Phactum - 2010 05 - May

Magazine Overview

Title: Phactum
Issue: May/June 2010
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT)
Type: Newsletter and Propaganda Organ

Upcoming PhACT Events

PhACT is hosting its annual dinner/fundraiser on Saturday, May 15, 2010, at The Sorella Rose in Flourtown, PA. The event will feature guest speaker Joe Nickell, a writer and investigator for Skeptical Inquirer, who will discuss his investigations into paranormal phenomena, crypto zoology, UFOs, and vampires. The cost is $35 per person, and an RSVP is required. Reservations can be made by sending a check to Bob Glickman.

Additionally, on Sunday, May 16, 2010, PhACT members and others are invited to a free one-day "Jersey Devil Expedition" in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. The expedition will be guided by Don Nigroni, an avid bird watcher, local historian, and folklorist. Participants will explore 18th and 19th-century ghost towns in search of the Jersey Devil. The meeting point is the Visitor Center in Historic Batsto Village at 10:00 am. Attendees are advised to bring insect repellent, sturdy shoes, lunch, and a camera.

Letters to the Editor and Editorial Stance

The editor notes a lack of letters this month, expressing a desire for more reader input. Phactum has few ground rules for submissions, primarily requesting civil language and avoidance of gratuitous religious or political bashing. Letters and articles focusing on specific issues are welcomed, even if they present an opposing view. Original poetry is also encouraged.

PhACT Council and 501c3 Status

The PhACT council is seeking to apply for 501c3 nonprofit status to enhance its funding base and allow for tax-deductible contributions. They are seeking assistance from members with experience in this process and also welcome help with event organizing and other tasks for the small organization. Members are encouraged to send input via letters and articles to Ray Haupt.

Critiques of Unconventional Medicine and Science

Chiropractic and Libel Laws

The issue reports on the British Chiropractic Association dropping its libel suit against science writer Simon Singh. Singh had criticized the BCA's claims about treating various ailments in children, calling them "bogus" due to a lack of evidence. The Court of Appeal ruled in Singh's favor, allowing him to recover legal fees. The article notes that this case has garnered support for modifying UK libel laws. It also expresses a hope that US politicians might similarly address issues related to alternative medicine, specifically mentioning Senator Harkins (D) of Iowa and his involvement with the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM).

NCCAM and NIH Awards

The article criticizes the NCCAM, formerly the Office of Alternative Medicine (OAM), for bestowing NIH prestige on "highly dubious practices" that may violate basic laws of physics and resemble witchcraft. It highlights that the Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research received a $2.6 million NIH Award in 2008 for a Center for Clinical and Translational Science, noting the center's location in Davenport, Iowa, where the Palmer College of Chiropractic has a campus.

Skepticism in Science

Dr. Barrie Casseleth is quoted criticizing the lack of rigor in some alternative medicine offices, stating that "opinions are counted as equal to data." Allen Bromley, former president of the American Physical Society, is also cited for his criticism of OAM in the 1990s.

Student Science Fairs

PhACT's participation in the Bucks County High School Science Fair is highlighted as a positive event, contrasting with the previous discussion of NCCAM. The organization aims to award student prizes and is seeking donations and judges for future science fairs, including potentially the George Washington Carver Science Fair in Philadelphia.

Religion and Science

God's Brain

An article reviews "God's Brain" by Lionel Tiger and Michael McGuire, which explores the origins and purpose of religion from an evolutionary biology and brain science perspective. The authors suggest that the brain creates religion to cope with "brainpain" (stress) and satisfy innate neurological and social needs. The book examines religion's role in socialization, regulation of sex, creation of afterlife concepts, and its influence on law, as well as the biological scaffolding between primates and humans.

God and the Dinosaurs

The issue mentions a lecture by Dr. Peter Dodson, a paleontologist and practicing Roman Catholic, on "God and the Dinosaurs." Dr. Dodson, who has discovered dinosaur species and led expeditions, reconciles his religious faith with his scientific work, emphasizing that there is no need for arrogance in the scientific community. Other scientists mentioned who maintain religious lives include Sir John Polkinghorne (physicist and Anglican priest) and Sir Arthur Peacocke (biochemist and Anglican priest).

