The Skeptic

Magazine Overview

This special double issue of *The Skeptic*, Volume 17 Numbers 2 & 3, published in Summer and Autumn 2004, is dedicated to a skeptical examination of the Rendlesham Forest incident, famously dubbed 'Britain's Roswell'. The issue features a prominent cover image of a disc-shaped UFO over a forest road, with a hand holding 'The Rendlesham Report'. The main headline proclaims 'Rendlesham Revealed!', and the table of contents lists several related articles.

Editorial

Editor Chris French welcomes readers to the special double issue, highlighting that all feature articles are devoted to the Rendlesham Forest 'UFO' case. He poses the question of whether military personnel at RAF Bentwaters and Woodbridge had a genuine encounter with alien intelligence or if a more mundane explanation exists. French notes the case's importance in ufology and justifies the double issue. He introduces the articles: James Easton outlines the basic facts and argues for a skeptical explanation involving the Orford Ness lighthouse and Shipwash lightship, also providing evidence for an explanation of strange light beams. David Clarke examines the Ministry of Defence's role in fueling conspiracy theories, showing their limited interest once national security was ruled out. Jenny Randles shares her long-standing involvement and evolving thinking on the case, discussing its general lessons for ufology. Peter Brookesmith considers the diplomatic aspects, arguing that any cover-up was to minimize embarrassment from reckless USAF personnel behavior, not to hide alien contact. French concludes that all four contributors believe the truth does not involve aliens, but that the case is a classic mystery requiring the piecing together of evidence. He also mentions Andy Marriott's reflections on a night in Rendlesham Forest and the usual columns, cartoons, and reviews.

Key Articles and Features

The Truth About Rendlesham

James Easton's article delves into the factual basis of the Rendlesham incident, presenting arguments that witnesses were misled by the Orford Ness lighthouse and the Shipwash lightship. Easton also offers supporting evidence for an explanation of the reported downward beams of light.

Britain's Roswell?

David Clarke analyzes the Ministry of Defence's (MoD) inadvertent role in promoting conspiracy theories surrounding the Rendlesham incident. His review of recently released official documents indicates that the MoD showed little sustained interest once it was determined the case had no national security implications.

Lessons for Ufology

Jenny Randles provides an account of her long-term engagement with the Rendlesham case. She offers insights into her own evolving perspective and discusses the broader lessons that can be drawn for the field of ufology.

Diplomatic Aspects of the Incident

Peter Brookesmith examines the diplomatic implications of the Rendlesham incident. He contends that a form of cover-up did occur, but its purpose was to mitigate potential diplomatic embarrassment arising from the conduct of USAF personnel, rather than to conceal evidence of extraterrestrial visitation.

Reflections on a Rendlesham Skywatch

Andy Marriott offers a more personal reflection on a night spent observing the sky in Rendlesham Forest, providing a contrast to the analytical articles.

Skeptic at large

Wendy M Grossman reviews the accuracy of psychic predictions for 2003, finding them no more successful than in the past. She also discusses the challenges of making accurate predictions, contrasting the tabloid psychic's goal of selling newspapers with the Skeptic's aim for accuracy. Grossman then offers 'Skeptical predictions for 2004', including expected scientific research findings, a scandal concerning scientific fraud, modest stock market growth, and a US Presidential election scandal.

Hits and Misses

• Arnica: not what it's succussed up to be: This section critiques the popular use of arnica, a homeopathic remedy. A study published in the *Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine* found arnica to be no more effective than a placebo in reducing bruising after surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. Professor Edzard Ernst suggests its reputation stems from 'positive selection bias'.
• Irrational exuberance: An American Airlines pilot, Roger Findiesen, caused alarm by asking Christians to skip a movie for an interfaith dialogue. The incident, attributed to residual zeal from a mission, led to a tense cabin atmosphere and an airline investigation.
• Death comes to the homeopath: The obituaries section notes the death of Jack Temple, a homeopathic dowser healer, who claimed to trace past lives. His clients included Diana, Princess of Wales. Temple's methods involved dowsing and using remedies strapped to the body. An amusing anecdote recounts his diagnosis of lead poisoning in Princess Diana, which was later confirmed by her having a pencil fragment in her cheek.

Bubble bath

This piece discusses the boom and bust of the dot-com bubble. Vernon Smith, a Nobel Prize winner in economics, conducted lab experiments where students created bubbles by trading phoney securities. Financiers created larger bubbles than students. Historically, stock market downturns are separated by at least two years, and Smith does not expect another bubble until memories fade.

