Arizona Skeptic

Below these two videos is a post I made (perhaps to the Kate Bush fans’ “love-hounds” mailing list, I don’t recall) back in 1986 regarding a 1985 Christian “rock music seminar” about alleged Satanic backwards messages in rock music. I was familiar with the claims of supposed “backwards masking” where the sounds of ordinary lyrics were interpreted to have different messages when reversed, as well as actual examples of recordings that were put into songs in reverse. The former seemed to me to be examples of subjective validation, and I tested it myself by closing my eyes and covering my ears when the presenter gave their claims about what we were supposed to hear prior to playing the samples. Subsequently, this became one of the first tests the Phoenix Skeptics conducted as a student group at Arizona State University in October 1985. We invited the speaker to give his demonstrations before our group, but required him to play the samples first without explanation and have everyone write down what they heard. The result was that on the first pass, those unfamiliar with the samples had a wide variety of responses; on a second pass, once the expectation was set, everybody heard what they were supposed to hear. It’s interesting that this demonstration, the key example of which was a sample from Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven,” made a comeback two decades later–being used by skeptics to show the power of suggestion and expectation, as these two videos from Simon Singh and Michael Shermer demonstrate. Simon Singh, 2006: ...

Concluding the postings of The Arizona Skeptic; you can find volume 1 (1987-1988) here, volume 2 (1988-1989) here, volume 3 (1989-1990) is here, volume 4 (1990-1991) is here, and volume 5 (1991-1992) is here, and volume 6 (1992-1993) here. Volume 7 was edited by Mike Stackpole. An index to all issues by title, author, and subject may be found here. The Arizona Skeptic, vol. 7, no. 1, Summer 1994: "Oh No--Spooks in a Skeptic's Home" by Hans Sebald "Skeptics Predictions for 1994" "Meeting Schedule for 1994" "Where Have We Been?" "What Harm Superstition?" by Michael A. Stackpole "Skeptically Entertaining" by Michael A. Stackpole While that was the last issue of The Arizona Skeptic published, there have been at least two published lists of skeptical predictions by the Phoenix Skeptics, for 1996, 2006, and 2007, and the group continues to meet on a monthly basis--at 12 p.m. (noon) on the first Saturday of each month at Jim's Coney Island Cafe in Tempe, 1750 N. Scottsdale Road, on the southeast corner of Scottsdale Road and McKellips. There is also now an active Phoenix Skeptics in the Pub meetup group, which meets at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at D'Arcy McGee's Pub at the Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway. UPDATE (March 18, 2010): Phoenix Skeptics in the Pub now meets at Four Peaks Brewery--see the meetup group link. UPDATE (September 17, 2014): The Phoenix Area Skeptics Society has been active since 2012.

Continuing the postings of The Arizona Skeptic; you can find volume 1 (1987-1988) here, volume 2 (1988-1989) here, volume 3 (1989-1990) is here, volume 4 (1990-1991) is here, and volume 5 (1991-1992) is here. Volume 6 was edited by Jim Lippard and has been available online since original publication as ASCII text. An index to all issues by title, author, and subject may be found here. The Arizona Skeptic, vol. 6, no. 1, July/August 1992 (text version): ...