Brain Science, God Science: Why Religion Endures

An article references a Skeptical Inquirer piece discussing how religion functions as an evolved mechanism for humans to cope with uncertainty and stress. It posits that humans organize themselves to find comfort and certainty, and that religion would likely endure due to needs for certainty about the afterlife and for socialization and ritual.

The Jersey Devil Legend

Shakespeare and the Jersey Devil

An extensive article by Don Nigroni delves into the history and folklore of the Jersey Devil, tracing its origins to the "Leeds's devil" mentioned in an 1859 Atlantic Monthly article. The legend describes a fiend born to a witch named Leeds, possessing a horse's head, bat wings, and a serpent's tail, who attacked people. The article draws parallels between the Leeds's devil and Shakespeare's character Caliban from "The Tempest," noting similarities in their parentage (witch mother, possibly devil father), malevolent nature, and composite physical forms (part human, part animal).

Literary and Historical Connections

The article analyzes Trinculo's description of Caliban as a "fish" with "fins like arms," clarifying that this likely refers to limbs resembling arms rather than actual fins. It discusses how Mr. B., in the original account, compared the Leeds's devil to Caliban due to their shared characteristics: offspring of a witch and the Devil, malevolent creatures, and part human/part animal beings. The article also notes Don Nigroni's background in economics and philosophy and his retirement activities.

Windmills: Really Cool Energy or Just Hot Air?

Axial Flow Turbines (AFT) vs. Vertical Shaft (VS) Windmills

David L. Leiter, P.E., writes about his fascination with windmills, contrasting Axial Flow Turbines (AFT) with Vertical Shaft (VS) windmills. He explains that VS machines' vanes only produce power for part of a revolution, while AFT blades produce power continuously. Leiter notes that AFTs dominate the market due to their efficiency and cost-effectiveness. He recounts his own experience with a prototype VS windmill and a patent search that revealed he had "reinvented the wheel."

Practical Considerations for Residential Windmills

Leiter cautions against the romanticized notion of "free" wind-power, comparing it to a "free" puppy – costly and troublesome. He advises that wind-power only makes sense when other economical options are unavailable. For residential use, he stresses the importance of researching capital costs versus payback, local wind patterns, equipment reliability, and maintenance costs, as well as local zoning regulations. He also suggests considering alternatives like diesel or Stirling-engine generators, especially for off-grid situations.

Commercial Wind Farms

Regarding large-scale wind farms, Leiter argues they are not as economical or appealing as often portrayed and are largely dependent on government subsidies. He mentions Teddy Kennedy's opposition to an offshore wind farm near his compound as an example of local resistance. He lists several drawbacks of commercial wind-power, including its undependability, the need for expensive backup power stations, and the potential for brown-outs on calm days.

PhACT Council Elections

Elections for the PhACT Council will be held at the September 18, 2010 meeting. Only dues-paying members are eligible to vote. The process will be brief, focusing solely on nominations and voting, with no speeches.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Phactum strongly emphasizes critical thinking, skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims (particularly in alternative medicine), and a rational approach to evaluating new technologies like windmills. The magazine provides a platform for detailed articles that dissect complex topics, from historical legends like the Jersey Devil to scientific and philosophical debates about religion and evolution. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting evidence-based reasoning and questioning unsubstantiated claims, while also acknowledging the value of diverse perspectives, such as scientists who hold religious beliefs. The publication actively encourages reader participation and aims to inform its audience on a range of subjects relevant to critical inquiry.

Phactum, May/June 2010 issue, presents a diverse range of articles and event listings, with a strong focus on critical analysis of popular topics and promotion of scientific discourse.

