Cincinnati Skeptic - Vol 12 No 01 - 2002

Magazine Overview

Title: Cincinnati Skeptic
Issue: Vol. 12 No. 1
Date: August/September 2002
Publisher: The Association for Rational Thought (ART)

This issue of the Cincinnati Skeptic, the newsletter of The Association for Rational Thought, features a mix of articles, reports, and regular columns. The cover highlights a political cartoon regarding bioterrorism preparedness and includes a quote from Blaise Pascal.

June Meeting: Brew Myths and Beer Tasting

Ed Westemeier, a Master Beer Judge, spoke to the group on June 8th at the Dubliner Restaurant. He shared his expertise on the worldwide beer enterprise, its history, and common myths surrounding beer. The lecture was combined with a beer tasting to help attendees understand the factors that contribute to good beer.

President's Report

Roy Auerbach's report reflects on the past year as both good and bittersweet. He notes the organization's performance with interesting talks and a great newsletter. The report also mentions the need for change in the council guiding the organization's activities. The speaker program for the year included diverse topics such as Atlantis, paranormal investigations, food fads, evolution, urban legends, and beer myths.

Annual Report 2001-2002

This eleventh annual report details the activities of The Association for Rational Thought. The web site is well-established, receiving a steady stream of email, though much of it is opposed to the organization's viewpoint. The report highlights the growth of the organization, maintaining a positive financial balance. It also acknowledges members who are stepping back due to burnout or other reasons, anticipating challenges in leadership transition.

Vice-President's Report

Lance Moody notes his office has been characterized by a lack of activity and expresses his intention to work more directly with meeting organizational activities. He wishes his successor well.

Secretary's Report

Virginia Jergens summarizes her duties, including taking minutes, distributing records, maintaining officer lists, and writing newsletter articles. She expresses regret at not being able to continue in the role.

Treasurer's Report

Rick Prairie reports that as of June 30, 2002, the checkbook balance was $1509.10, with no outstanding bills. Income from membership dues and cash donations was up, while total expenses decreased. The report details income sources and expenses, including postage and printing costs for the newsletter.

A Puzzle for Thinkers

This section presents a narrative puzzle titled "How Old Is Grandpa?" which contrasts life in the past with the present, prompting reflection on generational differences. The solution to a previous puzzle is also provided.

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

Dispatches from the Tenth Circle: The Best of the Onion edited by Robert Siegel is reviewed by Wolf Roder. The book is a collection of humorous satire from The Onion, covering topics like politics, religion, and pop culture. Memorable parodies include those on Harry Potter and Satanism, and abortion clinic attacks. The review highlights the book's effectiveness as satire, noting how fundamentalists mistakenly took a parody article as fact.

Skepticism in the News

This column, written by Roy Auerbach, notes the positive trend of Scientific American publishing more skeptical articles under its new editor, John Rennie. It highlights specific articles on crop circles, creationist arguments, and a critique of "The Skeptical Environmentalist." The column also recommends an article from The New York Times on coincidences.

The Age of Science: What Scientists Learned in the 20th Century

This review by Wolf Roder discusses Gerard Piel's book, which synthesizes scientific knowledge from the 20th century. The book covers physics, astronomy, biology, evolution, and social science. The reviewer praises the book's explanation of scientific findings, particularly regarding evolution and earth history, while criticizing its illustrations.

Brew Myths from page 1

This article continues the discussion on beer, detailing the history of brewing, the fermentation process, and the differences between ales and lagers. It debunks common myths about beer, such as darker beer having higher alcohol content, and discusses the importance of hops and water chemistry in beer production. The article also compares mass-produced beers to premium brands like Czechvar.

Idiots at Work / In Traffic / Downsizing / Computer Idiots / Checking Baggage / Fast Food Idiots

This recurring section features humorous anecdotes submitted by readers, highlighting illogical or amusing situations encountered in daily life.

Poem in a Box

This issue features a poem titled "Cudjoe Fresh from de Lecture" by Jamaican poet Claude McKay, reflecting on self-identity and origins.

Details of Upcoming Events

Announcements for upcoming meetings and events are provided. The first meeting of the year is on September 27th, featuring speaker Jim Moseley, who is known for his work in ufology and his newsletter "Saucer Smear." A National UFO Conference is also scheduled for September 28th, with various speakers from the UFO research community.

