North Texas Skeptic - Vol 25 No 09 - 2011

Magazine Overview

Title: The North Texas Skeptic
Issue Date: September 2011
Volume: 25
Issue: 9

This issue of The North Texas Skeptic, published by The North Texas Skeptics organization, delves into a variety of topics through a skeptical lens, covering news, scientific discussions, political commentary, and obituaries.

Skeptical News

Praying for Rain: New Braunfels Residents Look to Higher Power

John Blanton reports on an event in New Braunfels, Texas, where residents gathered to pray for rain during a warm season. Blanton contrasts this approach with a scientific explanation involving water temperature over the eastern Pacific Ocean and high-pressure systems affecting Texas. He humorously notes that Texans often don't disappoint in their adherence to their beliefs, regardless of scientific reasoning.

A Load Off My Mind: Nemesis No More?

This section discusses a study published on SPACE.com by the SPACE.com Staff, titled "Nemesis No More? Comet-Hurling 'Death Star' Most Likely a Myth." The article explains that a new study, using Bayesian analysis, suggests the 'Nemesis' star theory, which posited a companion star to our sun flinging comets at Earth, is unlikely. The author expresses relief that this potential threat is probably not real, contrasting it with other concerns like the economy and a creationist governor.

Skepticism and Politics

Skepticism and Politics

This section turns to the intersection of skepticism and politics, particularly in the context of an upcoming election year. The author touches on presidential candidate Michele Bachman and then focuses on Texas Governor Rick Perry.

#### Perry Claims Texas Teaches Creationism in Public Schools

Gov. Rick Perry's statement that Texas public schools teach creationism alongside evolution is addressed. The article notes that state education experts refute this, and that the Supreme Court ruling in *Edwards v. Aguillard* (1987) determined creationism cannot be taught in public schools as it is a religious doctrine. The author suggests the Republican Party might be becoming the "anti-science party."

#### Jon Huntsman's Stance

Former Utah Governor and Ambassador to China, Jon Huntsman, is mentioned for his response to Perry's gaffe. Huntsman publicly stated his belief in evolution and trust in scientists regarding global warming, a move the author finds both "cool and smart" and potentially risky for his political aspirations.

#### Perry and Clayton Williams at Odds Over Creationism

Clayton Williams, an oil man, warned Perry against efforts to include creationism or intelligent design in science curriculum standards, arguing it would tarnish Texas's academic reputation and ability to attract talent.

#### Paul Krugman's Commentary

Paul Krugman's comments from The New York Times are cited, where he describes the Republican Party as becoming the "anti-science party." He also criticizes Mitt Romney for shifting his stance on climate change, attributing it to political motivations within the party where "wilful ignorance has become a litmus test."

Krugman expresses concern about a future where a party aggressively opposed to science could rule the United States during a time of severe challenges.

Welcome to the 21st Century

Florida Family Charged in $40 Million Psychic Scam

This article reports on a Florida family, the Marks family, who allegedly scammed people out of $40 million over 20 years by offering psychic services, claiming to confer with gods and spirits. Prosecutors stated they offered hope but at a steep price, including demands for jewelry, gold coins, and luxury cars. The family claimed to cure diseases and break curses, but clients were also told they would contract terrible diseases or suffer financial hardship if they didn't pay.

Budd Hopkins

UFOlogist Budd Hopkins Dies

The death of Budd Hopkins, a renowned UFOlogist and author, is reported. Hopkins was known for his work on alien abduction themes, having begun his research in 1964. Notable works include "Witnessed: The True Story of the Brooklyn Bridge UFO Abductions" and "Missing Time." The New York Times credited him with igniting the interest of later writers like Whitley Strieber and John Mack in the field. Hopkins also had a background as an abstract expressionist painter and sculptor, with works displayed in major museums. He died in Manhattan at age 80 from cancer.

UFO Abductee Dies Mysteriously

This section reports on the death of Charles Hickson, a Mississippi man who claimed to have been abducted by aliens in 1973. Despite ridicule, he maintained his story. The article notes his death from a heart attack at age 80, but the author sarcastically questions this, implying a connection to the alien conspiracy. The incident involved Hickson and a friend being taken aboard a spacecraft, examined, and released.

What's New

Evolution: Texas School Board Backs Evolution 8-0

Robert Park reports that the Texas school board voted 8-0 to back evolution instruction, defeating a two-year campaign to reduce its teaching in Texas schools. This decision is significant due to the size of the Texas market.

xkcd: Is This the End of the Great Cell-Phone Scare?

This piece discusses the lack of verified cases of cancer caused by cell phone radiation, despite billions of cell phones in use. The science explaining why cell phone radiation doesn't cause cancer is over 100 years old. The Environmental Health Trust is mentioned for warning the public about this nonexistent hazard.

Hackers: Climategate Revisited

This section revisits the hacking of e-mail files from the Climate Research Unit at the University of East Anglia. It notes how Rupert Murdoch newspapers framed the event as a "criminal conspiracy" and "scientific blacklisting," while treating the hackers as heroes, contrasting with the Watergate break-in. The author points out the irony of hacking private files and how Murdoch papers' hacking activities are now threatening Murdoch's own empire.

Cell Phones: Evidence “Increasingly Against” Cancer Risk

A review by experts from Britain, the United States, and Sweden concluded there is no convincing evidence linking cell phone use to cancer, and no established biological mechanism for microwaves to cause cancer.

Skeptic Ink

Homeopathy: The Dilution Limit and the Culture of Credulity

Prasad Golla and John Blanton discuss the homeopathic remedy "oscillococcinum" and the company Boiron, which is suing an Italian blogger for stating it has no active ingredient. The article explains the extreme dilution process in homeopathy, noting that at 200CK dilution, the possibility of even one molecule of the original substance remaining is negligible, far exceeding the number of atoms in the visible universe.

First Amendment: Texas Governor Convenes a Christian Revival

Rick Perry is criticized for leading a prayer meeting of 30,000 evangelical Christians, which was billed as non-political. The author notes that after the event, Texas experienced drought while other Gulf states received heavy rains from Tropical Storm Lee, interpreting this as a negative sign for Perry's political aspirations.

Earthquacks: It's Time to Stop Behaving Like Animals

This piece describes how a 5.8-magnitude earthquake in Northern Virginia caused books to fall from library shelves. It also reports that inmates at the National Zoo, including orangutans, became agitated before seismographs detected the quake, questioning if they had a special sense or if the media was predisposed to report such events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The North Texas Skeptic consistently promotes a rational, scientific approach to understanding the world. The magazine critiques pseudoscientific claims, challenges political rhetoric that contradicts scientific consensus (particularly on evolution and climate change), and highlights instances where belief systems appear to override evidence. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science, anti-pseudoscience, and critical of the politicization of scientific issues. The magazine also serves as a platform for discussing UFO phenomena from a skeptical viewpoint, often focusing on debunking or providing alternative explanations.