Cincinnati Skeptic - Vol 09 No 01 - 1999

Magazine Overview

Title: Cincinnati Skeptic
Issue: Vol. 9 No. 1
Date: August/September 1999
Publisher: The Association for Rational Thought

This issue of the Cincinnati Skeptic delves into various topics, from ancient Chinese practices to modern physics and historical skepticism. It features articles, book reviews, organizational reports, and regular columns.

Articles

Feng Shui: Answer to Life's Problems Or Interior Designer's Bonanza?

This article, by an unnamed author, discusses the practice of Feng Shui, a Chinese system for arranging living spaces to optimize good fortune. It explains that Feng Shui, meaning "wind water," is based on the belief that energy (qi) flows through the landscape and structures. The practice aims to enhance positive energy and deflect negative energy. Originally an aspect of Taoist and Buddhist philosophy, it has become popular in Western culture, with numerous books available on the subject. The article notes that the practice is influenced by the ancient Chinese concepts of Yin and Yang, aiming for balance. It outlines practical suggestions for applying Feng Shui, such as house placement, avoiding negative energy sources like graveyards or power transmitters, and using elements like mirrors and colors. The author suggests that much of modern Feng Shui advice combines common sense with arbitrary suggestions and lucky numbers, and that while some advice is practical, other aspects are based on pseudoscience.

Is it time to put the Aether to sleep?

Authored by Joseph Gastright, this article examines the scientific concept of the Aether. It questions whether the Aether is still a valid scientific concept or if it was eliminated by Einstein's theory of relativity and quantum field theory. The article traces the historical development of the Aether concept, from the Pythagoreans and Aristotle, who proposed it as a medium filling the void, through Descartes and Newton, who speculated on its properties. It highlights Thomas Young's discovery of interference and the wave theory of light, which challenged the need for a physical medium. The article notes that modern quantum electrodynamics describes a universe filled with virtual waves and particles, and that experiments like the Casimir effect provide evidence for these quantum phenomena. However, it also points out that the Aether remains a popular concept in pseudoscientific fields like New Energy and Alternative Physics.

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

This column, written by P. J. O'Rourke and reviewed by Wolf Roder, discusses O'Rourke's book "Eat the Rich." O'Rourke satirically explores why some countries are rich while others are poor, using his experiences as a foreign correspondent. The review notes that O'Rourke admits to knowing nothing about economics but proceeds to explain it humorously. The reviewer, Wolf Roder, points out that nobody truly knows why some countries are poor and others rich, and that simplistic solutions are unlikely. O'Rourke's book also touches on topics like overpopulation and environmental impact. The review contrasts O'Rourke's observations on capitalism and socialism in countries like Sweden and Cuba, and criticizes his conservative viewpoint and optimistic outlook on the world's future.

Atlantis, the Andes Solution: The Discovery of South America as the Legendary Continent of Atlantis

This is a review by Wolf Roder of James M. Allen's book, which posits that Atlantis was located in South America, specifically the altiplano of Bolivia. Roder is skeptical of this theory, arguing that Plato's account of Atlantis is likely a philosophical allegory rather than historical fact. He criticizes Allen's methodology, which he describes as "historical pseudo-scientist," for freely shuffling facts and data to fit his theory. Roder points out inconsistencies in Allen's interpretation of timelines, measurements, and cultural symbols, and notes that Allen draws on biblical stories and various ancient civilizations without a clear logical coherence or understanding of modern archaeology. Roder concludes that Allen's approach lacks the rigor of scientific inquiry.

Skeptic's Archives: R. Buchanan, The Origin and Nature of Ghosts, Demons and Spectral Illusions Generally.

This section, written by William B. Jensen, reviews a booklet by R. Buchanan. Jensen explains that Buchanan, a socialist journalist, published this work in Manchester around 1840 as part of a series of pamphlets aimed at combating superstition. Buchanan's thesis divides spectral illusions into three categories: those from disordered body/mind, those from optical causes, and those from ignorance/fraud. The review details how Buchanan analyzes ghost stories, meteorological phenomena (like the Spectre of the Brocken), and cases of alleged hauntings, often attributing them to natural or psychological explanations. Jensen notes that Buchanan drew heavily from works by Sir David Brewster and Sir Walter Scott. Buchanan's motivation was to make the work affordable to the average working man.

A Puzzle for Thinkers

This section presents a riddle about a couple's ages at marriage and after three and a half years, attributed to Brian Bolt's "A Mathematical Pandora's Box." The solution to the previous month's puzzle is also provided, concerning the number of students who received different grades on an exam.

ART Business: Annual Report, 1998-1999

This section provides reports from various officers of the Association for Rational Thought (ART) for the 1998-1999 year.

