Phactum - 2010 07 - July

Magazine Overview

Title: Phactum
Issue: July/August 2010
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking
Content: This issue of Phactum features a mix of investigative reports, historical accounts, scientific commentary, and reader contributions, reflecting the organization's interest in critical thinking and unusual phenomena.

PhACT Jersey Devil Expedition Unsuccessful

The lead article details the PhACT expedition's attempt to find the Jersey Devil in the Pine Barrens of South Jersey on May 16, 2010. Led by Don Nigroni and paranormal investigator Joe Nickell, the expedition failed to capture or even observe the elusive creature. Explanations for the failure ranged from the Devil being in church on a Sunday to potential gluten intolerance. Despite the lack of success in finding the Devil, the outing was described as pleasant and educational, with participants exploring the historical ghost towns and ecological features of the Pine Barrens. The article humorously suggests that more research into the Devil's dietary preferences might be needed and that a government grant could help PhACT resolve the matter. Joe Nickell was accompanied by National Geographic photographers, who captured video footage for a potential documentary series.

Captain Emilio Carranza Rodriguez

This section recounts the story of Captain Emilio Carranza Rodriguez, a 22-year-old Mexican aviator and hero. Inspired by Charles Lindbergh, Carranza flew a plane named 'Mexico-Excelsior' (a replica of Lindbergh's 'Spirit of St. Louis') from Mexico City to New York and back. His non-stop return flight, undertaken on the evening of July 12, 1928, in a thunderstorm, ended tragically when he crashed in the Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey, about 50 miles from his destination. His body was discovered the next day, with a flashlight found driven into his palm, suggesting he was looking for a landing place. An annual ceremony is held at his crash monument to honor him. The article notes that he was posthumously promoted to General.

Letters to the Editor

Several readers contributed letters. Howard J. Wilk requested that PhACT refrain from printing political opinions, such as an Ayn Rand quote, that do not represent the entire membership. Paul Schlueter, III sought help in clarifying geological and prehistoric time periods (Tertiary/Quaternary, Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age) and the dating of Paleolithic periods. Tom Napier shared that his article on the impracticality of shooting nuclear waste into the Sun was published in Skeptical Briefs. An anonymous reader commented on the poor print quality of the cartoons, making them difficult to read. Another reader, also anonymous, discussed Don Nigroni's tie-in of the Jersey Devil with Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' and questioned folklore about Mother Leeds. Dave Leiter's article was found amusing and informative, particularly regarding the auditory effects of windmill pulses. Paul Schlueter III also contributed a letter about wind farm noise and suggested a futuristic concept for oceanic platform resorts utilizing underwater turbines and mined Pacific Garbage Patch materials.

Various Ruminations

The Delta Bulrush and the Gulf Oil Spill: Dr. Alfred Ernest Schuyler, a botanist, is proposing the use of the delta bulrush (Schoenoplectus deltarum) to help clean up the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The plant is abundant in Louisiana marshes, helps protect the coast, removes silt and pollution, and provides habitat. It is also pollution-tolerant and can help detoxify oil. Dr. Schuyler recommends harvesting oil-coated plants and replanting seeds.

Gambling Notes: This section highlights several news snippets and links related to gambling addiction and its societal impact. It includes a story about a tax collector in Jenkintown who lost over $181,000 gambling, information on the increased need for counseling due to new casinos in Iowa, an analysis of why gambling has gone bust in New Jersey, the link between poker players and drug use, and the susceptibility of recovering addicts to problem gambling. It also notes the drop in Atlantic City casino revenue and the lack of effective strategies to combat gambling addiction in Pennsylvania.

SSE Conference: A report on the Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE) conference in Boulder, Colorado, describes it as a "pleasant and well run three day affair" filled with "scientific" lectures. However, the author, influenced by Dave Leiter, a "skeptic of skeptics," found the general conception of SSE veracity to be "depressingly on target," concluding that the event did not reveal a "new treasure trove of knowledge, creativity, and enlightenment."

PhACT Council Elections: Notice is given of upcoming PhACT Council elections at the September 2010 meeting, open to dues-paying members.

The Vance Larner Diary

This article by Don Nigroni discusses an alleged October 1790 diary entry by Vance Larner, found in the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest (formerly Lebanon State Forest) in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. The entry describes an encounter with a creature that was "neither beast, nor man, nor spirit, but a hellish brew of all three." The creature was large, had leather wings, cloven hooves, and rubbed its horns against a tree trunk. The author explores the possibility that Larner may have witnessed a bull moose during its mating season, noting that the term 'horns' could have referred to antlers in the early 19th century. The article references historical accounts and dictionaries to support this interpretation.