Wind Power: A Critical Look

The issue begins with a critical examination of wind power, highlighting several potential drawbacks. The author points out that strong winds often occur in unpopulated areas, making power transmission challenging. Electrical power itself does not "ship" well on existing grids. The article notes that windmills can be noisy, and the high-frequency pulse from their blades could potentially cause epileptic episodes in humans, drawing an analogy to fixed-frequency strobe lights. A significant concern raised is the risk of ice accumulation on windmill blades, which can then be slung off at high speeds, posing a danger similar to man-made, super-sized hail. Dr. Joel Kauffman is cited, recounting warning signs he observed in Canada, and the article mentions instances of windmills disintegrating or blowing up, including one seen on European television. Furthermore, the article suggests windmills pose a threat to aviation, particularly general aviation and helicopters, citing the blinking red warning lights on the small wind farm in Atlantic City. A more disturbing point is the assertion that as U.S. windmill installations rapidly advance, cold-fusion technology will soon become commercial. Spain is presented as a cautionary tale for its commitment to wind power, with a report from Investor's Business Daily detailing a "scandal" where Spain exposed the "boondoggle of wind power" in 2009. This led to the discrediting of an idea touted by the Obama administration, prompting U.S. officials to collaborate with trade lobbyists to conceal the facts. The article quotes the report stating that for every "green job" created by the wind industry, 4.27 other jobs were lost elsewhere in the Spanish economy, and each green job costs $800,000 to create, with 90% being temporary. Danish researchers also reached similar conclusions regarding subsidized wind power in their country, concluding that wind energy would not exist if it had to compete on market terms.

Movies Get Space Flight Wrong

This section, authored by Paul Schlueter III, critiques the inaccurate portrayal of space flight in movies. The author distinguishes between atmospheric flight, orbital flight, and free space flight, each governed by different physical laws. Atmospheric flight, involving planes, helicopters, and other winged or rotary vehicles, relies on air for lift and control. The principles of lift, drag, and directional control through planes (fins) are explained. In contrast, orbital and free space flight occur in a vacuum where air is absent. In orbit, objects maintain their path due to inertia, with minimal fuel needed for course correction. Changing direction in orbit requires applying force through the center of mass to alter speed or direction, or applying force perpendicular to the center of mass to induce spin. The article explains that achieving and maintaining altitude in orbit involves balancing velocity with gravity. Catching up to a satellite in orbit is complex, requiring precise timing and adjustments to avoid increasing altitude and moving away. The author notes that turning in free space is not like turning an aircraft; it involves shifting the orbital path by degrees using directional rockets, a process called "vectoring." For slowing down and returning to Earth, vehicles must use thrusters to brake or, if possible, dip into the atmosphere to use drag friction. Deep space travel is discussed in terms of "escape velocity" and the necessity of using celestial bodies for gravitational slingshots to change direction, as constant thrust is impractical due to fuel limitations. The article criticizes Hollywood's depiction of space combat and maneuvering, which often mimics atmospheric flight, and highlights that real space combat would likely involve projectile weapons and the challenge of managing recoil. The author concludes that movies consistently get space flight wrong.

Science and Religion

Several events are listed that explore the intersection of science and religion. The Metanexus forum on Science and Religion, held from May 12-14, 2010, aims to find openings for religious and spiritual interpretations within the study of science. Lectures within this series include "Starting with the Big Picture: The Evolutionary Emergence of Body, Mind and Spirituality," "Apes with Big Brains: Anthropology and the Biological Sciences," "What's a Nice Hominid Like You Doing in a Place Like This? Ethical Dilemmas Our Biology Never Prepared Us For," and "Transcendence and Self-Transcending: Anthropology, Cosmology, and Religion." Philip Clayton, a philosopher and theologian specializing in the intersection of science and religion, is featured. His work argues for constructive partnerships between science and religion, rejecting scientism and fundamentalism.

