Phactum - 2006 10 - October

Magazine Overview

Phactum is the newsletter of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT), with the October 2006 issue featuring a cover story announcing a change in the planned October meeting. The newsletter provides a calendar of events, articles on various skeptical topics, and reports from PhACT meetings.

October Meeting Change and Michael Shermer Event

The October meeting of PhACT was rescheduled due to a special circumstance. Instead of the third Saturday, the meeting was moved to Friday, October 13th, at 7 PM at the Ethical Society at 1906 S. Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. The guest speaker was Michael Shermer, founder of Skeptic magazine and the International Skeptics Society. Shermer, author of several books including "Science Friction" and "How We Believe," was to address PhACT and promote his new book, "Why Darwin Matters: The Case Against Intelligent Design." Following Shermer's address, the Freethought Society was to host their "Friday the 13th Party" upstairs, while Shermer would remain downstairs to sign books. The newsletter highly recommended attending this event, especially with friends, to meet the "Uber Skeptic."

PhACT Council and Subscription Information

The PhACT Council members are listed: Eric Krieg (President), Bob Glickman (Secretary), Ray Haupt (Treasurer), Dr. David Cattell, Dr. David Cragin, Greg Lester, Tom Napier, Harry Rothwell, and Becky Strickland. Phactum is stated to be printed six times a year and serves as the main propaganda organ for PhACT. Subscription is available through a $15 membership, with a $10 rate for students. Letters, ideas, essays, and opinions for the editor, Ray Haupt, can be sent to [email protected].

PhACT Calendar

The calendar section details upcoming events:

• October 13, 2006: Michael Shermer at the Ethical Society (also mentioned on page 1).
• October 11, 2006: Lecture on "Introduction to Homeopathy" by Alan Schmukler at St.Lukes Memorial Church, Philadelphia.
• October 13, 2006: Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia's "Anti-Superstition Party" at the Ethical Society, featuring Michael Shermer.
• November 2, 2006: Richard Dawkins discussing "The God Delusion" at the Free Library of Philadelphia.
• November 18, 2006: PhACT meeting at the Community College of Philadelphia, featuring Don Simanek speaking on "SCIENCE ASKEW."
• December 22, 2006: Annual Winter Solstice party (members and guests only).

Ongoing events include:

• Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia (FSGP) and Humanist Association of Greater Philadelphia (HAGP) co-sponsor a monthly book discussion club at Willow Grove Barnes & Noble.
• Penn Science Café, hosted by PhACT member Greg Lester, featuring University of Pennsylvania scientists and engineers at the MarBar.
• The Wagner Free Institute of Science offers free science lectures and courses.

The calendar is open to members and non-members for announcing events of general interest to the skeptical or scientific community within the Philadelphia radius. Submissions should be sent to the editor.

Celebrity Scientists Quote

A quote from "The Sunday Times, London" dated August 20, 2006, attributes a statement to a UK government official regarding Madonna and Guy Ritchie's scheme to clean up nuclear waste using "mystical Kabbalah fluid." The official described the scientific mechanisms as "bollocks."

Letters

Matthew Paul Menga from Philadelphia writes about Scott Adams' free book, which he found to contain "tired arguments" on Evolution and attempts to frame Skeptics as a cult. Menga criticizes Adams for presenting false arguments in a way that might not effectively help people think critically.

Evolution Woes in Kenya

This article, based on an Agence-France Presse (AFP) report by Lillian Omariba (September 4, 2006), details a controversy in Kenya where evangelicals are demanding that an exhibit of early hominid fossils at the National Museum of Kenya (NMK) be removed or relocated. Bishop Boniface Adoyo is leading the campaign, arguing that the exhibit promotes Darwin's theory of evolution, which he believes is "an insult" and dangerous to youth. He states that it affects Christians who believe God created humans. The article quotes Adoyo, pastor of "Christ is the Answer Ministries," and also Richard Leakey, a noted anthropologist, who calls the church's stance "ridiculous." The NMK director general, Farah Iddle, stated that the museum strives to accommodate divergent views while preserving research findings, including the fossil evidence showing the relationship between apes and modern humans. Display plans for the exhibit, set to reopen in June 2007, were still being discussed.

Sexual Harassment in Philadelphia

This section questions a Philadelphia Daily News article from August 29, 2006, which claimed that 270,000 Philadelphia adults were sexually abused as children. The author expresses skepticism about the study's methodology and potential bias, given it was conducted by a social services agency that might benefit from increased funding. PhACT member Eric Hamil is also cited as being skeptical, requesting more information on the study's methodology. The author notes that the survey respondents were asked about "unwanted" advances, not necessarily "harassment," and that the definition of abuse might be based on arbitrary age differences rather than the respondent's perception.

The Wagner Free Institute of Science

This section highlights the Wagner Free Institute of Science in Philadelphia, founded in 1855 as one of the earliest free adult science education programs. It offers college-level courses in natural sciences taught by university faculty and hosts lectures and symposia. The Institute also runs programs for children. A specific 8-week course on the "Physics of Energy," led by Dr. Paul Angiolillio, is mentioned as being open to PhACT members.

