Phactum - 2011 04 - April

Magazine Overview

Title: Phactum
Issue Date: April 2011
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking

This issue of Phactum, the newsletter and propaganda organ of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, covers a range of topics from legal battles over science education to natural disasters and historical figures.

PhACT Meeting Announcement

The issue announces a PhACT meeting on Saturday, April 23, 2011, at the Winnet Student Life Building. Dr. David Cattell will host The Honorable Judge John E. Jones, who will speak on "Science, Religion and the Law: The Dover Intelligent Design Trial." Judge Jones presided over the Kitzmiller vs. Dover Area School District trial, which challenged the teaching of "Intelligent Design" in public schools. The article notes that this trial is considered highly significant for science education and that Judge Jones, despite being nominated by a creationist, is committed to judicial independence. His ruling stated that "Intelligent Design" is a religious theory, not science.

Book Review: The Devil in Dover

A review highlights "The Devil in Dover" by Lauri Lebo, an insider's account of the Dover, Pennsylvania, intelligent design case. The book is described as essential reading for journalists, scientists, and teachers, focusing on the separation of church and state and the conflict between religious intolerance and science education.

Various Ruminations

This section, collected by Ray Haupt, includes several distinct articles:

The Tsunami, Radiation, and Potassium Iodide

This piece discusses the March 2011 PhACT lecture by Professor Jonathan Nyquist on natural disasters, which coincided with the Japan tsunami. It addresses the health concerns related to radioactive iodine released from damaged nuclear reactors, explaining the role of Potassium Iodide (KI) in protecting the thyroid gland. It clarifies that iodized table salt is not a sufficient source of KI for emergency use and warns of potential overdose effects.

Eratosthenes of Cyrene

This section introduces Eratosthenes of Cyrene, a Greek mathematician and scientist, highlighting his contributions such as coining the term "geography," inventing the discipline of geography, developing a system of latitude and longitude, calculating the Earth's circumference, and proving the Earth was round. The author expresses hope that readers will contribute more tidbits on science history.

Gambling News and Notes

Several short articles address gambling-related issues:

• Monthly Loss Statements: A Republican legislator in Pennsylvania is pushing for a law requiring casinos to mail monthly loss statements to gamblers.
• Atlantic City Casino Profits: Atlantic City casinos experienced a significant drop in gross operating profit in the previous year due to competition.
• College Gambling: A study indicates a rise in gambling among young people in the US.
• Gambling Problems vs. Drinking Problems: A study suggests problem gambling is more common among US adults than alcohol dependence after age 21.
• Brain and Gambling: Research is exploring the role of dopamine in the brain and its connection to gambling addiction, drawing parallels with addictive drugs like cocaine.

Online PhACT Discussion Board

PhACT maintains an online discussion board for skeptics and critical thinkers at http://phactforum.org/.

Columbia Author-Agent Mixer

Albert Fried-Cassorla recounts his experience at an author-agent mixer at Columbia University, describing the event and the interactions with agents and fellow writers.

William Jennings Bryan Quotes

Several quotes from William Jennings Bryan, prosecutor in the Scopes Monkey Trial, are presented, reflecting his views on evolution and spiritual truths.

Saturday, May 21, 2011 - Annual Banquet

The annual PhACT banquet is announced for May 21, 2011, at Sorello Rose in Flourtown, PA. The speaker will be Tom Beebee, who will discuss "The Long Awaited Apocalypse." Beebee is an author and Professor of Comparative Literature and German at Pennsylvania State University. The cost is $30 per person ($20 for students), and checks should be made payable to PhACT and sent to Becky Strickland.

Meeting Report - March 2011: Disasters: Geology vs. Hollywood

This report summarizes Dr. Jonathan Nyquist's presentation comparing geological disasters to their Hollywood depictions. Nyquist, a professor of geophysics, used mini-lectures, film clips, and exercises to illustrate the scientific aspects of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, tsunamis, and asteroids, contrasting them with inaccurate cinematic portrayals. He discussed the nature of tsunamis, their causes, and the devastating impact of events like the Indonesian tsunami. He also detailed earthquake frequency and the challenges of prediction, mentioning Japan's 30-second warning system. The report contrasts Hollywood's often unrealistic solutions (e.g., nuclear weapons for asteroids) with scientific realities and encourages the study of geology.

