Phactum - 2007 10 - October

Magazine Overview

Title: Phactum
Issue: October 2007
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT)
Editor: Ray Haupt

This issue of Phactum, the newsletter for the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, covers a diverse range of topics, from scientific discussions on sexuality and global warming to historical analyses of the Salem Witch Trials and critiques of pseudoscientific practices.

PhACT Meeting: The Science of Sex

Faye Flam, an author for the Philadelphia Inquirer known for her column “Carnal Knowledge,” was scheduled to discuss the science of sexuality at a PhACT meeting on October 20, 2007. Flam has spent three years exploring fringe thinking related to sexuality, covering topics such as hatred of homosexuality, the science of kissing, elder sex, genital fits, the history of condoms, and the algorithm of attraction.

This Modern World: Language is a Virus

A satirical cartoon by Tom Tomorrow titled "THIS MODERN WORLD" addresses the "MYRIAD WAYS IN WHICH REALLY, REALLY STUPID IDEAS INFECT THE POLITICAL MAINSTREAM." This installment focuses on "THE WAR ON RATIONALITY," depicting a conservative school board objecting to the teaching of human sexual reproduction, presenting it as a controversial theory and contrasting it with a mythical "Intelligent Delivery" of babies by storks.

PhACT Council and Subscription Information

The issue lists the PhACT Council members, including Eric Krieg (President), Bob Glickman (Secretary), and Ray Haupt (Treasurer). It states that Phactum is printed six times a year and serves as the main propaganda organ for PhACT. Subscription is available for $15 per year ($10 for students). Readers are encouraged to send letters, ideas, and other submissions to editor Ray Haupt at [email protected].

PhACT Calendar

The PhACT Calendar section details upcoming events and lectures:

• October 20, 2007: Faye Flam discusses the Science of Sexuality at the Community College of Philadelphia.
• November 17, 2007: Tony Rothman speaks on his book “Everything's Relative and Other Fables in Science and Technology” at the Community College of Philadelphia.
• December 21, 2007: Phact Annual Winter Solstice Party (members only).
• January 19, 2008: Dr. Paul A. Offit discusses “Vaccine Safety: Science Politics and the Media” at the Community College of Philadelphia.

Several other events are listed, including lectures at The Wagner Free Institute of Science, meetings of the Delaware Valley Amateur Astronomers, a talk by Gary Kasparov on decision-making, a lecture by James Morrow on rationality versus superstition, and a Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia event.

Letters and Articles Wanted

Phactum invites members and non-members to submit letters and articles, welcoming a wide range of topics and contrarian views, but excluding partisan politics and heavy religion bashing. Original poetry is also accepted.

Letters

• Tom Napier suggests the term "IDeity" for the proposed name of the Intelligent Designer, arguing that specifying the nature of such a being is impossible.
• Eric Hamell clarifies the distinction between "logically possible" and "actually possible," arguing that the former implies imagination without self-contradiction, while the latter means something can or will happen.

UFO Sighting Mention

Tom Kearney shares a link to a UFO believer's website about Bob Dean and Project Camelot, asking for comments from PhACT members.

Various Ruminations

• Nepal Airlines Sacrifices Goats: An article from Reuters reports that Nepal Airlines sacrificed two goats to appease a Hindu god after experiencing technical problems with a Boeing 757 aircraft. The practice is common in Nepal. The article notes that the airline has had to suspend some services.
• Dubious Mexican Clinic Reopens: This section revisits a previous article about "Defrauding the Dying" by Dr. Raymond Richards, detailing the reopening of a clinic in Tijuana, Mexico, founded by unlicensed chiropractor Kurt W. Donsbach, who has a history of illegal activity. Despite being ordered to shut down, the clinic reopened under a new name, though its website still identifies it as Hospital Santa Monica.

