Skeptic - 2002 - Vol 15 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 15 Number 1
Date: Spring 2002
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of The Skeptic magazine, published in Spring 2002, presents a diverse range of articles and features from a skeptical perspective. The cover prominently features "Randi-Insights," indicating a significant focus on James Randi, a well-known skeptic and magician. Other highlighted topics include an investigation into the case of the missing airmen and a discussion on the cultural impact of "Harry Potter."

Editorial

The editorial, penned by Kate Holden and Chris French, welcomes readers to issue 15.1 and highlights the key features. They express excitement about an interview with James Randi, conducted by Tony Youens, which is described as "interesting reading." The editorial also introduces articles by Paul Chambers investigating the missing airmen case and by Chris Willis examining whether children's literature like Harry Potter is adversely affecting future generations. Regular features such as "Skeptic at Large," "Hits and Misses," "Philosopher's Corner," "Rhyme and Reason," book reviews, and letters sections are also mentioned. The editors encourage reader contributions, article submissions, and proof-reading assistance. The editorial concludes by thanking readers for their continued support and promoting special offers.

Key Articles and Features

Randi-Insights

An exclusive interview with James "the Amazing" Randi, conducted by Tony Youens, forms a central part of this issue. Youens recounts his trip to Orlando, Florida, to interview Randi at the James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF). The interview covers the JREF's purpose, which includes promoting critical thinking, serving as a media resource, and maintaining an extensive library and video archive. Randi discusses the foundation's expansion, including its new web page and internet radio program. He also touches upon the relevance of the JREF to the UK and the challenges of the seemingly unstoppable psychic industry and alternative medicine. Randi addresses the $50 membership fee, explaining it covers operational costs and the need to maintain records, while also acknowledging it might be steep for some. He expresses frustration at the scale of the task of combating pseudoscience but finds encouragement in the impact of his work, citing examples of individuals who have changed their beliefs after encountering his message.

Investigating the Case of the Missing Airmen

Paul Chambers investigates the case of the missing airmen. While details are not fully elaborated in the editorial, this article is presented as a significant piece within the issue.

Wild About Harry Potter?

Chris Willis explores the question of whether children's literature like Harry Potter is negatively impacting future generations, a topic that has generated public concern.

Hilary Evans' Paranormal Picture Gallery: Farewell to the Saucers?

This feature, presented by Hilary Evans, offers a nostalgic look at ufology. Despite media pronouncements of its demise, the article notes that interest in UFOs remains high, evidenced by Google search results. Evans reminisces about the 1950s, depicting the headquarters of an American investigation group with sightings plotted on wallcharts and investigators preparing for cases. The piece suggests that while the era of intense UFO investigation may have passed, the fascination with the unknown persists.

Skeptic at large

Wendy M. Grossman's column, "Skeptic at large," discusses the controversy surrounding six commemorative stamps issued by the Royal Mail in honor of the Nobel Prize centenary. The issue arose from a booklet accompanying the stamps, which claimed modern physics could lead to an understanding of the paranormal. Grossman highlights the criticism from skeptics and the Royal Mail's defense, which cited Nobel Laureate Brian Josephson as the booklet's author. The article delves into the societal tendency to grant excessive authority to Nobel laureates, even on subjects outside their expertise, citing Josephson's claims about telepathy and the CIA's Stargate project. Grossman argues that while the existence of telepathy is debatable, the impact of beliefs held by famous individuals is significant and warrants a skeptical response.

Hits and Misses

This section covers several short items:

• Getcher cures here! Critiques the rise of questionable remedies in the wake of the anthrax scare, noting that even homeopathic manufacturers like Boiron have clarified that their "Anthracinum" is for acne, not anthrax. It also points out the irrationality of stockpiling gas masks and Ciprio while neglecting flu shots.
• Stress busters: Discusses the purported stress-busting qualities of acupuncture, referencing Cherie Booth's involvement with an alternative health center and a study at UCLA on patients with acute heart failure. The study involved three groups: traditional acupuncture, non-acupuncture points, and a non-needle simulation, monitoring stress levels through various physiological measures.
• Magnetic moods: Criticizes the Evening Standard for highlighting the use of magnets to alleviate menstrual cramps, profiling a woman who claimed reduced pain and frequency of periods after using magnets. The article suggests stress is a more likely explanation for her symptoms.

