Cincinnati Skeptic - Vol 10 No 03 - 2000-2001

Magazine Overview

Title: Cincinnati Skeptic
Issue: Vol. 10 No. 3
Date: December 2000/January 2001
Publisher: The Association for Rational Thought (ART)
Theme: Skepticism, Rationality, Critical Thinking

Superstition Bash Report

The issue prominently features a report on the "First Annual Superstition Bash," a collaborative event held on Friday the 13th by the Association for Rational Thought (ART) and the Free Inquiry Group, Inc. (FIG). The event aimed to "attack or abuse" superstitious beliefs through words and behavior, rather than physical means. The report details the origins of superstitions associated with Friday the 13th, such as the crucifixion of Jesus and the number of apostles. The bash was held at St. John's Unitarian Church in Cincinnati and was attended by adults, featuring displays, skits, costumes, and a talk by Donna Loughry on the history of superstitions. The event was considered a success, with members from both ART and FIG working together.

November Meeting: Roots of Rationality or Did the Chinese Invent Rationality?

This section covers the November membership meeting, which featured a lecture by Michael Barnes, a professor of religious studies at the University of Dayton and author of "The Stages of Thought." Barnes presented a thesis that rational thinking, and the scientific method, are the best means to discover truth and that rational thinking developed in many civilizations, not solely in Western Europe. He acknowledged that this idea is ambitious and faces resistance, particularly from religious and new age communities who may feel threatened by science's explanatory power. Barnes clarified that he is not suggesting only religious people are irritated by science, but rather that many people, including religious and philosophers, apply rational thinking to different aspects of life.

Book Reviews

Earth Report 2000: Revisiting the True State of the Planet

Edited by Ronald Bailey, this book is reviewed by Wolf Roder. The book, published by Competitive Enterprise Institute, presents an optimistic view of the global environment, downplaying issues like overpopulation and global warming. It advocates for free enterprise and private property as solutions. The review highlights a chapter on climatic warming, noting that average global temperatures have increased by one degree Fahrenheit this century, with most of the increase occurring between 1910-1940 and after 1960. It also discusses the role of CO2 and water vapor in atmospheric warming, suggesting that the impact of human-induced CO2 is small. The review mentions that computer simulations of climate warming are becoming more precise and that some regions might benefit from warming. The book also addresses the depletion of marine fish stocks, suggesting aquaculture as a solution driven by free enterprise.

Ancient Mysteries

Reviewed by Wolf Roder, this book by Peter James and Nick Thorpe is described as an encyclopedia of mystical topics examined rationally. It covers subjects like Atlantis, Sodom, Maya civilization, Stonehenge, the Sphinx, pyramids, Tiahuanaco, Easter Island, Glastonbury Spiral, Somerset Zodiac, Nazca Lines, Phoenician voyages, King Arthur, Robin Hood, and Edgar Cayce. The authors are noted for sticking to facts, though at times giving credence to the possible or doubtful. The book is illustrated and includes bibliographies, making it a valuable resource for skeptics.

Comments Corner: Pass the NERVAURA, please.

This section features a review by Joe Gastright of Joseph Rodes Buchanan's work on "Psychometry." Buchanan, a physician and proponent of "Anthropology" and "Psychometry," claimed that substances could transmit their influence to the system through taste when held in the hand. He conducted experiments suggesting that this ability was common, particularly in individuals with mental cultivation and refinement. Gastright expresses skepticism about Buchanan's claims, comparing them to psychic messages and questioning whether sensory clues or leakage could explain the phenomena.

Letters to the Editor

This section includes correspondence from Brad Bonham, ART Membership Chair, to Karen Samples, a columnist for The Enquirer. Bonham expresses delight in finding people outside the usual circles interested in skepticism and praises Samples' column for its wit and accurate observations. Karen Samples responds, thanking Bonham and mentioning that she learned about ART through Ed Kagin's Senate run and the FIG newsletters. She also notes that her editors at The Enquirer enjoy her work.