Global Warming - Ethanol

This section discusses the debate surrounding ethanol as a fuel source, referencing Dr. Robert Park's newsletter. It highlights that farmers are benefiting from high corn prices due to ethanol production, while livestock face hunger. The author questions the claim that ethanol saves oil, noting that it takes more energy to produce ethanol than it yields. Governor Ed Rendell's push for ethanol in Pennsylvania is mentioned, and the author expresses skepticism about politicians' claims of "energy independence" and "carbon footprint" reduction. The article notes that previous Phactum editions also found little advantage to ethanol for reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Men in Space

Referencing Dr. Park, this section critiques NASA's focus on manned space missions, questioning their cost-effectiveness compared to robotic exploration. It suggests that funding could be better allocated to projects like sustainable energy or deep-sea exploration.

Gentle Wind Project - The Return of the Beast

This article discusses the "Gentle Wind Project" (GWP), a group previously described as litigious and shady, which has re-emerged as the "Family Systems Research Group" (FSRG). GWP/FSRG sells "healing instruments" and "hexagram technology" based on astrology, at exorbitant prices. The article notes that FSRG was holding a conference in San Diego and provides a website (www.windofchanges.org) operated by former members/victims for more information.

Global Warming - Schools Must Warn of Gore Climate Film Bias

Reporting on a UK court case, this section states that schools will have to warn pupils before showing Al Gore's film "An Inconvenient Truth." A judge indicated the film promotes "partisan political views" and contains "serious scientific inaccuracies and 'sentimental mush.'" The ruling stems from a lawsuit by a father who accused the government of "brainwashing" children.

Global Warming - NIMBYism on Steroids

This section discusses the proposed Cape Wind project, a privately funded wind farm in Nantucket Sound. Despite its potential to provide clean energy and offset carbon emissions, the project faces opposition from the Kennedy clan, local fishermen, and others, who cite concerns about aesthetics and environmental impact. The article criticizes this opposition as "NIMBYism on Steroids" and questions why such people are elected.

September 2007 Meeting Report: Salem Witch Trials

Eric Krieg reports on a PhACT meeting where Walter Rowe, a professor of forensic science, analyzed the Salem Witch Trials. Rowe dispelled myths, stating that no one was burned as a witch, the conviction rate was not 100%, and substantial evidence was required. He noted that the people of Salem were more educated than typical for the era and that fear of Indian attacks likely contributed to the hysteria. Rowe concluded that the overwhelming dread of attack was a plausible explanation for the accusers' activities. He also drew parallels to the McCarthy anti-communist inquisitions and noted that while the Salem trials were a stain on American history, European witch trials resulted in far more executions.

Tom's Talented Telepathy Tester Goes Unused

By Tom Napier, this article describes a telepathy tester designed to circumvent the flaws of previous testers. The device uses colored LEDs and push-buttons to determine if one person can transmit a color choice to another. Despite its electronic probity and appearance in a national electronics magazine, the tester remains unused, leading Napier to lament that he perhaps "should have designed a better mousetrap instead."

Some PhACT Clerihews

By Elaine Brody, this piece introduces the concept of a clerihew (a four-line biographical poem with an AABB rhyme scheme). Brody shares an example about Sir Humphrey Davy and then presents two clerihews she composed about PhACT members Tom Napier and the general concept of "people not skeptical."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Phactum consistently champions critical thinking and skepticism, evident in its critique of pseudoscientific claims (Gentle Wind Project, Intelligent Design), its examination of scientific topics (sexuality, global warming, ethanol), and its historical analyses (Salem Witch Trials). The newsletter actively encourages reader participation through letters and submissions, and its calendar highlights events that promote scientific literacy and rational discourse. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and against what it perceives as irrationality, political bias, and pseudoscience.

Phactum, October 2007 issue, published by the Phila. Assoc. for Critical Thinking. This issue features a cover story on "No Sure Bet: Treating Pathological Gamblers and Their Families" by Gary Lange, Ph.D., MFT, CAS, CCGC. It also includes "Soundbites" compiled by Becky Strickland, a Mensa meeting announcement, and an article titled "The Forgotten Sailor" about Captain Robert FitzRoy.

