Skeptical Eye - Vol 05 No 1 - 1990-1991

Magazine Overview

Title: National Capital Area SKEPTICAL EYE
Issue: Winter 1990-91, Vol. 5, No. 1
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Articles and Content

Skeptics Visit the Not-So-Amazing World of Kreskin By Mike Epstein This article details a personal experience of attending a performance by mentalist Kreskin. The author, who was initially interested in the paranormal due to Kreskin in his youth, recounts how his childhood illusions were dashed. He notes that Kreskin's act, which he had read about in 'The Psychology of the Psychic' by D. Marks and R. Kammann, had not changed significantly. The author and three companions attended a show in Manassas, Virginia, with a skeptical attitude. They observed Kreskin pocketing messages and deduced that he may have written them himself, citing an address ('718 Runyin Dr.') as evidence. The author concludes that while Kreskin may still appear amazing to some, he is not psychic.

Ruminations of a Skeptical Physician By Alfred Baer, MD Baer asserts that medicine is a science, relying on facts derived from rigorous experiments and statistical analysis, and always subject to revision. He contrasts applied science with faith healers who prey on transient ailments and loneliness. He notes that patients' preconceived notions, often rooted in cultural superstitions, are important. Baer traces the history of medicine from hand-holding to the advent of specific medications and antibiotics, lamenting the cruel therapies used before that time, such as blood-letting.

President's Column: Magical Thinking in the Magic Kingdom By Chip Denman Denman recounts a visit to Disney World, noting the organization's promotion of both science and fantasy. He expresses surprise and disturbance at finding 'goofy' items for sale, specifically quartz rocks promoted for their mystic powers and health benefits. He contrasts this with the scientific exhibits at EPCOT. Denman shares a positive experience at the Comedy Warehouse, where an improv troupe acted out the phrase "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence!" He encourages skeptics to voice their concerns to officials and believes that collective action can lead to change.

Big Mac Attack? This brief report debunks a purported UFO sighting in northern Virginia on November 11, 1990. The lights, described as 'blob-shaped' and moving in a circular track, were later revealed by the Washington Post to be high-powered searchlights used by local McDonald's restaurants for a fast-food promotion. The clouds at 8500-10,000 feet reflected the lights, creating the illusion of a sighting.

A Skeptic's Response: Hypnosis and Past Lives By Seán O'Neill O'Neill addresses the popular belief that hypnosis can be a gateway to recalling past lives. He explains that reputable hypnotists view hypnosis as a normal functioning of the human mind, not a paranormal conduit. He states that hypnosis can improve access to memories and imagination but also increases confabulation, leading to the generation of material that may not be factual. O'Neill concludes that hypnosis seems limited to accessing memories or imagined events from the current lifetime.

NCAS Team Airs Skeptical Views on Radio Call-In Show By Lys Ann Shore This article summarizes the participation of NCAS representatives Chip Denman and Jamy Ian Swiss on Mike Cuthbert's radio talk show. They discussed topics ranging from faith healing and psychics to the nature of belief and the scientific method. Cuthbert shared an anecdote about a fabricated cold reading that proved surprisingly accurate, which Chip explained as the universe being large enough for unlikely things to happen. The show also addressed criticisms of 'distressing scientism' and the prevalence of psychic claims. The segment generated significant listener interest, leading to a second appearance.

A Look at Our Scientific Future: Judging a Science Fair for NCAS By Mike Epstein Epstein reflects on judging the District of Columbia science fair, noting the importance of science education. He discusses projects on superstition, psychokinesis, pyramid power, and ESP, observing that many students assumed phenomena existed rather than investigating them. He critiques a superstition survey where the definition of 'not superstitious' was too broad. He also notes a pyramid power project that incorrectly concluded pyramid power prevents decay, when the issue was likely the 'evacuation' of one pyramid. An excellent project on twin studies is highlighted as an example of critical thinking.

Other Cool Stuff... This section lists upcoming events of interest to skeptical thinkers in the Washington D.C. area, including lecture series at the University of Maryland on physics, evolution, and Darwinian thought, as well as the AAAS Annual Meeting.

NCAS Membership Survey Pages 5, 6, and 7 contain a survey for NCAS members to provide feedback on the organization's direction, programs, activities, and newsletter. It asks about membership reasons, experiences, interests in skeptical issues, participation in programs, and suggestions for future content and volunteer projects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is the promotion of critical thinking and scientific skepticism in the face of pseudoscience, paranormal claims, and uncritical acceptance of extraordinary assertions. The NCAS, through its newsletter and activities, aims to educate the public, debunk fraudulent claims, and encourage a scientific approach to understanding the world. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and critical inquiry, as demonstrated by the debunking of Kreskin, the analysis of hypnosis, and the critique of flawed science fair projects. The magazine also highlights the importance of skepticism in media and popular culture.

