Phactum - 2010 03 - March

Magazine Overview

Phactum, the newsletter of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, presents its March 2010 issue. The cover prominently features a discussion on "The Decline of Males" by Dr. Lionel Tiger, alongside a quote from Benjamin Franklin. The newsletter covers a range of topics including scientific research, social commentary, and skeptical inquiries.

Featured Article: The Decline of Males

The lead article focuses on Dr. Lionel Tiger, Charles Darwin Professor of Anthropology at Rutgers University. His work, particularly his book "The Decline of Males," is highlighted for introducing biosocial data into social sciences and bridging the gap between natural and social sciences. Tiger asserts that human social behavior is natural and explores its biological underpinnings. The article notes his role as co-Research Director of the Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation and his influential work in broadening knowledge about human behavior. His book "The Pursuit of Pleasure" argues that our pursuit of pleasure is rooted in functional, biological origins programmed for survival. Tiger is also the author of "The Imperial Animal," "Optimism: The Biology Of Hope," "Female Hierarchies," "Women in the Kibbutz," and "The Manufacture of Evil: Ethics, Evolution & the Industrial System." A meeting hosted by Dr. David Cattell of the Community College of Philadelphia featured Dr. Tiger discussing his book.

Cold Fusion Debate

Letters to the Editor and articles discuss the ongoing Cold Fusion research. Dave Leiter shares information about the latest issue of SSE's Journal, JSE (Vol. 23, No. 4, Winter 2009), which is largely dedicated to Cold Fusion. He notes that the 'calorimetry-debate phase' appears to be over, with researchers reporting output energy between 200% and 400% of input energy, and one report of an 8000% spike. However, the issue also includes a quote from Marissa E. and Scott R. Little of EarthTech International, Inc., stating that while doubts could be resolved by a commercial energy source, a robust demonstration experiment is still required, and no such device currently exists. The article also mentions ongoing experiments involving Stirling engines powered by the thermal output of experimental cells.

Skepticism and Science

Several sections address skeptical viewpoints and scientific discoveries.

Homeopathy and the English Language

The New Zealand Skeptics are actively campaigning to discourage pharmacies from selling homeopathic remedies. Vicki Hyde, chair of NZ Skeptics, explains that homeopathy involves extreme dilution, and most consumers are unaware of this. She criticizes the practice of displaying homeopathic products alongside legitimate medical products, which she believes lends them undeserved credibility.

The Philadelphia Chromosome

This section details a significant discovery in medical science that occurred in Philadelphia 50 years ago. In 1960, Dr. Peter Nowell at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center observed a defective chromosome, later identified as the Philadelphia Chromosome, in a patient with Chronic Mylogenous Leukemia (CML). This discovery, linked to a translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22, was eventually recognized as the first gene-based cause of cancer, leading to advancements in targeted cancer drugs and diagnostics.

Verma's Little Book: A Review

Tom Napier reviews "The Little Book of Scientific Principles, Theories, & Things" by Surendra Verma. He describes it as an excellent non-technical reference for laypeople, explaining scientific principles, their discoverers, and historical context. Napier notes that while the book is generally good, it contains some minor errors, such as the implication that an organism's death affects radiocarbon decay and a confusing explanation of the Coriolis effect. He also points out a misstatement regarding Chevalier de Méré's probability problem and a potentially inaccurate claim about Euclid's fifth postulate.

Science Fairs and Critical Thinking

The newsletter highlights PhACT's involvement in supporting high school science fairs. Eric Krieg, PhACT's president, awarded cash prizes to students demonstrating "Critical Thinking" at the Delaware Valley Science Fair. The organization has set goals for prize money and is seeking reader input on expanding its efforts. The George Washington Carver Science Fair in Philadelphia is also mentioned as a significant event for local students.

Politics and Social Issues

Medicare Fraud

During a "Telephone Town Hall" meeting with Senator Arlen Specter, the issue of Medicare fraud was raised. Senator Specter stated that approximately $45 Billion dollars of Medicare funding is consumed by fraud annually. The author expresses skepticism about this figure, questioning how it was derived and suggesting that if true, it indicates a massive systemic failure in auditing by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Prison Overcrowding and Parole Violators

Paul Schlueter III discusses Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections (DOC) contracts to house inmates in other states due to prison overcrowding. He argues that releasing parole violators, many of whom have not committed further crimes, and employing them in low-skilled jobs could be more cost-effective than paying other states. He suggests this would keep money within Pennsylvania and contribute to the economy.

