Skeptical Eye - Vol 16 No 1 - 2004

Magazine Overview

This issue of the National Capital Area Skeptical Eye, Volume 16, Number 1, dated 2004, is dedicated to exploring various aspects of skepticism, with a particular focus on the intersection of science, media, and popular belief. The magazine encourages critical and scientific thinking, serving as a resource for extraordinary claims and evidence that challenges conventional skepticism.

CS TV: Crime Science on Television

The lead article, "CS TV: Crime Science on Television" by Walter F. Rowe, Ph.D., examines the growing popularity of forensic science on television. It highlights documentary series like "Forensic Files," "The New Detectives," and "Secrets of Forensic Science," as well as dramas such as NBC's "Law & Order" and CBS's "CSI" and "CSI: Miami." The article notes that "CSI," in its third season, is a highly-rated program that emphasizes the use of physical evidence to solve crimes. It details the educational backgrounds of the "CSI" characters, including Gil Grissom (Ph.D. in biology), Catherine Willows (B.S. in medical technology), Sara Sidel (B.S. in physics), Warrick Brown (B.S. in chemistry), and Nick Stokes (B.S. in criminal justice). Rowe points out that these shows often portray eyewitnesses as unreliable, a concept familiar to investigators. The characters, despite having personal quirks, are generally depicted as competent and intelligent, using critical thinking to overcome challenges.

The UFO Evidence: Burdens of Proof

An extensive article by Jim Giglio and Scott Snell, "The UFO Evidence: Burdens of Proof," revisits the 1968 Condon Report and critically analyzes UFO evidence. The authors argue that the Condon Report's conclusion—that further study of UFOs was not scientifically justified—still holds true. They question the reliability of witness testimony, citing an example from 1999 involving a sighting near Hydes, Maryland, which they describe as semi-coherent and lacking detail despite a long period for reflection. The article contends that many UFO reports are explainable as mundane phenomena under odd circumstances or as hoaxes, and that proponents of extraterrestrial visitation often fail to apply critical thinking. The authors also discuss how pop culture, influenced by early UFO reports and media portrayals like the film "The Day the Earth Stood Still" and the TV series "The Outer Limits," has shaped the public's perception of UFOs and aliens, creating a "standard model" alien. The article delves into physical principles, such as the Einstein speed limit and Newton's laws, arguing that reported UFO behaviors contradict these well-established laws of physics. They conclude that while they cannot definitively state that Earth is not being visited, the burden of proof lies heavily on those who support the idea of extraterrestrial visitation.

More Precursors of the Flying Saucers: the Good Aliens

Richard Dengrove's article, "More Precursors of the Flying Saucers: the Good Aliens," traces the historical roots of the concept of benevolent extraterrestrials. He notes that for centuries, the existence of aliens was proven by rhetoric and associated with a good God. Dengrove identifies Nicholas of Cusa in the 15th century as an early advocate of superior extraterrestrials. He highlights the 1951 film "The Day the Earth Stood Still" and its character Klaatu, who delivered an anti-atomic weapons message, as a significant inspiration for modern 'good alien' archetypes. George Adamski, an early UFO contactee, is also mentioned for his aliens' warnings against atomic weapons. The article suggests that these 'good aliens' paved the way for the concept of 'bad aliens' and UFOs, and that their influence persists in various movements and popular culture.

Lucky Day: NCAS Gathers on Friday the 13th

This section, written by Sharlene Deskins, reports on a National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS) event held on Friday, June 13th, 2003, at Mayorga Coffee in Silver Spring. The event was intended to counter the superstition that Friday the 13th is unlucky. Attendees enjoyed close-up magic performed by Brian "The Lies of Brian" Morton, a magician known in the Washington-Baltimore area. Despite a downpour, the event was considered a success, with Morton entertaining the crowd for two hours.

Prez Sez

Marv Zelkowitz, the new president of NCAS, introduces himself in this column. He recounts his early exposure to skepticism through Jamy Swiss and Chip Denman, and his subsequent involvement with James Randi. Zelkowitz, a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Maryland, draws parallels between his academic research in validating new technologies and the skeptical approach to claims like homeopathy and therapeutic touch. He expresses his commitment to reversing a perceived decline in NCAS membership and encourages members to volunteer for events and publications. He also highlights the impact of putting the 1968 Condon Report on UFOs online, which has raised NCAS's international profile.

Coming Events

This section lists upcoming events for NCAS, including a "Friday the 13th" happy hour, future lectures scheduled for 2004, and details about the annual NCAS Weekend Workshop. It also provides information on the location of lectures and directs readers to a website for directions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical thinking, scientific evaluation of evidence, and the debunking of pseudoscientific claims and popular myths. The magazine consistently promotes a skeptical viewpoint, challenging unsubstantiated beliefs in areas such as UFOs and superstitions. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and scientific methodology, as demonstrated by the critical analysis of crime science shows and UFO reports. The publication also emphasizes the importance of community engagement through events and volunteerism within the skeptical movement.

Title: Skeptical Eye
Issue: Volume 16, Number 1
Date: 2004
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Skeptical Eye delves into the origins of biblical narratives and critically examines the portrayal of forensic science in popular television crime dramas. It also provides information about the National Capital Area Skeptics organization and includes an obituary.