Dietician, heal thyself

This section examines media reports about the Atkins diet, particularly claims from *The Wall Street Journal* regarding Atkins's weight at death and history of heart disease. Atkins's widow and physicians dispute these claims, stating he weighed normally and had cardiomyopathy unrelated to diet.

Conflicts of interest compromise MMR research

This article revisits the controversy surrounding the MMR vaccine and its alleged link to autism, initiated by Dr Andrew Wakefield's 1998 study in *The Lancet*. It reveals Wakefield accepted £55,000 from the Legal Aid Board to investigate children allegedly damaged by the vaccine, with some study children also part of the Legal Aid Board study. Since Wakefield's study, numerous other studies have failed to confirm the link. Measles infection rates have increased, particularly among the educated middle class, as fears about the vaccine have grown. The Lancet's editor, Richard Horton, no longer believes there is a link. Approximately 1,500 families are planning a class-action suit against GlaxoSmithKline.

Stupid language tricks

This section highlights instances of linguistic manipulation. Georgia's school superintendent proposed replacing the word 'evolution' with 'biological changes over time' in the curriculum to appease parents. The County of Los Angeles requested vendors avoid the term 'Master/Slave' in computer equipment descriptions, a request stemming from a discrimination complaint by a black employee.

Being Doris Stokes

A look at 'The Weekly' website and its 'Doris Stokes emulator', which attempts to guess famous deceased individuals based on user input. The site's effectiveness is based on population stereotypes, with JFK, Abraham Lincoln, and Jayne Mansfield being common guesses.

Finger on the personality

This piece discusses the work of John Manning from Liverpool University, who studies finger length and its correlation with personality traits and health. Manning claims that men with longer ring fingers have greater sporting ability and a reduced risk of heart attack. Shorter ring fingers on men's left hands are correlated with being gay. The article notes that R.A. Lippa's research suggests that while gay men may have shorter left ring fingers, this pattern doesn't extend to lesbian women, and that 2D:4D ratios are a poor indicator of sexual orientation or sex.

Code wars

This section critiques Dan Brown's novel 'The Da Vinci Code', stating that much of its 'fact' is lifted from other books, notably 'Holy Blood, Holy Grail'. Both books are based on the alleged hoax of the Priory of Sion, a group founded in 1956, not in 1099 as claimed. French books and a 1996 BBC documentary debunked this hoax.

The business of homeopathy

An examination of Boiron, a major homeopathy company, and its product 'Oscillococcinum'. The article notes Boiron's significant market share and its corporate plan to integrate homeopathic medicines into daily practice by financing the Boiron Institute. It also mentions that the company spends 2-3% of its annual sales on research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards paranormal claims, alternative medicine, and pseudoscientific theories. The magazine consistently promotes a scientific and evidence-based approach, debunking claims related to UFOs, homeopathy, and vaccine safety. The editorial stance is clearly critical of unsubstantiated beliefs and advocates for critical thinking and rigorous scientific investigation. The Rendlesham Forest incident serves as a central case study for applying these skeptical principles.

Title: The SKEPTIC
Issue: Volume 17 Number 2-3
Date: October 1983 (cover date, articles reference events up to 2003)
Publisher: The SKEPTIC
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of The Skeptic critically examines two prominent cases that have fueled public skepticism and conspiracy theories: the Rendlesham Forest incident and the controversy surrounding the MMR vaccine and autism. The magazine features investigative journalism that seeks to debunk sensational claims and highlight the importance of scientific rigor and transparency.

The Mills of Science Grind Exceeding Slow...

This editorial, penned by Wendy M Grossman, reflects on the frustrations of promoting scientific values in the face of scientific failings. It uses the scandal of Andrew Wakefield's research linking the MMR vaccine to autism as a prime example. Grossman criticizes the initial publication of Wakefield's flawed research in The Lancet and the subsequent alarm it caused among parents, leading to decreased vaccination rates and increased measles cases. She also points out the government's mishandling of the situation, alienating parents by refusing separate vaccines. The article draws a parallel with Cynthia Crossen's book 'Tainted Truth,' illustrating how research funding can influence outcomes, suggesting that the Legal Aid Board's funding of Wakefield's study provided an incentive for him to find a correlation. However, Grossman emphasizes that the primary issue is not just the conflict of interest, but the failure of other researchers to confirm Wakefield's findings over the years. The editorial concludes by lamenting the growing public distrust in science and authorities, exacerbated by events like the BSE crisis, and calls for more caution and less smugness from those in power.

