Cincinnati Skeptic - Vol 10 No 06 - 2001

Magazine Overview

Title: Cincinnati Skeptic
Issue: Vol. 10 No. 6
Date: June/July 2001
Publisher: The Association for Rational Thought (ART)
Description: This issue of the Cincinnati Skeptic newsletter focuses on various topics relevant to rational thought and skepticism, including educational assessment, the paranormal, and scientific debates.

Quack Accountability: Why Standardized Tests Can't Measure School Performance

Joe Gastright, founder and former president of ART, discusses the limitations of standardized testing. He traces the history of educational evaluation from ancient Greece and China to modern methods, highlighting the development of tests like the Binet scale and its successors. Gastright argues that while tests can rank students, they fail to measure true knowledge or educational accomplishment, and their misuse can lead to negative consequences for teachers and schools. He points out that tests are designed to discriminate, not to assess learning, and that teaching to the test can neglect essential skills.

The Committee on the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP) Local Group Representatives Meeting

This section reports on a meeting held in Amherst, NY, on April 20-22, 2001, attended by representatives from Canadian and US skeptical groups. The meeting aimed to foster stronger relationships among local groups and with CSICOP. Discussions covered group accomplishments, challenges in maintaining active membership, and strategies for outreach. Paul Kurtz emphasized the importance of scientific inquiry, while other speakers like Barry Karr and Joe Nickell shared insights on group dynamics and investigations. The meeting also touched upon the evolution of skeptical concerns over the past decades.

Comments Corner

1853 was a Very Good Year
Joe Gastright reviews a historical account of spiritualism in Cincinnati from the March 1853 issue of the *Journal of Man*. The article details the prevalence of spiritualist circles, mediums, and publications in the city, noting a significant demand for such materials and the emergence of new communication methods beyond simple raps.

A review of "Spirituality in Cincinnati"
This review, presented by Joe Gastright, highlights the extensive spiritualist activity in Cincinnati in 1853, including numerous organized circles, hundreds of mediums, and a thriving market for spiritualist literature. It also mentions the shift from communication via raps to mediums writing or speaking under spiritual influence.

A.R.T. Business

May Meeting of the Executive Council
Reported by Virginia Jergens, the ART Executive Council met on May 5th. Wolf Roder reported on his trip to Amherst, NY, to connect with other local skeptic groups. The treasury stands at $1,953, with a $200 grant from CSICOP covering part of Roder's travel expenses. Membership is at 105. Planning for the annual summer picnic and nominations for next year's officers were discussed. The next meeting is scheduled for June 2nd in Blue Ash.

Membership Duration
The ART Executive Council approved a proposal to align membership with the fiscal year, starting August 1st, to streamline renewal processes.

Stuck by Sturkey's? Compensation Here!
Members who experienced rude service at Sturkey's Restaurant are encouraged to contact Inez Klein for a $15 gift certificate.

A Puzzle for Thinkers

Yin and Yang
A geometry puzzle is presented involving a large circle with inscribed arcs, asking for the area of a resulting figure if the large circle's area is 38 units.

Solution to the puzzle in the last issue: The solution involves calculating the number of sides of a regular polygon based on its interior angles.

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

Encyclopedia of Pseudoscience: from Alien Abductions to Zone Therapy by William F. Williams
Wolf Roder reviews this A-to-Z encyclopedia, noting its comprehensive coverage of pseudoscience topics. However, he expresses concern about some of the advisers and consultants listed, particularly those associated with UFO studies and anomaly research, suggesting a potential bias or lack of critical distinction between science and pseudoscience. He highlights entries on Ufology and Alien Abduction, as well as the inclusion of topics like the Big Bang and germ theory, questioning their relevance in a pseudoscience encyclopedia. Despite these reservations, Roder deems it an interesting volume that every skeptic should have.

A Room Temperature IQ
A brief anecdote about a man arrested after developing film that showed him and his accomplices robbing a store.

The Satanic Gases: Clearing the Air about Global Warming

by Patrick J. Michaels and Robert C. Balling, Jr.
Wolf Roder reviews this book, which challenges mainstream views on global warming. The authors, presented as spokesmen for atmospheric scientists who question the reality or importance of global warming, argue that the increase in CO2 will lead to only minor temperature increases, potentially beneficial. Roder notes their use of empirical data to critique climate models but criticizes their adversarial tone and the book's sponsorship by the conservative Cato Institute, suspecting bias.

Quack Accountability..... from page 1

This section continues the discussion on standardized testing, detailing its historical development and the various methods used to evaluate student learning. It covers scholastic disputation, oral examinations, and the rise of paper-and-pencil tests, including the work of Ebbinghaus and the development of statistical methods. The article discusses Alfred Binet's efforts to identify slower learners and the evolution of intelligence testing, leading to the Stanford-Binet test. It also touches upon the historical abuses of standardized tests, such as forced sterilization, and the current emphasis on accountability.