PhACT Calendar and Events

The PhACT Calendar lists numerous upcoming events in the Philadelphia area. These include:

• PhACT Meetings: Held on the third Saturday of most months at the Community College of Philadelphia.
• Guest Speakers: Joe Nickell (May 15, 2010) and Jim Lippard (June 19, 2010) are scheduled to speak.
• Expeditions: An expedition to find the Jersey Devil in the New Jersey Pine Barrens is planned for May 16, 2010.
• Public Paranormal Investigation: An event at Eastern State Penitentiary on May 1, 2010.
• Lectures: Events at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and Anthropology on "Great Archaeological Discoveries: The Easter Island Statue Project" (May 5, 2010) and "The Sutton Hoo Ship Burial and the Origins of the English Speaking Peoples" (June 2, 2010).
• Author Talks: Edwin G. Burrows on "Forgotten Patriots" (May 26, 2010) and Ayaan Hirsi Ali discussing her experiences (June 3, 2010).
• Literary Events: A talk by Christopher Hitchens (June 15, 2010) and a panel discussion on the Revolutionary War Era (June 26, 2010).
• Science Cafes: "Science on Tap" events at National Mechanics, including a talk on "The Search for the Other Earth" by Derrick Pitts (May 10, 2010). The Penn Science Café also lists upcoming lectures.
• Astronomy Groups: Meetings for the Delaware Valley Amateur Astronomers and the Rittenhouse Astronomical Society are announced.

Other Articles and Features

• The Elysian Camerata: A classical music concert featuring Barbara Jaffe and Jean Louise Shook is scheduled for May 22, 2010.
• SOCRATES CAFE: A free philosophical discussion group moderated by Lewis Mifsud.
• Wagner Free Institute of Science: Announcements for free science courses and a lecture on "Silent, Weird, Beautiful: Philadelphia's City Hall and Its Architect" by Dr. Michael J. Lewis (May 20, 2010). The institute also highlights its collection, including an English Draft Horse skeleton.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical and critical stance towards popular claims and phenomena, particularly in areas like wind power and science fiction portrayals of technology. It actively promotes scientific literacy and rational inquiry, as evidenced by its extensive calendar of science-related events and its focus on accurate scientific principles. The publication also provides a platform for discussions on the complex relationship between science and religion, encouraging nuanced perspectives. The editorial stance appears to favor evidence-based reasoning and critical thinking across a broad spectrum of topics, from technological advancements to historical and philosophical inquiries.

Title: Phactum
Issue: May 2010
Publisher: The Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking
Date: May 2010

Events and Programs

This issue of Phactum details a variety of upcoming events and programs hosted by several Philadelphia-based institutions during May and June 2010. These events span diverse fields including medicine, history, environmental science, and natural history.

The College of Physicians of Philadelphia

• Friday, May 7, 2010 (4-5 PM): Grand opening of the New Garden Tour, Benjamin Rush Medicinal Plant Center. This event celebrates the revamped garden, highlighting its history and the importance of medicinal herbs, with new signage, a brochure, and an audio tour.
• Monday, May 10, 2010 (5:30-7:30 PM): Public Health and Preventive Medicine Section Poster Session. This event showcases regional public health activities and research, recognizing leaders in the field and providing an opportunity to discuss public health issues.
• Wednesday, May 19, 2010 (6:30 PM): "What Mark Twain Might Tell Us (And Ask Us) If He Could Join Us Tonight." K. Patrick Ober, MD, will explore Twain's perspectives on the complex interactions between doctors, patients, and medicine.
• Wednesday, May 19 (Evening) & Thursday, May 20 (8 AM - 5 PM): Pennsylvania Medical Humanities Symposium: "Through the Lens of Time: Perspectives on Medicine and Health Care." This consortium meeting will feature papers, panels, and workshops examining medicine and health care from a historical perspective.
• Thursday, June 3, 2010 (6:30 PM): "What's Eating You? People and Parasites." Eugene H. Kaplan will discuss his adventures with parasites, followed by a book signing.

