Skeptical Eye - Vol 01 No 2 - 1987

Magazine Overview

This is the September 1987 issue, Volume One, Number Two, of the "Newsletter of the National Capital Area Skeptics, Inc." (NCAS). The issue features a cover story on a panel discussion about UFO abductions, a report on the publishing industry's focus on paranormal topics, and various updates on NCAS activities and special interest groups.

June Meeting: TV Cameras Roll as Panel Discusses—or Avoids—UFO Abductions

This article by Julie Stern details the NCAS's first general meeting on June 7, which drew nearly 200 attendees and was covered by local television station WTTG. The panel discussion, moderated by James H. Sharp, director of the Albert Einstein Planetarium, focused on "UFO Abductions: Fact or Fantasy?" Sharp reviewed historical cases, including the 1961 Barney and Betty Hill incident, and recent bestsellers like Whitley Streiber's "Communion" and Budd Hopkins's "Intruders." Philip J. Klass, a founding member of CSICOP, and Bruce S. Maccabee, a research physicist and chair of the Fund for UFO Research, were the afternoon's speakers. Klass questioned the audience about Hopkins's "three key criteria" for abduction evidence: missing time, nightmares, and seeing strange lights. He also critiqued Hopkins's methods, citing assumptions based on hesitant statements and dreams, and a failure to search for verifying evidence. Klass presented down-to-earth explanations for phenomena in the "Kathy Davis" case, which Hopkins considered significant due to alleged physical evidence.

Maccabee, while also a skeptic, expressed concern about one-sided skepticism and stated that while there is no hard physical evidence, many unexplained sightings do exist. He shifted the focus from abduction reports to providing a background on UFO reports in general, arguing that abduction cases are only interesting when tied to other phenomena. He then described several unexplained UFO incidents, including the 1947 Kenneth Arnold sighting and the November 1986 Japanese Airlines sighting. Klass responded by apologizing for Maccabee not addressing the topic and offered explanations for the JAL sighting, suggesting the crew saw Jupiter and a reflection of the moon off ice crystals. A lively question-and-answer session followed, with Klass and Sharp cautioning Maccabee to stick to the topic, and Klass himself being criticized for his behavior.

Board Thanks WTTG For Coverage, Notes Error

NCAS Interim President Stanley Bigman thanked WTTG-channel 5 for its coverage of the general meeting, praising the station's reporting. However, he corrected reporter Katherine DeLaski's statement that NCAS "rejects the notion" that "maybe there is life out there." Bigman clarified that NCAS members likely accept the possibility of other life forms but question whether reported sightings are actual extraterrestrial visitors.

NCAS Praises CBS For Quackery Feature

Stanley Bigman also sent a letter of commendation to the CBS network show "West 57th Street" for its responsible reporting on medical quackery and AIDS victims, encouraging similar efforts.

Predicting the Future of Publishing

By Randall Lockwood and Julie Stern
This article discusses the prevalence of paranormal and "New Age" books in the publishing industry, citing James Randi's observation that promoting belief in the paranormal is a major money-maker. The authors visited the 1987 Convention of the American Booksellers Association, noting the large number of publishers specializing in occult and "New Age" material, often with elaborate displays and gimmicks. They mention specific titles and series from publishers like Valley of the Sun Publishers, Llewellyn New Times, Falcon Press, and Ariel Press, covering topics from self-help and psychic protection to channeling and crystal phenomena. Despite the popularity of such books, the authors were surprised that major publishing houses did not seem to be stampeding toward the occult, with some like Holt and St. Martin's releasing titles that critically examine or question such phenomena. The article also notes an encouraging proliferation of "hard science" titles, indicating a growing market for scientifically accurate material.

President's Message

By Stanley K. Bigman
Bigman highlights the importance of volunteers for NCAS and encourages members to get involved in SIGs and committees. He emphasizes that the work, though unpaid, is rewarding and offers opportunities to meet like-minded individuals and make an impact. He specifically calls for volunteers for the Finance Committee, Archives Committee (for translation), and for contributing material to the Newsletter.

Message, from page 3

Bigman continues his message by reflecting on a trip that took him past the home of Joseph Priestley, whom he commends as an intellectual forebear for skeptics. He praises Priestley's revolutionary spirit, contributions to chemistry, political writings, and opposition to the slave trade. The Sunbury house is now a museum, offering inspiration.

Ohio BBS Has Skepticism SIG

This section announces the existence of a skepticism special interest group on the Cleveland Free-Net computer bulletin board system, managed by the South Shore Skeptics, and provides access information for interested telecommunicators.