Science Book-Club Meetings for 2002

Schedule for the Science Book Club meetings, including book titles and dates, is provided.

Membership Information

A reminder about membership dues and the renewal process is included, with a form referenced for page 11.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Cincinnati Skeptic consistently promotes a rational and skeptical approach to various topics, from scientific understanding and debunking myths to critiquing media reports and everyday absurdities. The organization actively engages in education and discussion, encouraging critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning. The newsletter serves as a platform for sharing research, personal anecdotes, and organizational news, fostering a community of like-minded individuals.

Title: Cincinnati Skeptics
Issue: Vol. 12 No. 1
Date: August/September 2002
Publisher: The Association for Rational Thought (ART)
Description: This bimonthly newsletter serves as the publication for the Cincinnati Skeptics, an independent, nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization. It aligns with the philosophies of CSICOP, The Skeptics Society, and JREF.

Affiliated Organizations and Resources

The newsletter provides detailed contact information for several prominent skeptical organizations:

• CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal): Publishes The Skeptical Inquirer. Contact details include PO Box 703, Amherst, NY 14226-0703, phone: 1-800-634-1610, 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 (James Randi Educational Foundation): 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.

Association for Rational Thought (ART) Activities and Membership

ART holds meetings on the second Saturday of each month from September through June, starting at 10:00 AM. These meetings are open to the public. ART also maintains a database of paranormal claims for local media and investigates local paranormal claims. Founded in 1991 by Cincinnati area skeptics, ART aims to provide a challenge to paranormal and pseudoscientific claims.

Membership in ART costs $15.00 annually and includes a subscription to the Cincinnati Skeptic newsletter. The newsletter includes information on how to join, address changes, and membership status (indicated by '00/00/00 Member' for good standing or 'Lapsed' for expired memberships).

ART leadership contacts are provided: President Roy Auerbach (513) 731-2774, Rick Davis (513) 474-3087, and for membership questions, Brad Bonham (513) 761-5613 ([email protected]). The organization's website is www.cincinnatiskeptics.org.

ART emphasizes that while dues are kept low, additional contributions are appreciated to support their work. Checks should be made payable to the Association for Rational Thought and mailed to P.O. Box 12896, Cincinnati, OH 45212. Contributions are not currently tax-deductible.

Skepticism and ART on the Electronic Media

The newsletter promotes engagement with skeptical news via email through SANE (Skeptical Area Network Effort). SANE provides rational messages from CSICOP, James Randi, local skeptics, and ART. It serves as a means of staying in touch between newsletter issues.

The ART website, http://www.cincinnatiskeptics.org, is highlighted as a resource containing BLURBS on various subjects, links to skeptical thinking resources worldwide, information on joining SANE, definitions of ART's mission and bylaws, meeting information, and methods for contacting the organization or sending sample copies.

David Wall is listed as the Web Site Manager, with the email address [email protected].

Preview of Coming Attractions

The newsletter announces the schedule for the 2002-2003 season's meetings:

• First Meeting: Friday, September 27, 2002, at 7:00 PM. Details are available on page 9.
• Second Meeting: Saturday, October 12, 2002, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (program), followed by lunch from 12:15 PM to 2:00 PM at the usual place.

Members are encouraged to watch their mail for further details and to help the program committee think about a celebration for the Friday the 13th in December and June.

What is a Skeptic?

This section defines modern skepticism as a response to paranormal and pseudoscientific claims. Skeptics challenge extraordinary claims, embracing the scientific method for seeking knowledge. They are not cynics but insist that extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. Cincinnati Skeptics (ART) meet to discuss such claims, debate merits, and have fun, believing "The truth is out there. And skeptics are looking for it."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around promoting skepticism, rational inquiry, and the activities of the Association for Rational Thought and its affiliated organizations. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of critical thinking, the scientific method, and the investigation of paranormal claims. The newsletter actively encourages membership, participation in meetings, and engagement with online resources like SANE and the ART website. There is a strong emphasis on providing a platform for discussion and challenging unsubstantiated beliefs, while also fostering a sense of community among like-minded individuals.