Decomposing

This piece commemorates Rosemary Brown, who died at 85. Brown claimed in the 1960s to be channelling deceased composers and taking dictation of new compositions. Despite limited musical training, she recorded some of these pieces, with her last recordings dating to 1988.

Silly science seasons

This section satirizes media reports on "silly science" during September. Examples include a TV researcher seeking debate on the topic, Sunday Times articles on the correlation between height and marriage, the effect of watching football on mental health, and Bristol University's research on dunking biscuits. The Guardian's annoyance with myths and misquotations is also mentioned, culminating in the Ig Nobel awards, which recognized research on injuries from falling coconuts, air-tight underwear with charcoal filters, and the founder of the Apostrophe Protection Society.

Channeling the economic downturn

Reports that the Findhorn Foundation is selling assets to cover debts of £600,000, including its organic food shop and Cullerne House mansion. The article notes that while the center's New Age spiritualism might seem "silly," it has operated for nearly 30 years without harming anyone, and its financial troubles are attributed to the economic downturn and increased competition rather than a lack of skepticism.

Questioning Randi

This section, detailed in the interview with James Randi, explores his views and the work of the JREF.

Other Features

• Skeptical Stats: A brief mention of this regular feature.
• The Missing Airmen: An article by Paul Chambers.
• Mrs. Gaskell's Elephant: The Story of a Hoax: An article by Chris Willis.
• Wild About Harry: Another article by Chris Willis.
• Rhyme and Reason: A feature by Steve Donnelly.
• Philosopher's Corner: A contribution by Julian Baggini.
• Reviews, Letters, Appeals: Standard sections for reader feedback and critical assessments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is skepticism and critical inquiry. The magazine consistently challenges pseudoscientific claims, alternative medicine, and unsubstantiated paranormal phenomena. The editorial stance is clear: to promote rational thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and a healthy dose of doubt towards extraordinary claims. This is exemplified by the prominent interview with James Randi, a leading figure in skepticism, and the critical examination of topics ranging from ufology to the cultural impact of popular fiction. The magazine also engages with scientific and media discourse, highlighting instances where scientific authority is misapplied or where media reports sensationalize or misrepresent findings. The inclusion of "Silly science seasons" and the critique of the Nobel Prize stamps controversy underscore the magazine's commitment to questioning established narratives and promoting intellectual rigor.

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 15, Number 1, published by The Skeptic and dated approximately January 2001, features a range of articles exploring skepticism, paranormal claims, and critical analysis of popular culture. The cover headline is "Wild About Harry," indicating a focus on the popular children's book series.

The Challenge and Paranormal Claims

James Randi discusses his ongoing million-dollar challenge, designed to test paranormal claims under rigorous scientific conditions. He explains the process of designing tests in conjunction with scientists and claimants, emphasizing that the results are meant to be self-evident. Randi notes that despite offering the challenge, no one has yet succeeded in a preliminary test, and the University of Arizona has declined a grant offer related to the challenge. He also addresses the perception that his challenge is unwinnable, explaining that tests are designed based on claimant specifications and require mutual approval.

Randi recounts his personal experiences with character assassination, where critics resort to personal attacks when unable to refute his arguments. He mentions past accusations of being a communist and a child molester, and details an incident involving prank phone calls that were twisted into an accusation against him. He also touches upon his successful application for US citizenship, highlighting how his background was thoroughly vetted.

The Missing Airmen Case

Paul Chambers investigates the case of the 'missing airmen' from 1924, where two pilots vanished over the Persian desert, their plane later found intact. While Charles Fort and ufology websites often cite this as an example of alien abduction due to abruptly ending footprints, Chambers' research reveals contemporary newspaper reports from The Times and Daily Mail stating the plane made a forced landing during a sandstorm and was damaged. Further investigation uncovered a 1925 Times article reporting the discovery of the airmen's bodies, indicating they had died from heat exhaustion after setting off into the desert. The article concludes that the mystery was solved by examining original sources, debunking the paranormal interpretation.