Secret Origins of the Bible

This section reviews "Secret Origins of the Bible" by Tim Callahan, a book that explores the ancient Near Eastern myths underlying biblical stories. Marvin Zelkowitz, a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Maryland and a long-time skeptic, writes the review. Zelkowitz notes that while skeptical groups often avoid discussing religion due to its untestable nature, the artifacts of religion are valid subjects for critical thinking. He highlights Callahan's argument that the Hebrew Bible, particularly the "Five Books of Moses," was not written by Moses but much later, and that its stories are based on older Mesopotamian, Greek, Sumerian, and Egyptian myths.

The review details Callahan's analysis of the creation stories in Genesis, comparing them to the Mesopotamian "Enuma elish" legend and Egyptian and Greek myths. For instance, the Genesis 1 creation account is paralleled with "Enuma elish," where Marduk defeats Ti'amat and creates the world. The second creation story in Genesis 2, where God forms man from dust, is compared to Egyptian and Greek myths where deities create humans from clay. The review also touches upon the legend of Lilith, a figure from Jewish folklore, which Callahan suggests may have originated from a Sumerian death goddess.

Callahan's book also examines "the fall" narrative and proposes that Eve might represent the goddess Asherah, the consort of Yahweh, suggesting that true monotheism in Judaism emerged later, during the reigns of kings Hezekiah and Josiah. Zelkowitz concludes that Callahan's work is a valuable addition for those interested in tracing the evolution of Near East legends but recommends reading Richard Elliott Friedman's "Who Wrote the Bible?" first for cultural context.

CSI TV: Forensic Science on Screen vs. Reality

This extensive section, written by Walter F. Rowe, Ph.D., a Professor of Forensic Sciences, scrutinizes the accuracy of forensic science depicted in popular TV shows, primarily "CSI" and its spin-offs like "CSI: Miami," as well as "Law & Order."

Critique of CSI: Rowe points out several scientific inaccuracies in "CSI." These include showing scanning electron micrographs when light microscopes are used, the unrealistic speed of DNA test results, exaggerated crime lab capabilities, and the tendency for CSI investigators to perform roles (like interviewing witnesses and interrogating suspects) that are typically handled by police detectives rather than crime scene technicians. He also notes that the show sometimes ignores the possibility of errors in scientific test results.

CSI: Miami Case Example: The review details a "CSI: Miami" episode involving a corporate jet crash. Rowe highlights several scientific and logical flaws in the show's reconstruction of the event, such as the implausibility of a rivet causing a fatal missile wound, the unrealistic timeline for drug analysis, and the lack of proper safety protocols (like wearing OSHA-regulated suits) by investigators.

Law & Order and Forensic Science: Rowe acknowledges that "Law & Order" is a well-written and critically acclaimed series but also points out its frequent use of dubious forensic science. He criticizes the reliance on police detectives testifying as experts, the questionable "six point" matches in firearms analysis, the difficulty in matching Glock pistol marks, and the vague probability statements made by DNA experts. He mentions a specific episode that explored the prosecution of a forensic scientist for overstating conclusions, referencing the case of Joyce Gilchrist.

Real Forensic Scientists Making Mistakes: The article provides examples of real-life cases where forensic science was questionable or incorrect. The murder of Jeanine Nicarico involved conflicting expert testimony on shoeprints, leading to the exoneration of suspects after DNA evidence implicated the actual perpetrator. The O.J. Simpson case is cited for Dr. Henry Lee's testimony, which included misidentifying textile impressions and marks on concrete as shoeprints, and for his testimony outside his specialty as a forensic serologist rather than a shoeprint examiner.

Books vs. TV: Rowe contrasts the accuracy of forensic science in books with TV shows. He argues that authors of books, despite having more time for research, often make more significant errors than TV screenwriters. He uses Jeffery Deaver's novel "The Bone Collector" as an example, detailing multiple scientific errors in a single sentence describing fiber analysis.

Conclusion on TV Shows: Despite the numerous inaccuracies, Rowe concludes that shows like "CSI" are primarily intended to entertain and generally succeed in that goal. He believes their positive aspects outweigh the negative ones, viewing the errors as incidental to their entertainment purpose.

About NCAS

This section provides information about the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS). It details how to subscribe to their email lists ("eShadow" and "ncas-share"), visit their website for resources like the Condon UFO report, and notes that NCAS is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization, making donations tax-deductible. Membership options and costs are listed, along with a form for joining or renewing membership. Contact information for NCAS, including a mailing address in Silver Spring, MD, is provided.

In Memoriam: Doris Bloch

This brief section commemorates Doris Bloch, a 75-year-old NCAS board member and a National Institutes of Health administrator. She passed away on August 10, 2003, due to a heart ailment. Bloch was also a member of the editorial board of the "American Journal of Public Health" and the board of the National Capital Area Skeptics, and belonged to the National League for Nursing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical thinking, skepticism, and the examination of evidence, whether it be in ancient texts, scientific analysis, or media portrayals. The magazine's stance is clearly one of promoting scientific rigor and questioning unsubstantiated claims. The review of "Secret Origins of the Bible" encourages a critical look at religious texts through a historical and comparative lens. The extensive critique of forensic science on television highlights the importance of distinguishing between entertainment and factual accuracy. The NCAS information reinforces the organization's mission to promote scientific skepticism and rational inquiry. The overall editorial stance is one of promoting a rational, evidence-based worldview and encouraging readers to apply critical thinking to various aspects of life and culture.