Cincinnati Skeptic - Vol 11 No 03 - 2001-2002

Magazine Overview

Title: Cincinnati Skeptic
Issue: Vol. 11 No. 3
Date: December 2001/January 2002
Publisher: The Association for Rational Thought

This issue of the Cincinnati Skeptic newsletter features a variety of articles and discussions relevant to skepticism, critical thinking, and the history of science and culture.

October Meeting: From Samhain to Halloween

Edgar Slotkin, PhD, Professor of English at the University of Cincinnati, presented on the origins of Halloween. He noted the appropriateness of the October meeting for the topic and suggested the word "Samhain" might originate from Irish or Welsh words for "summer." While Samhain was a Celtic celebration at the end of summer, Slotkin concluded that direct connections between Samhain and Halloween are tenuous, with significant differences between the two.

November Meeting: Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. as Skeptic

Dr. William B. Jensen, Oesper Professor of the History of Chemistry at the University of Cincinnati, discussed the skeptical activities of Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr., a poet and medical doctor. Holmes' career included medical education at Harvard and Paris, and a seminal essay on childbed fever. He became a literary figure with the founding of the Atlantic Monthly Magazine. Jensen highlighted Holmes' humorous poetry and his "Breakfast Series" collections, which contained satirical comments on current events. Holmes also lectured on medical quackery and pseudoscience, and developed a "retribution" theory of pseudoscience, suggesting its appearance indicated shoddy standards in legitimate sciences.

Comments Corner

This section includes a humorous anecdote titled "Lucky Frog" about a man who encounters a talking frog that helps him win at golf and roulette, leading to a surprising transformation. It also features a short piece titled "Gnawing Problem in National Park" about yellow-bellied marmots chewing through car hoses to consume antifreeze in Sequoia National Park.

The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP) Local Group Leaders Meeting

Bryan Sellers reported on a meeting of skeptical group leaders in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 11, 2001. Approximately twenty representatives from various skeptical organizations discussed common issues such as aging membership and the need for younger members. They explored the benefits and drawbacks of affiliating with CSICOP, including potential annual fees and the impact on autonomy. The use of websites and the internet for sharing resources was also discussed. Bela Scheiber advised local groups to set clear goals, remain focused on skepticism, and avoid divisive faith-based issues, while still engaging with claims open to scientific analysis.

Poem In a Box!

A poem by Heinrich Heine, translated by Henry W. Longfellow, titled "Auf Meiner Herzliebsten Äugelein" (On my darling's eyes) is presented.

We Remember Kenneth C. Matthews

This section is an obituary for Kenneth C. Matthews, a charter member of ART and a steadfast supporter, who passed away in September 2001. He is remembered for his twinkling intelligence and kind nature.

How come we believe so much odd stuff?

This brief piece notes that despite high levels of education in the US, people still engage in superstitions. It includes a quote from "bio-astrologer Esmeralda von Löwenzahn-Dentdelion."

Too Many Books.... Too Little Time.... The Riddle of the Compass: The Invention that Changed the World

This is a review of Amir D. Aczel's book about the invention of the magnetic compass. The author notes that the putative Italian inventor, Flavio Gioia, likely never existed and the true inventor remains unknown. The article traces the history of the compass's development, from its early use in China for divination to its eventual perfection in Amalfi for navigation. The reviewer, Wolf Roder, describes the book as a fun, easy read, akin to a detective novel.

A German topologist named Klein

A limerick about the Möbius Loop is included.

Nine Crazy Ideas in Science: A Few Might Even Be True

Wolf Roder reviews Robert Ehrlich's book, which examines nine specific scientific propositions on the rational fringe. The book demonstrates scientific reasoning and how to evaluate evidence. Topics covered include the relationship between guns and crime, the benefits of sunshine, the cause of AIDS, the existence of two suns, the origin of fossil fuels, time travel, and faster-than-light particles. Ehrlich provides his assessment of the probable reality of these ideas and invites suggestions for future topics.

Good for Something.

A brief anecdote about a shooting where silicone breast implants may have saved a woman's life.

The New Creationism.

A short statement by Victor Stenger asserts that Dembski's law of conservation of information and Intelligent Design are "wrong pseudoscience."

Science Book Club

Announcements for the Science Book Club meetings are provided. The November 18, 2001, topic was "Voodoo Science: The Road from Foolishness to Fraud" by Robert Park. The December 16, 2001, topic was "Faster: The Acceleration of Just About Everything" by James Gleick.

A Puzzle for Thinkers

A geometry puzzle involving a marble in a wine glass is presented, along with the solution to a previous puzzle about the volume of a truncated circular pyramid.