Extraterrestrial Affairs Commission

Denver voters are considering a ballot initiative to create an Extraterrestrial Affairs Commission, which the article supports with the sentiment "Equal Rights for Jovians!"

Conspiracy Theories

Dr. Ted Goertzel from Rutgers University spoke at a PhACT meeting on "Conspiracy Theories is Science." He discussed various conspiracy theories, including the moon landing hoax, alien involvement, and political conspiracies. Goertzel noted that while skeptics should resist hype, there are instances where "something weird is going on." The article humorously suggests a "Rutgers Mind Control Conspiracy" due to two professors from Rutgers presenting at PhACT meetings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Phactum consistently promotes critical thinking, skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims, and a rational approach to social and scientific issues. The newsletter encourages reader participation through letters and articles, while aiming to avoid partisan politics and harsh religious bashing, but embracing controversial topics and conspiracy theories from a critical perspective. The editorial stance favors evidence-based reasoning and challenges unsubstantiated claims, as seen in the discussions on homeopathy, Cold Fusion, and the critique of the Medicare fraud figures.

Title: Phactum
Issue: March 2010
Volume: 12
Publisher: Phactum
Country: USA
Language: English
Cover Headline: Apocalypse 2012, The Farce

This issue of Phactum magazine, dated March 2010, features a cover story by Paul Schlueter III titled "Apocalypse 2012, The Farce," which debunks the popular notion of a Mayan-predicted apocalypse.

Apocalypse 2012, The Farce

Paul Schlueter III argues that the claim of a 2012 apocalypse based on Mayan cosmology is a misinterpretation. He cites an article in Archaeology magazine by Anthony Aveni, which suggests that the Maya began counting their dates according to the Long Count calendar centuries after its supposed 'Day Zero' to link their royal heritage to cosmic events. The Long Count is described as a five-number system, with examples like 13.0.0.0.0 for Day Zero (August 11, 3114 B.C.) and 12.19.19.17.19 for December 21, 2012. The article emphasizes that modern science understands ancient materials and processes far better than ancient peoples did, questioning the superiority of 'ancient wisdom.' The Mayan calendar is explained as an irregular 'base 20' register with a cycle length of 5,125.37 years, but the Maya left no clear record predicting a catastrophic change for 12/21/2012. The Dresden Codex is mentioned as containing astronomical calculations, but not specific doomsday predictions; it does, however, depict a 'catastrophic flood.' The author concludes that there is no reason to stockpile for 12/12/2012 and warns that the 'apocalyptic bunkum' might be used by cults as a license for mayhem.

Why Haven't We Found Other Earths?

This article by Paul Schlueter III discusses the ongoing search for exoplanets, particularly Earth-like ones. It explains that over 400 exoplanets have been found using two main methods: detecting the 'wobble' of stars caused by orbiting planets and observing the periodic dimming of starlight when a planet transits its star. The difficulty in finding Earth-like planets lies in their low mass and slow orbits, making their effects on their stars subtle and hard to detect. The article highlights the planet GJ 1214b, a 'super-Earth' orbiting a red dwarf star, as a significant discovery. It suggests that while current technology has limitations, the increasing discovery of exoplanets indicates that Earth-like planets are likely to be found, potentially offering new places to search for intelligent life.

Gambling and the Law®: More Pathological Poker

Professor I. Nelson Rose presents an expanded list of questions and comments to identify compulsive gamblers, focusing on pathological poker players. He elaborates on 15 questions, including playing for stakes too high, inability to quit when behind or ahead, blaming others for losses, anger, going 'on tilt,' increasing bets when losing, staying in too many hands, prioritizing gambling over other aspects of life, and the correlation with problem drinking. The article emphasizes that compulsive gambling is an impulse control disorder and that compulsive gamblers often lie and manipulate to get money for gambling.