Law and Freedom, Mencken Discovers, Yield Place to Holy Writ in Rhea County

This article by H.L. Mencken, originally published in The Baltimore Evening Sun on July 15, 1925, describes the suppression of free speech in Rhea County, Tennessee, during the Scopes Trial era. Mencken notes that while the Constitution of Tennessee guarantees free speech, local authorities, particularly the police, prioritize religious doctrine over legal rights. He observes that speakers are permitted to discuss orthodox Christian doctrine but are arrested if they express doubts or opinions against divine revelation. The article also touches upon the political and economic radicals being targeted and the attempts to hold free speech meetings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Phactum strongly advocates for critical thinking, scientific literacy, and the separation of church and state, as evidenced by its focus on the Dover Intelligent Design Trial and the H.L. Mencken article on free speech suppression. The publication appears to champion rationalism and skepticism against dogma and religious fundamentalism, while also engaging with topics of public interest such as natural disasters and societal issues like gambling addiction. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and intellectual freedom.

Phactum, April 2011 issue, Volume 11. This issue features a diverse range of topics including legal proceedings, scientific events, social commentary on gambling, and a critical analysis of the prison system.

The Scopes Trial and Judge Raulston's Decision

The issue begins with a report on Judge Raulston's decision in the Scopes Trial, describing it as a "masterpiece of unconscious humor." The press stand found the judge's pronouncements jocose, particularly his decision to leave the nomination of chaplains to the fundamentalist-dominated Pastors' Association of Dayton. The article notes the presence of defense witnesses, described as "heretics," quartered at "the Mansion," an ancient house outside town limits. The common belief was that these witnesses, along with defense attorneys Darrow, Malone, Hays, and Neal, would be "blown up with one mighty blast when the verdict of the twelve men, tried and true, is brought in." The case was expected to drag into the next week, with the prosecution fighting desperately and the defense heating up. The article speculates on the possibility of a hung jury, which would be a "good joke on the fundamentalists."

A dedicated section provides biographical information on John Tate Raulston (September 22, 1868 – July 11, 1956), an American state judge best known for presiding over the 1925 Scopes Trial in Rhea County, Tennessee. It debates whether his personal support for the prosecution affected his decisions, noting his religious nature, enjoyment of attention, and preference for first-row seats at sermons and court. A key ruling highlighted is his decision to bar theological and scientific testimony of experts, which he deemed irrelevant to the case under the act involved, as it made teaching the theory of man's descent from animals unlawful.

Philadelphia Science Festival

Pages 12-13 detail the "First Philadelphia Science Festival" held from April 15-28, 2011. This event, presented by The Dow Chemical Company, brought together over 100 organizations for a citywide collaboration aimed at making science accessible. The festival included a wide range of programs, from discussions on cancer research with Siddhartha Mukherjee at The Wistar Institute to a Hacker's Field Day at The Franklin Institute featuring inventor Dean Kamen. Other events included a discussion on science, religion, and law led by Judge John E. Jones (who presided over the Dover "intelligent design" case), a panel on augmented reality at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and a portrayal of Marie Curie by storyteller Susan Marie Frontczak.

The festival also featured "Science Cafés" with events like "Flavor Tripping: The Magical Miracle Berry," "Melting Moments of Bliss: The Science of Chocolate," and "From Hops to Stein: The Science of Beer." Additionally, neighborhood science events and joint programming with the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts were offered. The festival was organized by The Franklin Institute and funded in part by the National Science Foundation.

PhACT Presents Student Awards

Page 14 reports on PhACT's presentation of student awards at the 2011 Bucks and Philadelphia County Science Fairs. PhACT President Eric Krieg describes the judging process, which focused on "Critical Thinking" categories. Awards were given for projects such as "The Effects of Parabolas on Radio-Wave Propagation" and "Do Females or Males Have Better Memory Skills." The article emphasizes the importance of students being able to admit when their data is not significant, a trait often lacking in mainstream scientific experiments. PhACT plans to continue supporting these fairs in 2012, aiming to award $600 for excellence in critical thinking and the scientific method.

Gambling and the Law: Protecting Players From Themselves

Pages 5-7 delve into the complexities of gambling regulation, authored by Professor I. Nelson Rose. The article questions how far governments should go in protecting casino patrons, noting the global trend towards legalization driven by budget crises. It critiques "social engineering" by lawmakers who lack real-world experience, leading to potentially flawed regulations. Examples include the mandatory early morning closings of casinos, a $500 loss limit in Missouri, and four-hour cruises in Iowa, all of which proved counterproductive. The article also examines the legal fiction of age-based competence and the challenges of defining and enforcing player protections, particularly for compulsive gamblers.