The Mütter Museum

• Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 10 am-5 pm; Saturday & Sunday, 10 am-5 pm. Closed on Thanksgiving Day, December 25th, and January 1st.
• Admission: General Admission (Ages 18-64): $14; Children (Ages 6-17): $10; Senior Citizens (Age 65+): $10; Students with valid ID: $10; Military with valid ID: $10; Fellows of the College: FREE; Children under 6: FREE.

American Philosophical Society Museum

• APS Museum Calendar: Second Sundays (1-4 PM) feature family-friendly activities inspired by the "Dialogues with Darwin" exhibition.
• Sunday, May 9, 2010: "Make your own magic lantern."
• Museum Exhibition: "Dialogues with Darwin" (April 17, 2009 - October 17, 2010). This exhibition celebrates Darwin's 200th birthday and the sesquicentennial of "On the Origin of Species," featuring original letters, manuscripts, and illustrated books.
• Library Hall from 5th Street: The APS Library houses extensive collections in the history of sciences, medicine, and technology, offering public exhibits.

The Academy of Natural Sciences

• Upcoming Public Events:
• Saturday, May 8 (10 AM - 4 PM): Insect Field Study at Franklin Parker Preserve. Participants will assist with insect surveys and learn about local insect populations.
• Monday, May 10 (6:30 PM): Annual Cheryl Beth Silverman Memorial Lecture featuring Dr. Sylvia Earle, Oceanographer, discussing her latest book and marine ecosystems.
• Monday, May 17 (6:30 - 8:30 PM): "This Old Toxic Condo." A program discussing practical resources for transforming homes and offices into healthier, more environmentally friendly spaces.
• Saturday, June 26 (9:30 AM - 1:30 PM): "Electrofishing Field Study." Participants will join fisheries scientists to study local stream ecology and fish populations.
• Tuesday, August 3 (6-9 PM): "The Bugs Behind Bug Fest: Exploring the Diversity of Insects." This class will explore the diversity of insects and related arthropods.

Laurel Hill Cemetery

• Saturday, May 1, 2010 (10 AM): "Nature in the Necropolis: Birds and Blooms." A guided walk through the cemetery to identify birds and learn about its history.
• Sunday, May 30, 2010 (12 PM): "Laurel Hill's Bravest Souls: Memorial Day Parade, Service & Reception." A recreation of the traditional Decoration Day service honoring veterans.
• Friday, June 11, 2010 (6 PM): "Dig In: A Culinary Tour & Class to Die For." A tour of notable gravesites followed by a cooking class and feast.
• Saturday, July 24, 2010 (7 PM): "The Ghosts Among Our Graves: A Paranormal Investigation of Laurel Hill."

Chemical Heritage Foundation

• Events and exhibits are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
• Tuesday, May 4, 2010 (12 PM): Regina Lee Blaszczyk will speak on "Plexiglas: From the Eyes of Aviation to McDonald's Golden Arches."
• Tuesday, May 11, 2010 (12 PM): Nicholas Best will discuss "Themes in Pre-Lavoisierian Chemistry at the Académie Royale des Sciences of Paris."
• Thursday, May 13, 2010 (10 AM - 2 PM): Joseph Priestley Society Symposium and Meeting: "Battery Innovations as the Driving Force Creating Major Markets." Features a panel of experts on battery technology.
• Tuesday, May 18, 2010 (Noon - 1 PM): Brown Bag Lecture: Charlotte Bigg on "Instrument Makers as Mediators between Science and Industry: The Case of Spectroscopy in the Early Twentieth Century."
• Ongoing exhibitions: "Transmutations: Alchemy in Art" and "The Whole of Nature and the Mirror of Art: Images of Alchemy."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Phactum revolve around the promotion of educational events, lectures, and exhibitions focused on science, history, and culture within the Philadelphia area. The publication serves as a calendar and informational resource for these activities, encouraging public participation and engagement with various institutions. The editorial stance appears to be one of support for intellectual curiosity and the dissemination of knowledge across a broad spectrum of disciplines, from historical medical practices to contemporary environmental concerns and scientific advancements.