University of Pennsylvania Researchers Find Genetic Link to Leukemias with an Unknown Origin

This article, from a Penn Medical Center News Release, reports on new research identifying a mutation that could account for half of the remaining cases of adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with unknown origins. Researchers found that AML patients have increased levels of a molecule called 2HG, stemming from mutations in IDH1 or IDH2 enzymes. These mutations are the first known cancer mutations to create a protein with new enzymatic activity, potentially blocking leukemic cells from differentiating into normal blood cells. The findings offer hope for better detection and treatment of AML.

PhACT Calendar

The PhACT Calendar lists various upcoming events in March, April, and May 2010, including lectures on "The Decline of Males" by Dr. Lionel Tiger, a talk by investigator Joe Nickell, a reenactment of the "War of Northern Aggression," a St. Patrick's Day tour, and lectures on topics ranging from the history of Philadelphia to the science of pollination biology and the secret language of bacteria. It also includes events related to the Titanic and a paranormal investigation.

Science on Tap

Science on Tap is a monthly gathering in Philadelphia for science enthusiasts. The March 2010 events include a presentation on "The Impact of Meteors on the Origin and Early Evolution of Life" by Alexandra Krull Davatzes and a discussion on "What's in your Air? Low-tech Tools for Finding Out" by Gwen Ottinger.

The College of Physicians of Philadelphia

This section lists upcoming events from The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, including a colloquium on the history of science, technology, and medicine titled "From Fish to Man: MACOS and Animal Objectivity," and the grand opening of an exhibition titled "Corporeal Manifestations."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features articles that critically examine popular beliefs, particularly those related to pseudoscience, mysticism, and sensationalized claims (e.g., the 2012 apocalypse). It promotes scientific inquiry, evidence-based reasoning, and a skeptical approach to extraordinary claims. The publication also covers advancements in scientific research, such as exoplanet discovery and medical breakthroughs, and includes a calendar of scientific and skeptical events in the Philadelphia area. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science, rational, and critical of unsubstantiated claims.

This document is a calendar of events and exhibitions for several institutions in Philadelphia, primarily from January to May 2010. It includes listings from the American Philosophical Society (APS) Museum, The Academy of Natural Sciences, the Chemical Heritage Foundation, and the University of Pennsylvania's Penn Science Café. It also features information about the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT).

American Philosophical Society (APS) Museum Events

The APS Museum calendar for January-May 2010 highlights several key events:

Second Sundays at the APS Museum

These family-friendly afternoons, held from 1-4 pm at the APS Museum, feature activities and demonstrations inspired by the "Dialogues with Darwin" exhibition. Scheduled dates include March 14 (Create plant imprints), April 11 (Book arts with artist Rosae Reeder), and May 9 (Make your own magic lantern).

The Tract House: A Darwin Addition

This exhibition runs from January 29 to April 11, 2010, with hours from Friday-Sunday, 11 am-5 pm, and First Fridays until 8 pm. Located at 231 N. Third St., it presents an "evolutionary twist on classic religious tracts" through printed ephemera created by artist Lisa Anne Auerbach and a graphic designer. Visitors can take completed tracts, and Auerbach hopes they will "educate, activate, infuriate, explicate, obfuscate, and titillate." The project emphasizes the democratic aspect of the printed image and the necessity for dissemination.

Artist Lecture: Lisa Anne Auerbach

On Friday, March 5, 2010, at 6:30 pm, artist Lisa Anne Auerbach will give a lecture titled “Pass It On" at the APS Museum. The lecture will be preceded by Thomas “2mas” Struck rapping on Darwin. Auerbach will discuss her current collaboration with the APS Museum and Philagrafika on "The Tract House: A Darwin Addition."

Lecture: Karen Snetselaar

On Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at 6:30 pm, Professor and Chair of Biology at Saint Joseph's University, Karen Snetselaar, will deliver a lecture titled "Charles Darwin the Experimental Botanist" at Franklin Hall. This lecture, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, will be followed by a wine reception and curatorial tour. Admission is $20, or $10 for Friends of APS and PHS members.

Lecture: The Architectural Ethics of Frank Furness

On Friday, March 26, 2010, at 5:30 pm, Michael J. Lewis will present a lecture on "The Architectural Ethics of Frank Furness" at Benjamin Franklin Hall. Lewis, a professor of Art at Williams College, will discuss how Furness's architecture was shaped by transcendentalist philosophy and influenced Louis Sullivan. A reception will precede the program.

