North Texas Skeptic - Vol 20 No 09 - 2006

Magazine Overview

This issue of The North Texas Skeptic, Volume 20, Number 9, dated September 2006, features a cover story titled "Spooky? No" by John Blanton, which debunks a seemingly psychic web-based number and symbol puzzle. The magazine also includes several articles and news items focusing on the intersection of science, skepticism, and public discourse, particularly concerning the evolution versus creationism debate and conspiracy theories.

"Spooky? No" by John Blanton

John Blanton explains a popular internet puzzle that appears to have psychic properties. The puzzle involves the user thinking of a two-digit number, performing a calculation (adding the digits and subtracting the sum from the original number), and then identifying a symbol associated with the resulting number. Blanton reveals that the trick lies in the mathematical concept of the 'digital root.' The calculation always results in a number with a digital root of 9. The website then assigns a unique symbol to all numbers with a digital root of 9. The scrambling of symbols each time the user plays the game is a programming feature to maintain the illusion. A similar puzzle involving a four-digit number is also explained using the same digital root principle.

Events Calendar

The September Program includes a presentation on "9/11 conspiracy theories" by John Brandt and an NTS Social Dinner/Board Meeting. Information is provided for the Center for Nonprofit Management in Dallas and Good Eats restaurant.

North Texas Skeptics Officers and Board

The issue lists the officers of The North Texas Skeptics, including John Brandt (President), Pat Reeder (Vice President), Mike Selby (Secretary), and Mark Meyer (Treasurer). The staff includes Keith Blanton (Newsletter Editor) and John Blanton (Webmaster). The Board of Directors and Directors Emeritus are also listed, along with Scientific and Technical Advisors such as Joe Barnhart and Raymond A. Eve.

The organization is described as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) scientific and educational organization. The newsletter is published monthly and mailed to members. Permission is granted for reprinting articles under certain conditions.

Evolution vs. Creationism Debate

Several articles address the ongoing conflict between science education and creationism/intelligent design.

Kansas School Board Controversy

An article discusses the situation in Kansas, where the state school board has been a battleground for evolution proponents and creationists. It highlights the importance of holding elected officials to basic standards of knowledge and criticizes the "ignorance" that allows scientifically illiterate individuals to determine curriculum. The article references Emma Roberson, a high school math teacher, as an example of someone who instilled an appreciation for mathematics, contrasting this with the perceived neglect of rational explanation by creationists.

Ohio School Board Elections

Another piece focuses on Ohio, where a coalition called "Help Ohio Public Education," led by Lawrence Krauss, is campaigning to unseat a Board of Education member who supports critical evaluation of evolution. The article notes that acceptance of evolution in America has declined and that "evolution denial" is growing. It criticizes the exclusion of Evolutionary Biology from a list of majors qualifying for "Smart grants" and mentions the replacement of Rev. George Coyne as director of the Vatican Observatory.

Phyllis Schlafly's perspective is also presented, with the article suggesting that she may not see the issue as a simple evolution vs. creationism debate and might be misinterpreting the "liberal press." The article quotes Schlafly on the importance of preparing students to distinguish scientific data from religious claims and to understand the "full range of scientific views." The author of the article counters that creationists refuse to acknowledge that science aims to dispute their worldview. The article also notes that liberals see political value in teaching evolution, as it challenges the idea of human exceptionalism. It references the "Dover effect" and the low voter turnout in Kansas.

9/11 Conspiracy Theory

An article by David Ray Griffin discusses a book published by the Presbyterian Church USA, titled "Christian Faith and the Truth Behind 9/11: A Call to Reflection and Action." Griffin, a professor emeritus of theology, claims that George W. Bush and the administration orchestrated the 9/11 attacks to justify wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The book alleges controlled demolition of the Twin Towers and military personnel being given stand-down orders. Griffin believes churches need to be involved in exposing the truth behind 9/11. The publisher, Westminster John Knox, defended their decision to publish the book, citing a tradition of progressive stances and the "interesting issues" raised by Griffin.

Other News Items

Perpetuum Mobile

The slogan of a Dublin company, Steorn, "All great truths begin as blasphemies," is discussed in relation to their device using moving magnets for free energy. The full quote from George Bernard Shaw is provided.

Evolution Seminar

A weekend seminar is announced to examine the impact of Darwin's theory on Catholic teaching of creation, including the involvement of Austrian Cardinal Schoenborn.

Freedom of Science

An "Open Letter about the Freedom of Science" from G.O. Mueller in Germany is mentioned, which apparently argues that the Special Theory of Relativity is nonsense. The author notes that this is a common sentiment and that the scientific system is working to address such claims.

Kansas Primary Election

Moderate Republicans gained an advantage on the Kansas Board of Education, with evolution being a key issue.

Bleep: William Tiller and Ramtha's School of Enlightenment

This section briefly introduces William Tiller, a physicist who was an expert witness in a case involving a fraudulent medical diagnostic device, and his connection to Ramtha's School of Enlightenment. The article notes that Tiller has a high regard for graduates of the school and that a movie about it doubled his book sales.

Skeptic Ink

A comic strip by Prasad Golla and John Blanton, titled "Skeptic Ink," features a humorous exchange about immigration and visas, with characters representing "Homeland Security" and "You."

Future Meeting Dates

A list of future meeting dates for The North Texas Skeptics is provided, spanning from October 2006 to August 2007.

The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP)

The issue includes a statement from CSICOP, encouraging critical investigation of paranormal claims and promoting science and reason. It also provides subscription information for "The Skeptical Inquirer" magazine.

Application for Membership

The final page is an application for membership to The North Texas Skeptics, detailing membership levels, dues, and contact information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards paranormal claims and pseudoscientific phenomena, a strong advocacy for science-based education and critical thinking, and a critical examination of conspiracy theories and religious arguments encroaching on scientific discourse. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rational inquiry, empirical evidence, and the scientific method, actively debunking claims that lack such grounding and promoting scientific literacy. The magazine appears to be a platform for disseminating skeptical viewpoints and engaging in public debate on issues where science and pseudoscience intersect.