Details of Upcoming Events

Announcements for two upcoming events are listed:

• Saturday, 8 December 2001: Topic: "A Skeptic in the Pantry" by William J. Tyznik, PhD, focusing on organic foods, conventional foods, and GMOs.
• Saturday, 12 January 2002: Topic: "Evolution in the Chapel" by Rev. Mendel Adams, discussing Christian views on evolution and its role in public school curricula.

Membership Duration

Information regarding membership duration and dues is provided, reminding members that dues are late if not paid.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical thinking, skepticism, and the examination of pseudoscientific claims. The newsletter actively promotes rational thought and scientific inquiry, while also engaging with cultural history and scientific developments. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and skepticism towards extraordinary claims, as exemplified by the review of Robert Ehrlich's book and the discussion of CSICOP's role.

Title: Cincinnati Skeptics
Issue: Vol. 11 No. 3
Date: December 2001/January 2002
Publisher: The Association for Rational Thought (ART)

Content Summary

This issue of the Cincinnati Skeptics newsletter, published by The Association for Rational Thought (ART), provides information about the organization, its activities, and the broader skeptical movement. ART is described as an independent, nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization that aligns with the philosophies of CSICOP, The Skeptics Society, and JREF.

Organizations and Publications

• The newsletter highlights affiliated organizations and their publications:
• CSICOP: Publishes *The Skeptical Inquirer*. Contact information includes PO Box 703, Amherst, NY 14226-0703, phone: 800-634-1610, fax: 716-636-1733, and website: www.scicop.org.
• The Skeptics Society: Publishes *The Skeptic Magazine*. Contact information includes PO Box 338, Altadena, CA 91001, phone: 626-794-3119, fax: 626-794-1300, email: [email protected], and website: www.skeptic.com.
• JREF (James Randi Educational Foundation): Publishes the *Swift Newsletter*. Contact information includes 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) Activities

ART holds meetings on the second Saturday of each month from September through June at 10:00 AM. These meetings are open to the public. ART publishes the *Cincinnati Skeptic* bimonthly and maintains a database of information on paranormal claims for local media. The organization also investigates local paranormal claims. ART was founded by Cincinnati area skeptics in 1991.

Membership and Contributions

Annual dues for ART are $15.00, which includes a subscription to the *Cincinnati Skeptic* and meeting notices. The newsletter includes a form for new members or renewals, requesting name, address, phone, and email. It also appeals for additional financial contributions to support ART's work, noting that contributions are not currently tax-deductible but that the organization is working on it. A section is provided for members to request subjects for future meetings and to opt-out of having their names and addresses shared with other groups.

Contact Information

For more information, members can contact President Roy Auerbach at (513)731-2774 or Lance Moody at (513) 336-9834, or visit the ART website. Address changes and membership questions can be directed to Nurit Bowman at (513)731-0642 (email: [email protected]).

Mailing label information indicates membership status as 'Member' (active) or 'Lapsed' (expired).

Skepticism and ART on the Electronic Media

This section encourages readers to join SANE (Skeptical Area Network Effort) for weekly skeptical news via email, featuring messages from CSICOP, James Randi, local skeptics, and ART. It highlights the Cincinnati Skeptics website (http://www.cincinnatiskeptics.org) as a resource for skeptical blurbs, links, information on joining SANE, definitions of skepticism, meeting information, and how to send sample copies of the newsletter. David Wall is listed as the Web Site Manager, with contact email [email protected].

Definition of Skepticism

Page 2 provides a definition of skepticism: "Modern skepticism is a response to the torrent of paranormal and pseudoscientific claims that pervade our lives. The stories of ghosts, flying saucers, miracle cures, lake monsters and many other fringe beliefs often go unchallenged. Skeptics provide the challenge." It clarifies that skeptics embrace the scientific method and do not simply reject unusual ideas, but demand extraordinary evidence for extraordinary claims. The text states, "The truth is out there. And skeptics are looking for it."

Preview of Coming Attractions

• The newsletter announces upcoming meetings for the 2001-2002 season:
• Third Meeting: Saturday, December 8, 2001, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with a program from 12:15 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by lunch.
• Fourth Meeting: Saturday, January 13, 2002, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with a program from 12:15 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by lunch.

Readers are advised to "Mark your Calendars" and "Watch your mail & See Inside (p.10) for Details!"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the promotion of rational thought and scientific skepticism in response to paranormal and pseudoscientific claims. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and the scientific method, encouraging critical thinking and investigation of unusual claims. The organization actively seeks to educate the public and engage with the community through meetings and online resources.