Title: NCAS Skeptical Eye
Issue: Winter 1990-91
Date: Winter 1990-91 (estimated December 1990)
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the NCAS Skeptical Eye, a publication of the National Capital Area Skeptics, delves into a range of topics related to medicine, skepticism, and scientific inquiry. The issue features articles that critically examine medical practices, explore the future of medical research, and discuss the role of skepticism in understanding various claims.

Medicine, from page 1

The lead article, "Medicine, from page 1," provides a historical perspective on medical treatments, contrasting extreme historical methods with the rise of homeopathy. It highlights how early medicine was not a true science, relying on impressions and dogma, yet still led to discoveries like aspirin, derived from willow bark, based on observations of regional plant uses. The article addresses public misconceptions about vitamins, noting they are most needed by the malnourished and that in healthy individuals, excess is excreted as 'expensive urine.' It also points to the export of unapproved therapies, such as walrus tusks and seal penis bones used as aphrodisiacs. The piece discusses the reluctance of responsible physicians to prescribe unnecessary medications and touches upon persistent 'unorthodox' customs like wearing amulets or copper bracelets. Acupuncture is mentioned as a practice gaining some credibility through Western research demonstrating the role of endorphins, though experiments suggest deliberate needle misplacement can yield similar results in suggestible individuals.

The article then shifts to the economic and technological aspects of modern medicine, noting the public's demand for expensive technology. While acknowledging that diagnoses are more provable now, it criticizes the overuse of gadgetry to disprove unlikely conditions. The future of medical research is presented as exciting, with indications that genetic predispositions influence susceptibility to infections and diseases like arthritis. The potential for gene manipulation to treat cancer is also raised. However, the article laments the increasing obstacles to medical research, including funding difficulties, anti-scientific movements against animal research, and opposition to fetal tissue use. It concludes that medicine, despite its progress, is struggling with 'obscurantism' and has become a victim of its own technological advances.

President's Column

Chip Denman, in his "President's Column," expresses a dream of a 'cool, skeptical world.' He also mentions a postscript about Doug Henning's plans for 'Vedaland,' a multi-million dollar Transcendental Meditation theme park in Orlando, detailing Henning's past involvement with levitation techniques and his sale of professional equipment.

NCAS Member Update

This section announces a transition in editorship, with Lys Ann Shore taking over as the new editor of Skeptical Eye. Readers are encouraged to submit their thoughts, ideas, and suggestions. The update acknowledges a slip in the newsletter's production schedule due to its volunteer nature but assures efforts are being made to get back on track. It highlights NCAS's establishment as a resource for the media and public, citing mentions in various publications and radio appearances. The new editorial team, including Lys Ann Shore, is expected to focus on improving the newsletter as a source of information and entertainment for NCAS members.

The Last Word

Lys Ann Shore, in "The Last Word," invites NCAS members to contribute short pieces (500-1000 words) for future issues of Skeptical Eye. Topics suggested include debunking pseudoscience, updates on paranormal claims, media coverage of paranormal events, and news of upcoming events. Contributions should be typed, with hard copy and floppy disk submissions accepted. The editor emphasizes that submissions must include name, address, and phone number, and that while diatribes will be rejected, informative and thoughtful pieces will be welcome. Submission details and the NCAS contact number are provided.

Further Reading on Hypnosis

This section provides a list of three books offering an overview of the main approaches to hypnosis: "Collected Papers of Milton S. Erickson," "Hypnosis, Imagination and Human Potentialities" by Barber, Spanos, and Chaves, and "Experience of Hypnosis" by Ernest R. Hilgard.

Membership Information

A section titled "Time to Renew? Time to Join?" encourages readers to renew their membership in NCAS. It provides membership rates for single and double memberships, as well as for full-time students. Instructions for making checks payable to NCAS and mailing information, including an address in Silver Spring, MD, are included. The form also requests member details such as name and address.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of medical practices, both conventional and alternative, and the promotion of scientific skepticism. The editorial stance, as expressed by the President and the new editor, is one of encouraging informed inquiry, debunking pseudoscience, and fostering a community of critical thinkers. There is a clear emphasis on evidence-based reasoning and a cautious approach to claims not supported by scientific data. The newsletter aims to serve as a reliable source of information for its members and the public on topics related to science, pseudoscience, and critical thinking.