Continuing the postings of The Arizona Skeptic; you can find volume 1 (1987-1988) here, volume 2 (1988-1989) here, volume 3 (1989-1990) is here, and volume 4 (1990-1991) is here. Volume 5 was edited by Jim Lippard and has been available online since original publication as ASCII text. An index to all issues by title, author, and subject may be found here. The Arizona Skeptic, vol. 5, no. 1, July/August 1991 (text version): "Rosenthal Lecture" by Jim Lippard"Book Review: Philosophical Essays in Pragmatic Naturalism by Paul Kurtz" reviewed by Bill Green"Book Review: Pitfalls in Human Research: Ten Pivotal Points by Theodore X. Barber" reviewed by Jim Lippard"Book Review: They Call It Hypnosis by Robert A. Baker" reviewed by Jim LippardEditor's ColumnCORRECTION: To "Dissension in the Ranks of the Institute for Creation Research"Upcoming MeetingsThe Arizona Skeptic, vol. 5, no. 2, September/October 1991 (text version): "Dianetics: From Out of the Blue?" by Jeff Jacobsen"Book Review: Bryant's Law and Other Broadsides by John Bryant" reviewed by Jim Lippard"Hypnosis and Free Will" by Jim LippardNext IssueUpcoming Meetings: October speaker Don Lacheman of Sun Magic, November speaker Louis Rhodes of the Arizona Civil Liberties UnionArticles of NoteThe Arizona Skeptic, vol. 5, no. 3, November/December 1991 (text version): "Postscript to 'Some Failures of Organized Skepticism'" by Jim Lippard"Book Review: The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie" reviewed by Hans Sebald, Ph.D."Book Review: The Unfathomed Mind by William R. Corliss" reviewed by Jim Lippard"Book Review: Labyrinths of Reason by William Poundstone" reviewed by Mark AdkinsLetters (from Mark Adkins, Beth Fischi)"Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road? An Episode of Human Folly" by Mark AdkinsArticles of Note"October Meeting: 'Magical Moments'" by Ron Harvey: speaker Don LachemanNext IssueUpcoming Meetings: December: 1992 predictions, January: Rene Pfalzgraf on neuro-linguistic programmingThe Arizona Skeptic, vol. 5, no. 4, January/February 1992 (text version): "Predictions for 1992!" compiled by Mike Stackpole"Comments on Lippard's Review of They Call It Hypnosis" by Robert A. Baker"Book Review: Alcoholics Anonymous: Cult or Cure? by Chaz Bufe" reviewed by Terry Sandbek, Ph.D.Next IssueUpcoming MeetingsThe Arizona Skeptic, vol. 5, no. 5, March/April 1992 (text version): "About 'The Vitality of Mythical Numbers' and 'Truth Almost Extinct in Tales of Imperiled Species'" by Jim Lippard"The Vitality of Mythical Numbers" by Max Singer"Truth Almost Extinct in Tales of Imperiled Species" by Julian Simon"Book Review: Space-Time Transients and Unusual Events by Michael A. Persinger and Gyslaine F. Lafrenière" reviewed by Jim LippardNext IssueUpcoming MeetingsRequest for SubmissionsArticles of NoteThe Arizona Skeptic, vol. 5, no. 6, May/June 1992 (text version): "An Observation of the Famous Marfa Lights" by James Long"The Marfa Lights" by Hal FinneyLetters (from John Bryant)Editorial Note Regarding the "Mars Effect""Book Review: The Mind Game by Norman Spinrad" reviewed by Jim LippardUpcoming MeetingsArticles of NoteVolume 6 continued for just short of another year under my editorship, with five issues published for 1992-1993.

Continuing the postings of The Arizona Skeptic; you can find volume 1 (1987-1988) here, volume 2 (1988-1989) here, volume 3 (1989-1990) is here. Volume 4 was edited by Mike Stackpole. An index to all issues by title, author, and subject may be found here. The Arizona Skeptic, vol. 4, no. 1, July 1990: "Self-Deception and the Paranormal" by Michael A. Stackpole"The Curious Case of the Cross of Chaos" by Michael A. Stackpole"Book Review: But Is It Science? edited by Michael Ruse" reviewed by Jim Lippard (duplicate)Editorial Prattle"July Meeting" by Ron Harvey: speaker James McGaha on astronomy"The Return of Scapegoats" by Michael A. StackpoleThe Arizona Skeptic, vol. 4, no. 2, December 1990/January 1991: 1991 Predictions of the Phoenix Skeptics"Note of Importance" by Michael A. Stackpole (re the Plimer/Price controversy)"Ralph Epperson: Clueless Creationist" by Jim LippardMeeting Announcements: January: G. Harry Stine on the neurophoneEditorial Prattle"December Meeting" by Ron Harvey: speaker Jim Speiser on UFOsThat was it for volume 4--publication got back on a regular schedule again with volume 5, when I took over as editor.

