Phactum - 2011 11 - November

Magazine Overview

Title: Phactum
Issue: November / December 2011
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking
Country: USA

This issue of Phactum, dated November/December 2011, presents a diverse range of topics, from contemporary environmental concerns like fracking to historical perspectives on medicine, science, and alleged paranormal phenomena.

PhACT Meeting Announcement

The magazine announces a PhACT Meeting scheduled for Saturday, November 19, 2011, at the Community College of Philadelphia. The event will host Dr. David Cattell and Roland Wall, who will discuss the "Fracking Controversy." The meeting is free and open to the public.

The Fracking Controversy

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," a method used to extract natural gas from deep shale rock in Pennsylvania. The process involves drilling deep into the earth and injecting high-pressure water, sand, and chemicals to fracture the rock. Proponents argue that fracking can boost local economies, create jobs, and provide a cleaner energy source compared to oil, with fewer environmental impacts during extraction and consumption. They also highlight that natural gas releases less CO2 when burned than oil and is sourced domestically. Conversely, opponents express concerns that fracking could contaminate drinking water through unknown pathways or leakage of fracking materials into the environment. They also suggest that proponents may be downplaying well yields and that the industry lacks sufficient regulation in Pennsylvania. The article poses a question to the reader about whether to embrace this energy source or prioritize environmental concerns.

Roland Wall's Background

Roland Wall, who will discuss the fracking controversy, is described as the Director of the Center for Environmental Policy at the Academy of Natural Sciences. His ten-year tenure there involved roles such as science writer and science policy specialist, focusing on linking scientific expertise with public policy. He holds degrees in Political Science and Entomology and Applied Ecology from the University of Delaware. Prior to his environmental work, he managed social service organizations.

Environmental Center Activities

Environmental Center activities are noted as being listed in the PhACT Calendar, with a specific mention of an event on November 17 titled "The Delaware River and Bay: Rebirth of a Natural Treasure."

Phactum Table Of Contents

• The issue includes several articles and features:
• Letters to the Editor (p. 3)
• Various Ruminations (p. 4)
• "The Delaware Bay Sea Monster" by Don Nigroni (p. 9)
• PhACT Meeting Report (p. 10)
• "Can Minds Really Be Changed?" by Paul Schlueter III (p. 12)
• "The Stages of Our Lives" by Paul Schlueter III (p. 14)
• Calendar of Events (p. 16)

Online Discussion Board

PhACT offers an online discussion board facility for members and non-members to discuss various topics.

Letters to the Editor and Other Correspondence

Phactum encourages reader submissions, including articles, poetry, letters, and suggestions. The section also includes a correction regarding the identification of Robert Hicks as the Director, not Curator, of the Mutter Museum.

"If I'm not in the obits, I get up" Quip

Amy Lowenstein from Yardley, PA, writes about the origin of the quip "If I'm not in the obits, I get up," attributing its potential start to wit Harry Hershfield. She recalls listening to old radio tapes from the 1940s, including the show "Can You Top This," which featured wits like Senator Ford, Harry Hershfield, and Joe Laurie Jr. She explains the show's format and prize structure.

Correction

A correction is issued regarding the identification of Robert Hicks as the Curator of the Mutter Museum in the October edition; he is actually the Director.

Evolution and Politics Comic Strip

Amy Lowenstein shares a link to a Doonesbury comic strip about evolution and politics.

Elizabeth Drinker's Diary and "Infectious" Diseases

Clarissa Dillon, Ph.D., responds to a letter about the word "infectious" in Elizabeth Drinker's diary. She explains that while germ theory was not understood, people were aware of disease transmission and that Dr. William Buchan's "Domestic Medicine" (published in 1769) advised avoiding contact with the diseased.

Onion DNA Science Project

"Various Ruminations," collected by Ray Haupt, highlights a science project from the Children's Medical Research Institute (CMRI) in Australia about extracting DNA from an onion.

Homeopathic Snake

This section discusses the homeopathic product Quietus, used for tinnitus, which contains Lachesis Mutusis, derived from the venom of the bushmaster snake. It details the work of Constantine Hering, who created a homeopathic remedy from this venom and was a co-founder of the Philadelphia College of Homeopathy. Hering's Law of Cure, a set of principles for homeopathic treatment, is also outlined.

Hering's Law of Cure

This law describes the order in which symptoms of chronic diseases disappear: in reverse, moving from vital organs to the skin, and from top to bottom.

Domestic Medicine and Hahnemann Hospital

The article notes that the Hahnemann Hospital, originally founded by Hering, is now part of the Drexel University Health System. The Academy of Natural Sciences has also become affiliated with Drexel.

Was America Founded as a Christian Nation?