Parapsychology Interest Group Haunts A Local House

By Jim Mc Clenon
Mc Clenon, convener of the NCAS Parapsychology Special Interest Group, details an investigation into a haunting case in Warrenton, Virginia. The house had a history of reported paranormal activity, including footsteps, voices, and electrical disturbances, attributed to a deceased former occupant. The current residents, however, reported no paranormal experiences. Mc Clenon suggests that such cases are often psychological or related to collective behavior and should be studied using social science methods, rather than by accusing those who report experiences of being liars.

Supreme Court Voids Creationism Law

By Randall Lockwood
This article reports on the Supreme Court's 7-to-2 decision to strike down Louisiana's law requiring public schools to teach "creation science" alongside evolution. The law was challenged as a violation of the Establishment Clause. CSICOP and the Southern California Skeptics played a role in the legal battle. The court's decision explicitly condemned the law, stating it impermissibly endorses religion. The article notes that this ruling may not end the creation science debate.

Board Cites Facts On Charlatan In Letter to Senator

NCAS wrote to Senator Claiborne Pell regarding Uri Geller, stating that scientific opinion views him as a clever magician. The letter aimed to counter Geller's alleged psychical abilities and offered to discuss the evidence of his trickery.

News of NCAS Committees, Groups, and Activities

Creationism SIG Meets, Organizes, Sets Projects

The Science and Creationism SIG has established an agenda including educating members about the creationism/evolution controversy, preparing bibliographies, discussing relevant media, establishing links with scientific organizations, evaluating creationist teaching in local schools, and monitoring media presentation of creationism.

We Are 268 Strong After Membership Appeal

NCAS has gained 268 new members following a recent appeal, bringing its total to 268. The organization has over $4,000 in its bank account and aims to reach 300 members.

Archives Committee Needs Help In Creating 'Library Without Walls'

The Archives Committee is seeking contributions of books, articles, and other media related to the paranormal and fringe science to build a database. Members are asked to provide details of their collections for cataloging and lending.

UFO Group Organizes for Local Action

The NCAS UFO Special Interest Group has organized to counter the recent resurgence of interest in UFOs. The group plans to address the Mutual UFO Network convention and other projects.

Contributors Needed For Media Data Base

The Archives Committee is developing a database of articles about paranormal phenomena and fringe science from local and federal publications. They are seeking full-time subscribers willing to clip articles and forward them for inclusion.

Astrology Committee Organizes, Creates Local Agenda

The Astrology SIG held its first meeting, focusing on education and using astrology as a framework for teaching skeptical thought. They plan to examine its historical roots, different forms, and uses, and arrange discussions with experts. They also intend to address the issue of newspaper astrology columns and their use by businesses.

Library Gift Program Suggested

NCAS Interim President Stan Bigman is developing a program to donate collections of skepticism books to local libraries. The initiative involves collaboration with CSICOP and Prometheus Press, with plans for discounted book sets and potential contributions from members.

Halloween Seance To 'Scare,' 'Educate'

NCAS is planning a week-long series of seances in a theatrical setting to educate the public about spiritualism and raise funds for the organization. The event is scheduled for late October.

NCAS Goes to a Party: DC Hosts National UFO Convention

By Greg Summers
This article reports on the 1987 Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) conference held at American University. Bruce Maccabee opened the conference, emphasizing the need for scientific recognition of UFOs. The prevalent themes included the validity of the extraterrestrial hypothesis, the view that skeptics aim to discredit UFO evidence, and the belief in a U.S. government cover-up of UFO contacts. Barry Greenwood argued that the government is hiding evidence of UFOs. Stan Friedman presented a theory that Donald Menzel, a prominent skeptic, had a "double life" and was part of a classified government group (MJ-12) that hid data about UFOs, such as the Roswell crash, to prevent public panic. The article also touches on abduction claims as the most dramatic aspect of UFOlogy and notes Hilary Evans's observation that the U.S. seems to have a monopoly on abduction cases.

Education Group Sets Plans

The NCAS Education in Skepticism Special Interest Group is examining actions related to local schools and colleges, including developing programs to debunk pseudoscience, creating a course on critical thinking, and monitoring curricula for uncritical promotion of pseudoscience.

The Brown Mountain Lights

By Alexander White
This article explores the mystery of the Brown Mountain Lights in North Carolina. It recounts investigations by D. B. Sterrett of the U.S. Geological Survey in 1913, who initially attributed the lights to locomotive headlights, and G.R. Mansfield in 1922, who identified many lights as auto headlights seen in pairs. The author also conducted personal observations in 1972 and 1975. While many lights were unidentified and visible only briefly, the author suggests that unusual geography and the exposure of the Catawba Valley may contribute to the perception of a mystery, and that the lights are likely stationary valley lights or other mundane sources. More work is needed for a full explanation.

