Skeptical Eye - Vol 20 No 2 - 2009

Magazine Overview

Title: National Capital Area SKEPTICAL EYE
Issue: Vol. 20, No. 2
Date: 2009

This issue of the Skeptical Eye, published by the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS), focuses heavily on the presentation of the 2009 NCAS Philip J. Klass Award to Professor Paul Kurtz. The magazine also includes regular features such as "current & coming events," "prez sez" columns from the outgoing and incoming presidents, and a detailed account of a UFO investigation.

Prof. Paul Kurtz Receives Klass Award

The lead article by Scott Snell details the presentation of the 2009 NCAS Philip J. Klass Award to Professor Paul Kurtz. The award ceremony took place on April 10th at the Center for Inquiry's 12th World Congress at the Hyatt Regency in Bethesda, Maryland, before an international audience of over 200 people. Professor Kurtz, recognized as the father of the modern organized scientific skeptical movement, received the award for his outstanding contributions to critical thinking and scientific understanding. The article includes remarks from Toni Van Pelt of the Center for Inquiry-DC and a transcript of Scott Snell's presentation. A video of the event is available on the NCAS YouTube Channel.

Scott Snell, the outgoing NCAS president and a flight software engineer at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, delivered the presentation. He highlighted Kurtz's role in founding and chairing organizations like the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI), the Center for Inquiry Transnational, and Prometheus Books, which have been instrumental in promoting scientific and skeptical viewpoints.

About Philip J. Klass

An accompanying section provides a biography of Philip J. Klass (1919-2005), after whom the award is named. Klass was a co-convener of NCAS and a founding member of CSICOP. He was a renowned skeptical investigator of UFO reports, known for his pragmatic explanations and for seeking to convert UFO sightings into IFOs (Identified Flying Objects). His work as a technical journalist for Aviation Week & Space Technology earned him numerous awards. The International Astronomical Union named Minor Planet 7277 "Klass" in his honor.

"My Best UFO Investigation"

Bing Garthright recounts his experiences as a volunteer UFO investigator between 1975 and 1979. The article focuses on a series of UFO sightings that occurred on March 15 and 16, 1976, involving CB radio enthusiasts in Brunswick and Jefferson, Maryland. Garthright details interviews with over a dozen observers, including a key witness named 'P' who reported a 30-foot football-shaped craft that appeared to explode. The investigation faced challenges, including the difficulty of identifying unknown aircraft in the area and the potential for misinterpretation of conventional phenomena.

Garthright discusses the "Probable Cause" for the sightings, suggesting a military helicopter searching for a lost child may have been responsible. He concludes with "Lessons Learned," emphasizing that most citizens want to observe and help during UFO events, which can color their perceptions, and the inherent difficulty in identifying unknown aircraft without access to official records.

NCAS Updates and Events

Prez sez-past: Scott Snell, the outgoing NCAS president, expresses his gratitude to members, volunteers, and board members for their support during his term. He highlights the success of the NCAS YouTube Channel and the collaboration with the Center for Inquiry-DC. Snell also mentions his ongoing work with the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and its potential to counter Apollo landing deniers. He expresses confidence in the new leadership.

Prez sez-present: Curtis Haymore, the incoming NCAS president, emphasizes the growing prominence of science and skepticism in popular culture. He highlights the importance of community through events like "Drinking Skeptically" and online platforms. Haymore encourages members to get involved by suggesting speakers and activities, and notes the increasing reach of NCAS through its website and YouTube videos.

Current & Coming Events: This section lists upcoming NCAS meetings and events, including "Drinking Skeptically" gatherings at Jackie's Restaurant and monthly meetings at the National Science Foundation and Bethesda Library. It also notes a past presentation by Chip Denman on "Coincidence, Luck, and Probability."

Election Results: The elected and incumbent board members for NCAS are listed, including Curtis Haymore as president, Gary Stone as vice president, Walter Rowe as secretary, and Marv Zelkowitz as treasurer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes critical thinking, scientific understanding, and skepticism towards extraordinary claims. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and against pseudoscience and misinformation. The emphasis on organized skepticism, exemplified by the award to Paul Kurtz and the ongoing work of NCAS, is a central theme. The publication serves as a resource for information and community for skeptics in the National Capital Area.