This section discusses a lecture by John Fea, Professor of American History at Messiah College, on his book "Was America Founded as a Christian Nation?" The discussion explored the historical context of the U.S. Constitution, noting that while Anglicans were dominant, other Protestant groups were present. The framers deliberately avoided establishing a Christian government, and the Constitution is silent on religious tests for office holders, while the First Amendment prohibits a national religion. The article mentions that twelve of the thirteen colonies had laws restricting voting to Protestants.

Risky Behavior: Lottery Tickets and Credit Cards

A story from Tennessee highlights a proposed bill to allow the use of personal credit cards for purchasing state lottery tickets. The article expresses concern that this could lead to increased credit card debt and gambling, especially given Tennessee's high bankruptcy rate.

A Great Mystery Solved: The Bill Dock Photo

This section reports on an article by Bruce Clark in "The Reporter" newspaper concerning his photographic analysis of the infamous Bill Dock photo, related to Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds" radio production. The article suggests an inaccuracy in the historical account.

White House: There Is No UFO Cover-up

MSNBC reported that the White House responded to petitions asking the U.S. government to acknowledge aliens and disclose any withheld information. The White House, through Phil Larson of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, stated that there is no evidence of extraterrestrial life or contact, and no credible information suggests any evidence is being hidden.

Domestic Medicine (18th Century)

This section provides more detail on William Buchan's "Domestic Medicine," first published in 1769. It discusses its aim as a household guide, its author's background, and its condemnation of the use of Latin in medical texts. The article quotes Buchan on the topic of "infection" and the precautions necessary for those attending the sick, emphasizing hygiene and avoiding close contact. It also touches on Buchan's views on psychological aspects of disease, including anger, fear, grief, love, and religion.

Of Religious Melancholy

Buchan's text discusses "Religious Melancholy," where individuals perceive religious observance as a cause for constant gloom and self-denial, leading to misery. He argues that true religion should provide peace and upliftment, not despair, and that focusing on gloomy subjects is counterproductive.

Of Bleeding (Surgery)

Buchan's discussion on surgery includes "Bleeding," emphasizing its importance and frequent necessity, yet noting it is often misunderstood. He details when bleeding is proper (e.g., inflammatory fevers, topical inflammations) and when it is improper (e.g., disorders from relaxation or impoverished blood). He also discusses its use in treating severe burns.

William Buchan's Legacy

The article mentions that William Buchan died in 1805 and was buried in Westminster Abbey. His "Domestic Medicine" was found with the mutineers from the Bounty on Pitcairn Island, highlighting its enduring relevance. The book is available online.

Calling all Nerds: Nerd Nite in Philadelphia

Nerd Nite, a science café event, has established a presence in Philadelphia, meeting at Frankford Hall. The November meeting featured lectures by scientists and an acupuncturist, with musical entertainment. The December meeting is planned for December 7th.

The Delaware Bay Sea Monster

Don Nigroni's article investigates reports of a "sea monster" in the Delaware Bay in 1896, described as a cross between a turtle and a sea serpent. He compares this to a similar report off Provincetown, Massachusetts. Nigroni references "A Field Guide to Reptiles & Amphibians" and "Sea Turtles" to explain that these sightings were likely misidentified loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles, providing detailed descriptions of these species and their characteristics.

American Civil War Medicine

This report, presented by Robert D. Hicks, covers the state of medicine during the Civil War. It notes that practices from the Civil War were still in use during WWII, emphasizing the war's impact. The North was better prepared medicinally. The compilation of medical data led to the creation of the Mutter Museum. Advances included the introduction of women into nursing, surgical efficiency, orthopedic medicine, and nerve injury treatment. Key figures like Surgeon General William A. Hammond, Silas Weir Mitchell, and William W. Keen are mentioned. Dr. William W. Keen, a pioneer in brain surgery, is highlighted for his work and his role in the secret operation on President Grover Cleveland.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Phactum demonstrates a consistent editorial stance favoring critical thinking, skepticism, and the examination of evidence across various disciplines. The magazine encourages intellectual engagement with complex issues, whether they be contemporary scientific and environmental debates like fracking, historical inquiries into medicine and the founding of the nation, or the debunking of paranormal claims. There is a clear emphasis on providing factual information, historical context, and diverse perspectives, encouraging readers to form their own informed opinions. The inclusion of letters to the editor and an online discussion board further reinforces this commitment to open dialogue and community engagement.

