North Texas Skeptic - Vol 23 No 02 - 2009

Magazine Overview

This is the February 2009 issue of The North Texas Skeptic, Volume 23, Number 2. The magazine is published by The North Texas Skeptics, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) scientific and educational organization based in Carrollton, Texas. The issue covers organizational news, significant debates in science education, and features on prominent figures in science and skepticism.

NTS Board Meeting and Elections

The issue begins with an announcement of the North Texas Skeptics (NTS) annual board meeting and elections held on January 17. The members present nominated and elected the following to the Board of Directors: Erling Beck, John Blanton, John Brandt, Elizabeth Hittson, Jack Hittson, Claudia Meek, Barbara Neuser, and Mike Selby. Subsequently, the board elected officers: John Blanton as President, John Brandt as Vice President, Mike Selby as Secretary, and Barbara Neuser as Treasurer. Several unofficial positions were also appointed: Keith Blanton as Newsletter Editor, John Blanton as Web Master, and Claudia Meek as Meetings and Social Director.

Events Calendar

The 'Events Calendar' section details upcoming NTS programs. On Saturday, February 21, 2009, at 2 p.m., the NTS presented a review of the creationist video 'Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed' at the Center for Nonprofit Management in Dallas. The video, starring Ben Stein, is described as a creationist critique of modern science that draws odious comparisons between "Darwinism" and the Holocaust and the Stalinist regime. Another event listed is the NTS Board meeting and social dinner on Saturday, February 28, 2009, at 7 p.m. at the Caribbean café in Carrollton, Texas.

Financial Contributions and Membership

An article addresses how members can pay dues and contribute to the NTS. Checks are preferred for a paper trail, but cash is also accepted. Donations are tax-deductible as the NTS is a 501(c)(3) organization. The organization also accepts donations of "creationist books as well as serious books about evolution versus creationism" and creationist videos for their presentations. Information is provided on how to donate via PayPal through the NTS website.

Web News: Tribute to Charles Darwin

John Blanton's 'Web News' column celebrates the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin. The article notes Darwin's development of the idea of natural selection with Alfred Russell Wallace and how this posed a dilemma for those who cling to supernatural explanations of life. The column also touches on the ongoing efforts to substitute superstition for scientific evidence.

Darwin's Evolution by Tom Siegfried

This section features an article by Tom Siegfried, former science editor for The Dallas Morning News, titled "Darwin's life and his contribution to science." Published on January 31, 2009, it marks the bicentennial of Darwin's birth (February 12, 1809). Siegfried details the state of science at Darwin's birth and contrasts it with the advancements made by the time of his death in 1882, attributing much of this progress to Darwin's work in establishing uniformitarianism in geology, codifying chemistry, and advancing the understanding of evolution. Siegfried's three books are listed as available on Amazon.com.

Texas In The Spotlight (Again): Evolution Education Debate

This section, authored by Kimberly Thorpe, discusses the ongoing battle over teaching evolution in Texas schools. It focuses on the Texas State Board of Education's review of science standards, which occurs every ten years. For two decades, the standards have required teachers to cover the "strengths and weaknesses" of scientific theories, a phrase critics argue has been used to undermine evolution. The article highlights the testimony of scientists and social conservatives, including Eugenie C. Scott of the National Center for Science Education (NCSE) and Don McLeroy, the board's chairman and an avowed creationist. The debate centers on whether to remove the "strengths and weaknesses" language in favor of analyzing scientific explanations using empirical evidence and logical reasoning. The article notes that the board heard testimony on January 21, 2009, with votes expected on January 23 and a final vote potentially in March 2009. It also lists various online sources and blogs providing commentary on the proceedings.

Give this round to science in the fight over how to teach evolution in Texas schools by Kimberly Thorpe

This article, published on January 28, 2009, provides further details on the Texas State Board of Education's decision regarding science standards. It reports that the board voted to strike the word "weaknesses" from the rule requiring teachers to "analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypotheses and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidence and information." This decision was seen as a victory for scientists, though the board also passed two smaller-scale amendments: one directing teachers to "describe the sufficiency or insufficiency of common ancestry to explain the sudden appearance, stasis and sequential nature of groups in the fossil record," and another adding dispute to fossil records. The article quotes various individuals, including Kevin Fisher, David M. Hillis, and Ryan Valentine, expressing concerns about the implications of the debate for science education and Texas's image. It also notes that representatives from the Discovery Institute supported the "strengths and weaknesses" language.

Sir David Has His Say: Attenborough on Evolution

This section features commentary from naturalist Sir David Attenborough, who has presented science for the BBC for over fifty years. Attenborough has received criticism from Christians for not crediting God in his programs. The article highlights his remarks on a documentary series about Charles Darwin, marking the bicentennial of his birth and the 150th anniversary of 'On The Origin Of Species.' Attenborough strongly defends evolution, stating, "Evolution is not a theory; it is a fact, every bit as much as the historical fact that William the Conqueror landed in 1066." He also criticizes the teaching of creationism in schools as an alternative to evolution, comparing it to believing that "two and two equals four, but if you wish to believe it, it could also be five."

Skeptic Ink

A comic strip titled 'Skeptic Ink' by Prasad Golla and John Blanton is included. It humorously depicts a confrontation involving creationists and the Discovery Institute, with one character stating, "We will not tolerate this slander. You will hear from our attorneys!" and another asking, "What did he call us?"

Joyous News In Louisiana: Creationism to be taught in La. public schools

This article reports on a new policy approved by Louisiana's top school board on January 15, which aids teachers in complying with a state law concerning the teaching of evolution. The Louisiana Science Education Act, passed without serious debate, aims to promote "students' critical thinking skills and open discussion of scientific theories." The Act allows teachers to provide supplemental reading material for critiquing scientific theories. The article notes that this law means teachers may not face repercussions for teaching ideas contrary to evolution, potentially leading to the teaching of creationism in some schools.

Web News To Continue Tribute to Darwin

This brief note indicates that the 'Web News' column will continue to honor Charles Darwin throughout the year by featuring stories related to modern science, evolution, and the activities of those seeking to substitute superstition for science.

Future Meeting Dates

A list of future meeting dates for The North Texas Skeptics is provided, spanning from February 21, 2009, to December 12, 2009.

Application for Membership

The final pages contain an application for membership to The North Texas Skeptics, outlining membership privileges, annual dues ($35.00 for voting members, $15.00 for newsletter recipients), and options for e-mail subscriptions. It also includes a section for introducing a friend and for making tax-deductible donations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the promotion of scientific skepticism, the defense of evolutionary science against creationist challenges, and the importance of critical thinking in education. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science and anti-creationism, advocating for the rigorous examination of claims and the adherence to scientific evidence. The magazine actively engages with public policy debates concerning science education, particularly in Texas and Louisiana, and highlights the work of organizations like the NCSE in this arena. The publication also celebrates scientific figures like Charles Darwin and David Attenborough, while satirizing groups that promote pseudoscience.