David Bloomberg
Welcome to the beginning of the third year of REALL! We started in February of 1993, with a three-person Organizing Committee (myself, Bob Ladendorf, and Wally Hartshorn), and have grown to approximately 45 members.
In those short two years, we've been reaching out to the media, teachers, and the public to explain the "unexplainable," encourage critical thinking, and show the irrational for what it is. During this time, we've consistently published our monthly newsletter, which I happen to think is one of the best put out by local skeptics groups (others apparently think so, too, since our articles are widely reprinted in both local and national newsletters), and have had a number of interesting topics at our monthly meetings.
Speaking of meeting topics, last month, after watching the CSICOP video, those of us at the meeting got into a discussion about various things relating to the video and skepticism in general.
Patron member Bob Smet brought up the way skeptics, in general, debate proponents of pseudo-science. He thought that we needed to get more "in their face" about their claims, and several others agreed. Little did I know that the very next day I would be called by the Downey show (Morton Downey Jr.'s new Chicago talk show) to appear with Detective Bruce Walstad and some psychics.
I didn't go into the show planning to take the attitude suggested by Bob, but, well... I don't want to ruin the surprise by saying anything more. Think of this as a great reason to come to this month's meeting, which features that very episode of the show.
Remember that, because this is our anniversary, many of you (approximately half) have membership renewals due with this issue. Our next issue will feature my article describing the goings-on at the Downey show, and you won't want to miss it!
I'm still interested in hearing from anybody about a possible homepage site. Also, I only received a few responses for the E-Mail addresses of our members, which I'd like to have to put together a mailing list so we can send out information via E-Mail when we can. If you'd like to be included on the list, please let me know either by E-mail to: david.bloomberg@f2112.n2430.z1.fidonet.org
/s/ David Bloomberg