Title: Phactum
Issue: November / December 2011
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Articles

"Can Minds Really Be Changed?" by Paul Schlueter III

This article delves into the psychological barriers to changing people's beliefs. It references a Mother Jones article about Leon Festinger's study of a cult called the Seekers, whose beliefs were reinforced rather than disproven by the non-occurrence of a prophesied alien destruction of Earth. The article highlights Chris Mooney's concept of "motivated reasoning," suggesting that individuals tend to skew their thoughts to align with pre-existing beliefs, often prioritizing emotional responses over factual evidence. The author notes that this tendency is not exclusive to the credulous but can also affect those who consider themselves rational, questioning whether their own deeply held beliefs might also be resistant to factual challenge. Research indicates that emotional biases channel incoming information into comforting frames of reference. The article also touches on political scientists' findings regarding how people filter information through their political mindsets and mentions Dan Kahan's research on how people categorize scientific experts based on their deep-seated views about morality and societal order. Surprisingly, it notes that while educated Democrats are more likely to accept scientific findings, educated Republicans are more likely to reject them, citing a Pew survey on global warming. The author also points out a similar phenomenon among liberals regarding the thimerosol controversy in childhood immunizations. The article concludes by suggesting that to make someone accept new evidence, one should lead with values rather than facts to give the facts a fighting chance.

"The Stages of Our Lives" by Paul Schlueter III

This article challenges the conventional way of dividing life into decades and proposes alternative stage divisions. The author argues that decades are too short to represent distinct life stages effectively. He first considers 15-year stages, which he finds a bit too long. He then suggests a more fitting division of 12.5 years per stage. He outlines these stages: childhood (up to 12.5 years), young adulthood (12.5 to 25 years), the prime period for career and family (25 to 37.5 years), the peak of careers and energy (37.5 to 50 years), the wind-down of working life and economic security (50 to 62.5 years), retirement (62.5 to 75 years), the declining age with potential for mentorship (75 to 87.5 years), and finally, extreme old age (87.5 to 100 years). The author uses biological markers, cognitive development, and social expectations to define these stages. He also includes a quote from Charles Dickens about aging gracefully.

PhACT Calendar

The PhACT Calendar lists numerous events and meetings scheduled for November and December 2011, primarily in Philadelphia and surrounding areas. These events are generally open to members and non-members and cover a wide range of topics related to skepticism, science, history, and culture.

Key events include:

• November 19, 2011: Roland Wall discusses the "Fracking Controversy" at the Academy of Natural Sciences.
• November 7, 2011: Linda LaScola speaks on "Preachers who are not believers" at the Free Library of Philadelphia.
• November 7 & 9, 2011: Doug Wechsler presents on "Millipedes, Moths, and Macro Photography" at the Academy of Natural Sciences.
• November 8, 2011: Brendan Matz discusses "Respiration Calorimetry, and the Science of Nutrition in the United States" at the Chemical Heritage Foundation.
• November 9, 2011: A discussion on "Climate, changed: Extreme weather and the need to take action" at the Franklin Institute.
• November 9, 2011: A talk on "Comparative Responses to the Outbreak of Deadly Epidemics from the Revolutionary Era to Today" at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.
• November 9, 2011: The Rittenhouse Astronomical Society meets.
• November 10, 2011: A "KIA: Honoring our Heroes Killed in Action - A Veterans' Day Tour" at Laurel Hill Cemetery.
• November 10, 2011: A Joseph Priestley Society lecture at the Chemical Heritage Foundation.
• November 14, 2011: Science on Tap at National Mechanics discusses "Supermassive skeleton skillfully secured from South America."
• November 15, 2011: Sarah Everts presents on "A History of Sweat Science" at the Chemical Heritage Foundation.
• November 15, 2011: Claire Tomalin discusses her book "Charles Dickens: A Life" at the Free Library of Philadelphia.
• November 16, 2011: A screening of the film "Charlie Chan in Egypt, 1935" at the University of Pennsylvania Museum.
• November 17, 2011: An Urban Sustainability Forum on "The Delaware River and Bay: Rebirth of a Natural Treasure" at the Chemical Heritage Foundation.
• November 18-20, 2011: The Philadelphia Science Fiction Society presents PHILCON 2011.
• November 19, 2011: A walking tour "Philanthropic Philadelphians" at Laurel Hill Cemetery.
• November 19, 2011: Remembrance Day in Gettysburg ceremonies.
• November 20, 2011: Laurel Hill Cemetery hosts a "Marathon Cheer Zone."
• December 1-3, 2011: A symposium on "Of Pictures & Specimens: Natural History in Post-Revolutionary and Restoration France" at the American Philosophical Society.
• December 3, 2011: A tour "What are those Victorians up to now?" at Laurel Hill Cemetery.
• December 6, 2011: Helen Curry discusses "Breeding Resistance: Genetics Research and Efforts to Restore the American Chestnut Tree" at the Chemical Heritage Foundation.
• December 6, 2011: Paul Farmer discusses "Haiti After the Earthquake" at the Free Library of Philadelphia.
• December 7, 2011: A lecture on "Stonehenge and the use of the Preseli Bluestones" at the University of Pennsylvania Museum.
• December 7, 2011: Philadelphia Nerd Night at Frankford Hall.
• December 9, 2011: Delaware Valley MENSA General Membership meeting.
• December 11, 2011: A tour "Unearthing Laurel Hill: The Hot Spots and Storied Plots" at Laurel Hill Cemetery.
• December 12, 2011: Science on Tap at National Mechanics discusses an unspecified topic.
• December 13, 2011: J. Emmanuel Raymundo presents on "When Was Leprosy? The Case of the Culion Leper Colony in the U.S.-Occupied Philippines, 19020–1941" at the Chemical Heritage Foundation.
• December 13, 2011: Edward J. Larson discusses "An Empire of Ice: Scott, Shackleton, and the Heroic Age of Antarctic Science" at the Free Library of Philadelphia.
• December 14, 2011: The Rittenhouse Astronomical Society meets.
• December 14, 2011: Adam Gopnik celebrates the tenth anniversary of the APS Museum.
• December 21, 2011: A "Food & Thought" discussion at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to cater to an audience interested in skeptical inquiry, science, history, and critical thinking. The articles promote a rational and evidence-based approach to understanding the world, questioning unsubstantiated beliefs and promoting intellectual curiosity. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific understanding and critical analysis, as evidenced by the selection of articles and the nature of the events listed in the calendar. The magazine also seems to have a strong connection to the Philadelphia area, with a significant number of events listed taking place there.