Meeting Reports: February and March 2006

Becky Strickland reports on two previous PhACT meetings:

• February Meeting: Tom Napier discussed myths surrounding the Egyptian pyramids, refuting theories of extraterrestrial or Atlantean architects and the significance of 'Pi.' He explained that Egyptians developed pyramids over 120 years, believing Pharaohs were gods needing preservation for the afterlife, but later realized conspicuous structures were unnecessary.
• March Meeting: PhACT President Eric Kreig presented an expose on "free energy" claims, featuring a CNBC investigative report on Dennis Lee. The report highlighted Lee's focus on Christian fundamentalists, using Home Shopping Network and revival meeting techniques. Kreig showed evidence of electrical service to Lee's home, countering claims of "free energy." The report also noted a 150-year history of "free energy" failures and Lee's unsuccessful lawsuit against Kreig for exposing him online. Audience members described Lee's meetings as a mix of "Jesus talk, pseudo science, conspiracy theory, tricks and illogic."

Books by Michael Shermer

This section is an advertisement for books by Michael Shermer, including "Soul of Science," "The Science of Good and Evil," "The Baloney Detection Kit," "Debate a Creationist," "Why People Believe Weird Things," "How We Believe," and "Denying History." It also lists "Why Darwin Matters" and "In Darwin's Shadow: The Life & Science of Alfred Russel Wallace." A book titled "Scientists of Mental Math" by Arthur Benjamin and Michael Shermer is also featured. The section encourages readers to purchase books from www.skeptic.com or by phone.

Why I'm Not A Certified Psychic

William A. Wisdom recounts his experience trying to get certified by the "American Association of Professional Psychics." He describes the application process, which included a photograph, resume, essay, letters of reference, and a $35 fee. Wisdom submitted a humorous application, including references from friends and claims of communicating with angels and hypnotic future-life progression. He was ultimately rejected, with the panel stating he needed more practice or training. Wisdom concludes that telephone psychics' "special powers" lie in their ability to keep people talking for extended periods to earn money, a skill he lacked.

Wanted: Articles and Opinion Pieces

Phactum is seeking articles and opinion pieces on subjects of interest to skeptics and critical thinkers, as well as book reviews. Material should be geared towards a general audience. Authors and speakers are invited to submit articles or advertising for their publications. Phactum does not accept paid advertising. Submissions should be sent to Ray Haupt at [email protected].

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Phactum are skepticism, critical thinking, and the debunking of pseudoscience and alternative medicine. The newsletter consistently promotes a rational, evidence-based approach to understanding the world, challenging claims related to paranormal phenomena, conspiracy theories, and unproven medical treatments. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific inquiry and critical evaluation, as evidenced by the featured articles on Michael Shermer, evolution, and the critique of "free energy" scams and dubious psychic certifications. The newsletter also serves as a community bulletin board for like-minded individuals and organizations in the Philadelphia area.

Title: Phactum
Issue Date: October 2006
Publisher: PhACT (Phila. Assoc. for Critical Thinking)
Country of Publication: USA
Language: English

This issue of Phactum, dated October 2006, focuses on critical examination of scientific claims and public health issues, particularly challenging widely accepted narratives on secondhand smoke and creationism.

Science Without Sense – The Case of Secondhand Smoke

Authored by Albert Z. Conner, a retired analytical chemist, this article critiques the scientific basis for the condemnation of secondhand cigarette smoke (SHS) as a public health threat. Conner asserts that organizations like the EPA have perpetuated a "massive pseudo-scientific attack" by relying on flawed retrospective epidemiological studies, which he argues are statistical exercises rather than true science. He emphasizes that correlation does not prove cause and that establishing cause-and-effect requires rigorous scientific methods involving chemistry, physics, and physiology.

The article details how the EPA, in 1989 and 1992, issued a public notice and risk assessment labeling SHS as a Group A human carcinogen. This assessment, however, was based on a "seriously flawed and statistically manipulated meta-analysis of a group of hand-picked studies." A subsequent court challenge led to a summary judgment against the EPA and the nullification of its risk assessment, with the court determining the EPA had "knowingly and willfully disseminated false information."

Conner cites a review of numerous retrospective epidemiological studies conducted over 17 years, which concluded that a significant majority showed no significant risk, while fewer showed measurable positive or negative risks. He points to a WHO study and a large California study as evidence that the health threat does not exist. He criticizes anti-smoking organizations, the media, and the general public for being "brain-washed into accepting the anti-smoking propaganda," suggesting that financial incentives from tobacco settlements and pharmaceutical companies have compounded this issue.

The social repercussions, according to Conner, include the demonization of smokers, widespread smoking bans, and substantial economic losses for businesses. He concludes that secondhand smoke "does not kill nor does it pose a significant health threat to the general public," framing it as an example of "scientific ignorance and the lack of critical thinking having a major impact on the social structure."

