Skeptical Eye - Vol 03 No 3 - 1989

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Skeptical Eye, published by the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS) in Fall 1989, focuses on debunking pseudoscience and promoting critical thinking. The cover story highlights James Randi's lecture, where he exposed faith healers and psychic surgeons, and features Penn Jillette and Teller's engagement with the NCAS.

Feature Articles

Randi Claims Extraordinary Proof

By Stephen R. Dujack, this article details James Randi's lecture on July 8th at the National Institutes of Health. Randi, introduced by Penn Jillette, aimed to expose the 'extraordinary claims' of paranormalists and the susceptibility of the public and media. He demonstrated illusions to show how easily people can be fooled. Randi condemned numerous faith healers, including Pat Robertson, Oral Roberts, Peter Popoff, W.V. Grant, David Paul, and Leroy Jenkins, detailing their methods of extracting large sums of money. He shared an anecdote about Peter Popoff's use of a hidden earpiece to receive 'divine' information, leading to Popoff's eventual bankruptcy after being exposed on The Johnny Carson Show. Randi also criticized Pat Robertson for allegedly encouraging diabetics to stop insulin, leading to deaths. He also recounted his own staged psychic surgery demonstration on Carson and lamented that psychic surgeons are difficult to prosecute. Randi's tricks included bending a spoon and making a watch run backward, which he demonstrated as easily achievable illusions, contrasting them with Uri Geller's claims at Stanford Research Institute.

A Gift from the Magi

By Chip Denman, this piece covers the event featuring Penn & Teller, who performed for the NCAS. The article notes their 'newage' nonsense debunking and the audience's enthusiastic response. Following their six-week run at the National Theater, Penn & Teller participated in a post-show Q&A session on June 25th. They addressed questions about UFOs, with Penn Jillette stating, "I have unidentified objects in my refrigerator, but that doesn't mean I've been visited by aliens." The article highlights that Penn & Teller's involvement, along with Randi's program, significantly increased NCAS membership.

Noted Author Tells How to Predict the Future-For Real!

By Randy Lockwood, this article profiles author Kim Long, known for his annual publication 'The American Forecaster.' Long, who is neither a psychic nor a futurist, shared his methods for predicting social and consumer trends using conventional techniques and a keen sense of humor. He discussed his early work with a defunct almanac and his humorous creation of fake Nostradamus predictions. Since 1984, Long has used sources like trade journals, stockholder reports, and NASA data to assemble his forecasts. Examples of his predictions include an increase in exercise programs for children, a decline in psychiatrist clients, and the return of stilettos and rock and roll nostalgia. He also predicted a fading interest in channeling due to overuse. Long's predictions for political futures are noted as less accurate, but his methods are presented as a rational approach to understanding future trends, exemplified by his 'satiric prophecy' technique, which has accurately predicted fads like 'retro jogging' and swimming with sharks.

President's Column: How We Spent Our Summer Vacation

By Chip Denman, the President of NCAS, this column reflects on the successful summer programs, particularly the events featuring Penn & Teller and James Randi. These events attracted hundreds of attendees and media attention, leading to over 40 new members. The column emphasizes the importance of volunteer contributions for the success of activist groups like NCAS, noting the challenges faced by other skeptic organizations. A new phone number, (301) 587-3827, is announced for organizational announcements.

NCAS Member Debates Leading Creationist

By Douglas E. McNeil, this article reports on a three-hour debate on July 27th between NCAS member Edward Max, a molecular biologist, and Duane Gish, vice president of the Institute for Creation Research. The debate, held at the Central Baptist Church in Vienna, Virginia, addressed the resolution: "Resolved, that the theory of evolution is superior to special creation as an explanation of the scientific evidence related to origins." Max argued that evolution is reasonable and based on known facts, outlining principles of natural selection and the consistency of fossil records. He challenged Gish's thermodynamic arguments against evolution and invited Gish to publish a rigorous technical analysis. Gish contended that the 'big bang' theory violates the First Law of Thermodynamics and that the order in life violates the Second Law. He focused on the lack of transitional fossils and asserted that organisms like Archaeopteryx were fully birds and all fossil hominids should be classified as apes. Gish also questioned how natural selection could produce the metamorphosis of a butterfly. Max countered that gaps in knowledge are normal and that cumulative selection reduces the odds against complex structures. The article notes that while few minds were changed, the event motivated listeners to examine evolutionary evidence more closely.

UFOs in the USSR?

This brief report discusses a UFO sighting in Voronezh, USSR, reported by the Soviet news agency Tass. Phil Klass, a leading UFO investigator and NCAS member, expressed skepticism about the report's credibility, suggesting it might be part of a new Soviet tabloid strategy. The report also notes that the Soviets are reportedly experiencing satellite issues.

Other Sections

Letter to the Editor

Peter J. Stanton, D.C., writes to express dismay about a previous article on medical quackery, arguing that Steven Barrett's approach is too biased and motivated by fanatic zeal rather than objectivity. Stanton provides examples of treatments once considered quackery that are now accepted (e.g., chiropractors, optometrists) and cites studies showing the effectiveness of nutritional treatments and multivitamins. He suggests a more objective approach to alternative remedies, investigating potential validity rather than outright dismissal.

Editor's Notes

These notes mention that a "Skeptic's Response" to creationist arguments will be in the next issue. Information is provided on how to borrow a videotape or purchase audio tapes of the Max-Gish debate.

Call for Skeptics Volunteers

This section encourages members to get involved in NCAS activities, such as suggesting program ideas, publicizing events, assisting at lectures, and clipping media articles. Contact information for Gary Stone is provided.

Membership/Renewal Form

A form is included for individuals to join or renew their membership in NCAS, with options for single, double, and student memberships, and areas of interest such as Astrology, Communications, Education, Fringe Medicine, Creationism, and UFOs.

Order Your NCAS Shirts Now!

An advertisement offers NCAS t-shirts and sweatshirts for sale, with an order form included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a rational, scientific, and objective approach to evaluating claims, particularly those related to pseudoscience, paranormal phenomena, and creationism. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, advocating for evidence-based reasoning and critical investigation. The NCAS actively engages in debunking, educating the public, and fostering a community of like-minded individuals. There is a strong emphasis on volunteerism and the importance of active participation in promoting skepticism. The publication also highlights the intersection of skepticism with popular culture, as seen in the features on James Randi and Penn & Teller.