It discusses how gambling devices are being modified for "responsible gaming," such as ATMs being removed from casino floors and VLTs being slowed down. The article highlights Nevada's decision to retrofit slot machines to prevent misleading "near-miss" displays. Internationally, the focus has shifted from attracting foreign money to protecting local citizens from excessive gambling. The People's Republic of China's changing visa requirements for Macau are discussed, suggesting that protecting citizens from themselves is likely a low priority compared to preventing government officials from embezzling.

Prison Reform in Pennsylvania

Pages 8-10 present an analysis by Paul Schlueter III on Pennsylvania's "$1.6 Billion Corrections Budget vs. Inmate Education and Job Training." The article argues that the state's focus on building more prisons and increasing sentences is misguided, especially as crime rates are dropping. It criticizes the high cost of incarceration ($32K/yr. per inmate) and the significant portion of the budget allocated to staff benefits and pensions. The author contends that inmate education and vocational training are proven to reduce recidivism, with GED completion halving the chance of re-offending. However, current programs are limited, with inmates often denied access to computer literacy training due to security concerns. The article advocates for shifting spending from staff benefits to meaningful vocational training, reducing mandatory minimum sentencing, and making parole eligibility dependent on demonstrable improvement and employability skills.

William DiMascio, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Prison Society, is quoted, emphasizing the high cost of the state's prison system and suggesting that lower-cost alternatives to prison could save hundreds of millions of dollars without risking public safety. The article suggests that keeping an ex-con on parole with drug testing costs significantly less ($5K/year) than incarceration.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Phactum include the tension between scientific inquiry and religious fundamentalism (Scopes Trial), the promotion of science and education (Philadelphia Science Festival, student awards), the societal impact of gambling and the role of regulation, and the critical need for reform within the correctional system, particularly focusing on rehabilitation through education and job training. The editorial stance appears to favor rationalism, scientific understanding, and evidence-based policy, as seen in the critiques of fundamentalism, the celebration of science, the questioning of ineffective gambling regulations, and the strong advocacy for educational programs in prisons.

Phactum, April 2011 issue, is a publication of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT). This issue delves into critical discussions on criminal justice reform in Pennsylvania, alongside a comprehensive calendar of upcoming science, history, and cultural events in the Philadelphia region.

Criminal Justice Reform in Pennsylvania

The lead article on page 21 addresses the significant costs associated with incarceration in Pennsylvania, proposing reforms to reduce recidivism and save taxpayer money. It argues that making inmates more employable through education and job training can lead to significant savings in future incarceration costs, potentially turning ex-cons into taxpayers. The article suggests expanding the hiring of Parole Officers to better supervise parolees and probationers, and improving job placement services for ex-cons. Tax incentives for employers who hire ex-cons are also recommended, along with the establishment of more halfway houses, particularly in areas with available jobs and housing. The importance of treatment programs for juvenile delinquency, drug/alcohol dependency, and family relations is emphasized. Furthermore, the piece advocates for increased investment in education and social programs to engage the community and reduce crime.

It is stated that Pennsylvania spends $1.6 billion per year on incarceration, a figure deemed disgraceful. The article argues that prison space should be reserved for the worst offenders and that many inmates can learn to avoid crime if provided with the tools and support to build a non-criminal life after parole. The need for opportunities and means for ex-offenders to turn their lives around is stressed.

A significant portion of the article discusses Governor Corbett's reported announcement of a new parole policy for Pennsylvania. This policy aims to curtail the return of parolees to prison for "technical violations" by offering targeted programs, electronic monitoring, and assignment to low-security facilities like "halfway back houses." The article praises this as a "remarkably far-sighted position" for the former Attorney General.

Additional suggestions for the Governor include pushing for legislation to provide retroactive parole eligibility for lifers and encouraging the legislature to ease legal limitations on when inmates can raise newly-discovered evidence for reconsideration of their conviction or sentence. The article critiques the "time bar" that holds "finality of conviction" superior to potential injustice.

It is hoped that the Governor will progressively shift the Correctional philosophy from punitive retribution to one of correcting social and psychological problems of criminals and restoring them to communities. The article concludes by stating that Pennsylvania faces many fiscal issues and that addressing the "failed Correctional system's inherent wastefulness and counter-productiveness" is an essential avenue to explore.