Fact and Fancy in Sixth Senses

By Lee J. Rickard
Rickard speculates on how our perception of the world might differ if our senses were extended (e.g., to ultraviolet light, infrared, ultrasonic echoes). He discusses how new parts of the spectrum in astronomy reveal new phenomena requiring new explanations. The article touches on magnetotaxis in animals and the challenges in understanding bird migration navigation. It mentions the geomagnetic hypothesis and the work of Richard Blakemore and Richard Frankel in identifying magnetic particles in bacteria.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes a skeptical and scientific approach to paranormal phenomena, UFOs, creationism, and pseudoscience. It encourages critical thinking, evidence-based investigation, and the dissemination of factual information. The NCAS actively engages in debunking pseudoscientific claims, educating the public, and fostering a community of like-minded individuals. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry but rigorous examination of evidence, rejecting claims without scientific support while acknowledging the possibility of unexplained phenomena.

Title: Sixth Senses
Issue: 10
Publisher: Nat. Cap. Area Skeptics, Inc.
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of "Sixth Senses" delves into several intriguing topics at the intersection of science and the unexplained, including magnetoreception in animals, the controversial practice of dowsing, and the phenomenon of blindsight. The articles explore scientific research, historical claims, and the challenges of rigorous testing in these areas.

Magnetoreception in Birds and Dowsing

The first part of the article discusses the discovery of magnetite in the neck muscles of pigeons and migratory sparrows by David Presti and John Pettigrew. They propose that these single-domain particles may form a magnetic sense organ, allowing birds to orient themselves using the Earth's geomagnetic field. This mechanism is speculatively linked to human dowsing, a practice that the article approaches with skepticism.

Dowsers claim the ability to find water, precious metals, or even dead bodies by interpreting twitches of tools like crooked sticks or plumb bobs. However, the article notes that dowsers consistently fail to demonstrate their abilities under controlled test conditions, leading to doubts about their claims. The proposed magnetic stimulus for dowsing, especially in relation to subterranean rivers or corpses, is questioned.

Electromagnetic Sensitivity and Health Concerns

The issue touches upon laboratory investigations into human sensitivity to magnetic fields. While some early experiments suggested individuals could sense 60-Hz, 10-gauss fields, more rigorous testing often reduced success rates to chance. Some subjects reported "magnetic headaches," a symptom also noted in Eastern European literature concerning the physiological and psychological effects of electromagnetic fields.

Questions are raised about the potential impact of electromagnetic pollution from various sources, including microwave ovens, power lines, and broadcasting towers. The article highlights the theoretical difficulty in explaining how low-energy microwave photons could cause effects beyond mild heating, creating a gap between theoretical compatibility and experimental data.

Historical Associations and Pseudoscientific Claims

The subject of electromagnetic sensitivity is noted to have historical associations with pseudosciences, particularly psychic phenomena. Upton Sinclair's book "Mental Radio" is mentioned as an example of interpreting psychic abilities as low-frequency electromagnetic perceptions. John Taylor, who was influenced by Uri Geller, initially argued that electromagnetism explained ESP. However, after being challenged by magicians like James Randi, Taylor reportedly concluded that ESP was not real when he could not find electromagnetic phenomena associated with it.

Regeneration and the "Current of Injury"

A more scientifically grounded area discussed is the observed ability of animals, like flatworms, to regenerate lost limbs. Robert Becker's work in the 1950s linked this regeneration to an electrical change, the "current of injury," which develops at the injured point. Becker theorized that cells respond to a constant electric current maintained by the nervous system. This has led to successful attempts to stimulate regeneration in animals and aid in human bone healing, with recent work suggesting the skin, rather than nerves, generates this current.

Blindsight and Perceptual Channels

The article also explores the concept of "blindsight," as studied by Lawrence Weiskrantz at Oxford University. This phenomenon occurs in individuals with brain cortex damage who, despite not consciously seeing, can accurately guess details about visual stimuli. This suggests an alternative neural pathway from the eye to the brain, operating through the midbrain rather than the cortex, which provides a sensation of "something happening" rather than a visual image.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the issue is the critical examination of claims that lie outside mainstream scientific understanding. The publication, likely from an organization like the National Capital Area Skeptics, adopts a responsible, scientific approach, aiming to disseminate factual information about paranormal and fringe-science claims. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, emphasizing the importance of rigorous testing and empirical evidence, while also acknowledging legitimate areas of scientific inquiry such as magnetoreception and the biological basis of regeneration.