The South Shore Skeptic

Magazine Overview

Title: The South Shore Skeptic
Issue: Volume 13, No. 5
Date: May/June, 1997
Publisher: The South Shore Skeptics
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The South Shore Skeptic, a non-profit newsletter dedicated to science education and the investigation of paranormal and pseudoscientific claims, focuses on a variety of topics including a prominent UFO case, challenges in science education, and the defense of reason.

Featured Event: The Best Documented UFO Case of All Time

The cover story highlights an upcoming meeting on Friday, May 16th, featuring a presentation by Dr. Joe Bauer titled "The Best Documented UFO Case of All Time - Photographic Evidence for UFOs." The meeting is scheduled for 7:30 PM in Room 18 of The Life Sciences Building at Baldwin Wallace College. For more information, attendees are directed to contact Page Stephens at 676-4859.

In This Issue

The table of contents outlines the articles featured in this issue:

• Friday, May 16th Meeting - Skeptic at Large (Page 1)
• The Perils of Getting a Science Education (Page 3)
• Defending Reason in an Irrational World (Page 6)
• Interim Report on Incorporation (Page 7)

Skeptic at Large: The Perils of Getting a Science Education

Authored by Jim Kutz, this section explores why intelligent people might be perceived as 'flakes' and why reporters struggle to differentiate between credible and non-credible information. A significant portion of the article is dedicated to a letter from astronomer Alan Hale, co-discoverer of the Hale-Bopp Comet. Hale expresses deep frustration with the limited career opportunities available in science, even after completing rigorous academic training. He states that unless society's approach to science and its practitioners changes drastically, he cannot in good conscience encourage students to pursue careers in science. Hale solicits 'horror stories' from scientists facing similar employment challenges, seeking to highlight the human aspect of these statistics. The article notes that Hale's message received little traction in the media, with one reporter from the CWRU Observer expressing skepticism about its authenticity.

The piece further discusses the obstacles that drive young people away from science, including the high cost of education. It critiques the current trend of universities focusing on super-specialized, 'hothouse' career training, largely driven by Cold War funding, at the expense of broader liberal arts education. The article points out that many universities have become like 'stripped-down racers' focused on career tracks rather than fostering a genuine understanding of science. The author contrasts this with the ideal of a university education, which should develop minds and critical thinking, not just skills for a specific job. The article also touches upon the challenges faced by graduate students, referencing a George Will article about Yale graduate teaching assistants striking for better conditions and the right to unionize, highlighting their role as cheap labor. The concept of 'gypsy scholars'—unemployed PhDs hired on short-term contracts—is also mentioned, with 42 percent of faculty now in such a situation.

Alternative avenues for sparking interest in science are suggested, such as the American Institute of Physics' weekly bulletins and the resources provided by the Society of Amateur Scientists, which engages in real scientific activities like wide-area sky-watches. The article emphasizes that 'amateur scientist' simply means someone who does something else for a living to fund their scientific pursuits, challenging the notion that real science must be large-scale and profitable.

Defending Reason in an Irrational World

This section, reviewed by Bill Bazik, covers talks given by Tim Madigan and Joe Nickell at a joint meeting of The South Shore Skeptics and The Free Inquirers of Northeastern Ohio. Tim Madigan, Executive Editor of Free Inquiry magazine, reviewed the history of The Center for Inquiry in Buffalo, New York, noting its growth from a humble beginning to a new building with an extensive library. He also discussed the Center's Campus Freethought Alliance project, which promotes freethought, skepticism, and secularism on campuses worldwide.

Joe Nickell, a Senior Research Fellow for CSICOP, presented his investigations into various alleged 'miracles' and paranormal phenomena. His background as a professional magician and detective aids him in debunking frauds. Nickell discussed the Roswell, New Mexico, flying saucer incident, explaining the 'military cover-up' as a means to conceal Project Mogul, a military project designed to detect atomic bomb testing in Russia using balloon-borne equipment. He noted that the fragments resembled kite construction, and that the deduction of them being from an alien spaceship was the true mystery. Nickell also reviewed how mishandling of cameras and film packs can create 'angel' or 'ghost' images, demonstrating how light leaks or fingers over lenses can produce such effects. He cited examples like weeping icons in Canada, which were found to be caused by oil or Vaseline, and Hindu statues reputedly drinking milk, which were made of porous ceramic that absorbed the liquid. He also touched upon the "Alien Time Line" chart, showing the evolution of alien depictions, and suggested that many psychics fit a 'fantasy-prone personality profile'.

Interim Report on Incorporation

Authored by Elaine and Steve Hilliard, this report details the progress of The South Shore Skeptics' efforts to incorporate under Internal Revenue Code Section 501c3. Out of twenty contacted groups, fifteen have responded. Eight of these are incorporated under 501c3 and all used lawyers, with The Skeptics Society advising that the process is complex and best handled by legal counsel. Hired lawyers charged between $300-500 twelve to fifteen years prior, while member lawyers donated time but incurred filing fees. Reported advantages of incorporation include deductible contributions for donors and members, protection for board members from civil lawsuits, increased credibility, potential state tax benefits, and the ability to use public facilities at no cost. Disadvantages include the need for meticulous record-keeping, articles of incorporation, formal by-laws, minutes of board meetings, financial reporting, and various federal, state, and local filings.

Masthead Suggestion

The issue includes a proposed new masthead designed by William Cohen-Kiraly, featuring the title "South Shore SKEPTIC" with "Cleveland's Perspective on Reason" and "January/February, 1997." The designers are seeking feedback, particularly on the 'teardrop' logo, suggesting a skeptical question mark as an alternative. Readers are encouraged to visit Cohen-Kiraly's portfolio at http://junior.apk.net/~wkiraly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The South Shore Skeptic are skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims and paranormal phenomena, a critical examination of the state of science education and career prospects, and the importance of defending reason in an increasingly irrational world. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and evidence-based reasoning, as exemplified by the organization's aims and the content of its articles. The magazine actively promotes skepticism and provides a platform for investigating claims that challenge conventional scientific understanding. There is a strong emphasis on education, both in science and in critical thinking skills, and a concern for the future of scientific research and the scientists themselves.