Title: Phactum
Issue: November/December 2011
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Phactum, the propaganda organ for the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, covers a range of upcoming events and activities relevant to its members and the wider community. It emphasizes community engagement, historical commemorations, scientific discussions, and film screenings.

Featured Events and Activities

Civic Engagement Lecture On an unspecified date, Feather Houstoun, former President of the William Penn Foundation, will speak on "civic debate" in Philadelphia's diverse urban environment. The event costs $12.50 and includes lunch. Registration details are provided.

General George G. Meade Commemoration On Saturday, December 31, 2011, the General Meade Society of Philadelphia will celebrate the 196th anniversary of General George G. Meade's birth at Historic Laurel Hill Cemetery. The event will feature a military parade of Civil War reenactment units, a ceremony, a champagne toast, and a tour of the historic cemetery. This marks the 21st anniversary of this celebration.

Science on Tap On Monday, January 9, 2012, at National Mechanics, the "Science on Tap" series will host a monthly gathering featuring a brief, informal presentation by a scientist, followed by lively conversation. The topic is to be announced. The event is free and open to the public but requires attendees to be 21+.

Rittenhouse Astronomical Society Meeting On Wednesday, January 11, 2011, the Rittenhouse Astronomical Society will hold its monthly meeting at the Franklin Institute. The society meets on the second Wednesday of each month.

Delaware Valley MENSA Meeting On Friday, January 13, 2012, the Delaware Valley MENSA will hold its general membership meeting, typically on the second Friday of the month. Members are advised to check the MENSA calendar for details.

Film Screening: Chang: A Drama of the Wilderness On Wednesday, January 19, 2012, at 6:00 pm, the University of Pennsylvania Museum will host a screening of the 1927 film "Chang: A Drama of the Wilderness." Presented by Jay Schwartz, founder of Secret Cinema, this screening is part of a special series of classic films shown in 16mm. The film, directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, is described as a semi-documentary adventure-exploration movie and a prototype for "King Kong." It was filmed on location in Siam and tells the story of a farmer and his family.

PhACT Membership and Support

The magazine encourages readers to join or rejoin PhACT for the upcoming year. Membership options include email delivery of Phactum for $15 annually ($10 for students) or US Mail delivery for $25 annually. Donations are also welcomed, particularly for the High School Science Fair Student Prize Funds. The issue details the prize funds awarded in 2010 and 2011, and the total prize fund for 2012.

Editorial Policies and Contact Information

Phactum is distributed six times a year and serves as the main propaganda organ for PhACT. The magazine welcomes letters, ideas, short essays, poetry, opinion pieces, and praise, to be sent to Ray Haupt, Phactum editor, at [email protected]. The policy for article use states that materials originating in Phactum may be reprinted by groups recognized in CSI's international network of skeptics organizations, provided the author and PhACT are credited. Other publications must obtain permission from PhACT. Permission for articles and illustrations from other sources must be granted by the original publisher.

PhACT Council 2010/11

The issue lists the members of the PhACT Council for 2010/11, including Eric Krieg (President), Wes Powers (Webmaster), Bob Glickman (Secretary), Susan Glickman (Treasurer), Dr. David Cattell, Ray Haupt, and others.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around promoting critical thinking, community engagement in Philadelphia, appreciation for history and classic cinema, and scientific discourse. The editorial stance is one of encouragement for participation in local events and support for educational initiatives, particularly in science and critical thinking. The magazine also aligns with skeptical organizations, as indicated by its policy on reprinting articles.