I remember Steve Allen

Wolf Roder writes a tribute to Steve Allen (1921-2000), remembering him as a leading skeptic, humanist, and advocate of critical thinking. Allen is described as a "Renaissance man" who excelled in various fields. Roder recalls Allen's "Meeting of the Minds" program on PBS and a personal meeting at the inauguration of the Center for Inquiry. Allen's prolific writing career, including over 50 books on diverse topics and mystery novels, is also highlighted.

In De-Nile of Death?

This article, from www.Stats.org, discusses highway safety in the US, comparing US traffic fatality rates to those of other countries. It notes that while product failures like the Ford/Firestone debacle raise concerns, the US rate of deaths per 100 million kilometers driven is relatively low compared to countries like Egypt, but higher than Germany, Bulgaria, Thailand, and United Kingdom. The article also touches on the effectiveness of scientific methods in predicting and explaining the natural world.

Roots of Rationality (Continued)

This section continues the discussion from page 1, exploring the development of rational thinking. It addresses criticisms of scientific methods, such as their perceived subjectivity and dependence on culture. The article emphasizes the effectiveness of science in predicting and managing the natural world. It discusses the "axial age" (around the sixth century BCE) as a crucial period for the institutionalization of rational thought, facilitated by the development of writing. The evolution of writing from clay figurines to abstract symbols on tablets is detailed, highlighting its role in storing complex information and enabling abstract thought.

A Puzzle for Thinkers

This section presents a mathematical puzzle about calculating the average entry fee for six public swimming pools, adapted from "Mathematische Denkspiele." It also includes the solution to a previous puzzle concerning pocket money distribution among three students.

It's a communist plot

A short, humorous quote attributed to "bio-astrologer Esmeralda von Löwenzahn-Dentdelion" suggests that digital watches are a communist plot to make children unable to read clocks, thus making them susceptible to communist rule.

Dr. Fredrick Fasehun, MD on spirits:

This quote from Karl Maier's book "This House has Fallen" features Dr. Fasehun recounting an experience where a young girl, protected by charms, was unharmed by police bullets, which fell to the ground. He states that while he does not practice such methods himself, he witnessed the event.

The Flying Pig of Philadelphia?

A brief anecdote about two women who attempted to fly with a "seeing eye pig" weighing 300 pounds, despite claiming it weighed only 13 pounds. The incident led to an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Cincinnati Skeptic consistently promotes rationality, scientific inquiry, and critical thinking. The publication actively debunks superstitions and pseudoscientific claims, as evidenced by the "Superstition Bash" report and the critical reviews of books and historical accounts. The magazine also engages with philosophical discussions on the nature of knowledge and the development of rational thought across cultures. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, advocating for evidence-based reasoning and a scientific worldview, while also acknowledging the importance of intellectual history and the contributions of figures like Steve Allen.

Title: Cincinnati Skeptics
Issue: Vol. 10 No. 3
Date: December 2000/January 2001

This issue of the Cincinnati Skeptics newsletter is published by The Association for Rational Thought (ART), an independent, nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization. ART aligns itself with the philosophies of CSICOP, the Skeptics Society, and JREF (James Randi Educational Foundation).

Affiliated Organizations

• The newsletter provides contact information for several prominent skeptical organizations:
• CSICOP: The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal, publisher of the Skeptical Inquirer. Contact details include PO Box 703, Amherst, NY 14226-0703, phone: 800-634-1610, fax: 716-636-1733, and website: www.scicop.org.
• The Skeptics Society: Publisher of The Skeptic Magazine. Contact details include PO Box 338, Altadena, CA 91001, phone: 626-794-3119, fax: 626-794-1300, email: [email protected], and website: www.skeptic.com.
• JREF: The James Randi Educational Foundation, publisher of the Swift Newsletter. Contact details include 201 SE Davie Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316-1815, phone: (954) 467-1112, fax: (954) 467-1660, and website: www.randi.org.