Mrs. Gaskell's Elephant: The Story of a Hoax

Chris Willis details an unintentional hoax that fooled academics on a nineteenth-century culture e-mail list. A joke about Elizabeth Gaskell owning a pet elephant evolved into a detailed fictional biography, complete with a mahout and political intrigue. The hoax highlights the ease with which fabricated stories can be accepted by experts and raises questions about academic credulity, drawing parallels to other sensationalized claims about historical figures.

Wild About Harry

Chris Willis examines criticisms of children's fiction, particularly from religious fundamentalists, focusing on the works of CS Lewis, Philip Pullman, and JK Rowling. Lewis's Narnia books, despite their Christian themes, are sometimes condemned for including a witch. Pullman's 'His Dark Materials' trilogy is seen as anti-religious, with 'The Amber Spyglass' depicting God negatively. The most intense criticism is directed at JK Rowling's Harry Potter series, which fundamentalists label as Satanic and laced with witchcraft, even suggesting Harry's scar is a mark of Satan. Willis argues that these books, like the Bible, reinforce moral themes of good triumphing over evil and questions the basis of such condemnations.

Rhyme and Reason

Steve Donnelly, a physics professor, reflects on his New Year's resolution to 'stop being weird.' He describes how his scientific approach to everyday phenomena, like examining parsnips for their conical shape or investigating water flow in plugholes, is often perceived as odd by non-scientists. Donnelly connects this to his interest in the paranormal, where he seeks rational explanations for strange phenomena, regardless of popular interpretations like UFOs or ghosts. He contemplates the idea that if millions believe in phenomena like the Virgin Mary's manifestations or astrology, perhaps his own 'weird' scientific inquiries are not so out of place.

Skeptics in the Pub

This section announces a regular event called 'Skeptics in the Pub,' an evening held monthly in London for those interested in skepticism and the paranormal. It features invited speakers and informal discussions, with an entry fee of £2.

Skeptical Stats

This section presents a collection of diverse and often surprising statistics, ranging from the number of birds found hidden in a traveler's trousers to the percentage increase in CEO salaries during layoffs, the length of fiber optic networks, and the number of UFO sightings investigated by the UK Ministry of Defence. It also includes details on the weight of broiler chickens over time and the number of codes for 'Jedi knight' in the UK Census.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a skeptical and rational approach to understanding the world, debunking paranormal claims, exposing hoaxes, and critically examining popular beliefs and cultural phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific inquiry, evidence-based reasoning, and a critical evaluation of extraordinary claims, as exemplified by James Randi's work and the various articles presented. There is a strong emphasis on distinguishing between genuine phenomena and misinterpretations, sensationalism, or deliberate deception.

Title: The SKEPTIC
Issue: Volume 15, Number 1
Date: January 2003 (inferred from issue numbering and content)
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: United Kingdom

This issue of The Skeptic magazine features a prominent "Philosopher's Corner" by Julian Baggini, alongside a comprehensive "Reviews" section, a "Letters" exchange, and "Appeals" for paranormal-related organizations.

Philosopher's Corner: The Absurdity of Superstition

Julian Baggini opens the issue by recounting an experience in Spain where people were buying lottery tickets with the number 11901, corresponding to the date of the World Trade Centre attacks, believing it to be a lucky number. He finds the lack of media scorn for this superstition disconcerting. Baggini draws a parallel between this and the belief that good comes out of bad, suggesting that if one belief is patently absurd, then supporting beliefs should also be treated with suspicion. He then delves into the distinction between religion and superstition, questioning why religious belief is often exempt from skeptical scrutiny. He argues that for skepticism to be consistent, a clear conceptual distinction must be made between faith and superstition, otherwise, either superstition should be immune from critique, or religion should be a legitimate target for skepticism. Baggini concludes by stating that this conceptual clarification is necessary before deciding whether skeptics are right to treat religion differently from superstition.