The Truth About Rendlesham

James Easton presents the first in a series of articles investigating the Rendlesham Forest 'UFO' case. Easton's interest began with the evolution of the internet and 'bulletin boards' which served as a source of information on UFOs. He details the two separate incidents that occurred on December 26 and 27, 1980. The first involved three members of the 81st Security Police Squadron (SPS) at RAF Woodbridge who reported seeing unfamiliar lights and a small, triangular craft. The second incident involved Deputy Base Commander Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Halt, who, along with other officers, investigated a sighting within Rendlesham Forest. Halt documented his observations using a micro-cassette recorder, describing a light that appeared like an 'eye winking' and beams of light descending from the sky. The article notes that the 'UFO' legend evolved partly due to a delay in obtaining official statements from witnesses and the subsequent media attention, including a front-page headline in the News of the World.

The Lighthouse Illumination

Science writer Ian Ridpath proposed that the witnesses were deceived by the Orford Ness lighthouse and the Shipwash lightship, which are visible from Rendlesham Forest. Halt rejected this explanation, stating that the witnesses knew the area. However, the article reveals that witness affidavits, particularly from John Burroughs, suggest they discovered the lights were coming from a lighthouse after following them for about two miles. This suggests that Halt may not have realized the deceptive role of the lighthouse when he conducted his investigation. The article also mentions that Halt's tape-recorded account had already gained serious consideration at a Third Air Force staff meeting, involving General Charles A. Gabriel.

Beam Me Up, Conde

This section introduces the testimony of Kevin Conde, a former 81st SPS Command-Sergeant, who contacted the author after seeing similarities between the Rendlesham incidents and a hoax he perpetrated around Christmas 1980. Conde, who served at RAF Bentwaters/Woodbridge from 1978 to 1981, describes how he and other patrolmen used flashlights and the patrol car's spotlight, along with making noises, to prank a security policeman who was afraid of the dark. He explains how the fog created a 'moving beam of light' effect, making the joke appear more convincing. Conde suggests the prank likely occurred between 1:00 and 4:00 a.m. and that the fog was critical to its success. He also notes that the incident was likely covered up as a joke, and it's unclear if the pranked individual was ever told the truth.

Sod This For a Game of Soldiers

This section highlights the potential danger of the Rendlesham Forest incident, given that RAF Bentwaters was a Weapons Storage Area containing tactical nuclear weapons. Former US Air Force employee Kathy Smith confirms the presence of small, 'hot' nuclear weapons at Bentwaters in 1980. However, interviews with personnel who were on duty that night revealed no knowledge of any beams of light endangering munitions. Halt's own account of the incident suggests he ordered everyone back to base, seeing no reason to stay out longer, and seemed oblivious to the potential threat. The article also mentions that the bases were on 'Alert Condition' due to the Solidarity crisis in Poland, with fears of a Soviet invasion, adding a layer of geopolitical tension to the events.

Britain's Roswell?

Dr. David Clarke investigates whether the release of official documents related to the Rendlesham Forest incident would reveal a genuine UFO landing. He categorizes UFO-lore into alien abductions and conspiracies, with a central theme being government cover-ups of alien presence. Clarke compares UFO cover-up narratives to modern urban legends, noting how stories spread rapidly via the internet and gain legitimacy through 'real' names and places. He states that while Roswell is the seminal story, Rendlesham is often cited as 'Britain's Roswell,' and that both the popular myth and the few certain facts have diverged significantly.

The Ministry of Defence and the Rendlesham incident

UFOlogists learned of the Rendlesham incident in early 1981. While the bases were loaned to the USAF, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) was responsible for events off-base and UK airspace defense. Speculation of a cover-up was rampant. The MoD's official stance was that the incident held no defense significance. In 1994, Nick Pope, then at Sec(AS) 2, investigated the matter further, with notes indicating the radiation levels were 'completely harmless.' However, by 1996, Pope described the alleged radiation traces as 'the most tangible proof that something extraordinary happened there.' The article notes that the MoD's policy of playing down UFOs contrasted sharply with the USAF's public Project Blue Book. American UFOlogists could obtain documents via FOIA, but similar access in Britain was limited until recently.

Cover-up or Cock-up?