• Secretary's Report (Virginia Jergens): Reports on taking minutes, distributing records, collecting officer reports, preparing the annual report, and maintaining contact lists. She also wrote articles for the newsletter and assisted with tax-exempt status filings.
• President's Report (Roy Auerbach): Notes that the year was "comfortably more of the same," with an informative and humorous newsletter and a range of interesting programs. He highlights the evolving web site and thanks the officers for their efforts.
• Vice-President's Report (Nurit Bowman): Mentions filling in for the president, attending executive meetings, and learning about the organization's workings.
• Treasurer's Report (Rick Prairie): Details the financial status as of June 30, 1998 and 1999. The checkbook balance increased from $644.43 to $1594.38. Income sources included membership dues, cash donations, in-kind donations, and web donations, totaling $3,652.14. Expenses included postage, printing, and web expenses.
• Membership Secretary's Report (Roy Auerbach): Reports an increase in membership from about 80 to 92 members. He notes that the $15 annual fee alone is insufficient to support the organization, and donations are crucial for survival.
• Meeting Organizer and Program Chair's Report (Brad Bonham): Discusses challenges with scheduling programs, leading to a lack of an annual program flyer and scarce information for the newsletter. He notes strong attendance at meetings and the importance of the post-meeting lunch for member interaction.
• Newsletter Editor's Report (Wolf Roder): Details the seven issues published, their typical content (mottos, comments, limericks, puzzles, meeting reports, columns, editorials, news, announcements), and the costs per issue. He notes a lack of local news and comments on media idiocies. He also mentions the extensive work done by himself and Donna Loughry.
• Web Site and SANE E-Mail List Manager's Report (David Wall): Reports on the web site and e-mail list finding a home on One Net. The web site has grown significantly, with newsletters available online and an expanded links section. Website accesses have increased dramatically from 7300 to 30,000 in the past year. The SANE e-mail list has 32 subscribers.
• Membership Committee Chair Report (Brad Bonham): Notes a slower membership growth in 1998-1999 compared to the previous year, attributing it partly to not soliciting "Skeptical Inquirer" subscribers and the absence of an annual program flyer. However, most new members from the previous year renewed.
• Publicity Coordinator's Report (Gary Himes): Details efforts to place meeting notices in local newspapers and journals. He notes that some meetings went without announcement due to a lack of timely information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is the critical examination of beliefs and phenomena that fall outside the realm of mainstream science and rational thought. The publication consistently promotes skepticism and rational inquiry, as evidenced by its focus on debunking pseudoscience (Feng Shui, Aether theories), critically reviewing books that promote fringe ideas (Atlantis), and presenting historical skeptical writings. The Association for Rational Thought (ART) appears to be a dedicated organization committed to disseminating skeptical viewpoints through its newsletter, web site, and public meetings. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and against unsubstantiated claims, while also acknowledging the value of common sense and practical advice that may be found within some pseudoscientific systems.

Title: Cincinnati Skeptic
Issue: Vol. 9 No. 1
Date: August/September 1999
Publisher: Association for Rational Thought (A.R.T.)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the Cincinnati Skeptic, published by the Association for Rational Thought (A.R.T.), focuses on the role of skepticism in the electronic media and provides information about the organization's activities, membership, and upcoming events.

Association for Rational Thought (A.R.T.)

The Association for Rational Thought is described as an independent, nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization. It shares the philosophy of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP) and investigates paranormal events. A.R.T. sponsors workshops and publishes the Skeptical Inquirer. The organization was founded by Cincinnati area skeptics in 1991.

Meetings and Activities

A.R.T. holds 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. A.R.T. also maintains a database of information on paranormal claims for local media and investigates local paranormal claims. Annual dues are $15.00, which includes a subscription to the Cincinnati Skeptic.

Membership and Contact Information

Information is provided for contacting A.R.T. leadership, including President Roy Auerbach and Nurit Bowman. Roy Auerbach can be contacted for address changes, corrections, and membership questions at (513) 731-2774 or via email at [email protected]. The issue includes a form for new and renewing members, requesting name, address, phone number, and email. It also mentions a "Lapsed" status for expired memberships and encourages prompt renewal. Additional contributions are welcomed to support the organization's work, with checks payable to the Association for Rational Thought and mailed to P.O. Box 12896, Cincinnati OH 45212. Contributions are noted as not currently tax-deductible.

Skepticism and ART on the Electronic Media

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the theme of "Skepticism and ART on the Electronic Media." Readers are encouraged to join SANE (Skeptical Area Network Effort) for weekly skeptical news via email, featuring messages from CSICOP, James "The Amazing" Randi, and local skeptics. This serves as a means of staying in touch between issues of the Cincinnati Skeptic.

The A.R.T. website, http://www.cincinnatiskeptics.org, is highlighted as a "NEW & IMPROVED" resource. It contains "BLURBS" on various subjects, links to skeptical thinking resources worldwide, information on joining SANE, the basic definition of A.R.T., its bylaws, meeting information, contact methods, and instructions for sending sample copies of the newsletter. David Wall is listed as the Web Site Manager, with his email address as [email protected].

Preview Of Coming Attractions

The magazine outlines the "Preview Of Coming Attractions" for the 1999-2000 season. Meetings are held at James Tavern, described as an accessible location for all, with coffee available for a small donation. The schedule includes:

• First Meeting: September 11, 1999 (Saturday)
• Second Meeting: October 9, 1999 (Saturday) - Speaker & Topic: Bob Baker will discuss ghosts, with accompanying appearances at local bookstores.
• Third Meeting: November 13, 1999 (Saturday)

Readers are invited to "Join us....to find out what's real and what's not!"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around promoting skepticism, rational investigation of paranormal claims, and the use of electronic media for disseminating information and fostering community among skeptics. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific inquiry and critical evaluation of pseudoscientific and paranormal claims, as evidenced by the organization's affiliation with CSICOP and its publication of the Skeptical Inquirer. The emphasis on accessible meetings and online resources suggests a commitment to engaging the public and providing resources for those interested in skeptical thought.