Other Articles and Notes

NASA's Priorities: An article discusses a statement made by NASA administrator Charles Bolden regarding NASA's new direction, which includes reaching out to the Muslim world and encouraging Muslim nations to feel good about their contributions to science. The author questions whether NASA's role should be social engineering rather than focusing on aviation and space research.

P.T. Barnum: A New York Post story from July 5, 2010, about the 200th birthday of P.T. Barnum is mentioned, describing him as a showman who built an empire on fraud. The article also references the Fiji Merman exhibit at the Zwaanendael Museum in Delaware and a visit to the P.T. Barnum Museum in Bridgeport, Connecticut, which was closed due to tornado damage.

Optical Illusion: UK cartoonist Chris Madden created an optical illusion titled "Things are not always as they seem," illustrating how the brain compensates for shadows on a checkerboard, making squares of the same shade appear different. The article explains the psychological basis for this phenomenon.

Help!!!!!: A call for assistance is made by the PhACT council to help them apply for 501c3 nonprofit status, attract funding, and host speakers. Members with relevant skills are encouraged to contact the president, Eric Krieg.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Phactum include the investigation of paranormal phenomena (Jersey Devil), historical accounts of local legends and figures (Emilio Carranza, Vance Larner diary), scientific inquiry and skepticism (SSE conference, NASA's role, delta bulrush), and commentary on societal issues like gambling addiction. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical examination, questioning conventional narratives, and promoting a rational, evidence-based approach, while also acknowledging historical and unusual aspects of the world. There is a clear emphasis on critical thinking and a healthy skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, as evidenced by the critique of the SSE conference and the questioning of NASA's new direction.

Phactum, July/August 2010 issue, presents a diverse collection of articles covering paranormal phenomena, societal issues, and legal matters.

The Jersey Devil Legend

The issue delves into the origins of the Jersey Devil legend, referencing the Vance Larner Diary and a reported 1790 encounter. It explores the possibility of misinterpretation, such as mistaking a moose for the creature, or the legend being a hoax. The article notes that if the diary is authentic, it could trace the legend's inception to that encounter, suggesting a gruesome monster haunted the South Jersey Pine Barrens since at least 1790.

Suicide in Modern America

Authored by Paul Schlueter III, this extensive article examines the complex issue of suicide. It begins by stating that suicide is the deliberate act of bringing about one's own death, with reasons that can be simple or complex. Modern American society generally disapproves of suicide, with Pennsylvania law even classifying it as a felony. The article clarifies that suicide is not specifically listed as a sin in the Bible. It then breaks down various motivations for suicide, including:

• "Life is no longer worth living": Often stemming from a temporary circumstance or a mistaken conclusion.
• "I Can't Take It Anymore": Arising from extreme frustration or despair, sometimes due to a rapid succession of overwhelming circumstances.
• "Impending Death": A choice to end life to avoid certain death, especially if accompanied by great pain or suffering.
• "Self-Punishment": Choosing suicide as a form of punishment for perceived wrongful deeds, potentially to expunge guilt or escape expected punishment.
• "Following a Loved One": Based on the belief in a spiritual existence where one can rejoin a deceased loved one. This is distinguished from the inability to tolerate grief or loneliness.
• "Martyrdom": Laying down one's life for a cause, warfare, civil disobedience, or religious fanaticism, considered a high form of dedication.
• "An Act of Vengeance/Punishment Against Others": Committing suicide to cause emotional distress to another person.
• "To Avoid Obligation": Escaping financial debt, criminal liability, or moral/ethical expectations.
• "A Manipulative Gesture": Used to instill fear of grief in another party, often with the intent to survive and influence actions.
• "To Foil the Designs of an Enemy": Ensuring one's corpse does not carry out an abhorred act, such as a soldier revealing secrets under interrogation.
• "The Cry For Help": An attempt to force another to provide help they would otherwise withhold.

The article also touches upon the legal definition of suicide versus accidental death, emphasizing the coroner's role and the possibility of challenging findings. It notes that firearms are the most common method for suicide in the U.S. and provides statistics on suicide rates by gender, race, and age group. The piece concludes by suggesting that society should re-evaluate its stance on suicide, particularly in cases of firm determination and intolerable circumstances, advocating for a more reasonable middle ground.

Gambling and the Law®: Compulsive Gamblers Lose Again, In Court

This article by Professor I Nelson Rose discusses legal cases where compulsive gamblers sued casinos, primarily focusing on whether the gambling operator owes a duty to protect the gambler from themselves. The consensus from three court decisions in early 2003 was "No." The article highlights the case of Mark Merrill, who sued a casino after robbing banks, blaming his gambling addiction. Despite his claims, the court found the casino owed him no duty of care. The article explains that while Indiana regulations require casinos to maintain an Eviction List, breaking this regulation does not automatically create a basis for a lawsuit against the casino. It also mentions similar cases involving Ms. Johnnie Brown and David Williams, where courts consistently ruled that Indiana law does not recognize a duty for casinos to protect compulsive gamblers from their own actions. The author questions whether lawsuits by compulsive gamblers are appropriate or if casinos are exploiting vulnerable individuals.