Amherst/CSICOP Report...from page 1

This section elaborates on the CSICOP meeting, detailing presentations by Barry Karr on local groups as forums, Joe Nickell on originating investigations, and Amanda Chesworth on youth outreach. Delegates shared what worked for their groups, noting common challenges like membership plateaus. The report discusses the emotional nature of group goals, the background of many skeptics as former believers, and the importance of electronic communication. It lists successful strategies such as intensive workshops, skeptical speaker panels, brainstorming sessions, and organizing 'Skeptics in the Pub' events.

Reports from Small Discussion Groups

Publicity, Outreach, Media
Advice is given on how to engage local media, including complimenting their work, appearing on morning shows, and building relationships with reporters. Suggestions include inviting media persons to speak to groups and maximizing group expertise for local media contributions.

National Organization
Discussions at the meeting revealed a need for a national organization of skeptical groups, with CSICOP potentially serving as a national organizer and publishing a national newsletter. Issues raised included group representation, membership structure, voting rights, legal liability, electronic networks, and tax-exempt status for local groups.

Issues and questions concerning these and other matters:
Key discussion points included group representation on CSICOP, membership nature and voting rights, legal and liability issues, the need for an electronic network, local group tax-exempt status, and the structure of a national database of speakers.

Recruitment and member activities

Suggestions for recruitment include using mailing labels, personal calls, creating a "best of newsletter" compilation, and collaborating with other organizations like the National Council for Science Education and The Skeptics Society. Attending science fairs, local psychic fairs, and company health fairs are also recommended for outreach. The importance of entertainment and social gatherings, such as organizing firewalks or séances, is highlighted for attracting media attention and new members.

Details of Upcoming Events

The Last Meeting of the year!
A Field Trip & Picnic is scheduled for June 9, 2001, at Big Bone Lick State Park, Kentucky, featuring a walking tour and picnic. Members of KASES & CORI are invited.

July & August Summer activities...
These activities are typically limited to a members' picnic, but this year they are adopting the "Skeptics in the Pub" concept, inspired by a group in London. This will be a social event held on Friday, July 13, 2001.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of the Cincinnati Skeptic is the promotion of critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and skepticism. The newsletter actively debunks pseudoscience, questions unsubstantiated claims, and advocates for evidence-based reasoning. There is a strong emphasis on education and the responsible assessment of information. The editorial stance is clearly rationalist, encouraging readers to be informed and to question claims that lack empirical support. The newsletter also serves as a platform for local skeptical groups to share information, coordinate activities, and foster a sense of community among like-minded individuals.

Title: Cincinnati Skeptics
Issue: Vol. 10 No. 6
Date: June/July 2001
Publisher: The Association for Rational Thought (ART)

This issue of the Cincinnati Skeptics newsletter, published by The Association for Rational Thought (ART), serves as a communication tool for members and interested individuals. ART is presented as an independent, nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization dedicated to promoting rational thought and investigating paranormal and pseudoscientific claims. The organization aligns itself with the philosophies of CSICOP, The Skeptics Society, and the James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF).

Organizational Information and Membership

The newsletter provides detailed contact information for affiliated organizations, including CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal), which publishes The Skeptical Inquirer; The Skeptics Society, publisher of The Skeptic Magazine; and JREF, publisher of the Swift Newsletter. ART itself meets on the second Saturday of each month from September through June, with meetings open to the public. ART also maintains a database of paranormal claims for local media and investigates local claims. Founded in 1991 by Cincinnati area skeptics, ART's annual dues are $15.00, which includes a subscription to the Cincinnati Skeptic.

Contact information is provided for ART's President, Roy Auerbach, and for Lance Moody. Nurit Bowman handles membership questions and address changes, with an email address provided for her. Mailing label information indicates membership status: '00/00/00 Member' for those in good standing, and 'Lapsed' for expired memberships.

A membership form is included, allowing individuals to sign up as new members or renew their existing memberships. The form also includes a section for making additional contributions to support ART's work, with a note that contributions are not currently tax-deductible but that this is being addressed. A request for future meeting subjects is also present, along with an option to opt-out of having one's name and address shared with other groups.

Skepticism and ART on the Electronic Media

The newsletter encourages readers to join SANE (Skeptical Area Network Effort) for skeptical news via e-mail, featuring messages from CSICOP, James Randi, and local skeptics. This serves as a means of staying in touch between newsletter issues. ART also maintains a website at http://www.cincinnatiskeptics.org, which offers blurbs on various subjects, links to skeptical thinking resources, information on joining SANE, definitions of ART's mission and bylaws, and details on how to attend meetings or obtain sample newsletters. David Wall is listed as the Web Site Manager.

Preview Of Coming Attractions

The second page of the document outlines upcoming events. The Tenth Meeting of the 2000-2001 Season was scheduled for Saturday, June 9, 2001, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a program and lunch. This meeting included a field trip to Big Bone Lick State Park. Another event, 'Skeptics in the Pub!!!', was scheduled for Friday, the 13th of July. Readers are also alerted to watch their mail for details regarding a Summer's Picnic.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around promoting skepticism, rational inquiry, and scientific investigation of paranormal claims. The Association for Rational Thought positions itself as a resource for accurate information and encourages public engagement through meetings, a newsletter, and online platforms. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of critical thinking and evidence-based analysis, aligning with the broader skeptical movement.