North Texas Skeptic - Vol 25 No 03 - 2011

Magazine Overview

This issue of The North Texas Skeptic, Volume 25, Number 3, dated March 2011, features a cover story titled "Blockbuster" by John Blanton, which reviews Richard Rhodes' 1986 book, "The Making of the Atomic Bomb." The magazine is published by The North Texas Skeptics and covers topics related to skepticism and science.

Blockbuster: The Making of the Atomic Bomb

The main article delves into Richard Rhodes' comprehensive account of the development of the atomic bomb. It begins by explaining the origin of the term 'blockbuster' for large bombs used in World War II. The review highlights that Rhodes' book covers the development of modern nuclear physics and its intersection with politics and war, earning a Pulitzer Prize. The historical context is set with the mention of Sankt Joachimsthal in Bohemia, a region rich in silver and later uranium ore, which indirectly led to the naming of the 'dollar.'

The article traces the scientific discoveries, including Marie and Pierre Curie's extraction of radium and Einstein's theory of mass-energy equivalence, which underscored the immense energy potential of nuclear reactions. It touches upon the historical context of Jewish scientists fleeing persecution in Europe, many of whom contributed to the Allied atomic bomb project in the United States. Key figures like Leo Szilard, whose chain reaction concept was crucial, and Albert Einstein, who lent his name to a letter recommending the bomb's development, are mentioned. Italian physicist Enrico Fermi's role in producing the first sustained nuclear chain reaction in Chicago is also detailed.

The review discusses the contributions of Niels Bohr, a Danish physicist who was a champion of resistance against Nazi occupation and later escaped to England. The work of Otto Frisch and Lise Meitner in calculating energy production from nuclear fission is noted, as is the Nobel Prize-winning work of Irene Joliot and Frederic Joliot in element transmutation.

In the United States, Ernest Lawrence's development of the cyclotron for uranium isotope separation and Glenn Seaborg's work on separating plutonium are highlighted. The article explains the technical challenges of creating a critical mass for both uranium (U235) and plutonium bombs. The uranium bomb involved shooting a uranium plug into a sub-critical mass, a method so reliable it was not tested beforehand. The plutonium bomb required using high explosives to compress a hollow sphere of plutonium, with a trigger of polonium and beryllium to initiate the chain reaction.

The successful test of the plutonium bomb in New Mexico on July 16, 1945, is described, noting the blinding flash and the fusion of sand, with an estimated yield of 10,000 tons of TNT. The subsequent bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki is recounted, emphasizing the immense civilian casualties and the devastating effects of thermal radiation and ionizing radiation. The article notes that the Japanese surrender was prompted by the realization of impending destruction.

Edward Teller's involvement in the atomic bomb project and his subsequent work on the hydrogen bomb are mentioned. The article reflects on how nuclear weapons have shaped international relations, potentially preventing widespread wars since 1945 due to the threat of mutual destruction. The review praises Rhodes' book for its clarity, detail, and research, presenting the story of the atomic bomb as a tale of scientific achievement and the personal sacrifices involved.

Events Calendar

The magazine includes an events calendar for the North Texas Skeptics. The March program on March 19, 2011, featured a conversation with Ashley Paramore of the Secular Student Alliance and a presentation by Heidi Anderson on "Sex and Skepticism." A Board Meeting and Social Dinner was scheduled for March 26, 2011, at The Island Spot in Carrollton, Texas.

Challenge Activity

John Blanton writes about the NTS Paranormal Challenge, detailing communications received from claimants. He discusses an email from Kariei Robinson, who claims telepathic abilities and proposes a test. Blanton expresses a common issue with claimants lacking communication skills and the difficulty in designing suitable tests. He contrasts this with a previous experience with Raymond Powell, who became abusive when his claim failed. Blanton hopes for better results with Robinson, who has agreed to come to San Antonio for a remote test.

New Look

This issue marks a change in the newsletter's production tool. After over 20 years using Ventura Publisher, the North Texas Skeptics has adopted Serif PagePlus X5 due to compatibility issues with newer operating systems. The newsletter will be available as a PDF online and via email, with Katy LaVallee and Ben Davis responsible for producing the Web page version.

Moving Forward

John Blanton reports on recent leadership changes within the NTS, including the election of Jamye Johnston as the new president and Roy Auerbach to the board. New leadership is focusing on increased activism, with activities posted on the Meetup Web site. Upcoming events include monthly program meetings, board meetings, social dinners, and a session on Skeptical Bones. A speech by Bill Nye at the University of Texas at Arlington on March 23 is also announced.

Letter from a reader

Alex Robles from Panama writes a brief, positive letter, expressing amusement at the "Challenge Activity" section and encouraging skepticism.

Some Current Skeptical News With Views

Prasad Golla presents a collection of skeptical news items:

• On the continuing search front: Discusses the Kepler space telescope's discoveries of exoplanets, noting that the count of known planets has reached 1,200 and is expected to rise into the millions. The article links to a TIME health article.
• Americans exonerate a Japanese Company (Toyota exonerated): Reports on a US investigation that exonerated Toyota from claims of uncontrollable acceleration due to faulty electronics, suggesting sticky pedals, floor mats, or driver errors might be responsible. The article links to a CNN Money article.
• Cohabitation of Elephant-like creatures and Man: Discusses findings in Sonora, Mexico, of gomphothere remains alongside Clovis projectile heads, suggesting these creatures, previously thought extinct 30,000 years ago, may have been driven to extinction by early humans around 12,000 years ago. The article links to an artdaily.org article.
• Egyptian tomb painting and pygmy woolly mammoths: An unrelated story suggests a tomb painting in Egypt might depict pygmy woolly mammoths, potentially indicating that Egyptians traded with people who brought these creatures from Siberia or that these mammoths survived more recently than previously thought. The article links to a scienceblogs.com article.
• Surveys that can leave one baffled: Mentions a survey where 61% of people admit to having deluded themselves about not cursing at their computer, questioning the honesty of computer users. The article links to a networkworld.com blog.
• Talking of surveys... Continuing crisis: Reports on a Penn State survey finding that only 28% of high school science teachers consistently present evolution according to guidelines, with 13% advocating creationism or intelligent design. Many teachers reportedly cheat controversy by stating evolution's believability doesn't matter for tests or by presenting it alongside creationism. The article links to a tinyurl.com source.

Skeptic Ink

A comic strip by Prasad Golla and John Blanton titled "Skeptic Ink" is included, featuring a conversation about a futuristic car called "Evolution."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of scientific claims, historical events, and pseudoscientific assertions. The North Texas Skeptics maintains a stance of promoting rational inquiry, evidence-based reasoning, and skepticism towards extraordinary claims. The magazine actively debunks paranormal phenomena and pseudoscience, encourages scientific literacy, and provides a platform for discussing current events through a skeptical lens. The editorial stance emphasizes that science reveals the world as it is, not as we wish it to be, and that facts are discoverable through systematic testing.