Cincinnati Skeptic - Vol 11 No 04 - 2002

Magazine Overview

Title: Cincinnati Skeptic
Issue: Vol. 11 No. 4
Date: February/March 2002
Publisher: The Association for Rational Thought

This issue of the Cincinnati Skeptic, a newsletter from The Association for Rational Thought, covers a diverse range of topics, from scientific and historical discussions to critiques of pseudoscience and commentary on current events. The cover features a quote by Yogi Berra, "The future isn't what it used to be," and illustrations related to trade and animals.

January Meeting: Evolution in the Chapel

The January guest speaker was Reverend Mendle Adams of Saint Peter's United Church of Christ. His presentation focused on the role of evolution within the church, asserting that most main line denominations, excluding Baptists, accept evolution as the scientific interpretation of biological history. Reverend Adams shared his personal journey of reconciling his faith with evolution, emphasizing the importance of honoring elders' wisdom while remaining open to new truths and respecting diverse beliefs. He also touched upon the history of liberal churches and the potential for Christian fundamentalists to become an "American Taliban" if they gain political power. He cited the Heaven's Gate cult as an example of where fanaticism can lead.

December Meeting: A Skeptic in the Pantry - And the Feed bag

William J. Tyznick, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Animal Science at Ohio State University, addressed members about nonsensical claims regarding food for animals and humans. He highlighted how horses, unlike livestock sold by weight, are often subjected to irrational nutritional plans. He debunked the myth that corn is too "hot" for horses, stating it is a fine food. Tyznick also criticized "jugs," horse feed supplements injected into the jugular vein, as a scam. He extended this critique to human nutrition, discussing myths created by marketing and magical thinking, such as the overemphasis on "Not Drinking Your Orange Juice" or the commercial success of glucosamine and condroitin sulfate. He also pointed out the misuse of statistics, using the example of Japanese diets and heart attacks, and the flawed logic of correlation versus causation, likening hemorrhoids to toilet paper use. The issue of beef fat absorption and the marketing power of companies like Archer Daniel Midland (ADM) were also discussed.

Book Review: Probability 1: Why There Must Be Intelligent Life in the Universe by Amir D. Aczel

This review examines Amir D. Aczel's book, which argues for the existence of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe, contrasting with the "Rare Earth" hypothesis. Aczel addresses Fermi's paradox by suggesting our solar system might be one of the oldest. He posits that life and intelligence are expected outcomes given sufficient time and appropriate conditions, questioning the role of random events in evolution and suggesting DNA might be the result of complex, predictable chemical processes. The reviewer notes that Aczel's arguments approach the idea of a planned creation.

Book Review: The Borderlands of Science: Where Sense Meets Nonsense by Michael Shermer

Michael Shermer's book is reviewed for its attempt to distinguish between science and pseudoscience. Shermer examines critical and rational thinking through historical cases, including homeopathy and cold fusion. He discusses borderline scientists like Alfred Russel Wallace and Carl Sagan. The review highlights Shermer's analysis of the "Racial Differences and What They Really Mean" theory and his debunking of the "Myth of the Miracle of Genius," suggesting that figures like Mozart and Einstein achieved greatness through hard work rather than innate genius. The Piltdown hoax is also re-examined as a "painful reminder that intelligence and education is no prophylactic against fraud and flimflam." The review concludes that Shermer's book is a valuable read for skeptics and those interested in critical thinking and the history of science.

Comments Corner

This section, continued from a previous issue, details the tumultuous history of the Eclectic Institute of Medicine. It covers Joseph Rodes Buchanan's appointment to the faculty, his promotion of reform movements like Homeopathy, and the subsequent faculty resignations and abolition of the Homeopathy chair. The section also discusses Buchanan's advocacy for universal free education, which led to faculty division and a power struggle over the school's control. The narrative culminates in a standoff involving legal boards, cannons, and the eventual incorporation of a competing school by Buchanan's faction.

Puzzle for Thinkers

A linguistic puzzle is presented, asking readers to identify the languages of several lines of text and translate them. The lines are a mix of Greek, English, German, Spanish, and Italian, forming a rhyming poem.

Dream On

A brief note mentions a study finding Republicans are three times more likely than Democrats to have bad dreams, with differing explanations offered by each party.

Random thoughts on humans, or Mankind

This section presents a collection of short, often witty or cynical quotes from various figures, including Anna Magnani, Kurt Tucholsky, Siegmund Freud, Winston S. Churchill, and others, reflecting on human nature, morality, and society.

