Cincinnati Skeptic - Vol 08 No 04 - 1998-1999

Magazine Overview

Title: Cincinnati Skeptic
Issue: Vol. 8 No. 4
Date: December 1998/January 1999
Publisher: The Association for Rational Thought (ART)
Motto: "He, who strikes the first blow, admits his ideas have run out." - Alfred, Lord Tennyson

This issue of the Cincinnati Skeptic, the newsletter of The Association for Rational Thought, covers a range of topics from alternative medicine and scientific skepticism to historical scholarship and educational policy. The cover features a table of contents and a prominent motto.

Bio-Magnetism: Science or Quackery?

The lead article by Joe Gastright examines bio-magnetism, a practice involving the use of small permanent magnets for pain relief. Gastright notes that 40% of the U.S. population uses alternative medicine, spending approximately $60 billion annually. He observes the increasing visibility of alternative medicine, with healing magnets moving from ethnic shops to mainstream pharmacies. The article traces the history of magnetism, from ancient lodestones and their attributed mystical properties to the scientific work of William Gilbert in the 17th century, who debunked many superstitions. While conventional medicine uses magnets for diagnosis and in technologies like MRI, the article suggests that the current market for magnets for health treatment is largely "pure profitable quackery." It highlights that no magnetic device has received FDA approval, and the only peer-reviewed study on post-polio pain, authored by a stakeholder in a magnet company, found effectiveness, casting doubt on its objectivity. The article concludes that while magnetism may have future medical uses, the current market is suspect.

News from the Frontiers of Science & Scholarship

Journal of Unconventional History

This section introduces the "Journal of Unconventional History," which publishes original, unconventional historical research by independent scholars. It is described as "irreverent," "bold," and "quirky," focusing on new discoveries, syntheses of knowledge, and thought-provoking interpretations. Past topics have included Mormon polygamy, the history of the apron, and criminal proceedings against animals. Contact information for Ann Elwood and Aline Hornaday is provided.

"The Amazing Randi" and DKL Lifeguard

James Randi issues a challenge regarding the "DKL Lifeguard" device, marketed for detecting electrical impulses of the human heart. Despite claims of pinpointing terrorists through concrete and steel, Sandia Labs found it performed no better than chance in double-blind tests. Randi's foundation offers a million-dollar prize for a successful demonstration of the device.

Ham the Chimpanzee

In honor of John Glenn's space flight, the article recalls Ham, the chimpanzee who was the first astronaut in a Mercury capsule, noting that Ham went to the National Zoo while Glenn went to the Senate.

Be on the Look Out!!!

This section encourages members to submit proposals for investigations to the Investigations Officer, emphasizing the desire to investigate matters in the light of reason and truth.

Web Master's Comments

David Wall, the Webmaster, announces the move of the Skeptical Area Network Effort (SANE) list to a new site, One List. He also discusses the maintenance of the website's links page, providing URLs for the new links page and an administration interface. He mentions the need to transfer old links and invites users to submit new ones or help with categories. Brad contributes a note about Dr. Dean Edell's radio program being available online via HealthCentral.com, suggesting a campaign to encourage local radio stations to find a time slot for the program.

From the Un-Easy Chair

This section, authored by Wolf Roder, analyzes the "market area" for skeptics, focusing on the Cincinnati Tri-State Region. Using 1990 US Census data, it maps the proportion of college graduates across 31 counties. The article notes that while college education might correlate with interest in science and skepticism, it's not a direct one-to-one relationship. It also provides broader Ohio statistics, including population, age demographics, racial composition, educational attainment, and per capita income.

Too Many Books.... Too Little Time....

The Shape of the River: Long-Term Consequences of Considering Race in College and University Admissions

This review by Wolf Roder discusses the book by William G. Bowen and Derek Bok. The book, rich in data, examines the complexities of college admissions, particularly at highly selective institutions. It argues that relying solely on SAT scores or high school grades is insufficient due to variations in grading and course difficulty. The authors highlight "in-state" preferences as a major bias in public institutions. Beyond academic merit, admissions consider diversity in background, ethnicity, wealth, and academic objectives. The review touches on the importance of student retention and the role of alumni. It also addresses the myth that disadvantaged students with lower grades cannot succeed, noting that top colleges generally have higher graduation rates across all admissions categories. The impact of considering race is presented as affecting a small percentage of places at top colleges.

AIDS: Virus- or Drug Induced?

This section, also by Wolf Roder, reviews a book edited by Peter H. Duesberg that questions the scientific consensus on AIDS. Roder states he is not qualified to judge the scientific dispute but uses the controversy to discuss how to distinguish pseudo-science from science. He notes that Duesberg's hypothesis attributes AIDS to recreational drug use and AZT, rather than HIV. The review points out that some authors in the book attack HIV evidence and use terms like "dogma" and "mirage of modern media." Roder expresses distrust due to the association with figures like fundamentalist creationist Phillip E. Johnson and mathematician Serge Lang. He quotes passages from the book that suggest the "AIDS-skeptics" achieved a critical mass and that official AIDS experts were confused and defensive.

From the Amazing Randi

This section reports on Randi's challenge concerning the DKL Lifeguard device and briefly mentions Ham the chimpanzee's journey into space.

Reports from the ExCom and Membership Meetings

Announcements are made regarding monthly meetings, which will now appear regularly in local papers and college newspapers. The newsletter schedule has been changed to bimonthly to reduce expenses, with issues for Feb./March, April/May, and June/July completing the volume. Upcoming December and January programs are announced: a talk on scientific literacy and creationism by George Bishop, and a presentation on intuition by Klein Associates.

