Phactum - 2007 12 - December

Magazine Overview

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

This issue of Phactum, the newsletter of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, features a diverse range of articles and event listings, reflecting the organization's focus on science, skepticism, and critical inquiry.

Cover Story and Editorial Stance

The cover prominently features a quote attributed to Calvin Coolidge: "Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas." This sets a reflective tone, though the newsletter's content leans heavily into scientific discourse and skepticism.

Key Articles and Features

Evolution and the Discovery of Tiktaalik

An article discusses the significance of the discovery of *Tiktaalik roseae*, a lobe-finned fish from the Devonian period, approximately 375 million years ago. Dr. Ted Daeschler, Associate Curator at the Academy of Natural Sciences, is highlighted for his role in this discovery. *Tiktaalik* is presented as a "transitional species" with features of both fish and amphibians. The article encourages attendance at a Mensa meeting where Dr. Daeschler will speak and suggests donations to the Academy of Natural Sciences to support further expeditions.

Critiques of Global Warming and Al Gore

Albert Z. Conner, a retired analytical chemist, writes a critical piece titled "A Global Warming Nobel Peace Prize?". He argues that the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Al Gore and the UN IPCC panel was a "travesty," asserting they have not contributed to world peace. Conner likens Gore's use of global warming alarmism to Senator Joseph McCarthy's use of anti-communism. He questions the scientific consensus on man-made global warming, citing thousands of comments from expert scientists criticizing IPCC reports, and mentions a petition signed by 17,000 scientists who object to the conclusions. He also criticizes the Kyoto Protocol and the significant spending on climate change research, stating that many scientists believe carbon dioxide is not the problem and is an essential atmospheric component. Conner dismisses current climate models as notoriously inaccurate and warns of a planned $100 million media blitz by Al Gore's Alliance for Climate Protection.

Homeopathy Under Scrutiny

Several articles address the topic of homeopathy. One piece reports on a case in Australia where a baby died after being treated with homeopathic remedies instead of prescribed pharmaceuticals, leading to a coroner's recommendation for mandatory registration of homeopaths. The author questions the definition of "quackery" and criticizes the lack of scientific evidence for homeopathy, while also noting that its practice is not illegal in Australia. Another section features a poem criticizing homeopathy's "impure solution" and its reliance on dilution.

"Whipped Ocean" Phenomenon

A report from The Daily Mail describes the "Cappuccino Coast" phenomenon in Yamba, New South Wales, Australia, where a large amount of foam covered the shoreline and nearby buildings. Scientists explain this foam is created by impurities in the ocean being churned up by powerful currents, forming bubbles that mass together. The foam is described as light and unusual, with children playing in it.

Intelligent Design vs. Evolution

An advertisement or review for the book "Not in Our Classrooms: Why Intelligent Design is Wrong for Our Schools" is featured. It highlights the ongoing movement to teach intelligent design as a scientific theory alongside evolution, despite its defeat in the Kitzmiller v. Dover trial. The book is presented as a tool for parents and teachers to counter the arguments for intelligent design in science classrooms.

Wagner Free Institute of Science

Information is provided about the Wagner Free Institute of Science in Philadelphia, detailing its nineteenth-century exhibit hall with extensive natural history specimens, including mounted birds, mammals, fossils, and dinosaur bones. The collections are displayed in their original "systematic" scheme, offering a view of a Victorian science museum.

PhACT Calendar

The newsletter includes a comprehensive calendar of upcoming events in and around Philadelphia. These events include lectures and meetings hosted by PhACT, the Free-thought Society of Greater Philadelphia (FSGP), the Rittenhouse Astronomical Society, the Academy of Natural Sciences, The Franklin Institute, and the Wagner Free Institute of Science. Topics range from vaccine safety and human evolution to astronomy and regenerative medicine.

Letters and Submissions

Submissions to Phactum are encouraged, including letters and articles on science, pseudo-science, medicine, and other topics of interest to skeptics. The newsletter also features a letter from Eric Hamell describing a personal experience with a purportedly haunted street and psychic sensitivity, and a clerihew poem by Tom Napier.

