Cincinnati Skeptic - Vol 11 No 01 - 2001

Magazine Overview

Title: Cincinnati Skeptic
Issue: Vol. 11 No. 1
Date: August/September 2001
Publisher: The Association for Rational Thought (A.R.T.)
Document Type: Newsletter

June Meeting: Really Big, Really Neglected Bones

The June meeting of the Association for Rational Thought (A.R.T.) took members to Big Bone Lick State Park in Florence, Kentucky. Park Naturalist Jonathan Barker led the group, discussing the park's significance as the birthplace of American paleontology due to its abundant prehistoric mammalian bones. Despite its scientific repute, the park is described as having its glory lodged in the past, obscured by time and neglect. The area's history is tied to the end of the last Ice Age, approximately 8,000 to 12,000 years ago, when cooler temperatures prevailed. The park's geological formation, with salty, sulfurous wetlands, attracted large mammals like mammoths, mastodons, and bison, many of which became trapped and fossilized in the muck. The article notes that while the springs were once a valuable source of salt and a health spa destination, the site was later neglected, with significant bone collections moved to the University of Nebraska under contentious circumstances. The park now features a small museum and outdoor interpretive facilities.

The Association for Rational Thought Annual Report, 2000-2001

Virginia Jergens, Secretary, reports that eleven officers and members contributed 1089 volunteer hours during the 2000-2001 year. The President's Report, by Roy Auerbach, highlights A.R.T.'s role in informing members about skeptical issues and its smaller community impact. Programs included talks on evolution, rationality, dinosaurs, the Drake equation, standardized tests, and the Newark, Ohio, holy stones hoax. Events included a 'Superstition Bash' and a field trip to Big Bone Lick State Park. The A.R.T. website, maintained by David Wall, is well-established and generates interest. The newsletter is praised for being informative, erudite, and funny, with book reviews and columns by Wolf Roder and Joe Gastright. Finances have stabilized, with membership hovering around 100, allowing for small honorariums for speakers. The organization is exploring new meeting locations and activities, and aims to strengthen ties with CSICOP affiliates. The President estimates 90 volunteer hours for his role.

Comments Corner

This section features a historical anecdote about Dr. Joseph Rodes Buchanan's 1842 demonstrations of 'Neurology' in New York. Buchanan aimed to show how the 'flow of Nervaura' from his fingertips could excite phrenological organs in his subject, Mrs. O, a housewife. The experiments involved stimulating different regions on committee members, including Dr. Forry, and observing the subject's responses, which ranged from a desire for knowledge to expressions of feminism and assertiveness. The experiments concluded with the subject becoming physically weak when organs of Humility and Physical Relaxation were stimulated, and then aggressive when 'uppity' organs were touched. William Cullen Bryant endorsed these findings, printing them in the Democratic Review. The author, Joe Gastright, draws a parallel to modern-day mediums like James Van Praagh.

Book Review: Rare Earth: Why Complex Life is Uncommon in the Universe

Wolf Roder reviews 'Rare Earth' by Peter D. Ward and Donald Brownlee. The book challenges the assumption of abundant extraterrestrial life, arguing that the conditions for complex life are exceedingly rare. It examines life in extreme Earth environments and discusses the narrow parameters required for a planet to support life, including its distance from a star, orbital stability, atmospheric composition, and the presence of a carbon cycle maintained by plate tectonics. The authors doubt that planets without plate movement can develop complex life. The book emphasizes the precariousness of life's evolution, citing ice ages and extinction events. Roder recommends the book for those who might still hold illusions about the prevalence of extraterrestrial intelligence, suggesting it's a necessary read to understand why 'Star Trek' scenarios are unlikely.

Book Review: Quantum Leaps in the Wrong Direction

Roy Auerbach reviews 'Quantum Leaps in the Wrong Direction' by Charles M. Wynn and Arthur W. Wiggins. The book, featuring cartoons by Sidney Harris, aims to distinguish between science and pseudoscience in an accessible, 'sound bite' style. It covers the scientific method and applies it to various pseudoscientific claims, including UFOs, astrology, creationism, ESP, and mediumship. While the initial chapters on science and pseudoscience are well-regarded, the effectiveness of later chapters varies, with UFOs and astrology deemed stronger than creationism and out-of-body experiences. The review suggests the book's punctuated style limits depth, and some arguments are asserted without full explanation. Auerbach believes the book is most effective for those not firmly entrenched in either a skeptical or believing camp, and recommends it for young people and students.