This section details the MoD's handling of the Rendlesham incident. It reveals that the MoD did not obtain the correct dates for the sightings until 1983, two years after the events, and this information came from a member of the public, astronomer Ian Ridpath, not the USAF. Ridpath's research indicated that the initial sighting on December 26, 1980, was likely the lighthouse at Orfordness, and that the date of December 27 provided by Lt Col Halt was likely incorrect. The MoD's response to further inquiries was characterized by a lack of interest and memory, with Squadron Leader Donald Moreland stating that the incident was 'almost 3 years old and no one here remembers it clearly.' The MoD also made little attempt to independently confirm claims of higher-than-expected radiation levels, with one specialist suggesting further inquiries into natural background levels. The radioactivity issue was not raised again until 1994.

The Smoking Gun?

Jenny Randles acknowledges that the released MoD file primarily reflects the MoD's bureaucracy rather than details of the events themselves. The file contains correspondence between the MoD secretariat and the public between 1982 and 1994, documenting the MoD's attempts to avoid answering questions and unwelcome publicity. The MoD was not officially aware of the incident until receiving Lt Col Halt's memo in early January 1981. Checks with radar stations found no unusual returns. The article suggests that the MoD's reliance on Halt's potentially incorrect dates hindered their investigation. The 'smoking gun' for UFOlogists, the idea of a government cover-up, is presented as less likely than a 'cock-up' due to bureaucratic indifference and a lack of interest.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is skepticism towards sensational claims and official narratives, particularly concerning UFOs and vaccine safety. The Skeptic magazine adopts a critical and investigative stance, aiming to uncover factual information and debunk myths. The articles highlight the importance of scientific methodology, the dangers of misinformation, and the erosion of public trust in both scientific and governmental institutions. The magazine suggests that many UFO phenomena, including the Rendlesham Forest incident, may be explained by misidentification, hoaxes, or bureaucratic incompetence rather than extraterrestrial activity or deliberate government cover-ups. The editorial stance is one of reasoned inquiry, emphasizing critical thinking and evidence-based analysis.

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 17, Number 2-3, published in 2004, focuses on the Rendlesham Forest incident and its implications for UFOlogy. The main article, "The Rendlesham Incident: Some Lessons for UFOlogy" by Jenny Randles, critically examines the case and its surrounding mythology.

The Rendlesham Incident: Some Lessons for UFOlogy

Jenny Randles begins by acknowledging the significant human interest generated by the Rendlesham Forest incident of December 1980, characterizing it as a major case for those who believe in UFOs and a challenge to skeptics. She cautions that taking UFO stories at face value is the most dangerous approach in UFOlogy.

Randles notes that UFO stories attract disproportionate media attention, often with reporters having little grasp of scientific evidence. She contrasts this with cases like Hessdalen, Norway, where spectroscopic data were obtained. The media's focus on 'alien spaceship' narratives, rather than the literal meaning of UFO (Unidentified Flying Object), contributes to the hype.

She argues that many UFOlogists, particularly when focusing on 'big cases,' fall prey to similar motives as the media, seeking answers that confirm their pre-existing beliefs, often fixated on extraterrestrial visitors. Randles suggests that UFOlogists rarely investigate objectively or expect answers that deviate from their initial hypotheses. She posits that UFOlogy, as a movement, may have an inbuilt reason not to solve its mysteries, as solving them would shift responsibility to fields outside the UFO community, potentially leading to the movement's 'suicide.'

Skeptics, on the other hand, are drawn to cases after they have entered the public domain and have been 'processed' by the UFO community and media. Skeptics inherently seek to explain phenomena, assuming UFOs are explicable. However, Randles points out that this perspective can also be biased and may fail to consider that some UFO cases might offer scientifically interesting data.

Randles recounts her own involvement, starting in the early 1980s. She initially had a less than committed belief in the alien hypothesis. She describes her efforts to obtain information from the MoD, which were largely unhelpful, leading her to suspect either bureaucratic lethargy or a deliberate cover-up. She also notes that three individuals, including herself, tried and failed to verify the case's details in its early days, with only she retaining belief in something beyond the initial reports.

She details how she compiled an account of the Rendlesham case, printing it at her own expense and circulating it, which became the first detailed record. She also encouraged skeptical UFOlogists to visit the forest and provide an independent assessment, which concluded that the case remained unproven.

Randles expresses suspicion about how the case entered the public domain, with two separate individuals linked to USAF intelligence leaking the story. She questions the narrative of base commanders chatting with aliens, suggesting it might be a mask for something else, especially given the MoD's silence. She notes that the MoD's eventual admission of unexplained lights in December 1980, after the release of her OMNI article, was a significant turning point.