Reviews

The "Reviews" section offers critiques of several books:

• HUSH-UPS: The Hunt For Zero Point by Nick Cook: Reviewed by Jon London, this book is described as a "bizarre entertaining high-tech film-noir thriller" rather than a history of antigravity. Cook's investigation into antigravity research, allegedly hushed up by the US Government, is noted, but the reviewer suggests it might be more science fiction than history. The book lacks an index but has a useful bibliography.
• OPEN THE BOX: Annie's Box: Charles Darwin, his Daughter and Human Evolution by Randal Keynes: Reviewed by Chris Willis, this book focuses on the impact of the death of Charles Darwin's daughter Annie on his life and work, suggesting it marked his definitive rejection of the Christian faith. The reviewer notes Keynes' access to family papers and finds the book a readable account of Darwin's life, likely to be unpopular with Creationists.
• MAGICAL IRRITATIONS: The Encyclopedia of Magic and Witchcraft by Susan Greenwood: Also reviewed by Chris Willis, this is described as a beautifully presented book that is more a collection of chapters than a traditional encyclopedia. The author's defense of magic and witchcraft, and her blurring of objective data with personal belief, raises concerns for the skeptical reviewer. The reviewer finds some parts informative and others less so, with illustrations sometimes being more aesthetic than informative.
• UNRAVELLING THE DEAD: The Mummy Congress: Science, Obsession and the Everlasting Dead by Heather Pringle: Reviewed by Willem Betz, this book explores the historical and contemporary fascination with mummies, from 19th-century "mummy unrollings" to modern scientific investigation. Pringle's research spans various locations and includes interviews with mummy experts.
• DREAM THEORY: The Dream Drugstore: Chemically Altered States of Consciousness by J Allan Hobson: Reviewed by Chris Willis, this book examines the chemical mechanisms of dreaming using Hobson's three-dimensional AIM model (Activation, Information Source, Modulation). The reviewer found the book informative but dense, suggesting readers use it as a knowledge source rather than uncritically accepting its conclusions.
• UNLIKELY FRIENDS: Final Séance: The Strange Friendship between Houdini and Conan Doyle by Massimo Polidoro: Reviewed by Dene Bebbington, this book details the relationship between magician Harry Houdini and Spiritualism proponent Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It covers their investigations into psychical phenomena and the eventual strain on their friendship.
• HIDDEN FUN: Inventing the Victorians by Matthew Sweet: Reviewed by Ciaran O'Keefe, this book challenges the perception of Victorians as being solely prudish, arguing they had a more complex and often "fun" side, engaging with pornography, sensational novels, and freak shows. The reviewer praises its readability and research.
• DIAMOND GEEZER: Snake Oil and Other Preoccupations by John Diamond: Reviewed by Wendy Grossman, this is an unfinished book by the late journalist John Diamond, exploring alternative medicine. The review notes his extensive research into the subject, even before his cancer diagnosis, and that the book is supplemented by his popular journalism. The lack of an index is noted as a drawback.

Letters

The "Letters" section features a debate on Ball Lightning between Steuart Campbell and David Hambling. Campbell expresses skepticism, suggesting that observed phenomena might be explained by known physics or laboratory creations, and questions the evidence for ball lightning. Hambling counters by citing numerous observations, including those by trained scientists, and argues that denying the phenomenon makes skeptics appear like "flat-earthers." A press release from the Royal Society regarding a December 2001 issue of Philosophical Transactions on the science of ball lightning is also included, detailing new interpretations consistent with nanoparticle models.

Another letter from Donald Rooum discusses Emergent Stupidity, raising a point about the rarity of intelligence in evolutionary history and speculating that humans might be the first intelligent species on Earth.

Appeals

This section highlights two organizations seeking support:

• The Paranormal Medical Centre: This centre, established to deal with conditions unique to the paranormal, seeks donations. It mentions "Spotter's Neck" as a condition diagnosed in a patient named Brian, attributed to UFO sightings.
• Crop Circlers Anonymous: This group aims to help individuals addicted to creating crop circles. An individual named Jim shares his experience of overcoming this addiction with the help of the organization.

Back Issues

A comprehensive list of available back issues of The Skeptic magazine from Volume 5 (1991) to Volume 14 (2001) is provided, along with subscription and back issue pricing information. Discounts are offered for purchasing multiple back issues.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around skepticism, the nature of belief (particularly distinguishing between religion and superstition), the investigation of paranormal phenomena (UFOs, antigravity, psychical research, magic, mummies), and the critical examination of historical and scientific claims. The editorial stance is clearly that of promoting critical thinking and rational inquiry, encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims and to apply rigorous standards of evidence to all subjects, including those often considered sacred or immune from criticism, such as religion.