Science Book-Club Meetings for 2002

A schedule of monthly meetings for the Cincinnati Skeptic's Science Book Club is provided, listing the book titles, authors, and dates for discussions throughout 2002. Topics range from biographies of scientists to books on botany, human societies, and the history of science.

Details of Upcoming Events

Two upcoming meetings are announced: the fifth meeting featuring Joe Nickell discussing "Investigator of the Paranormal," and the sixth meeting with Elaine Billmire, MD, discussing "When Good Vaccines Go Bad." Both events include a program and lunch.

Huxley on the topic of psychics talking with the beyond

A quote from Leonard Huxley is presented, suggesting that psychic manifestations might reduce suicides by providing an alternative to talking with a medium.

So that's why.

This brief item discusses the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) research into drug prescription errors, finding that many doctors do not read the fine print provided with medications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes critical thinking, skepticism, and a rational approach to understanding the world. It critiques pseudoscience, misinformation, and magical thinking in various domains, including nutrition, medicine, and belief systems. The publication appears to advocate for evidence-based reasoning and scientific literacy, while also engaging with historical and philosophical perspectives on science and society. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rational inquiry and the scientific method, as evidenced by the book reviews, commentary, and featured speakers.

Title: Cincinnati Skeptics
Issue: Vol. 11 No. 4
Date: February/March 2002
Publisher: The Association for Rational Thought (ART)
Description: This issue of the Cincinnati Skeptics newsletter serves as a communication tool for ART, an organization dedicated to the scientific investigation of paranormal claims. It outlines the organization's mission, affiliations, activities, and membership details.

ART's Mission and Affiliations

The Association for Rational Thought (ART) is presented as an independent, nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization. It aligns itself with the philosophies of CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal), The Skeptics Society, and JREF (James Randi Educational Foundation). ART shares the goals of these organizations in promoting critical thinking and scientific inquiry into paranormal and pseudoscientific claims.

• Information is provided for these affiliated organizations:
• CSICOP: Publishes *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: Publishes *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: Publishes 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.

ART Activities and Membership

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. The organization publishes the *Cincinnati Skeptic* bi-monthly and maintains a database of information on paranormal claims for local media. ART also investigates local paranormal claims. Founded in 1991 by Cincinnati area skeptics, ART offers annual dues of $15.00, which include a subscription to the *Cincinnati Skeptic*.

• Contact information for ART leadership is provided:
• President: Roy Auerbach (513)731-2774
• Lance Moody (513) 336-9834
• Website: www.cincinnatiskeptics.org
• Address Changes and Corrections, Membership Questions: Nurit Bowman (513)731-0642, E-mail: [email protected]

The newsletter includes a section for mailing label information, indicating membership status ('Member' or 'Lapsed'). A form is provided for new and renewing members to submit their details and payment. ART also solicits additional contributions to support its work, noting that contributions are not currently tax-deductible.

Skepticism and ART on the Electronic Media

ART encourages readers to join SANE (Skeptical Area Network Effort) for skeptical news via email, featuring messages from CSICOP, James Randi, and ART. The organization's website, http://www.cincinnatiskeptics.org, is highlighted as a resource containing blurbs on various subjects, links to skeptical thinking resources, information on joining SANE, definitions of ART, its bylaws, meeting information, and ways to reach the organization or send sample copies of the newsletter. David Wall is listed as the Web Site Manager, with his email as [email protected].

What is a Skeptic?

The second page of the newsletter defines modern skepticism as a response to paranormal and pseudoscientific claims. Skeptics are described as providing a challenge to these claims, embracing the scientific method, and understanding that extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. The definition clarifies that skeptics are not cynics and do not simply reject ideas but insist on evidence. Cincinnati Skeptics (ART) meets to discuss these claims, debate their merits, and have fun.

Preview Of Coming Attractions

• The newsletter previews two upcoming meetings for the 2001-2002 Season:
• Fifth Meeting: Saturday, February 9, 2002, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (program), followed by lunch from 12:15 PM to 2:00 PM.
• Sixth Meeting: Saturday, March 9, 2002, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (program), followed by lunch from 12:15 PM to 2:00 PM.

Readers are encouraged to mark their calendars and watch their mail for further details.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the promotion of skepticism, critical thinking, and the scientific method in evaluating paranormal claims. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rational inquiry and evidence-based conclusions, as evidenced by ART's affiliations and its definition of skepticism. The newsletter aims to inform, engage, and recruit members to support these principles. It emphasizes a community aspect, encouraging participation in meetings and online discussions.