Randles proposes a nuclear mishap theory as a more plausible explanation for the incident, suggesting it would be a political catastrophe to hide, thus leading to a UFO cover story. She notes that the MoD seemed more concerned by this theory than the alien UFO context.

She discusses the release of the 'Halt memo' and its impact, and how the case became public knowledge through the News of the World. Randles also mentions her analysis of radiation trace details, which, according to a plant biologist, were not significantly above background levels and could be explained by the forest environment and proximity to a nuclear power station.

Randles also recounts her experience with a rival tabloid that attempted to blackmail her into fabricating a story. She spent time in Rendlesham Forest, speaking with forestry workers who doubted the feasibility of a dropped weapon or helicopter recovery in the dense forest. However, one forester mentioned a large hole in the tree canopy, possibly from something heavy passing through, which was subsequently felled.

Randles concludes by emphasizing the importance of rigorous investigation and the cardinal rules of UFO investigation: that 95% of sightings have prosaic explanations, and one should always start with the simplest explanation before considering a 'real' UFO. She advocates for avoiding the 'unimpeachable' witness and never saying never to an explanation, as cases can be solved years later.

Skeptical Stats

This section presents a list of 50 statistical facts from various sources, covering a wide range of topics from business and finance to social issues and science. Examples include the amount Comcast pays for content, the accuracy of marriage prediction, the cost of raising a child, the number of priests accused of sexual abuse, and the drop in house sparrow populations. The statistics are compiled by Wendy M. Grossman.

Official Sources and References

The article lists official MoD policy files available at the Public Record Office and provides a link to the MoD's Rendlesham Forest UFO incident file online. It also includes a list of references for books and articles related to the case and UFOlogy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards extraordinary claims, the critical examination of evidence, the influence of media on public perception of UFOs, and the importance of scientific methodology in investigating unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly one of critical inquiry, advocating for rational explanations and caution against accepting sensationalized accounts without rigorous verification. The magazine champions a skeptical approach to UFOlogy, emphasizing the need for evidence-based reasoning and the debunking of myths and misinformation.

Title: The SKEPTIC
Issue: Volume 17 Number 2-3
Date: August 2003
Publisher: The SKEPTIC
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of The SKEPTIC, dated August 2003, delves deeply into the complexities of the Rendlesham Forest incident, a pivotal event in UFOlogy. The magazine explores various theories, witness testimonies, and the diplomatic and legal ramifications surrounding the events of December 1980.

The Rendlesham Incident: A Multifaceted Analysis

Witness Testimony and Explanations

The issue begins by examining the Rendlesham Forest incident, with Jenny Randles recounting her initial skepticism and the challenges of explaining the event. She discusses how a sighting of a bright meteor (bolide) was initially explained but later re-emerged without the explanation. Randles highlights the potential role of the Orford Ness lighthouse and the Shipwash lightship in the sightings, noting that experiments involving atmospheric ionization were conducted at Orford Ness. She expresses doubt that the lighthouse alone could be the primary cause but acknowledges its likely contribution to the complex set of encounters.

John Burroughs, a key witness, is presented as objective and willing to consider sensible possibilities. He denied seeing a spaceship but described a 'fuzzy, opaque mass of light' and reported strong electrostatic effects. Burroughs adamantly stated that the lighthouse was not the answer, pointing out that lighthouses do not fly and that the lights he saw moved vertically. The article also touches upon the proliferation of 'wannabees' and tall-tale-tellers in famous cases, complicating the sorting of truth from fantasy.

Randles suggests that many aspects of the incident are now resolved, including misperceptions of stars exhibiting autokinesis. She reiterates the involvement of the lighthouse/lightship as part of a combination of factors. The contentious ground traces are considered a potential 'red herring,' possibly misinterpreted by airmen retracing their steps.

The Role of Kevin Conde and the 'Cover-up'

Peter Brookesmith's article, "Forgive Us Our Trespasses," focuses on the diplomatic aspects and the potential 'cover-up' surrounding Rendlesham. He introduces the claim by Kevin Conde, a former USAF law enforcement officer, that he may have created a hoax by adapting a USAF police car's lighting system to simulate beams of light shining into the forest. This prank, potentially occurring around the same time Lt Col. Charles Halt and his team were investigating, could explain some of the reported phenomena.

Brookesmith details the 'Halt tape' recordings, which mention beams of light and unusual colors. He notes that local residents also reported seeing colored lights. Conde's explanation is presented as a plausible reason for the 'small but otherwise puzzling aspect of the case.'

