Skeptical Eye - Vol 03 No 2 - 1989

Magazine Overview

Title: SKEPTICAL EYE
Issue: Vol. 3, No. 2
Date: Spring, 1989
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Country: USA
Language: English

Articles and Features

Miracles and Magic of the God-Men of India By Gary Stone This article details the appearance of Indian researcher B. Premanand at an NCAS meeting. Premanand, founder of the 100,000-strong Indian Committee for Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal, spoke about the unethical practices of "God-Men" in India who exploit the masses. He shared his personal journey from belief to skepticism, highlighting inconsistencies such as gurus claiming to cure sickness while being sick themselves, or gurus asking for money instead of creating it. Premanand demonstrated his skepticism by performing a fire-walking demonstration, explaining that it takes about three seconds for skin to burn from a kerosene torch at 800 degrees, requiring no spiritual elevation. He also debunked common "miracles" like self-mutilation without bleeding, claiming it relies on simple chemical or mechanical effects and audience naivete. He explained that piercing the skin with a needle or thread can support significant weight, and demonstrated how a paper soaked in clarified butter can burst into flame with potassium permanganate. Glass eating was also discussed, involving sleight of hand or grinding the glass into fine granules. Premanand also touched on the decline of the Indian Rope Trick, attributing it to artificial light revealing the trick's mechanics. He offers a $10,000 prize for demonstrated psychic powers and has engaged in judicial confrontations with charlatans, including a case against a God-Man who allegedly created a gold necklace from thin air, violating India's Gold Control Act. Premanand emphasized the importance of cultivating a scientific temperament, as stated in India's constitution.

Swiss's Magic "Evening With an Honest Liar" By Julie Stern This piece reviews a performance by magician Jamy Ian Swiss at the University of Maryland. Swiss, a professional magician, NCAS board member, and "skeptical activist," presented a magic comedy nightclub act. The show included tricks with cards, coins, coat hangers, and handkerchiefs. He also performed a "genuine mindreading" demonstration and a test of ESP. Swiss described the difference between a magician's act and a psychic's routine as being primarily about settings and expectations. He noted that scientists studying psychics are often untrained in detecting deception. Swiss's act included a segment where he poked fun at New Age figures like Shirley MacLaine and Uri Geller. He also performed a handkerchief knot trick woven into a personal story about illusions. Following the performance, Swiss discussed magic, magicians, the paranormal, and skepticism, emphasizing that science seeks true answers. He quoted H.L. Mencken, stating, "The most costly of all follies is to believe passionately in the palpably not true." Swiss expressed willingness to repeat the show for NCAS.

Blinks of the Skeptical Eye This section provides brief updates on NCAS members and related events. Walter Rowe co-authored an article on Bigfoot footprints in the Skeptical Inquirer. Stephen Brimich wrote a letter on health quackery in the same issue. Jeffry Mueller had a letter published in U.S.News & World Report regarding a "Twilight Zone in Washington" article. NCAS President Chip Denman will teach courses on "Science and Pseudoscience" at GWU and the University of Maryland. Magicians Penn and Teller will perform in Washington, with NCAS planning events around their visit. The NOVA broadcast on Easter Island is mentioned, and a videotaped copy is available. James Randi spoke at the University of Maryland, encouraging the audience to "go on to the stars." A syndicated TV special hosted by Randi, "Exploring Psychic Powers Live," is upcoming. The next CSICOP Annual Conference will be held in Crystal City, Virginia, from March 28-April 2, 1990, and NCAS members are encouraged to provide input via a survey form and volunteer.

UFOs at the NASM By Guy W. Moore This article reports on a talk by Philip Klass at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum. Klass, an NCAS board member and UFO investigator, stated that despite decades of "UFO experience," no physical artifact or photographic representation has withstood rigorous scrutiny. He argued that UFO evidence relies solely on sightings, which are often inconclusive. Klass methodically presented prosaic explanations for seemingly compelling UFO reports, including those with multiple witnesses, effects on humans/animals, and radar confirmation. He acknowledged that Allen Hynek had identified a "hard core of cases that can't be explained in prosaic terms" but never pursued them with the National Academy of Sciences. Klass noted that UFO sightings are cyclic and often stimulated by media. He mentioned recent cycles involving alleged abductions, citing Whitley Strieber and Budd Hopkins. Klass addressed questions about the authenticity of UFO photographs, the government's pursuit of UFO leads, and a reference to UFO artifacts at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, which he attributed to Barry Goldwater's faulty memory. He also discussed the CIA's release of UFO documents and the Condon Report, which he found "mismanaged" but agreed with its conclusion. Klass concluded that the public is free to believe or disbelieve in UFOs, but science provides answers.

