Skeptical Eye - Vol 12 No 1 - 2000

Magazine Overview

Title: Skeptical Eye
Issue: Vol. 12, No. 1
Date: March 2000
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Country: USA
Language: English
ISSN: 1063-2077

This issue of Skeptical Eye delves into various topics related to skepticism, paranormal investigation, historical skepticism, and critical thinking.

Ghostbusting 101 - Part 2: Searching for Ghosts

This article by Helen E. Hester-Ossa details a "Ghostbusting 101" seminar hosted by the National Capital Area Skeptics, featuring ghost hunter Joe Holbert. Holbert, who initially was a skeptic, shared his experiences using high-technology equipment to track "ghosts" in Leesburg, Virginia, including investigations at the "most haunted house in America," the Lynch House. He discussed how his reality changed after initiating a ghost tour fundraiser, leading him to believe in ghosts after consistent accounts from multiple individuals. Holbert theorizes that paranormal activities are linked to individuals with high electromagnetic (EM) fields, which can generate significant electrical charges. He describes these fields as a 10 Hz static field, averaging 70 millivolts, and notes that areas of psychic occurrences exhibit similar electromagnetic anomalies. Despite admitting he has never videotaped a paranormal event, Holbert remains committed to trying.

The article also lists the "Type of Equipment" used by ghost hunters, including 35mm cameras, Sony Pro-Cam Video Camera, JVC Professional Tape Recorder, Sony Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder, Sound Mixing Board, Electro-magnetic Sensor (AC), AlphLab Natural Electro-magnetic Sensor (DC), and Multimeters (Voltage Meter).

Letters: Pi and the Pyramids

Tom Napier contributes a letter discussing Walter Rowe's article on "Mathematical Mysticism and the Great Pyramid." Napier investigated the "Pi in the Great Pyramid" myth and found that the slope of Khufu's Pyramid closely approximated 22/7. He speculates that the Egyptians may have used whole number ratios for construction, possibly measuring the slope as five palms and one finger, which would result in a base divided by twice the altitude being approximately 22/7. Napier also examined other pyramids and found similar ratios, suggesting this was a construction guide rather than a mystical coincidence. He mentions that the entrance passage slope of Khufu's pyramid, often cited as pointing to the star Deneb, could also be an artifact of the construction process.

Walter Rowe responds to Napier's proposal, suggesting it has merit but raising some arguments. He explains that the ancient Egyptians expressed pyramid inclination as a "seked," which was the number of horizontal units per one vertical unit rise, expressed in palms and fingers. Rowe notes that pyramids in the Rhind mathematical papyrus (RMP 56-60) fit the 28:N rule well, while the Moscow mathematical papyrus (MMP 14) shows a discrepancy, suggesting different methods were used by scribes and engineers.

Prez Sez

Paul Jaffe, NCAS President, outlines upcoming NCAS activities. These include a lecture series and new, more interactive programs coordinated by Rita Malone, featuring book discussions and opportunities to learn more about skepticism and critical thinking. Jaffe encourages members to get involved, either by volunteering as science fair judges (under Walter Rowe's direction) or by running for the board of directors. He also reminds members about the importance of tax-deductible donations and how to subscribe to the "Shadow of a Doubt" newsletter and the NCAS-SHARE online forum.

Reginald Scot's Discoverie of Witchcraft

Richard Dengrove's article examines Reginald Scot's "Discoverie of Witchcraft" (1584), highlighting his role as an early modern skeptic. Dengrove notes that Scot, a Puritan, cited contemporary writers and theologians for his views. Scot's tenets included:

• The Devil, being spiritual, cannot appear in material form but enters minds to cause confusion. He appears to the "corrupt and melancholic" rather than the honest.
• No miracles have occurred since Christianity was established, as they were necessary only to establish the faith. Scot cites Saint Augustine and John Calvin for this view.
• The Devil is not responsible for misfortunes; God alone is. Scot cites John Calvin and Brentius (Johann Brenz) in support of this idea.
• The "miracles" of Scot's time were achieved through deceit and trickery, aimed at "white witches" who performed healing and other services.

Dengrove also discusses Scot's views on cunning women, noting they were often village healers and not typically accused of witchcraft. He mentions Scot's citation of Cardan and Weyer regarding the melancholic state of women accused of witchcraft. The article concludes that Scot did not write in a vacuum, but was influenced by his society and contemporary thought.

Short Recommended Reading List

This section provides a list of books recommended by NCAS board members for discussion and preparation for a brainstorming meeting. The books include:

• "Why People Believe Weird Things: Pseudoscience, Superstition, and Other Confusions of Our Time" by Michael Shermer.
• "How We Know What Isn't So: The Fallibility of Human Reason in Everyday Life" by Thomas Gilovich.
• "Uncommon Sense: The Heretical Nature of Science" by Alan Cromer.
• "How to Think About Weird Things: Critical Thinking for a New Age" by Theodore Schick and Lewis Vaughn.
• "Escape from Freedom" by Erich H. Fromm.

Each entry includes the title, author, price, page count, publisher, and ISBN.

Teaching the Blind to Read (Without Braille!)

Neil Langdon Inglis reports on a display of "psychic" feats presented as part of an Indonesian martial art performance at GWU's Lisner Auditorium. The performance included a blindfolded knife-throwing demonstration and an exhibition of blindfolded "reading" of symbols and words, presented as a method to teach the blind how to read. Inglis expresses skepticism, noting the emphasis on "good works" and "earnestness," but questioning the purpose of the blindfold if the individuals were indeed blind. He suggests the performance had elements of a "conjuring show" and that the artists controlled the conditions, with immense possibilities for discreet cueing. The article also mentions the "Spirit of the New Indonesia 1999" roadshow and critiques the lack of focus on real social problems in Indonesia.