Conde's perspective on USAF security operations is also presented, emphasizing their role in engaging potential threats off-base. The article discusses the legal and constitutional framework governing US forces in the UK, highlighting that USAF jurisdiction typically ends at the base perimeter. However, exceptions exist, such as in cases of national defense or aircraft crashes. The article questions Halt's decision to conduct an off-base expedition without clear justification, suggesting it was a potentially embarrassing breach of protocol.

Legal and Constitutional Considerations

The article delves into the intricacies of British law and the US Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts the use of military personnel for domestic law enforcement. It is argued that Halt's actions could be seen as mocking the spirit of US law and that his superiors might have wished to conceal his 'aberrant behaviour' to avoid public scrutiny and maintain good relations with the UK.

The legal position regarding US Visiting Forces (USVF) in the UK is complex, with jurisdiction generally limited to the base perimeter. However, on-duty USVF personnel can operate off-base under certain circumstances, such as defending the base or responding to downed aircraft. The article suggests that Halt's actions were not justified under these exceptions and that he may have been trespassing.

The 'Red Peril' Context and Halt's Memo

The Rendlesham incident is placed within the broader context of the Cold War, including the presence of nuclear weapons, the Iran hostage crisis, the IRA bombing campaign, and heightened tensions with the Soviet Union. This geopolitical backdrop, coupled with the potential for embarrassing revelations about USAF personnel's competence, is presented as a motive for a 'cover-up.'

Halt's account of his superiors' reaction to his report is presented, suggesting they were surprised and instructed him to provide only a concise memorandum. This 'Halt memo' is described as a 'disguised apology' or a rueful explanation for his unauthorized actions. The article also touches upon the possibility of firearms being discharged in the forest, which would have caused significant public relations issues in the UK.

Skepticism and the Nature of UFOlogy

Andy Marriott's "Reflections on a Rendlesham Skywatch" offers a more personal account of a UFO-watch event in Rendlesham Forest in August 2003. The SKEPTIC contingent gathered at a local pub, discussing the event and their purpose. At the forest car park, a history of the area was provided, referencing the 1980 UFO sighting by US Army personnel and subsequent reports of phenomena.

During the night watch, participants encountered various alleged phenomena, including mists, 'rods,' and orbs. Brenda Butler, described as a guardian of Rendlesham's mysteries, shared personal experiences of encountering spiritual forces and strange lights. The group observed what appeared to be broken branches, suggesting a possible landing site. The article notes the presence of 'mysterious orbs of psychic energy' captured on camera.

Despite the atmosphere of mystery, the 'sceptic contingent' provided a grounding counterpoint, with members breaking the awe with cans of lager. The narrative also includes anecdotal accounts of a 'small being,' a 'yeti,' mournful cries, and a 'ghost girl,' highlighting the diverse and often fantastical nature of stories associated with the Rendlesham area.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the Rendlesham Forest incident, exploring its multiple layers of interpretation. The magazine adopts a skeptical yet analytical stance, seeking rational explanations for alleged phenomena while acknowledging the complexities and enduring mysteries. There is a strong emphasis on critical examination of witness testimony, the role of misperception, and the potential for misinterpretation of mundane events within a heightened context of military presence and Cold War anxieties.

The editorial stance appears to favor debunking or providing prosaic explanations for UFO reports, while recognizing that a small percentage may remain genuinely unexplained. The issue highlights the importance of legal, constitutional, and diplomatic factors in understanding how such incidents are handled and potentially 'covered up' by authorities, not necessarily to hide extraterrestrial craft, but to manage public relations and avoid embarrassment. The articles collectively underscore the challenges of UFO investigation, the influence of psychological priming, and the tendency for cases to become embellished over time.

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 17 Number 2-3, published by The Skeptic with an ISSN of 0951-4288, covers a range of topics from a skeptical viewpoint. The cover headline is 'Rhyme and Reason', and the issue date is 2004. The magazine features articles by Andy Marriott, Steve Donnelly, Julian Baggini, Michael Heap, and reviews of several books.

Rendlesham Forest Skywatch

Andy Marriott recounts a skywatch experience in Rendlesham Forest. The group encountered a large metal object in a field, initially mistaken for farm machinery, and heard a story about a massive dark shape that bent trees. Marriott expresses his personal skepticism, finding it difficult to bridge the gap between the experiences of others and his own doubts, though acknowledging the forest's magical quality for different reasons.