Sagan, from p. 3 & 4 This section continues the discussion from Carl Sagan's keynote address at the International Cooperation Conference. Sagan argued that a manned mission to Mars would be a unifying objective, fostering international cooperation and potentially moderating U.S.-Soviet relations. He criticized the U.S. space program's lack of clear objectives, likening NASA to a "piece of space junk" after the Apollo program. He emphasized the importance of "Mission to Planet Earth" for monitoring climate and environmental trends. Sagan also commented on the greenhouse effect on Venus as a lesson for Earth. Harlan Smith argued for a Moon base as a precursor to Mars missions, providing a platform for astronomical observation and testing grounds for technology. The discussion highlighted the need for unprecedented U.S.-Soviet collaboration in space. The article notes that Dan Quayle withdrew from the symposium. Sagan expressed skepticism about the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), calling its initial formulation "a tragic, ruinously expensive mistake."

Astrology Debunked By Herb Federhen This article summarizes a talk by astronomer Lee Rickard on astrology. Rickard, who holds a Ph.D. in astronomy and astrophysics, explained that astronomy and astrology are distinct disciplines. He presented three main objections to astrology: philosophical (predestination vs. free will), empirical (lack of positive correlation in studies), and physical (lack of a known mechanism for influence). He noted that the precession of the Earth's axis, which alters the apparent position of constellations, is not accounted for by astrology. Rickard also pointed out that the gravitational pull of a car or an obstetrician on a newborn baby is far greater than that of distant stars and planets.

President's Message: Nuclear Fusion in Bottle of Water, Powered by Car Battery! By D. W. "Chip" Denman This message discusses the startling claims of "cold fusion" reported in major newspapers, involving the production of energy from water using simple equipment. The claims were made by Professors Fleishman and Pons at the University of Utah, with corroboration from Professors Jones and Palmer at Brigham Young University. The process allegedly involves dissolving lithium in heavy water, applying electrical current, and producing heat from deuterium fusion. The scientific community remains skeptical due to the lack of peer-reviewed publications and the unconventional announcement method. The message compares this to the "water with a memory" claim debunked by James Randi and notes that scientists are awaiting published details to attempt replication. The author expresses hope that open-minded skepticism will prevail.

The Skeptics' Bookshelf This section reviews several books: * The Day That Lightning Chased the Housewife...and Other Mysteries of Science, edited by Julia Leigh and David Savold: A collection of 51 articles from Science 80-86, covering various scientific mysteries in a light yet informative tone. * UFO Abductions: A Dangerous Game by Philip J. Klass: This book is recommended for those who purchased Budd Hopkins's *Intruders* or Whitley Strieber's *Communion*. Klass critiques the methodology of abduction proponents, particularly their reliance on the "appeal to ignorance" fallacy, and suggests that those affected by abduction claims seek psychotherapy. * Bare-Faced Messiah: The True Story of L. Ron Hubbard by Russell Miller: This biography is presented as a definitive account of L. Ron Hubbard's life, juxtaposing the "official" version with factual evidence. It details Hubbard's alleged duplicity, including his fabricated war record and his involvement with Satanic rites.

Clouded Vision: Frequency Moderation By Jon Slobins This piece humorously critiques the astrology column in TV Guide, which summarizes horoscopes in a single paragraph per sign. The author satirically suggests that even less frequent horoscopes (monthly, yearly, or decennial) would be more effective, ultimately concluding that eliminating horoscopes entirely is the most effective approach.

Moving? This is a notice for NCAS members to send their new address to Grace Denman if they are moving, to ensure they continue receiving the Skeptical Eye.

Membership/Renewal Form This section provides a form for renewing NCAS membership, outlining membership levels (Single, Double, Full-Time Student) and areas of interest to check.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Skeptical Eye, published by the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS), consistently promotes a critical and scientific approach to claims of the paranormal and fringe science. The magazine features articles that debunk pseudoscience, analyze the methods of magicians and skeptics, and discuss current events related to scientific controversies. There is a strong emphasis on evidence-based reasoning and a rejection of claims that lack empirical support. The editorial stance is clearly pro-skepticism, encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims and to rely on scientific methodology for understanding the world. The magazine also serves as a platform for NCAS members to share their expertise and engage in discussions on a wide range of topics, from UFOs and astrology to magic and space exploration.

Title: NCAS Skeptical Eye
Issue: Spring 1989
Publisher: NCAS (National Capital Area Skeptics)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Rickard's Astrology, from p. 10

This section, continuing from page 10, explores why intelligent people continue to believe in astrology. Rickard suggests several potential reasons:

• Need for romance: A desire for romance in an otherwise dull or uneventful life.
• Therapy: The need for a friendly person to talk to and assist in decision-making.
• Science's obscurity: The fact that science, which should offer a better basis for understanding the world, is often too obscure and incomprehensible for the average person.