Caught in the Act of Manipulating: The Rise and Fall of a Cult and Its Leaders

This is a book review by Jim Bergin, a former member of the Gentle Wind Project (GWP). The review criticizes Mary Miller's book, which allegedly portrays GWP and its leaders as victims of persecution. Bergin argues that the book displays typical cult strategies of deflecting blame and distorting reality when exposed. He points out that Miller blames former followers and cult experts for her group's legal difficulties. The review mentions that GWP and the Millers signed a Consent Decree in Maine for deceptive practices and misuse of funds. It also notes that Miller misappropriates the work of Dr. Robert Jay Lifton and accuses various individuals, including judges and government officials, of conspiracy. The review concludes that the book is a spurious attempt to rewrite reality and obfuscate the group's illegal activities, serving as a repetitive example of cult strategy.

Martin Gardner and the Paranormal: An Appreciation and Critique

Authored by George P. Hansen, this piece reflects on the life and work of Martin Gardner, a noted debunker of paranormal claims. Gardner, who passed away on May 22, 2010, was known for his critical writings, often laced with invective and sarcasm. The article highlights Gardner's significant contributions to psychical research, particularly his emphasis on parapsychologists needing knowledge of magic. Hansen notes that Gardner's struggles with his religious beliefs profoundly impacted his intellectual life, and he was uncomfortable with the implications of parapsychology for religion. The author suggests that Gardner's work, especially on self-reference, is crucial for understanding the controversy surrounding psychic phenomena. The article also provides a link to an extended analysis of Gardner's work in Hansen's book, "The Trickster and the Paranormal."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores topics at the intersection of the unusual, the psychological, and the legal. There's a clear interest in debunking paranormal claims while also examining the psychological underpinnings of belief and phenomena like suicide and cult behavior. The editorial stance appears to favor critical analysis and reasoned discussion, particularly evident in the detailed examination of suicide and the critique of cult manipulation. The legal articles highlight the complexities of law in addressing societal issues and individual behavior.

Title: Phactum
Issue: July/August 2010
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking
Document Type: Magazine Issue

ID's Cosmic Cousin by Tom Napier

This article, written by Tom Napier, critically examines the postulation of Intelligent Design (ID), arguing that it is primarily a negative critique of evolution without offering a substantive alternative. Napier questions the value of giving 'equal time' to ID when it lacks explanatory power.

Napier delves into the more extreme form of ID, Creationism, which extends beyond species development to encompass the formation and history of the Earth. Drawing on his background as a physicist and amateur astronomer, Napier explores the concept of a flat Earth as suggested by some Biblical verses. He wonders if this reflects a consistent Israelite view and if a successful anti-evolution movement might lead to calls for banning modern cosmology from schools.

To investigate, Napier purchased "The Biblical Cosmos versus Modern Cosmology" by David Presutta. He states his interest is in whether a consistent cosmological picture emerges from the Bible, while acknowledging Presutta has a specific agenda. Presutta contrasts the modern scientific understanding of the universe with the Biblical view, suggesting that the discrepancy indicates the Biblical writers did not possess divinely revealed knowledge.

Napier describes Presutta's depiction of the Biblical cosmos: a flat disk with a metal dome overhead, supported by pillars above a bottomless ocean. The Sun, Moon, and stars are small objects attached to the underside of the dome, moved by angels. Heaven and more water are above the dome, and rain falls through windows. Winds are stored near the Earth's rim, and earthquakes are explained as the pillars shaking. The Sun's varying height in the sky is explained by it emerging from different doors on the dome's edges throughout the year, a concept found in the non-canonical Book of Enoch. Despite variations in details, Napier notes the internal consistency of this cosmological model, which remained unchanged throughout the period the Old and New Testaments were written.

In contrast, Napier highlights the scientific advancements made in ancient Greece. Aristotle proposed a spherical Earth, Eratosthenes measured its size, and Aristarchus determined the sizes and distances of the Sun and Moon. He points out that this knowledge did not influence Biblical writers, and Christian scholars continued to defend a flat-earth view as late as 550 CE.

Napier admits to occasional boredom when authors delve too deeply into linguistic nuances but found "Aha!" moments, particularly regarding an old ethnic joke and the book of Genesis, which make more sense in light of this flat-earth cosmology. He also notes that the cycling of day and night in Genesis predates the creation of the Sun, Moon, and stars, aligning with a flat-earth perspective where the sky lightens before the Sun appears.