Title: Skeptical Eye
Issue: Vol. 20, No. 2
Date: 2009
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)

This issue of Skeptical Eye explores the intersection of skepticism, magic, and the nature of evidence, with a particular focus on UFO investigations and the historical figure of Sir Isaac Newton.

UFO Investigations and Testimony Reliability

The issue begins by addressing the challenges of UFO investigations, referencing previous discussions and the difficulty in obtaining official flight records. A key phenomenon noted is the apparent change in size of aircraft lights when they shine directly at an observer and then turn away, which could be misinterpreted as a physics-defying maneuver. The author, reflecting on abandoning UFO investigations around 1978 after Alan Hendry's book, "The UFO Handbook," concluded that individual human testimony in uncontrolled situations is too unreliable to be extraordinary evidence. This is presented as a difficult but necessary lesson for investigators of unusual events.

Science, Magic, and Skepticism Event

A significant portion of the magazine covers an event titled "Science, Magic and Skepticism: A Natural Relationship." This event, held on Saturday, October 24, 2009, at the AAAS Auditorium in Washington D.C., featured world-renowned magician Jamy Ian Swiss, host of "Point of Inquiry" radio/podcast D.J. Grothe, and statistician Chip Denman. They examined the similarities between magic and skepticism and demonstrated the illusion of psychic powers. The event was sponsored by the Center for Inquiry DC and The National Capital Area Skeptics. Photos from the event show the speakers, attendees, and various magic-related imagery.

D.J. Grothe: The History of Magic in Skepticism

This section likely details D.J. Grothe's presentation on the historical relationship between magic and skepticism. A quote attributed to James Randi suggests that expert advice from magicians is valuable for serious researchers in the field of paranormal research, warning against the potential vulnerability of those who do not seek such advice.

Chip Denman: Séance Spooks and the Scientists who Investigated Them

Chip Denman's contribution focuses on the investigation of purported psychic phenomena, particularly séances, by scientists. The content suggests an examination of how scientific methods have been applied to debunk or understand claims of spiritualism and psychic abilities.

Jamy Ian Swiss: The Illusion of Psychic Powers

Jamy Ian Swiss's presentation, also titled "Heavy Mental," explored "mind reading" phenomena achieved through psychology, influence, illusion, and deception, which he terms "sleight of mind." The article suggests that if psychic powers existed, they would have to manifest in ways similar to his demonstrations. The event details include the date, time, and location, and a promotional blurb stating, "Thoughts read. Minds blown."

Sir Isaac Newton: The Alchemist

This article, written by Richard Dengrove, delves into the lesser-known aspect of Sir Isaac Newton's life: his extensive practice of alchemy. It addresses the historical scandal surrounding Newton's involvement in alchemy, which lasted until he became Warden of the Mint. Despite biographers' perplexity, Newton wrote approximately 650,000 words on alchemy, copying from various alchemists like Michael Maier, Eirenaeus Philalethes, and Basil Valentine. The article explains that alchemy was considered a pseudo-science due to its pursuit of gold and the elixir of immortality. It argues that Newton's alchemical philosophy, which posited God's extensive presence in nature and influenced his views on motion and attraction, was fundamental to his scientific achievements, including his work on gravity and planetary motion. The author suggests that Newton's approach to alchemical texts involved experimental verification rather than mere theoretical acceptance. A selected bibliography of works on Newton's alchemy is provided, along with a brief biography of the author, Richard Dengrove.

About NCAS

The final section provides information about the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS). It details how to subscribe to their email newsletters, "Shadow of a Doubt" and "NCAS-Announce," and join their electronic mailing list, "ncas-share." It also directs readers to the NCAS website for resources like the Condon UFO report. The article emphasizes that NCAS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, making donations tax-deductible. Contact information, including email addresses, website, and a 24-hour phone number, is provided, along with the NCAS mailing address.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism, critical thinking, the scientific investigation of extraordinary claims (such as UFOs and psychic phenomena), and the historical context of scientific inquiry. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and the debunking of pseudoscience, as exemplified by the focus on magic as illusion and the critical examination of historical figures like Newton through a skeptical lens. The magazine promotes the NCAS as an organization dedicated to these principles.