Rickard, speaking from a skeptic's perspective, advocates for concentrating efforts on making science more accessible. He notes that while science has become more complex, moving into areas like black holes and quantum chromodynamics, skeptics can help by explaining rational, scientific explanations for unusual events. The key to promoting skepticism, he argues, is explanation rather than decrying.

The author then humorously concludes this section by noting the sun is in Taurus and the moon is in the House of Chan, stating it means "absolutely nothing!"

Editorial and Staff Needs

WANTED: EDITOR, ASSISTANT EDITORS, WRITERS

NCAS members with writing, reporting, editing, and/or production experience are sought to work on this publication. Interested individuals are asked to contact Julie Stern at (703) 237-8591.

Layout and Desktop Publishing Services by: Mac Around the House

Mac Around the House, located at 1117 S. Oakcrest Road, Arlington, VA 22202-2227, provides layout and desktop publishing services. Their phone number is (703) 684-9437.

Ye Olde New Age Shoppe

By Demetrios Tsiptsis

This article reviews a shop called "Crystals" in Georgetown, located on M Street at 31st. The shop is easily identifiable by a large blue neon sign depicting a rock formation.

Upon entering, the author was greeted by a woman arranging stones. He mentioned experiencing back pain, for which a chiropractor had no success, but a friend suggested meditating while holding a crystal. The shopkeeper showed him an amethyst, suggesting it would help, but when the author expressed dislike for the color, she offered another crystal, warning that he would need to meditate harder or buy two.

The store features baskets of crystals, each with a file card explaining its properties and uses (e.g., healing, trances, sex). Another display includes pewter figurines accented with quartz, representing wizard staffs, unicorn horns, or dragon eyes. Greeting cards with crystal themes and rhinestones are also available, featuring sayings like "My love for you is crystal clear."

The author highlights the extensive book section as the store's main draw, with titles divided into categories such as astrology, alchemy, philosophy, Egyptology, healing, and "magick." A specific section is dedicated to books on Atlantis, detailing its location, inhabitants, language, and disappearance.

As the author was leaving, he observed the shopkeeper playing with a silver ball that produced a pleasant, melodious jingle. He found it appealing but reconsidered purchasing it when he learned the price was $80, concluding that "the profit to be made in the New Age is one thing that is crystal clear."

Penn & Teller Special Notice

This notice announces that comic magicians and skeptics Penn & Teller will be bringing their Broadway show to the National Theater on June 1. NCAS members will receive a special mailing with discount ticket offers and an opportunity for a post-performance question-and-answer session exclusively for members and their guests.

An anticipated Sunday evening performance is scheduled for late June, with orders needing prompt return upon receipt of a form. Members are advised to watch their mailboxes for further details.

Voices from the Skeptic Tank: Naphtha Speaks

This section features a Q&A with "Naphtha," described as the spiritual channel guide to the cosmic unconscious, channeled by NCAS board member Jamy Jan Swiss. Naphtha is presented as a 39,000-year-old entity offering wisdom.

The dialogue begins with Swiss's incantation: "Eenie Meenie, Chili Beenie, the spirits are about to speak."

Naphtha's responses are characteristically dismissive and humorous:

• On the New Age movement: "It seems to me that New Agers are overqualified for Old Age: they've all been overcome by senility."
• On "Chessie" (Chesapeake Bay monster): "More people have seen Elvis lately, for crying out loud!"
• On Bigfoot: When asked if Bigfoot stays in the woods, Naphtha suggests it lives in the fourth dimension and advises travelers to wear hip boots.
• On Jason Voorhees (from "Friday the 13th"): Naphtha jokingly suggests Jason's survival is due to homeopathy.

Naphtha's Birthday Horoscope (for Gemini):

A surprise is in store for you! Also, you tend to travel apart from the crowd. This is because you have severe body odor.

NCAS Needs You!

This is a call for volunteers for NCAS. The organization needs help with planning and executing programs, preparing the newsletter, and assembling mailings. Interested individuals, whether for one-time or regular commitments, are encouraged to contact NCAS's volunteer coordinator, Gary Stone, via mail (P.O. Box 153, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701) or phone ((301) 470-1530).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around skepticism versus belief in the paranormal and pseudoscientific. The magazine actively promotes a rational, scientific viewpoint, challenging the validity of astrology and New Age practices. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of critical thinking and scientific explanation, as exemplified by the "Rickard's Astrology" piece and the humorous, dismissive tone of "Naphtha Speaks." The inclusion of a notice about Penn & Teller, known for debunking the paranormal, further reinforces this skeptical outlook. The publication also emphasizes community involvement through its call for NCAS volunteers.