Keno Game Analysis

An article analyzes the game of Keno, breaking down the odds and payouts for "1-spot" and "6-spot" games. It concludes that the gambler's expectation is generally very low, making it a financially unfavorable game.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Phactum consistently promotes a skeptical and evidence-based approach to various topics. The newsletter champions scientific reasoning, particularly in opposition to what it terms "pseudo-science" such as homeopathy and intelligent design. It provides a platform for critical analysis of current events and societal issues, with a strong emphasis on scientific accuracy and the debunking of unsubstantiated claims. The publication also serves as a community bulletin for like-minded individuals and organizations in the Philadelphia area, encouraging engagement with scientific and skeptical discourse.

Title: Phactum
Issue Date: December 2007
Publisher: Phila. Assoc. for Critical Thinking

This issue of Phactum, dated December 2007, covers a range of topics including psychological aspects of gambling addiction, historical explorations of esoteric organizations, and scientific discussions on evolution.

"My Car drives itself to the Casino"

This article by Gary Lange, Ph.D., a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Gambling Counselor, addresses the psychological phenomenon experienced by problem gamblers in the early stages of recovery. Lange notes the common phrase, "I don't know how I ended up there; my car must have driven itself to the casino!" This statement reflects the denial and the perceived power of the obsession, leading the gambler to almost believe their vehicle acted independently. Lange emphasizes that while methods like attending Gamblers Anonymous, psychotherapy, supportive groups, and medication can help, staying away from gambling environments is a crucial first step. He also discusses the therapeutic process of establishing behavioral contracts and safety plans with clients, highlighting the unique challenges for gamblers compared to other addicts due to the nature of pathological gambling as an Impulse Control Disorder. The article touches upon the difficulty family members face in trusting recovering gamblers due to the often-concealed nature of the addiction. It also notes that recovering gamblers can become particularly generous and willing to help others still suffering, humorously accepting that their car, like themselves, goes where they are driven.

Strange places - Rosicrucian HQ

Authored by Eric Krieg and Jeff Clarke, this piece recounts their clandestine exploration of the 70-acre Rosicrucian headquarters. They describe encountering various structures, including pyramids and statues of angels, kids, and goddesses, within a well-manicured compound featuring pathways, streams, and ponds. Their experience involved navigating the grounds under cover of darkness, avoiding detection, and finding a plaque declaring a "sacred grove" with "Solomon's prayer." They also observed a bronze emblem with Greek and Hebrew words. The article concludes with a brief history of the Rosicrucians, tracing their origins to Germany in 1614 and their connections to various ancient philosophical and mystical groups. It mentions their presence in America prior to the revolution and the supposed involvement of figures like Benjamin Franklin, George Clymer, and Thomas Paine in their governing council. The text also details the American branch's split and the establishment of the current site in 1910. The current Supreme Grand Master, Gerald Poesnecker, a chiropractor, is mentioned, along with a past legal dispute in 1990 where other leaders attempted to depose him.

Mensa General Membership Meeting

This section announces a Mensa General Membership Meeting to be held on Friday, December 14th, 2007, at 8:00 PM at the Police Administration Building in Philadelphia. The featured topic is "Great Steps in Evolution: New Fossil Discovery Provides a Link Between Fish and Limbed Vertebrates," with Dr. Ted Daeschler, Associate Curator of Vertebrate Zoology at the Academy of Natural Sciences, as the speaker. The announcement encourages attendees to invite friends and relatives and notes that the meeting is open to the public. It also provides practical advice regarding traffic and public transportation options.

Membership and Support

A section details how to support PhACT, the Phila. Assoc. for Critical Thinking. It outlines annual membership fees ($15 for regular members, $10 for students) and provides a mailing address for checks. It also includes fields for additional support or donations for a specific purpose, along with spaces for name, address, phone, and email.

Other Content

The issue also features an image of Galileo Galilei with his birth and death dates (1564-1642). Additionally, there is a humorous cartoon with a caption about making earrings from old bocce balls for Christmas.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to cover a diverse range of topics, including psychology, history, esotericism, science, and social commentary. The editorial stance seems to be one of intellectual curiosity, encouraging critical thinking and exploration of various subjects, from personal development in addiction recovery to historical and scientific inquiry. The inclusion of both serious articles and lighthearted content like cartoons suggests an aim to engage readers on multiple levels.