Phactum - 2008 01 - January

Magazine Overview

Phactum, January 2008 issue. This newsletter from the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT) covers a range of topics including scientific skepticism, economics, evolution, alternative medicine, and social issues. The issue highlights an upcoming talk by Michael Shermer and lists numerous events and courses in the Philadelphia area.

Featured Speaker: Michael Shermer

The cover story announces that Dr. Michael Shermer, a prominent skeptic, author, and publisher, will be the featured speaker at a meeting co-hosted by PhACT and the Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia (FSGP). The event, scheduled for January 15, 2008, at the Philadelphia Ethical Society, is free and open to the public. Shermer will discuss his new book, 'The Mind of the Market: Compassionate Apes, Competitive Humans, and Other Lessons from Evolutionary Economics.' The event will include a Q&A session and a book signing. The article also notes Shermer's monthly opinion column in Scientific American, where he discusses 'Evonomics,' linking evolution and economics.

PhACT Council and Membership

The issue lists the current PhACT Council members: Eric Krieg (President), Bob Glickman (Secretary), Ray Haupt (Treasurer), Dr. David Cattell, Dr. David Cragin, Tom Napier, Harry Rothwell, and Becky Strickland. It also provides information on how to become a subscriber, with membership costing $15 per year and $10 for students. Submissions for the newsletter, including letters, essays, and opinion pieces, should be sent to editor Ray Haupt via email.

PhACT Calendar

The PhACT Calendar section details a variety of upcoming events and lectures in and around Philadelphia during January and February 2008. These include:

• January 15, 2008: PhACT and FSGP co-host Dr. Michael Shermer's talk.
• January 19, 2008: A meeting is postponed until February 16, 2008.
• February 16, 2008: Dr. Paul A. Offit will discuss 'Vaccine Safety: Science Politics and the Media.'
• January 16, 2008: Daniel Schorr will discuss his book 'Come to Think of It' at the Free Library of Philadelphia.
• January 22, 2008: Neil Shubin will discuss his book 'Your Inner Fish' at the Free Library of Philadelphia.
• January 30, 2008: Dr. David Evening will lecture on 'The Origins of Zeus: The Mt. Lykaion Excavation and Survey Project' at the University of Pennsylvania Museum.
• February 10, 2008: Darwin Day celebration at the University of Pennsylvania Museum, featuring talks on evolution.
• February 19, 2008: Dr. Richard Hodges will give an evening talk on 'Butrint: At the Crossroads of the Mediterranean.'

The calendar also lists ongoing meetings for the Rittenhouse Astronomical Society and mentions the Delaware Valley Mensa monthly meetings.

Courses and Educational Opportunities

Several institutions offer courses and educational programs:

• Henry George School: Offers Part I of 'Fundamental Economics For a Peaceful and Sustainable Planet' starting January 14th and 16th, 2008. Part III of 'Economic Science' begins January 16th.
• Wagner Free Institute of Science: Lists several Spring 2008 courses, including 'Mosses, Ferns, and Other Non-Flowering Plants,' 'Big Cats, Little Cats, and Their Genes,' 'Mesozoic Ruling Reptiles,' 'Perching Birds of the World,' 'The Evolution of Ideas about Human Evolution,' and 'Invasive Plants in the Philadelphia Area.' These courses are free, with preregistration required for some.

Book Review: The Mind of the Market

Page 4 is dedicated to a description of Michael Shermer's book, 'The Mind of the Market: Compassionate Apes, Competitive Humans, and Other Tales from Evolutionary Economics.' The review highlights how evolution shaped the modern economy and explores irrational financial behavior, capitalism as a Darwinian organism, and the evolutionary roots of economic behavior. It mentions Shermer's use of neuroeconomics and behavioral economics to scrutinize bargaining, impulse purchases, and trust in business.

Articles and Commentary

Wanted!!

An editorial plea for reader contributions, encouraging articles and letters to the editor, even from those who disagree with the publication's stance. It welcomes diverse viewpoints, avoiding partisan politics and religion bashing, but is open to topics of general interest to skeptics. Poetry is also welcome.

Letters

• Tom Napier offers a tribute to William (and Mary) of Orange in the form of a clerihew.
• Jerome Mendel writes about his positive experience using Arniflora Arnica Gel for muscle pain, noting its effectiveness despite being a diluted homeopathic remedy.
• The editor responds to a previous article on Homeopathy, acknowledging its potential for being 'baloney' but also noting personal positive experiences with Arnica gel.
• Another letter addresses Albert Z. Conner's comments on the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Al Gore and the IPCC, arguing that environmental stresses can lead to conflict and that addressing global warming can contribute to world peace.

Various Ruminations

• Creationism argument ended in death: An article from The Australian details the manslaughter conviction of Alexander Christian York for stabbing Rudi Boa after an argument about creationism versus evolution escalated. The incident occurred in Australia.
• Alternative Medicine: Another argyria case surfaces: Dr. Steven Barrett reports on Paul Karason, whose skin turned blue-gray from drinking colloidal silver for 14 years. This highlights the dangers of long-term silver consumption.

Stink Bugs

A brief report on the East Asian Stink Bug found in Allentown, Pennsylvania, noting it as a major agricultural pest.

Independent Fact Checking

An introduction to FactCheck.org, a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center, dedicated to non-partisan investigation of politicians' claims.

TEACH EVOLUTION

An update on the 'Project Steve' initiative, noting that the number of scientists named Steve who endorse evolution has grown to 852. The initiative was started to honor scientist Stephen J. Gould.

Send that kid to Dr. Paulos

A personal anecdote about observing people using a supermarket coin-counting machine with a steep service fee, prompting a reflection on financial literacy and a recommendation of Dr. Paulos' book 'Innumeracy.'

Gambling - Peeing on the seat

An Associated Press story highlighting the negative aspects of compulsive gambling, including a report of a gambler urinating in a casino chair and the broader issue of casinos exploiting human weaknesses. It mentions gamblers resorting to adult diapers to avoid losing their slot machine seats.

Soundbites

• A quote from New Scientist magazine stating that inhaled cannabis smoke contains significantly more ammonia and hydrogen cyanide than tobacco.
• Information on how to contribute financially to Dr. Ted Daeschler's research projects at the Academy of Natural Sciences.

Mr. Krieg Goes to Washington

A report on Eric Krieg's lecture at the National Science Foundation about 'The Fringe World of Free Energy,' mentioning various figures associated with this topic, including Nikola Tesla.

"A Truth Self-Evident"

A poem by Paul Schlueter III expressing a personal philosophy based on reasoned observation, simplicity, and evidence-based truth.

Henry George and Social Reform

An article on the life and ideas of Henry George, a journalist and political economist born in Philadelphia. It details his advocacy for liberty and equality by ending monopoly, particularly land rent monopoly, and the establishment of the Henry George School of Social Science. The article includes quotes from Leo Tolstoy, Aldous Huxley, and John Dewey on the impact and relevance of George's teachings. It also mentions the school's courses, film forums, and seminar series.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Phactum include skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims (e.g., homeopathy, colloidal silver, free energy), a focus on scientific and rational explanations (e.g., evolution, economics), and an interest in social and political commentary from a critical thinking perspective. The editorial stance appears to favor evidence-based reasoning and critical examination of claims, while also encouraging open discussion and diverse viewpoints within the skeptical community. The publication actively promotes events and educational opportunities relevant to its readership.