Napier, a physicist, writer, and scientific consultant, is described as a long-time skeptic and member of PhACT, dedicated to exposing pseudo-scientific claims. He has retired from full-time work but still does occasional consulting.

Bogus Science Reviewed by Tom Napier

This section reviews John Grant's book "Bogus Science," which follows the format of Martin Gardner's classic "Fads and Fallacies in the Name of Science." Gardner's book, published in 1952, was instrumental in launching the skeptical movement by examining 25 areas of 'crackpottery.' Grant's book similarly focuses on a limited number of topics in detail.

Grant covers various fringe beliefs, including flat-earthers, hollow-earthers, Atlantis believers, pyramid prophets, and cryptozoologists, as well as perpetual motion and anti-gravity concepts. While referencing some recent events, the book is primarily a historical survey, avoiding contemporary cults or psychics.

Napier notes that Grant's chapters are difficult to count due to their layout but are introduced with "Some people really believe..." The book features a substantial index and distinct headings on right-hand pages, aiding topic searches. Grant's work is his third on the fringes of science, following "Discarded Science" (2006) and "Corrupted Science" (2007).

PhACT Calendar

The PhACT Calendar lists upcoming events hosted or sponsored by the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking and affiliated organizations in the Philadelphia area. These events are generally free and open to the public, with some exceptions for ticketed events or museum admissions.

PhACT Events: Meetings are held on the third Saturday of most months at the Community College of Philadelphia. The September 18, 2010 lecture season begins with details to be announced.

• Film Screenings:
• "Jean Renoir: La Grande Illusion" (1937) at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on July 25, 2010.
• "Jean Renoir: The Southerner" (1945) at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on August 15, 2010.

• Author Talks & Book Signings:
• Mary Roach discussing "Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void" at the Central Library on August 3, 2010.
• Pam Jenoff discussing "A Hidden Affair" at the Central Library on August 5, 2010.
• Tim McGrath discussing his book "John Barry: An American Hero in the Age of Sail" at Broad Axe Tavern on September 22, 2010.
• Jay Kirk discussing "Kingdom Under Glass: A Tale of Obsession, Adventure, and One Man's Quest to Preserve The World's Great Animals" at the Academy of Natural Sciences on October 27, 2010.

• Other Events:
• Rittenhouse Astronomical Society monthly meetings at the Fels Planetarium.
• SOCRATES CAFE philosophical discussions at Springfield Township Public Library.
• Mensa General Membership Meeting on August 13, 2010.
• P.I.R.A. (Paranormal Investigators and Research Association) fundraising event for Fort Mifflin on November 6, 2010.
• The College of Physicians of Philadelphia lectures and programs (resuming in September).
• Science on Tap at National Mechanics, featuring talks on various science topics, held on the second Monday of each month.
• Penn Science Café lecture series (resuming in September).
• The Wagner Free Institute of Science lectures and classes (resuming in September), with museum open year-round.
• The Academy of Natural Sciences events, including "The Bugs Behind Bug Fest," an "Electrofishing Field Study," and a "Beginning Nature Photography" course.
• Laurel Hill Cemetery events: "The Ghosts Among Our Graves" paranormal investigation (July 24), "A Twilight Tour and Toast to Our Famous Fishtowners" (July 28), and "Thomas Jefferson at Laurel Hill" tour (September 26).

• Book Information:
• "John Barry: An American Hero In The Age Of Sail" by Timothy McGrath is highlighted, detailing the life of the "Father of the American Navy."

The Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking

This section expresses gratitude to the Community College of Philadelphia and Dr. David Cattell for hosting PhACT. It reiterates PhACT's mission to provide engaging and educational talks.

PhACT's High School Science Fair Student Prize Funds

Details are provided on contributions and goals for the High School Science Fair Prize Funds, with information on how to donate and participate as judges.

Policy For Article Use

Materials from Phactum may be reprinted by groups within CSI's international network of skeptics organizations, with proper attribution. Other publications require permission from PhACT. Permission for third-party sourced materials must be obtained from the original publisher.

The PhACT Council 2010

A list of the PhACT Council members for 2010 is provided, including Eric Krieg (President), Bob Glickman (Secretary), Wes Powers (Webmaster), Ray Haupt (Treasurer), Mike Caro, Dr. David Cattell, Dr. David Cragin, Tom Napier, Harry Rothwell, and Becky Strickland.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims, critical examination of religious or alternative cosmologies, and promotion of scientific literacy and engagement through events and discussions. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science, critical of unsubstantiated claims, and supportive of educational initiatives within the Philadelphia community. The magazine serves as a platform for critical thinking and the dissemination of scientific information.