The Write Stuff: Skeptical Correspondence

This section features correspondence related to skepticism. Jeff Minerd writes to John Stossel, congratulating him on his program "The Power of Belief" for airing a skeptical viewpoint on paranormal beliefs and noting the prevalence of similar anti-scientific thinking in academia. John Stossel responds, apologizing to those offended by his comments about Santa Claus and providing information on ordering tapes and transcripts of his show. He also mentions Bob Chitester's initiative to adapt his shows for classroom application and provides contact information for guests like James Randi, Michael Shermer, Susan Miller, David Willey, Elmer Glover, Sally Peadon, and Dr. Melvin Morse.

Scott Snell writes a letter to the editor of the Washington Post Magazine, critiquing an article by Tom Shroder about Ian Stevenson's research on reincarnation. Snell questions why mainstream scientists refuse to accept the evidence for reincarnation and humorously suggests an alternative explanation involving "blood-red dwarves on the fifth moon of Jupiter" beaming thoughts into children's minds. He argues that Stevenson's work, based on anecdotes, does not constitute extraordinary evidence. Tom Shroder replies to Snell, agreeing with the sentiment and stating that he agonizes on that topic extensively in his book.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Skeptical Eye are the promotion of critical thinking and skepticism, the investigation of paranormal claims using scientific methods or analysis, and the historical examination of beliefs and practices that have been challenged by skeptical inquiry. The magazine's stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and the debunking of pseudoscience and unsubstantiated claims, while also encouraging active participation in skeptical organizations and discourse.

Title: Skeptical Eye
Issue: Vol. 12, No. 1
Date: 2000
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Skeptical Eye, published by the National Capital Area Skeptics, focuses on media mentions and activities involving NCAS members during late 1999 and early 2000. It includes updates on publications, interviews, radio appearances, and mentions in other media outlets, alongside a membership drive.

Media Notes

NCAS Member Activities

• Jeff Minerd, an NCAS member, had his book review of Ken Wilbur's "The Marriage of Sense and Soul" published in the January-February 2000 issue of *The Skeptical Inquirer*.
• Chip Denman and Kari Coleman were interviewed by *People* magazine in October 1999 for a substantial story on ghosts and spirits. The interview included a sidebar about the Fox sisters, with Chip Denman providing information on their seance charges, estimating $2 per head when they worked at P. T. Barnum's Museum, and noting their work was primarily in private homes.
• Chip Denman, also serving as NCAS Spokesperson, participated in a 20-minute recorded telephone interview on Fairfax Cable Radio WEBR 94.5 FM on Sunday, October 10, 1999, between 2:30 and 4:00 p.m. during the "Joel Paul" talk radio show. The topic of this show was "Pet Peeves."
• Tim Carr reported on February 1, 2000, that the syndicated public radio program "Soundprint" aired a program on pseudoscience on January 31, 2000. The program featured Chip Denman at several points. Archived webcasts and audiocassettes are available via the "Soundprint" website: http://soundprint.org/documentaries/2000/pseudoscience/. Chip Denman commented that he had done the "SoundPrint" show years ago, comparing his cassette tape to the RealAudio version and noting that it was originally titled "On The Edge of Reason" rather than "Pseudoscience."
• Dave Smolar, radio producer for the "new" overnight format hosted by Dean Lane, interviewed NCAS member Eugene Ossa. The interview, aired locally on WTOP on Tuesday, January 11, 2000, and fed to CBS affiliates nationwide on Sunday, January 9, 2000, discussed events surrounding the turn of the millennium. This stemmed from Eugene Ossa's presentation to NCAS the previous year.

Media Mentions of Skeptical Eye

• Scott Snell writes that a 1996 collection of Martin Gardner's essays, titled "The Night is Large," refers to an issue of *The Skeptical Eye* (vol. 6, no. 4, 1992) on page 374. The referenced story discusses New Agers who believe Francis Bacon wrote Shakespeare's plays, with evidence allegedly buried in a Williamsburg graveyard.

NCAS News and Membership

Goodbye to Horizon

January 13, 2000, marked the final issue of the monthly HORIZON Learning Section from the *Washington Post*. The section had been supportive of NCAS events for its 5-year run. NCAS expressed thanks for their efforts in promoting science awareness and encouraged their new endeavor of a daily science column for 9-13 year-olds, hoping they might expand to include all readers needing lifelong science learning. Readers were encouraged to email "Horizon" at [email protected] to thank them.

• Gary Stone, NCAS VP, is mentioned in relation to this section.

Membership Drive

The magazine includes a prominent membership form with the headline "Don't be mystified. JOIN? RENEW?". It outlines membership options: Single, Double*, and Full-time student**, with prices for 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, and Lifetime memberships. The form requests Name, Street, City, State, Zip, Phone, and e-mail. A note clarifies that the "Double" option is for two members at the same mailing address, and students should list their institution. A reminder is given to check the mailing label for the membership date, indicating a renewal form is above (though not visible in the scan).

Contact Information

NCAS provides contact details for inquiries about *The Skeptical Eye*: e-mail [email protected], [email protected] (for newsletter business), their website http://www.ncas.org, and a 24-hour phone number: 301-587-3827. They express a desire to hear from readers.

Mailing Address

The mailing address for NCAS is P. O. Box 8428, Silver Spring, MD 20907. Checks should be made payable to NCAS.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the public presence and outreach of the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS). The editorial stance is one of promoting skepticism, science education, and critical thinking through media engagement and community involvement. The publication highlights the importance of accurate reporting and debunks or contextualizes pseudoscientific claims. There is a clear emphasis on encouraging scientific literacy and providing a platform for skeptical viewpoints, as evidenced by the membership drive and the call for reader feedback.