Continuing the postings of The Arizona Skeptic; you can find volume 1 (1987-1988) here and volume 2 (1988-1989) here. Volume 3 was edited by Mike Stackpole. An index to all issues by title, author, and subject may be found here. The Arizona Skeptic, vol. 3, no. 1, January 1990: Predictions 1990"Some Failures of Organized Skepticism" by Jim LippardEditorial BlatheringOur February Meeting: speaker Hans Sebald on witchcraftThe Arizona Skeptic, vol. 3, no. 2, February/March 1990: "The Secret of the Challenger Secret Mission" by Mike StackpoleMeeting Announcement: Dr. Robert Dietz on "The Sacred and Profane History of the World""Dissension in the Ranks of the Institute for Creation Research" by Jim Lippard"HGH 3X and The New England Journal of Medicine" by Mark Adkins"Book Review: But Is It Science? edited by Michael Ruse" reviewed by Jim Lippard"What is Occam's Razor" by Michael A. StackpoleEditorial Blathering"Who Are We?" by Michael A. StackpoleThe Arizona Skeptic, vol. 3, no. 3, April 1990: "Ethical Skepticism" by Michael A. Stackpole (a visit to Peter Popoff)Editorial BlatheringMeeting Announcement: speaker Michael A. Stackpole on SatanismAnd that was it for volume 3--volume 4 picked up in July 1990 for another two issues edited by Mike Stackpole.

Continuing the postings of The Arizona Skeptic; you can find volume 1 (1987-1988) here. An index to all issues by title, author, and subject may be found here. The Arizona Skeptic vol. 2, no. 1, July/August 1988: "Lippard Disgraced!" by Ron Harvey "A Visit to the 'Psychic Showcase'" by Jim Lippard "Color it Absurd" by Ken Morse "Handwriting Analysis" by Jim Lippard "Recognizing Destructive and Manipulative Groups" by Al Seckel Upcoming Meetings "Ghost Busters or Lease Breakers" by Ken Morse "June PS Meeting" by Judy Sawyer: speakers Craig Nichols and Lee Earle of Manifestations "July PS Meeting" by Judy Sawyer: speaker Anita O'Riordan of the Arizona Attorney General's Elderly Abuse Project Correction (of omission to "Psychic Detectives" article in previous issue) Editor's Ramblings The Arizona Skeptic vol. 2, no. 2, September/October 1988: "Hype-nosis" by Jim Lippard (title typoed in published copy) "Recipe for Successful Local Group" by Kent Harker "Book Review: Nostradamus and His Prophecies by Edgar Leoni" reviewed by Jim Lippard Upcoming Meetings August PS Meeting: speaker Michael Preston on hypnosis "September meeting" by Mike Stackpole: speaker Gary Mechler on astrology "October meeting" by Judy Sawyer: speaker Janet Lee Mitchell on out-of-body experiences Editor's Ramblings The Arizona Skeptic vol. 2, no. 3, November/December 1988: Predictions for 1989 and Beyond "Psychological Factors Conducive to Paranormal Belief" by Jim Lippard "Book Review: The Art of Deception by Nicholas Capaldi" reviewed by Ted Karren "Book Review: Hypnosis, Imagination, and Human Potentialities by Theodore X. Barber, Nicholas P. Spanos, and John F. Chaves" reviewed by Jim Lippard Upcoming Meetings November PS Meeting: skeptics' predictions "December PS Meeting" by Judy Sawyer: speaker David Alexander on faith healers "TUSKS Lecture" by Ken Morse: speaker Conrad Goeringer on "Bimbos for Satan" Editor's Ramblings The Arizona Skeptic vol. 2, no. 4, January/February 1989: "Let's Be Serious: Defensive Skepticism" by Mike Stackpole "Behaviorism and Consciousness" by Jim Lippard (on January speaker, Erv Theobold) "In Response" by Erv Theobold, Ph.D. "Book Review: Mindspell by Kay Nolte Smith" reviewed by Judy Sawyer "Book Review: Science and Earth History by A. N. Strahler" reviewed by Roger Mann "Book Review: Eyewitness Testimony by Elizabeth Loftus" reviewed by Jim Lippard "Book Review: ESP and Psychokinesis: A Philosophical Examination by Stephen E. Braude" reviewed by Jim Lippard Upcoming Meetings January PS Meeting Editor's Ramblings This volume had only four issues, and marks the end of Ron Harvey's editorship. The next volume picks up in January 1990 with Mike Stackpole as editor.