An editor's note mentions a smoking ban law signed by Philadelphia Mayor John Street on September 14, 2006, exempting certain establishments but with potential extensions.

More Creationism at Sandia

This special report by Dave Thomas, an avid skeptic and President of New Mexican's for Science and Reason, discusses a talk given by young-earth creationist John Baumgardner at Sandia National Labs on March 13, 2006. Unlike a previous speaker, Baumgardner did not sell creationist materials but promoted them via websites.

Baumgardner's main thesis was "continental sprint," a concept he developed to disprove evolution. He used a code called "Terra" to model continental drift, assuming that physical constants, such as rock stiffness, changed drastically during Noah's flood. He claimed the flood itself caused the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea and rapid continental movement. The report likens this to how another creationist, Russ Humphreys, assumes differences in conditions for minerals.

Thomas criticizes Baumgardner's approach, stating that he "assumes orders-of-magnitude changes in physical parameters like temperature diffusion constants, and then is surprised when the age of the Earth under these assumptions comes in at a convenient 6,000 years." Thomas argues that Baumgardner's work "demonstrated exactly why science can not be based on the supernatural, or upon various religious claims." He notes that when religious miracles are invoked as scientific explanations, critics are often accused of attacking religion itself.

Creationists and Probability

The article continues to explore Baumgardner's arguments, noting that creationists "want it both ways – they promote their claims as 'science,' but treat scientific criticisms as heresies against God." It references a series of letters in the Los Alamos Monitor in 1997 where Baumgardner claimed to disprove evolution using a probability argument about protein formation.

Baumgardner's argument, as presented, suggests that assembling a 3D protein structure of 200 amino acids requires about half of the amino acid sites to be specified exactly. For a protein of 200 amino acids with 20 possible candidates per site, the number of random trials needed for a useful sequence is on the order of 10^130. This number is presented as vastly exceeding the total number of molecules that could exist in the cosmos, making random processes incapable of producing such structures.

Conner, the author, asserts that it is "sheer irrationality" to believe random chemical interactions could identify viable functional proteins given these odds. He argues that appealing to chance interactions as an explanation for the complexity of living systems, with conscious awareness of these numbers, represents a "serious breach of scientific integrity."

The article then discusses criticisms of Baumgardner's argument. A retired Los Alamos National Laboratory Fellow, a chemist, suggested that Baumgardner's argument was flawed because it did not account for chemical reaction kinetics. Baumgardner countered that he chose a reaction rate so large that such considerations would be irrelevant.

Another scientist, Dr. Marshall Berman, a physicist at Sandia National Laboratories, asserted that Baumgardner had misapplied probability rules. Berman suggested that if Baumgardner's example were correct, it "would turn the scientific world upside down." Conner responds that the scientific community has been confronted with similar arguments (citing Fred Hoyle's calculations) but has engaged in "mass denial." Conner attributes this denial to a "tenacious commitment to atheism" that leads to dishonesty in science, suggesting that Berman was willing to ignore the logic due to his atheistic beliefs.

Berman's critique is quoted, stating that Baumgardner "uses statistics and probability theory improperly. He assumes randomness that doesn't exist." Berman argues that by assuming randomness for non-random processes, one can show almost any event is improbable. He uses an experiment of picking up a rock, calculating the probability of it being in a specific spot by chance alone as extremely low, and concludes that probability theory fails when used improperly.

Dave Thomas, the author of the report, is identified as an avid skeptic and President of New Mexican's for Science and Reason, with their website listed.

A cartoon illustrates the concept of radiocarbon dating, humorously depicting characters discussing "woodchuck physics" and the process of dating wood.

Ode to Carbon

This section features a poem titled "Ode to Carbon" by Kathryn Cresswell. The poem celebrates carbon as a fundamental element, essential for life on Earth and for various forms of matter, from diamonds to pencils. It highlights carbon's utility and its presence at the "heart of the planet and many a star."

Membership Information

PhACT solicits new and returning members, providing annual membership costs ($15 for regular, $10 for students) and a mailing address in Philadelphia, PA, for check payments and donations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical evaluation of scientific claims, the distinction between genuine science and pseudoscience, and the importance of skepticism. The magazine strongly advocates for rigorous scientific methodology, challenging what it perceives as flawed or ideologically driven research, particularly in the fields of public health (secondhand smoke) and origins of life (creationism vs. evolution).

The editorial stance is clearly one of skepticism towards claims not supported by robust, evidence-based scientific principles. It champions critical thinking and exposes what it views as "frauds" and "fallacies" perpetrated by organizations and individuals who, in the magazine's view, prioritize ideology or financial gain over scientific integrity. The publication appears to align with a rationalist and skeptical viewpoint, aiming to debunk what it considers pseudoscience and to promote a more evidence-based understanding of the world.