Rhyme and Reason: Mars Observations and the Mars Effect

Steve Donnelly's column discusses three areas where Mars has featured prominently: the historical observation of 'canali' (channels) on Mars, initially misinterpreted as artificial canals by Percival Lowell, and later debunked as figments of imagination. It also examines the 'Mars Effect' in astrology, a hypothesis by Michel Gauquelin suggesting a correlation between Mars' position at birth and sports champions, which subsequent independent tests failed to confirm due to methodological issues and potential bias in Gauquelin's data. Finally, Donnelly touches upon the idea of 'Martian artifacts', referencing the 'Face on Mars' and subsequent rover images that have dispelled such notions, while also noting the proliferation of claims about ancient Martian civilizations.

Philosopher's Corner: The Penalty Fare System

Julian Baggini critiques the London Underground's penalty fare system, using his own experience as an example. He argues that while a rational system might seem fair, the penalty fare system, which imposes a flat £10 fine for any ticket infraction, fails because it lacks discretion and fails to distinguish between deliberate fare dodgers and those who make honest mistakes. Baggini contends that true rationality requires good judgment, not just adherence to fixed rules, and that excessive rationalism, by stripping away judgment, can be detrimental.

ASKE News

Michael Heap, Chairman of ASKE, provides an update on the Association for Skeptical Enquiry. He announces subscription details for 2004 and highlights recent and upcoming issues of 'The Skeptical Intelligencer', focusing on topics like unusual creatures, pseudo-history, and pseudo-archaeology. He also mentions GM Woerlee's book 'Mortal Minds: A Biology of the Soul and the Dying Experience' and poses a question about a 1960s theory regarding chemical reactions in the brain at death. The upcoming Fifth World Skeptics Congress in Padua, Italy, is also promoted, with a list of prominent speakers.

Reviews

The issue includes several book reviews:

• Cosmic Guinea Pigs: Why We Exist: Inferences from Science for an explanation of Human Purpose by Eugene Bell-Gam, reviewed by Dene Bebbington. The reviewer finds the book's thesis bizarre, mixing anti-evolutionary arguments with a 'Solar Laboratory Theory' and spurious analogies, concluding it's a muddled mix of pseudoscience and muddled thinking.
• What Is Normal? Hoaxes, Myths and Manias by Robert E Bartholomew and Benjamin Radford, reviewed by Hilary Evans. This book is recommended for its lucid guidelines on critical thinking and its diverse case histories illustrating principles in action, making it suitable for educational use.
• Inamorata by Joseph Gangemi, reviewed by Alicia Hill Ruiz. This novel is described as a mystery set during a Spiritualist revival in Philadelphia, exploring psychic phenomena and the tension between belief and skepticism.
• Hoaxes, Frauds and Delusions: Pseudoscience and the Paranormal by Terence Hines, reviewed by Chris Willis. This updated edition offers an introduction to pseudoscience, covering topics like psychics, life after death, and UFOs, with a useful bibliography but some issues with illustration reproduction and indexing.
• Key to What? Fifty Key Thinkers in Psychology by Noel Sheehy, reviewed by John Radford. Radford finds the book useful for students but criticizes its alphabetical rather than chronological presentation and the lack of depth in explaining the thinkers' contexts and contributions.
• Real Science for Real Problems: The Scientific Study of Society by Max Steuer, reviewed by Paul Taylor. This book is praised for systematically displaying research in social sciences to counter postmodernist claims, offering a strong case for the value of real social science with a focus on empirical investigation.
• Gore and Lore: How Mumbo Jumbo Took Over the World by Francis Wheen, reviewed by Gaius Vincent. The reviewer notes the book's focus on irrationality and its argument that Enlightenment achievements have been overthrown by economic fundamentalists, holy warriors, and sensationalist historians, illustrating this with contrasts in American presidential elections.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Skeptic consistently promotes critical thinking, skepticism towards extraordinary claims, and the importance of empirical evidence and scientific methodology. The magazine features a range of content, from personal accounts of alleged paranormal phenomena to in-depth analyses of scientific and pseudoscientific topics, and reviews of books that either support or challenge these areas. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rational inquiry and the debunking of hoaxes, frauds, and unfounded beliefs, while also acknowledging the complexities of human psychology and the motivations behind belief.

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 17, Number 2-3, published in 2004, features a cover story titled "Has Science Found God? The Latest Results in the Search for Purpose in the Universe" by Victor J Stenger. The magazine includes book reviews, a letters section with multiple correspondents, and information on subscribing to The Skeptic and purchasing back issues.