No Alien Abductions

This short piece notes that William Cooper, author of 'Behold a Pale Horse,' has changed his mind about alien abductions. Cooper now believes that global elites use the fear of aliens, particularly through media like 'Star Trek,' to promote socialism and control Americans.

Really Big, Really Neglected Bones (Continued)

This continuation of the Big Bone Lick State Park article details the park's history and features. The salt springs, formed from ancient seas and shale, attracted prehistoric megafauna. The article describes how animals became trapped and fossilized in the mud. It mentions that the site was recorded by Europeans in 1739 and later visited by Merriweather Lewis under Thomas Jefferson's direction. The area was used for salt production and later promoted as a health spa. The park was established in 1960 but remained neglected until 1972. Current features include a museum with assorted bones and outdoor interpretive facilities, including a recreated salt bog and a herd of thirteen bison. The article also touches on the 'buffalo traces' that became animal and human pathways.

A Puzzle for Thinkers

This section presents a logic puzzle involving a census taker, a lady, and the ages of three other inhabitants. The puzzle states that the product of the other three inhabitants' ages is 1296, and their sum equals the lady's age. The census taker initially lacks enough information but is satisfied after learning the lady is not the oldest. The solution to a previous puzzle involving the Yin and Yang figure is also provided.

Annual Report from pg 1 (Continued)

This section continues the annual report, detailing the executive committee's activities and goals. It mentions membership hovering around 100, allowing for small speaker honorariums. The organization has faced challenges with meeting locations, as their usual venue, James Tavern (now Parker's Blue Ash Grill), has changed. The report notes increased program costs due to the need for paid meeting rooms and larger reminder postcards. Suggestions for free meeting spaces are requested. A 'Skeptics in the Pub' social event was held. The report also covers the shift to a once-a-year membership renewal cycle and the database management efforts by the Membership Secretary.

Treasurer's Report

Rick Prairie, Treasurer, reports that as of June 30, 2001, the checkbook balance was $1111.78, with no outstanding bills. Income for the year totaled $3,385.20, primarily from donations. Total expenses were $3,941.23, resulting in a net loss of ($556.03). Expenses increased due to the Superstition Bash and travel to Amherst. Prairie spent approximately 40 hours on bookkeeping and executive meetings.

Meeting Organizer and Program Committee Chair's Report

Brad Bonham reports on ten scheduled membership programs for the 2000-2001 season, with nine presented. A special 'Superstition Bash' was held. The April 2001 program was canceled and rescheduled. A field trip to Big Bone Lick State Park was conducted. The loss of James Tavem as a meeting place led to scrambling for new venues and increased costs. The report mentions a 'Skeptics in the Pub' social event and seeks volunteers to organize future events. The Recruitment Committee Chair reports good membership retention and a shift to a once-a-year renewal cycle.

Membership Secretary's Report

Nurit Bowman reports that A.R.T. membership stood at 101. She has spent time learning the database program and has sent out renewal reminders. The membership expiration date is being standardized to September 1st. She has also checked databases for inaccuracies.

Media Coordinator's Report

Bob and Diane Streifthau contributed to a media directory and explored its uses for responding to media reports of pseudoscience. They estimate 15 hours each on A.R.T. related business.

Publicity Coordinator's Report

Bryan Sellers sent meeting announcements to local papers, noting that hard copy submissions are preferred. He plans to contact the 'Cincinnati Business Courier' and 'Cincinnati Herald' and will also coordinate with the UC Skeptics for future meetings.

Investigations Officer's Report

Terry Endres reports that no new investigations were undertaken, but he participated in two editions of 'UFO Update Live.' These shows featured interviews with UFO investigators Budd Hopkins and Bruce Macabee. Endres directed questions towards detecting deception in alleged abductees and the Gulf Breeze case, noting Macabee's evasiveness. He also participated in a presentation rebutting the Apollo hoax special.

Newsletter Editor's Report

Wolf Roder reports that the 'Cincinnati Skeptic' published six bimonthly issues, generally 12 pages each. The newsletter content includes a motto, comments, limericks, puzzles, meeting reports, book reviews, and news items. He notes the need for more local commentary on pseudoscience and other media issues. The cost of printing the most recent newsletter was $171.

