Cincinnati Skeptic - Vol 12 No 04 - 2003

Magazine Overview

Title: Cincinnati Skeptic
Issue: Vol. 12 No. 4
Date: February/March 2003
Publisher: The Association for Rational Thought (ART)

This issue of the Cincinnati Skeptic newsletter delves into a variety of topics, ranging from complex mathematical concepts to addiction recovery, unexplained phenomena, and social commentary on free speech and conspiracy theories.

December Meeting: Different Size Infinities

Dr. Gary Weiss, a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cincinnati, was the featured speaker at the December 14th ART meeting. His presentation, "Different Size Infinities," explored Georg Cantor's discoveries regarding the nature of reality and mathematics. Weiss explained that contrary to common public perception, not all infinite sets are the same size. He detailed how mathematicians construct theories based on axioms and use pairing (one-to-one correspondence) to measure set sizes. The article illustrates how the set of natural numbers and the set of even numbers, despite appearances, are the same size infinity. It further explains that rational numbers (fractions) also form a set of the same size infinity as natural numbers. However, the set of real numbers represents a larger infinity, and Cantor's diagonal process is mentioned as a method to demonstrate this. The article touches upon the complexity of these proofs and the unexpected results derived from comparing infinite sets.

January Meeting: Smart (R) Recovery

Richard C. Bozian, M.D., was the guest speaker for the January meeting, discussing a self-help program called SMART Recovery. This program is presented as an alternative to traditional twelve-step programs, focusing on rational thinking to aid recovery from alcohol and substance abuse. Dr. Bozian, who became involved in substance abuse issues through his work with liver diseases, noted that while AA has helped many, it has a high failure rate and insists on a singular approach. SMART Recovery, in contrast, aligns with current neuroscientific research, positing that bodily feelings of pleasure, essential for survival, can lead to addiction. The program emphasizes understanding the consequences of addiction, coping with urges, managing behavior to avoid lapses, and balancing life experiences. It also highlights the physiological benefits of recovery, such as improved metabolism and sleep. Dr. Bozian provided a list of recommended readings and websites for further information.

Also from the December Meeting: The Taos Hum

Rick Davis reported on the Taos and Kokomo hums, which are described as low-frequency sounds resembling distant diesel engines. These hums are difficult to localize and control, occurring below the typical hearing threshold. Investigations by Los Alamos National Laboratory and Phillips Air Force Laboratory were initiated due to congressional inquiry. Only a small percentage of affected individuals reported hearing the hums, with varied frequency reports. Four theories are proposed: heightened sensitivity to low-frequency noises, an unknown energy form, inner ear disease (tinnitus), or mass hysteria. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) declined to investigate the Kokomo hum as it was not worker-related. The article notes the EPA no longer has a noise office, leaving local entities to seek solutions, such as soliciting bids from acoustic engineers.

From the Un-Easy Chair...

Wolf Roder, the editor, discusses the affiliation of the Association for Rational Thought (ART) with the national skeptics group, CSICOP. ART distributes CSICOP newsletters, "Skeptical Briefs," to its members. The current issue of "Skeptical Briefs" includes a report on a previous ART meeting featuring Professor Edgar Slotkin's talk on "Witches and Fairies."

A Puzzle for Thinkers...

This section presents two related problems concerning carbon dioxide (CO₂) production from cars and bicycles in a city of one million. It asks to calculate CO₂ emissions based on average car mileage and then compare it to emissions from cyclists. A subsequent problem asks to determine the size of a city of cyclists that would produce the same amount of CO₂ as a city of one million car drivers. The solution to a previous issue's puzzle involving "magic water" and apprentices is also provided, along with a calculation for the volume of liquid in a spherical segment.

Book Review: Them: Adventures with Extremists by Jon Ronson

Wolf Roder reviews Jon Ronson's book, which explores various extremist groups such as Islamic fundamentalists, Aryan Nations, and the Ku Klux Klan. Roder finds Ronson's approach to be amusing and observational rather than debunking, but expresses difficulty with his attitude and the way he sometimes blurs the lines between "them" (extremists) and "us" (skeptics). The review highlights Ronson's exploration of conspiracy theories, including the "Elders of Zion" and the "Illuminati," and notes that Ronson's descriptions can be genuinely funny but also scary. The reviewer questions whether Ronson distinguishes adequately between the subjects of his investigation and the general populace, and whether his humor trivializes serious issues. The book is recommended with reservations for those who can maintain a critical distance.

Book Review: The Shadow University: The Betrayal of Liberty on America's Campuses by Alan Charles Kors and Harvey A. Silvergate

Wolf Roder reviews this book, which examines "political correctness" and "speech codes" on college campuses. The review details the "water buffalo" affair as a case study, where a student was disciplined for an offensive remark. The authors argue that these speech codes restrict freedom of expression, particularly for certain groups, while being less stringent on others. Roder acknowledges the authors' strong case for free speech, referencing the McCarthy era. However, he expresses personal difficulty reconciling absolute free speech with the potential consequences, citing the example of the Weimar Republic and Hitler. The review questions whether campus speech codes are comparable to industrial harassment laws and notes that administrations may prioritize avoiding upset over addressing genuine grievances.