Book Reviews

Has Science Found God? The Latest Results in the Search for Purpose in the Universe by Victor J Stenger

Reviewed by Wolf Roder, this book challenges the compatibility of science with the existence of God. Stenger, an emeritus Professor of Physics, examines claims for a 'god of science' and other transcendent elements, arguing that any such entity affecting physical events should be empirically detectable. Roder notes that Stenger's arguments, while simplified, require some understanding of mathematics and can be difficult to follow. Stenger finds no evidence for God or supernatural forces, questioning the need for any god. The book is priced at £16.30 and has ISBN 1591020182.

Engines of Folly: Why Smart People Can Be So Stupid edited by Robert J Sternberg

Reviewed by Pan Pantziarka, this collection of papers explores the nature of stupidity in intelligent individuals. The contributors attempt to unravel the topic, presenting their ideas in an academic yet accessible tone. The review highlights two papers: Diane Halpern's analysis of Bill Clinton's behavior during the Monica Lewinsky scandal, suggesting a failure to adapt to changed circumstances, and David Perkins' use of complexity theory to explain folly through self-organized criticality and emergent properties of complex systems. The book is published by Yale University Press and costs £12.50, with ISBN 0300101708.

Letters

Youens' response to Keen

Tony Youens responds to Montague Keen's letter regarding the case of medium Christine Holohan. Youens, with the help of Adrian Shaw, a serving police detective, proposes an alternative, non-paranormal explanation for the case. They interviewed several police officers involved in the investigation of Anthony 'Pokie' Ruark, including Detective Chief Inspector Norman McKinlay and Detective Superintendent Tony Lundy. These officers generally agreed that Holohan's information had no effect on the investigation and did not provide anything new. Tony Batters, the ex-police officer who wrote the original story, was helpful and provided his notes. Youens notes that Holohan's information about the victim's clothing and the date of the murder was incorrect, and she failed to mention significant details like the murderer's dress or the use of a cord. Youens and Shaw believe they have found a possible non-paranormal explanation, comprehensively destroying Keen and Playfair's psychic theory.

Sense of staring by Robert Corfield

Robert Corfield comments on Rupert Sheldrake's article about staring detection. Corfield questions whether implicit learning hypotheses necessarily lead to chance scores in non-looking trials and suggests experiments to test this. He proposes an alternative hypothesis that subtle cue hypothesis operates in non-remote staring experiments where pseudorandom numbers are not used, and that flawed randomization might be operating in remote staring experiments. He suggests experiments that do not use pseudorandom numbers or flawed randomization to rule out this hypothesis.

Still much to do

Steuart Campbell responds to a letter from Jonathan Poe, criticizing its question-begging nature and implied insult to skeptics. Campbell argues that Poe's assertion that skepticism leads to God is flawed and that Poe's philosophical premise that 'where choices exist and will exist, meaning exists' is also problematic. Campbell contends that it is simpler to believe in chance and evolution than in a creator, and that Jesus' cosmology was primitive. He dismisses Poe's concern to share biblical quotations as useless and urges him to adopt true skepticism.

Another kind of scepticism? by Anthony Quinn

Anthony Quinn thanks the editor for publishing Jonathan Poe's essay, acknowledging that it provokes dissent. Quinn argues that Poe's definition of meaning based on choice is flawed, as life's meaning cannot be explained by positing a creator who is part of the universe. He also questions the idea that rational minds posit the existence of evil as an entity.

Or provocation? by Donald Rooum

Donald Rooum suggests that Jonathan Poe's belief that skepticism leads to God is either provocative or based on a flawed postulate. Rooum argues that Poe wrongly dismisses evolution and the idea of a meaningless universe. He criticizes Poe's philosophical blunder about meaning and choice, and his misinterpretation of scientists' rejection of evolution. Rooum advocates for Occam's razor, suggesting that chance and evolution are simpler explanations than a creator. He also notes that Jesus' cosmology was primitive and that Poe's concern with biblical quotations is irrelevant.

Other Content

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Back Issues

A list of available back issues of The Skeptic is provided, categorized by volume and issue number, with titles and brief descriptions. Discount rates for ordering multiple back issues are also detailed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the intersection of science and religion, the nature of skepticism, and the psychological explanations for seemingly paranormal phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly one of critical inquiry and rationalism, as evidenced by the reviews of books that challenge religious claims and explore cognitive biases, and the letters section which engages in rigorous debate about evidence, logic, and the definition of skepticism. The magazine actively promotes a skeptical approach to extraordinary claims, encouraging readers to seek evidence-based explanations and to question unsubstantiated beliefs.