Skeptics Videotape Library

NZSCICOP now has a videotape library in the capable hands of Alastair Brickell, RD 2 Kuaotunu, Whitianga. Tapes may be hired for the cost of packaging and posting, around $5 (more will be gratefully received). If anyone has something interesting on video, Alastair would, no doubt, be delighted to receive a copy. There are already three under request: the Oprah Winfrey show on UFOs, a programmne on European tests which showed scientific backing for homeopathy, and one from a few years back involving James Randi and Australian water diviners. In the meantime, here are the current titles.

A Case Of Spontaneous Human Combustion

1989, BBC TV, 30 minutes

An excellent programme starting with descriptions of actual cases of seemingly inexplicable consumption by fire of several human bodies. Several possible scientific explanations are examined by various experts. The conclusion that the "wick effect" is the most likely cause is backed up by a demonstration on a piece of animal fat wrapped in cotton. The programme well and truly eliminates the need to invoke any paranormal events to produce the effects observed.

The Man Who Walks On Fire

1985, BBC, 40 minutes

A classic documentary for fire-walking skeptics. It follows a class led by British firewalker/martial artist/hypnotherapist Hugh Bromiley as he prepares them for a walk across 4-metre and 8-metre firepits (not 40 metres, as advertised in the Listener!). They are convinced that his training (@ £50/head) has allowed them mind-over-matter control of their bodies so they won't get burned as long as they believe. Several sceptical scientists also partake in the firewalk and try to persuade Bromiley to walk more slowly over the coals to demonstrate his powers.

ESP, in We're Only Human

1987, TVNZ, 30 minutes

Brian Johnstone presents an interesting series of ESP tricks performed by Dr David Zimbardo. The tricks performed before a live audience include such old favourites as bending cutlery, guessing numbers, finding hidden objects, receiving telepathically transmitted images, etc. The results appear to suggest that something strange is going on...and it is! All is revealed at the end of the show, with the message being "look at the probabilities and don't trust anyone".

Past Lives

1988, TVNZ/Spectrum, 20 mins

Angela D'Audney presents a rather tedious programme looking at past-life experiences and reincarnation. Most of it consists of recorded sequences of hypnotised people reliving details of past lives in the presence of a hypnotherapist. Examples of vivid imaginations or paranormal events? You be the judge, for the programme does not critically examine any of these experiences.

Angels Or Aliens, in Credo

1986, TVNZ, 20 minutes

This takes a totally uncritical look at "deep trance mediumship" where otherwise normal people are used as mouthpieces for extraterrestrial beings. Most of the programme consists of Auckland medium and head of the Church of Spiritual Love, Jim Curry, being interviewed both in and out of his trance state. The scientific content is limited to a brief clip of Carl Sagan commenting on the probability of life existing elsewhere in the universe and a segment with Curry being interviewed in the Auckland Astronomical Observatory. For cinema buffs there is also a short segment with Shirley MacLaine explaining her ET

beliefs.

The Greenhouse Conspiracy

1990, Equinox, UK, 60 mins

This interesting programme takes a sceptical look at the current predictions of global warming and concludes that the evidence is not as sound as we have been led to believe. Have the scientists involved in promoting the theory been jumping on the bandwagon in order to gain research funding? Has too much weight been given to relatively unsophisticated global climate models? Could more CO: actually be beneficial in the atmosphere?