Association for Rational Thought (ART) Information

ART is described as an organization committed to encouraging rational, well-informed evaluation of fringe-science, pseudoscience, and paranormal claims. It encourages the investigation of such claims from a responsible, scientific viewpoint and the distribution of results to the public. ART was founded by Cincinnati area skeptics in 1991.

Meetings: ART meets on the second Saturday of each month from September through June at 10:00 AM. The regular meeting location is James Tavern in Blue Ash. Meetings are open to the public.

Publications: ART publishes the Cincinnati Skeptic newsletter each month and maintains a database of information on paranormal claims for local media and investigations.

Membership: Annual dues are $15.00, which includes a subscription to the Cincinnati Skeptic. A membership form is provided in the newsletter, allowing individuals to join as new members or renewing members, and to make additional contributions.

Contact Information: For general information, contact President Roy Auerbach at (513)731-2774 or Nurit Bowman at (513) 731-0642. For address changes, corrections, or membership questions, contact Roy Auerbach at (513) 731-2774. The email address for membership inquiries is [email protected].

Mailing Label Information: The newsletter explains the meaning of 'Member' (active) and 'Lapsed' (expired membership) status indicated on mailing labels.

Financial Support: ART encourages additional contributions beyond dues to support its work, noting that contributions are not currently tax-deductible but that efforts are underway to achieve this status.

Skepticism and ART on the Electronic Media

• This section highlights ART's online presence and resources:
• SANE (Skeptical Area Network Effort): An email list providing skeptical news, messages from CSICOP, James Randi, and local skeptics. It serves as a means of communication between newsletter issues.
• ART's Website: The website, http://www.cincinnatiskeptics.org, offers BLURBS on various subjects, links to skeptical thinking resources, information on joining SANE, definitions of ART's mission and bylaws, details on meeting locations (James Tavern), and contact information.
• Web Site Manager: David Wall is the Web Site Manager, reachable at [email protected].

Preview Of Coming Attractions

This section details upcoming meetings for the 2000-2001 season:

• Fourth Meeting (Sat. Dec. 9, 2000):
• Topic: The Newark, Ohio, Holy Stones – unholy frauds for a “holy” purpose?
• Speaker: Bradley T. Lepper, PhD, Archeologist, Ohio Historical Society, Columbus, OH.
• Description: This presentation will investigate the controversial 'finds' of stones engraved with Hebrew letters at ancient Indian mounds in Ohio, examining whether they are evidence of ancient Hebrew travel or purposeful scientific forgeries.

• Fifth Meeting (Sat. Jan. 13, 2001):
• Topic: Dinosaur Discourse
• Speaker: David Meyer, PhD, Department of Geology, University of Cincinnati.
• Description: This talk will update attendees on the latest dinosaur discoveries and discuss interpretations of major claims, such as the asteroid impact theory.

• New Meeting Location (Effective January 2001):
• Place: Bonham Branch Library, 500 Springfield Pike, Wyoming, OH. Located at the NE corner of "the pike" & Wyoming Ave. Parking is available at the library and nearby businesses, with a suggestion to park on Wyoming Ave. toward Sturkey's if possible.
• Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (program from 12:15 PM - 2:00 PM).
• Lunch: Following the meeting, lunch will be at Sturkey's Restaurant, 400 Wyoming Ave. A preview of the menu and a map are available at http://www.sturkeys.com.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is the promotion of skepticism and rational inquiry into paranormal and pseudoscientific claims. ART positions itself as a scientific and educational resource, providing a platform for investigation and public education. The newsletter emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, evidence-based evaluation, and the dissemination of accurate information. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific methodology and against unsubstantiated claims, as evidenced by the focus on debunking purported paranormal phenomena and promoting scientific understanding in fields like paleontology.