I’ve begun putting old issues of The Arizona Skeptic online as PDFs, starting with the old Phoenix Skeptics News, edited by Ron Harvey. Volume 2, 1988-1989, is here. An index to all issues by title, author, and subject may be found here. Phoenix Skeptics News vol. 1, no. 1, July/August 1987: Welcome!July MeetingResource Library"Cold Reading" by Jim LippardLocal Radio Talk Show Features PsychicsModem Users Take Note"Foes Turn Up Heat: Fire walking is not so hot, skeptics of seminars say" by Simon Fisher, TribunePostscript by Jim LippardBook ReviewsLocal Conference on Health FraudUpcoming Phoenix Skeptics MeetingsPhoenix Skeptics News vol. 1, no. 2, September/October 1987: August Meeting: Hans Sebald on witchcraftSeptember Meeting: Charles Cazeau on prophecies of NostradamusSurveyor NeededRandi on Faith Healers (interviewed by Jim Lippard and Mike Norton)"Health Fraud isn't 'snake oil' anymore" by Phyllis Gillespie, Arizona Republic"Charlatans can be spotted if you know common clues" (Arizona Republic)"Proper Criticism" by Ray HymanUpcoming MeetingsPhoenix Skeptics News vol. 1, no. 3, November/December 1987: October Meeting: Halloween party at Hans Sebald'sNovember Meeting: James Randi psychic surgery video, Randy Jones on psychic surgeryPapers ignore disclaimer request on astrology columnsFlyers neededPsychic fair"Focus on You" by Jim Lippard"Channeling: Believe It or Not" by Hans Sebald, Ph.D."Book Review: The Faith Healers by James Randi" reviewed by Jim Lippard"On the distinction between nonbelief and disbelief" by Hans Sebald, Ph.D."Book Review: The Psychology of Transcendence by Andrew Neher" reviewed by Jim LippardEditor's RamblingsUpcoming MeetingsPhoenix Skeptics News vol. 1, no. 4, January/February 1988: December Meeting: Jim Speiser and Marge Christenson of MUFONJanuary Meeting: Robert Dietz of ASU on creationismPhilip Klass LectureSkeptics ReorganizedSkeptics subcommittees formed"Peter Popoff Came to Town" by Jim Lippard"Towards a more effective organization" by Bob Guzley"Update on the Radiocarbon Dating of the Shroud of Turin" by Jim LippardNew Phone NumberEditor's RamblingsUpcoming MeetingsPhoenix Skeptics News vol. 1, no. 5, March/April 1988: Important Announcement!February Meeting: Jeff Jacobsen on ScientologyPhilip Klass LectureMarch Meeting: Mike Stackpole on claimed dangers of D&DThe Organization Explained!"Frank Baranowski: Promoter of the Paranormal" by Jim Lippard"Book Review: The New Inquisition by Robert Anton Wilson" reviewed by Jim Lippard"Robert Anton Wilson and the H.E.A.D. Revolution" by Zak WoodruffEditor's RamblingsUpcoming MeetingsPhoenix Skeptics News, vol. 1, no. 6, May/June 1988: April Meeting: James Lowell on Mexican cancer clinicsMay Meeting: Jim Lippard on psychic detectivesPress coverage"Turin Shroud Update" by Jim Lippard"Dr. Stranges Lives Up to His Name" by Mike Stackpole"Near-Death Experiences and TV" by Jim Lippard"An Artistic 'Phenom'" by Ted Karren"Psychic Detectives" by Jim LippardEditor's Ramblings"TUSKS Tips" by Ken MorseUpcoming MeetingsThe last issue of this volume was the first one also distributed to the Tucson Skeptical Society (TUSKS), and prompted a change of name to The Arizona Skeptic beginning with volume 2. This was also about the time I moved to Tucson to attend graduate school at the University of Arizona (August 1988).