It's Back Up!!!!

This is an announcement that the Skeptical Area Network Effort (SANE) list has moved to a new site, One List, and provides instructions for signing up.

A Puzzle for Thinkers

This puzzle, presented by cartoonist Dirk Browne, challenges readers to calculate the side length of a cube that has the same surface area as a sphere. The solution to the previous month's puzzle, involving a horse and a donkey carrying sacks of grain, is also provided.

From the Halls of Medicine...

Alternative Medicine at the American Medical Association

This article discusses the growing use of alternative medicine (AM) in the U.S., with Americans visiting AM practitioners more frequently than primary care physicians and spending $21 billion in 1997. The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a special issue on AM research due to a lack of scientific evidence for AM therapies. The article highlights a study on "Moxibustion for Correction of Breech Presentation" from China, which concluded that more fetuses turned head first among treated women. However, the study's methodology is questioned for its lack of blinding and potential for bias. A contrasting Newsweek report is mentioned as being more upbeat. The article emphasizes that while a statistical relationship was found, the mechanism is unclear, and skepticism is warranted until cause and effect are understood.

Stem Cell Research Re-ignites Political Controversy

The announcement of the isolation and cultivation of undifferentiated embryonic cells has reignited political controversy, particularly concerning the ban on federal funds for human embryo research. Anti-abortion activists view cultivated embryonic cells as human life, creating a conflict with scientific research possibilities.

Learning as Medicine?

New research suggests that education is a critical factor in the quality of life in old age. Elderly individuals with higher education levels were found to be more physically active, less obese, and to have a greater sense of control over their lives.

A Matter of Great Concern

This section discusses the health effects of electromagnetic fields generated by electric power lines and appliances. It compares exposure values from various sources, including video display terminals and microwave ovens, to the Earth's magnetic field, concluding that caution is advised.

Yuletide Greetings

A seasonal greeting is included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Cincinnati Skeptic consistently promotes a rational and evidence-based approach to various claims, particularly those related to pseudoscience, alternative medicine, and unverified phenomena. The newsletter critically examines claims, encourages scientific inquiry, and debunks popular myths and superstitions. There is a strong emphasis on distinguishing science from quackery and pseudo-science, as seen in the articles on bio-magnetism and AIDS. The publication also engages with broader societal issues like education and the complexities of scientific research, advocating for critical thinking and a skeptical mindset.

Title: Cincinnati Skeptic
Issue: Vol. 8 No. 4
Date: December 1998/January 1999
Publisher: The Association for Rational Thought (ART)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the Cincinnati Skeptic, published by The Association for Rational Thought (ART), serves as a newsletter and membership drive for the organization. ART is described as an independent, nonprofit, scientific, and educational entity dedicated to the rational evaluation of paranormal and pseudoscientific claims. It aligns with the philosophy of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP) and publishes the journal *Skeptical Inquirer*.

Organization and Activities

The Association for Rational Thought holds its meetings on the second Saturday of each month, from September through June, starting at 10:00 AM at James Tavern in Blue Ash. These meetings are open to the public. ART also maintains a database of information on paranormal claims for local media and investigates local claims. The organization was founded by Cincinnati area skeptics in 1991, with annual dues set at $15.00, which includes a subscription to the Cincinnati Skeptic. Contact information for President Roy Auerbach and Nurit Bowman is provided for inquiries and membership.

Membership and Contributions

The issue includes a membership form encouraging new and renewing members to support ART's work. It offers options for new membership, renewal, contributions, and gift memberships. The organization emphasizes keeping dues low but gratefully accepts additional contributions to support its operations. Checks should be made payable to the Association for Rational Thought and mailed to their P.O. Box in Cincinnati. It is noted that contributions are not currently tax-deductible.

Upcoming Events

The "Preview Of Coming Attractions" section details two upcoming meetings:

• Forth Meeting of the 1998-1999 Season:
• Date: 12 December 1998 (Saturday)
• Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (program), 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (lunch)
• Topic: Science Literacy vs. the Bible Literally
• Speaker: George F. Bishop, PhD, Professor of Political Science, University of Cincinnati. The presentation will explore the inverse relationship between belief in biblical creation and science literacy in industrialized nations, and include new information on scientists' beliefs.

• Fifth Meeting of the 1998-1999 Season:
• Date: 10 January 1999 (Saturday)
• Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (program), 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (lunch)
• Topic: ESP...or Intuition?
• Speaker: A representative from Klein Associates, Inc., Fairborn, OH. This session will delve into intuition and expertise, discussing Gary Klein's work on demystifying intuition and its role in high-stakes decision-making, particularly for experts.

The meetings are held at James Tavern at Cooper Road and Reed Hartman Highway, noted as being accessible and offering coffee.

Electronic Media Engagement

The cover story, "Skepticism and ART on the Electronic Media," highlights ART's online presence and communication channels. Readers are invited to join SANE (Skeptical Area Network Effort) for skeptical news via e-mail, which provides weekly updates from CSICOP, James Randi, and local skeptics. The issue also promotes ART's "NEW & IMPROVED skeptical website" at http://www.cincinnatiskeptics.org, which features blurbs on various subjects, links to skeptical thinking resources, information on joining SANE, definitions of ART, bylaws, meeting details, and contact information. David Wall is credited as the Web Site Manager.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around promoting skepticism, rational inquiry, and scientific investigation into paranormal claims. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and critical thinking, as exemplified by ART's alignment with CSICOP and its focus on debunking pseudoscience. The emphasis on community engagement through meetings and electronic media (email and website) underscores ART's commitment to disseminating skeptical viewpoints and fostering a network of like-minded individuals.