A brief mention is made of Paul Schlueter III, who is serving life in prison in NE Pennsylvania, and a website created by his supporters, www.jaylbird.org.

Events Calendar

The bulk of the magazine consists of a detailed calendar of events for April, May, and early June 2011, primarily in Philadelphia and surrounding areas. These events cover a wide range of topics:

Science and Technology

• Rittenhouse Astronomical Society Monthly Meetings: Held at the Franklin Institute, covering topics related to astronomy.
• Delaware Valley Amateur Astronomers: Meetings and events, including a presentation on "China's Astronomical Treasures."
• Science on Tap: Monthly gatherings featuring informal presentations by scientists, such as one on "Fermentation: The Amazing Mother of it all in Wine and Beer" by Dr. Solomon H. Katz.
• Penn Science Cafe: Events at the MarBar discussing topics like "From Barbershops to Basketball Courts: Culturally Relevant Interventions in the African American Community" by Howard Stevenson, and "Neuroeconomics: Decision Making and the Brain" by Joe Kable.
• Chemical Heritage Foundation Events: Including Brown Bag Lectures on topics like "High-Tech Innovation and Economic Uplift: What America Means by Progress" by Amy Slaton, and "Body Holocaust: Antibiotics, Good Germs, and Disease Ecologies, 1940s–1950s" by Funke Sangodeyi.
• Academy of Natural Sciences Events: Such as "Innovative Agriculture for the 21st Century" and an evening with Andrea Wulf discussing "Founding Gardeners."
• PhACT Meeting: A presentation by Judge John E. Jones III on the "Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial" concerning "Intelligent Design."
• Philadelphia Area Space Alliance (PASA): Earl Bennett discussing "The Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence."

History and Culture

• Wagner Free Institute of Science Courses: Offering courses on "Natural History of Philadelphia" and "Lichens in the City."
• Henry George School: Offering free courses on "Fundamental Economics for a Sustainable and Peaceful Planet" and "Applied Economics."
• College of Physicians of Philadelphia Events: Including talks on "The History of Childbirth" by Randi Hutter Epstein, and "POX: An American History" by Michael Willrich.
• APS Museum Events: Featuring a program on "Rose Is a Rose Is a Rose...Or Is It? If Empress Josephine Met Gertrude Stein."
• Library Company of Philadelphia: Hosting the "Tenth Annual Conference of the Program in Early American Economy and Society" on "Motives of Honor, Pleasure, and Profit: Plantation Management in the Colonial Chesapeake, 1607-1765."
• Laurel Hill Cemetery Events: Including "Liberty or Death: The Revolutionary War Patriots at Rest in Laurel Hill," "The Centennial City: From Memorial Hall to Laurel Hill Cemetery," "Language of the Dead," "Unearthing Laurel Hill: The Hot Spots and Storied Plots," "Corpses to the Grave: A History of the Hearse," and "By Arms and Courage: The Military Legacy of Laurel Hill."
• General George B. Meade Society: Commemorating the Civil War with events like "CALL TO ARMS! Philadelphia Commemoration of the First Volunteers to the Front."
• Neshaminy Civil War Reenactment: A living history event.
• Central Library Events: Featuring talks by authors such as John Sayles on "A Moment in the Sun," Jennet Conant on "A Covert Affair: Julia Child and Paul Child in the OSS," and Erik Larson on "In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin."
• University of Pennsylvania Museum Events: Including a lecture series on "Great Adventures along the Silk Road: East from Constantinople: Byzantium and the Silk Road" by Dr. Robert Ousterhout.
• Eastern State Penitentiary: Hosting an "Alumni Reunion."

Other Events

• PhACT Banquet: An annual banquet featuring Thomas Beebee discussing "The End of the World."
• PhACT Picnic: An annual picnic.
• SOCRATES CAFE: A philosophical discussion group.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Phactum are critical thinking, scientific inquiry, historical understanding, and community engagement. The publication strongly advocates for evidence-based reasoning and skepticism, as seen in its coverage of the "Intelligent Design" trial and its promotion of science events. There is a clear editorial stance in favor of criminal justice reform, emphasizing rehabilitation and societal reintegration over punitive measures. The magazine also promotes intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning by highlighting a diverse array of educational events and lectures. The focus on Philadelphia-area events underscores a commitment to local community and intellectual discourse.