Poem in a Box: Building a Better Mousetrap

This section features a poem by Christian Morgenstern, translated by W. D. Snodgrass and Lore Segal, titled "Building a Better Mousetrap." The poem tells a whimsical story involving characters named Palmström and von Korf, and a mouse.

Science Book Club Selections and Schedule Dates for 2003

A list of book selections and meeting dates for the Cincinnati Skeptic's Science Book Club is provided for 2003. Meetings are held on the 4th Sunday of each month at the downtown Cincinnati Library, with specific books and authors listed for each month.

Details of Upcoming Events...

This section outlines upcoming meetings for the 2002-2003 season. The Sixth Meeting on February 8, 2003, is a discussion of various topics by members. The Seventh Meeting on March 12, 2003, features Lance Moody speaking on UFOs and related rational and irrational affairs. Future programs include talks on the Tarot card deck by Ron Decker and a skeptical look at acupuncture by Rick Davis. A June event is planned to "bash superstition."

Membership Information

A reminder is issued regarding membership duration and dues. Memberships run from August 1st to July 31st of the following year, with renewal requests sent in the Fall. Yearly memberships are noted as being due.

Quote from The Age of Science

A quote from Gerard Piel's "The Age of Science" discusses how developing countries look to industrial powers for economic growth, but that the market alone cannot address human need, purpose, or hope not qualified as economic demand, requiring self-governing citizenry to call upon other institutions.

A dishonest mumbo-jumbo

A quote attributed to Dominique François Jean Arago (1845) states that honest scientists will not predict the weather, regardless of scientific progress.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around rational inquiry, skepticism towards extraordinary claims, and the application of critical thinking to various subjects. The editorial stance consistently promotes a scientific and evidence-based approach, as seen in the discussions on mathematics, addiction recovery, and the critical reviews of books and phenomena. The newsletter encourages members to engage in discussions, attend meetings, and continue their pursuit of knowledge and rational understanding. There is a clear emphasis on debunking pseudoscience and promoting critical evaluation of information.

Title: Cincinnati Skeptics
Issue: Vol. 12 No. 4
Date: February/March 2003
Publisher: Association for Rational Thought (ART)
Type: Nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization newsletter.

Organization and Mission

The Association for Rational Thought (ART) is presented as an independent, nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization dedicated to investigating paranormal and pseudoscientific claims. They align with the philosophies of CSICOP, the Skeptics Society, and JREF. ART shares the goal of critically examining extraordinary claims and providing a rational perspective.

Affiliated Organizations

The newsletter lists several key organizations in the skeptical movement:

• CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal): 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.

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

Contact information for specific inquiries is provided:

• President: Roy Auerbach (513) 731-2774
• Contact: Rick Davis (513) 474-3087
• Website: www.cincinnatiskeptics.org
• Address Changes & Corrections, Membership Questions: Brad Bonham (513) 761-5613 ([email protected])

A membership form is included, allowing individuals to sign up as new members, renew their membership, or give a gift membership. It requests Name, Street Address, City, State, Zip, Phone (Work/Home), and E-mail.

The organization emphasizes keeping dues low but welcomes additional contributions, stating, "We have kept dues low and will continue to do so in spite of rising costs. However, if you are able to, your additional contributions are very much appreciated. Please give generously, if possible. Thank you very much!" Checks should be made payable to the Association for Rational Thought and mailed to P.O. Box 12896, Cincinnati OH 45212. Contributions are noted as not currently tax-deductible.

Members are also asked to suggest topics for future meetings and can opt-out of having their names and addresses included in mailing lists exchanged with other groups.

Skepticism and ART on the Electronic Media

The newsletter promotes engagement with skeptical content online. It encourages readers to join SANE (Skeptical Area Network Effort) for weekly skeptical news via email, featuring content from CSICOP, James Randi, and local skeptics. The ART 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 the organization, bylaws, meeting information, contact methods, and tips for sending sample copies of the newsletter. David Wall is listed as the Web Site Manager, with contact email [email protected].

Preview Of Coming Attractions

The newsletter announces upcoming ART meetings for the 2002-2003 season:

• Sixth Meeting: Saturday, February 8, 2003, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (program), followed by lunch from 12:15 PM - 2:00 PM.
• Seventh Meeting: Saturday, March 8, 2003, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (program), followed by lunch from 12:15 PM - 2:00 PM.
• Eight Meeting: Saturday, April 12, 2003, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (program), followed by lunch from 12:15 PM - 2:00 PM.

Details for these meetings are referenced as being on page 10. Readers are also informed that there will be a "Friday 13th in June" and are invited to help the program committee plan a celebration.

What is a Skeptic?

A section defines a skeptic as someone who responds to the "torrent of paranormal and pseudoscientific claims" by providing a challenge. Skeptics are described not as cynics, but as individuals who embrace the scientific method for seeking knowledge. They understand that "extraordinary claims demand extraordinary evidence" and insist on proof. Cincinnati Skeptics meet to debate merits, critique dogmatism, and have fun, with the motto "The truth is out there. And skeptics are looking for it."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the promotion of skepticism as a rational approach to evaluating extraordinary claims, the importance of scientific methodology, and the active community engagement of the Association for Rational Thought. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and open discussion of paranormal and pseudoscientific topics. The newsletter serves as a communication tool for ART, encouraging membership, participation, and financial support, while also providing resources and information about the broader skeptical movement.