Articles

Soundbites

This section compiles various quotes and findings from recent publications. One quote from William Laurance, a biologist, highlights the strong inverse relationship between human population density and forest cover, and notes that a key predictor of armed civil conflict in developing nations is the fraction of the adult population between 15 and 29, who are often unemployed and disenfranchised. Another quote features President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stating his belief that Iran will not be attacked due to his calculations and faith. A response to Dawkins' suggestion about atheists wearing a scarlet A is mentioned, with Peter Magellan suggesting a symbol of a magnifying glass. An OECD report warns that the push for biofuel use is creating unsustainable tensions that will disrupt markets without significant environmental benefits, potentially leading to surging food prices and habitat destruction.

No Sure Bet: Treating Pathological Gamblers and Their Families

This in-depth article by Gary Lange discusses the nature of problem gambling, emphasizing the deceit, secrecy, and manipulation involved. Lange introduces the concept of "Addiction Plus" treatment, which requires therapists to understand addiction and also address impulsive and comorbid disorders. Statistics indicate that 4-6% of the U.S. population are "Disordered Gamblers," with pathological gambling affecting 1-2% and problem gamblers affecting an additional 3-4%. The article notes that problem gamblers affect eight to ten other people in their lives. Research shows that disordered gamblers often have co-occurring mood, anxiety, and personality disorders, with significant percentages experiencing Major Depression, Bipolar disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and various personality disorders. Lange stresses that therapists must be prepared for treating dual disorders. The article also touches on movements to require gambling establishments to fund treatment, noting that in Pennsylvania, $1.5 million of slots profits are set aside annually for this purpose, though this may only treat a fraction of those in need. Treating disordered gamblers is described as more difficult than treating alcoholics, as they often seek treatment later, in a desperation phase. Four helpful Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques are detailed: functional analysis (diagramming triggers and consequences), reinforcing non-gambling behavior, utilizing supportive relationships (including groups like Gamblers Anonymous), and excluding oneself from gambling establishments (self-exclusion). Stress management is also highlighted as a crucial technique. Families of disordered gamblers are often codependent and passively dependent, requiring crisis management and direction, with groups like Gam-Anon and Codependents Anonymous offering support.

Mensa Meeting - The Odds are Against Us

This announcement details a General Membership Meeting of the Mensa group on October 19, 2007, featuring a lecture by Dr. Louise Krasniewicz on the history of gambling throughout time, using anthropological research and artifacts from the Penn Museum. The meeting will be held at the Sleep Inn/Main Stay Suites behind the King of Prussia Mall. A pre-meeting dinner is also planned.

The Forgotten Sailor

This article recounts the life of Captain Robert FitzRoy (1805-1865), captain of the H.M.S. Beagle during Darwin's voyage. FitzRoy's primary assignment was to chart the coasts of Argentina, Chile, and Ecuador. A poignant episode involved FitzRoy's project to repatriate three Tierra del Fuegan natives to their homeland, hoping they would become missionaries, but they quickly reverted to their old ways. FitzRoy later rose to admiral, served as governor of New Zealand, and was noted for his meteorological studies, including inventing a barometer. In his later life, FitzRoy became vehemently opposed to Darwin's ideas of evolution on religious grounds, despite playing a key role in Darwin's intellectual development. He is described as a tragic figure who suffered severe bouts of depression and eventually committed suicide.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores topics at the intersection of psychology, science, history, and social issues. The editorial stance appears to favor critical thinking and evidence-based analysis, as suggested by the publisher's name, "Phila. Assoc. for Critical Thinking." The articles on gambling addiction advocate for comprehensive treatment and support, while the "Soundbites" section presents a diverse range of scientific and geopolitical information, often with a cautionary undertone regarding environmental and societal challenges. The historical piece on Captain FitzRoy offers a nuanced perspective on a complex historical figure. The inclusion of a Mensa meeting announcement suggests an engagement with intellectually curious audiences.