Webmaster's Report

David Wall reports the A.R.T. website averages 7500 requests per month, with the 'blurbs' section being the most popular. Newsletters are also popular, especially in PDF format. Other popular sections include links and meeting information. Common search terms include 'pseudoscience,' 'ghosts,' and 'monsters.' The SANE (Skeptical Area Network Effort) e-mail list has 48 members and is now hosted by Yahoo. Wall estimates he spent slightly less than 50 hours on web site and SANE maintenance.

Membership Duration and Dues

All memberships start in August and are coordinated with the fiscal year, ending July 31st. Renewal requests will be mailed once a year in the Fall. Members are reminded to pay their dues.

Poem In a Box!

This section features a prophetic quatrain by John Dryden titled 'A prophetic quatrain.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of the Cincinnati Skeptic revolve around critical thinking, skepticism, and the rational examination of claims. The newsletter actively promotes scientific literacy by reviewing books that distinguish between science and pseudoscience, and by reporting on the activities of the Association for Rational Thought (A.R.T.). The editorial stance is clearly pro-skepticism, encouraging members to question extraordinary claims and to rely on evidence and logical reasoning. The organization's efforts to educate the public and its members on these principles are evident throughout the various reports and articles, from the historical accounts to the book reviews and discussions of current events.

Title: Cincinnati Skeptics
Issue: Vol. 11 No. 1
Date: August/September 2001
Publisher: Association for Rational Thought (ART)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the Cincinnati Skeptics newsletter serves as a communication tool for the Association for Rational Thought (ART), an independent, nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization dedicated to investigating paranormal claims and promoting skepticism. The publication details ART's affiliations with prominent skeptical organizations such as CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal), The Skeptics Society, and JREF (James Randi Educational Foundation), providing their contact information and website addresses.

Organization and Mission

The Association for Rational Thought (ART) was founded by Cincinnati area skeptics in 1991. Its primary activities include investigating local paranormal claims, maintaining a database of information on paranormal claims for local media, and holding public meetings. ART meets on the second Saturday of each month from September through June, starting at 10:00 AM. The organization emphasizes its commitment to scientific inquiry and rational thought, stating that "extraordinary claims demand extraordinary evidence."

Membership and Contributions

The newsletter outlines the membership structure, with annual dues set at $15.00, which includes a subscription to the Cincinnati Skeptic. It provides a form for new members, renewing members, or those wishing to make a contribution. The organization notes that dues have been kept low and encourages additional contributions to support their work, emphasizing that these contributions are not currently tax-deductible but that the organization is working towards that status. Members can also indicate preferences regarding future meeting topics and the use of their names in mailing lists.

Skepticism and ART on the Electronic Media

A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to ART's presence in the digital realm. It promotes joining SANE (Skeptical Area Network Effort), an email list that disseminates skeptical news and rational messages from various sources, including CSICOP and James Randi. This serves as a weekly communication channel for skeptics. ART also highlights its official website, http://www.cincinnatiskeptics.org, describing it as a resource containing "BLURBS on various subjects," links to skeptical thinking resources worldwide, information on joining SANE, definitions of the organization's purpose and bylaws, and details on how to attend meetings and obtain sample copies of the newsletter. David Wall is credited as the Web Site Manager.

Upcoming Events

The newsletter includes a "Preview Of Coming Attractions" section, announcing the first two meetings of the 2001-2002 season. The first meeting is scheduled for Saturday, September 8, 2001, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with a program starting at 12:15 PM, followed by lunch. The second meeting is on Saturday, October 13, 2001, with the same timing. Members are encouraged to "Mark your Calendars" and "Watch your mail for Details."

Definition of a Skeptic

Page 2 of the newsletter provides a definition of a skeptic, describing modern skepticism as a response to the "torrent of paranormal and pseudoscientific claims." Skeptics are characterized not as cynics, but as individuals who embrace the scientific method for seeking knowledge. The definition emphasizes that while not all skeptics are scientists, they uphold the principle that "extraordinary claims demand extraordinary evidence." The Cincinnati Skeptics meet to discuss such claims, debate their merits, and "skewer dogmatism," all while having fun.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the promotion of scientific skepticism, the investigation of paranormal phenomena, and the importance of rational thought. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and critical thinking, positioning the Association for Rational Thought as a resource for challenging unsubstantiated claims. The newsletter actively encourages community involvement through membership, contributions, and participation in meetings and online forums like SANE.