North Texas Skeptic - Vol 22 No 11 - 2008

Magazine Overview

Title: The North Texas Skeptic
Issue Date: November 2008
Volume: 22
Issue: 11
Publisher: The North Texas Skeptics
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The North Texas Skeptic delves into various topics through a skeptical lens, featuring articles on the purported benefits of meditation, the ongoing debate surrounding evolution education in Texas, and a personal account of an online scam. The magazine also includes event calendars and organizational information.

Catch the mental wave

Author: Prasad Golla

This article critically examines the claims made by various spiritual groups, particularly regarding the beneficial effects of group meditation. The author questions the 'paranormal' nature of these claims, suggesting that larger claims are less likely to be tested. While acknowledging that meditation is a tranquilizing activity, the article points to a study suggesting meditation can alter brain waves. It references research by Richard Davidson at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who found that Tibetan Buddhist monks meditating for thousands of hours had altered brain structure and function. The author also discusses the claims made by 'Art of Living' representatives about group meditation reducing crime rates in Washington D.C. by 25%, questioning the mechanism and the lack of follow-up questions from the host of a radio program.

Later in the article, the author humorously suggests his own method of 'meditation' is 'sleep,' implying that if criminals slept more, crime would be reduced. He also touches upon the visit of Sri Sri Ravishankar and the 'Art of Living' organization's activities in Dallas.

Coalition defends draft standards in Texas

Author: Glenn Branch

This section, reprinted from an Evolution education update newsletter, discusses the efforts of the 21st Century Science Coalition to ensure that Texas state science standards reflect current scientific understanding of evolution. The coalition, comprising scientists, argues against the inclusion of 'strengths and weaknesses' language, which they believe is used to introduce non-scientific ideas into the curriculum. They emphasize the importance of evolution education for future careers in science, agriculture, engineering, and biotechnology, warning that watering down science studies could drive away industries from the state. The article cites op-eds published in Texas newspapers and an editorial from the Austin American-Statesman supporting their position.

NCSE's new Website

Author: Glenn Branch

This brief announcement details the launch of the National Center for Science Education's (NCSE) new website. It highlights the site's modern design and improved functionality, aimed at making information about the creationism/evolution controversy and resources for defending evolution education more accessible. The article also mentions the maintenance of a legacy website and the availability of an RSS feed.

New on your Website

Author: John Blanton (skeptical Web master)

This piece describes a change in Amazon.com's affiliate program. Previously, pertinent text on the Skeptic's website could link to Amazon products, earning a commission. Now, Amazon offers a page banner widget that displays 'pertinent' products, a change that the author notes is less direct and potentially less useful for the website's goals.

The check is in the mail

Author: John Blanton

This article recounts a personal experience with an online scam. The author, selling a lock set on Craigslist, is contacted by a buyer named 'Donna' who claims to have trouble with her keyboard. Donna agrees to purchase the item and sends a cashier's check for a significantly inflated amount ($3128.30), instructing the author to keep $200 and wire the remainder to her 'shipper.' The author, recognizing the scam, plays along, requesting details about the check and the bank. He explains the common scam: the buyer sends a worthless check, the seller's bank may temporarily credit the account, and the seller wires money to the scammer, only to have their own account debited when the fraudulent check bounces. The author humorously details his interactions with 'Donna' and mentions other similar experiences with buyers sending worthless checks, framing it as a form of 'poetic justice' for the scammers.

Mind body science

Author: Rodrigo Neely

This article explores the relationship between the brain and the concept of the soul. The author argues that people readily accept the idea of a soul but often hesitate to discuss the brain. He defines the soul as an ephemeral, supernatural presence and the brain as a physical organ. Using examples like the case of Phineas Gauge, whose personality drastically changed after a prefrontal cortex injury, the author emphasizes that brain function is directly linked to mental states and personality. He suggests that understanding the brain's role in consciousness and behavior challenges the notion of a separate, indestructible soul and proposes that neuroscience offers a more grounded explanation for human experience.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The North Texas Skeptic consistently adopts a critical and evidence-based approach to paranormal claims, pseudoscience, and controversial topics. The magazine promotes scientific literacy, critical thinking, and rational inquiry. Recurring themes include skepticism towards extraordinary claims, the importance of scientific education (particularly in evolution), and debunking common misconceptions or scams. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific explanations and a skeptical examination of phenomena that lack empirical support.