Lecture: Here, George Washington Was Born: Memory, Material Culture, and the Public History of a National Monument

On Friday, April 16, 2010, at 5:30 pm, Seth C. Bruggeman, assistant professor of history and American Studies at Temple University, will lecture at Benjamin Franklin Hall. His talk will explore the history of the George Washington Birthplace National Monument and the debates surrounding its authenticity, revealing broader discussions about race, gender, and memory in American history.

The Academy of Natural Sciences Events

"Why Saving Species Matters"

On Tuesday, April 13, 2010, from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm, the Center for Environmental Policy will host a discussion on the importance of protecting species and ecosystems. Panelists include Dr. Thomas Eugene Lovejoy III, Samuel C. Blackman, MD, PhD, and Jeff Wise. The event aims to educate attendees on conservation efforts and the role of the United States in international conservation. The program is free and open to the public.

2nd Annual Mid-Atlantic Cleantech Investment Forum

On Thursday, March 25, 2010, Blank Rome's Energy Industry Group and The Academy of Natural Sciences Center for Environmental Policy will sponsor this forum. It will feature discussions on cleantech venture and corporate investing, and a showcase of Mid-Atlantic cleantech companies.

Urban Sustainability Forum: Building Codes

Scheduled for Thursday, March 18, 2010, this forum will discuss building codes related to urban sustainability.

Annual Cheryl Beth Silverman Memorial Lecture

On Monday, May 10, 2010, this lecture will feature Dr. Sylvia Earle, Oceanographer. The program is co-sponsored by The Academy of Natural Sciences and The Explorer's Club.

Chemical Heritage Foundation Events

Brown Bag Lecture: Alberto Cambrosio

On Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at 12:00 PM, Alberto Cambrosio will lecture on "Protocols, Networks and Conventions: New Forms of Objectivity and New Biomedical Practices in the (Post)Genomic Era." The lecture will focus on the evolution of Western medicine and the emergence of new types of objectivity in biomedical practices.

Science Fiction Movie: The Invisible Ray

On Wednesday, March 10, at 6:30 pm, a screening of the 1936 film "The Invisible Ray" will be held, followed by a discussion led by David Grazian. The film stars Boris Karloff and explores themes of scientific discovery and madness.

Joseph Priestley Society Symposium and Meeting

On Thursday, March 11, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., this symposium will feature winners of the Eastern Technology Council's Life Sciences Enterprise Award.

Brown Bag Lecture: Joris Mercelis

On Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at 12:00 p.m., Joris Mercelis will lecture on "Leo H. Baekeland and the Translation of Technology." His talk will investigate the commercialization of Bakelite, the first synthetic plastic.

Science Fiction Movie: X: The Unknown

On Wednesday, April 14, at 6:30 pm, a screening of the 1956 film "X: The Unknown" will be held, followed by a discussion led by Michael Wellenreiter. The film is a British science-fiction thriller about a mysterious, intelligent, radioactive mud mass.

Ongoing Exhibitions

Gallery hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. Exhibitions include "Transmutations: Alchemy in Art" and "The Whole of Nature and the Mirror of Art: Images of Alchemy."

Penn Science Café

The Penn Science Café is a lecture series held at 6 PM at the MarBar, 40th and Walnut Street. It is free and open to the public, offering opportunities to ask questions of leading scientific experts. Past events listed include lectures on DNA Banks, Quantum Computing, Bioethics, Viral Evolution, and Cognitive Processes.

Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT)

PhACT distributes "Phactum," a publication that is theoretically distributed six times a year. The organization is grateful for the hospitality of the Community College of Philadelphia. PhACT offers memberships for $15 (email delivery) or $25 (US Mail delivery), with student rates available. They also solicit donations for their High School Science Fair Student Prize Funds. The PhACT Council 2010 members are listed, and their website is www.phact.org.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this calendar are science communication, public lectures, exhibitions, and the dissemination of knowledge across various disciplines including biology, history, architecture, environmental policy, and the arts. The institutions involved (APS, Academy of Natural Sciences, Chemical Heritage Foundation) appear to promote public engagement with science and culture through accessible events and exhibitions. The inclusion of science fiction films and discussions suggests an interest in exploring the intersection of science and popular culture. PhACT's inclusion highlights a focus on critical thinking and skepticism.