martin Gardner: Reviewed by Chris Willis. This anthology reprints three fictional accounts of ships wrecked by icebergs, published before the Titanic sank. Gardner explains these as common fears of the time rather than prophecy. The review highlights Morgan Roberts' "The Wreck of the Titan" and W.T. Stead's "From the Old World to the New," noting the latter's unintentional hilarity.

• "Impossibility: The Limits of Science and the Science of Limits" by John D Barrow: Reviewed by Dene Bebbington. This book explores the inherent limits of scientific knowledge and the principles underlying them. It compares modern and pre-twentieth-century views on science and discusses concepts like paradox, certainty, and cosmological limits. The reviewer praises the book's readability and accessibility.

Letters

This section contains correspondence from readers:

• C F Coleman discusses the phenomenon of "spontaneous combustion," citing an article about combusted human bodies found in sealed rooms. He proposes a theory of "triggered slow combustion" involving a blanket, paraffin, and the insulating properties of ash, rather than true spontaneous combustion.

• Steuart Campbell responds to Chris Willis's article on "Trial By Fire," mentioning a TV program (QED) that demonstrated a 'wick effect' explanation for such events, involving fabric doused in spirit and the body's fat. He suggests that victims likely combined drinking and smoking, and had to be unconscious for the 'wick effect' to occur.

• Chris Willis replies to the letters, clarifying that his article was written before the QED program aired and that the QED program offered the 'wick effect' as an explanation, not proof of spontaneous combustion. He also notes that the illustration used was not his choice.

• Charles Goodwin comments on a review of Stephen Jay Gould's "Life's Grandeur," questioning Gould's assertion that there is no drive towards complexity in evolution, arguing that statistical results of random processes still indicate a tendency towards complexity.

No Instant Replay

This is a continuation of the letter from Charles Goodwin, discussing Stephen Jay Gould's ideas on complexity and the 'game of life.'

Back Issues

This section lists available back issues of *The Skeptic* magazine, with prices and ordering information. It also details discounts for ordering multiple back issues.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of *The Skeptic* consistently promotes critical thinking, scientific skepticism, and a rational approach to understanding phenomena. The articles and reviews challenge pseudoscience, New Age beliefs, and misuses of language, encouraging readers to question claims and rely on evidence. The magazine appears to adopt a rigorous, evidence-based stance, debunking paranormal claims and promoting logical reasoning. Recurring themes include the analysis of language, the examination of alleged paranormal events (like spontaneous combustion and alien encounters), and the review of books that either support or critique scientific and skeptical viewpoints.