Phactum - 2012 04 - April

Magazine Overview

Title: Phactum
Issue: April 2012
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Phactum, the newsletter and propaganda organ of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, features a variety of articles and reports, including a discussion on toxicology, scientific expeditions, historical figures, and current events related to science and skepticism.

Featured Articles and Reports

PhACT Meeting: The Good Old Days: They were Terrible: Toxicology and the Modern World

The cover story features a PhACT meeting on April 28, 2012, hosted by Dr. David Cattell, Chairman of the Physics Department at Philadelphia Community College. Toxicologist David Cragin, Ph.D., discussed the perception of the modern world being overrun by 'toxics' and compared it to the 'good old days.' Dr. Cragin, an Occupational and Environmental Toxicologist, also teaches at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia and Peking University.

PhACT Scientific Expedition to the Blue Hole

An announcement for a scientific expedition on May 19, 2012, to the South Jersey Pine Barrens to investigate the legend of the Blue Hole. This pool of water is described as potentially icy cold or warm, bottomless, and rumored to be inhabited by the Jersey Devil. The expedition will be guided by Don Nigroni and led by PhACT president Eric Krieg, using scientific equipment to test the Blue Hole's properties.

Lyme Disease Surge Predicted for Northeastern US

An article sourced from ScienceDaily reports on a predicted surge in Lyme disease due to fluctuations in acorn and mouse populations, not a mild winter. Dr. Richard S. Ostfeld, a disease ecologist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, explains that boom-and-bust cycles of acorns influence mouse populations, which are preferred hosts for black-legged ticks that transmit Lyme disease. The article notes that adult ticks are smaller than sesame seeds and that while they can transmit Lyme, spring-summer nymphs pose a greater threat. It also mentions the past effectiveness and subsequent withdrawal of a Lyme disease vaccine and skepticism towards homeopathic remedies.

Frankenfish come to Philadelphia

This section reports on the invasive Northern Snakehead fish being found at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. The fish is described as voracious, capable of growing up to 15 pounds, and able to eat almost anything, including mammals. Despite being considered a pest, a recipe for 'Barbecued snakehead fish' is provided.

Visit to the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter

An account of a visit to the Creation Museum in Florence, Kentucky. The author notes the museum's focus on combating evolution and mentions the new 'Ark Encounter' project by Answers in Genesis, a massive theme park centered around a replica of Noah's Ark. The article touches on the controversy surrounding tax breaks and state/church separation issues related to the project.

Ron Weinland, Prophet of God

This piece discusses Ronald Weinland, a Young Earth Creationist from New Zealand who claims Jesus Christ is returning on May 27, 2012, and predicts death from cancer for non-believers. Weinland is facing federal charges for income tax avoidance and is free on bail.

Philadelphia Nerd Nite

An announcement for the Philadelphia Nerd Nite event on April 26th, which will focus on '2012 apocalypse mania' with talks on the Mayan calendar, apocalyptic themes in art, and survival strategies. The event will feature speakers from the Penn Museum and Drexel University, with entertainment by the West Philadelphia Orchestra.

Meeting Report - March 2012: "The New Alchemy"

A report on a PhACT meeting where Tom Napier, a physicist and freelance writer, discussed cold fusion. The report covers the principles of fusion, the distinction between cold and hot fusion, and critiques companies that claim to have working cold fusion reactors without providing sufficient independent test data.

2nd Annual Philadelphia Science Festival

Details about the Philadelphia Science Festival, including events like 'Name That Beer!', 'Science Day at the Ballpark,' and a 'Science Carnival on the Parkway.' The festival offers over 75 interactive programs and encourages early registration.

PhACT Awards Prizes at 2012 Bucks County Science Fair

PhACT members served as judges at the Bucks County Science Fair, awarding three prizes for critical thinking. The first prize went to Erin Lane for her project on 'The Effect of Caffeine on Memory and Reaction Time in Adolescents.' The article emphasizes PhACT's commitment to encouraging young people's interest in science.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims and unsubstantiated beliefs. It encourages readers to question, analyze, and engage with information thoughtfully. The editorial stance is one of rationalism and a commitment to evidence-based reasoning, as highlighted by the quotes from George Washington Carver, Abraham Lincoln, and Alan K. Simpson, and the focus on scientific events and critical analysis of various phenomena, from toxicology to cold fusion and purported prophecies.

Title: Phactum
Issue Date: April 2012
Volume: 11
Cover Headline: Rhubarb in the World of William Penn

This issue of Phactum delves into the multifaceted history of rhubarb, examining its significance in both medicine and cuisine during the colonial period, particularly in the context of William Penn's era. It also features a detailed account of modern-day online scamming and the practice of 'scam baiting'.

Rhubarb in the World of William Penn

The article "Rhubarb in the World of William Penn" by Clarissa Dillon, Ph.D., explores the historical uses of rhubarb, focusing on its medicinal properties and culinary applications. During the colonial period, rhubarb was highly valued for its root, which was used as an effective purge to treat various ailments. The medical profession distinguished between different varieties, such as true rhubarb, monk's rhubarb, and Pontic rhubarb, noting that their medicinal attributes differed. However, sellers often lumped them together under a single name, which was frowned upon.

Benjamin Franklin played a role in sharing rhubarb seeds and information. Correspondence between Franklin and John Bartram reveals discussions about the cultivation and quality of rhubarb. Franklin, writing from London in October 1772, expressed hope that the sown rhubarb would thrive, and Bartram, in a letter dated February 1773, confirmed the growth of the seeds, noting that the genuine sort would take seven years to reach its full perfection when the root is harvested.

Gardening writers of the time, however, recommended a shorter growing period, suggesting roots would be fit for use in two or three years after the leaves decayed in autumn. For those unable to grow their own, rhubarb could be purchased, cleaned, dried, and chipped. Advertisements from Frederick Phile and William Richards in the Pennsylvania Packet and Pennsylvania Gazette, respectively, indicate its availability for sale.

Rhubarb was considered a mild cathartic, safe for pregnant women and children, and also possessed astringent qualities that strengthened the stomach and intestines. It was used in various forms, including grated, in powder, as a bolus with calomel, and in tinctures. A self-help book from the era suggested a remedy for bloody flux using grated rhubarb and nutmeg in white wine. Another recipe detailed a 'Bolus of Rhubarb and Mercury' for hypochondriac constitutions and to expel worms.

Liquid forms, such as a tincture made with rhubarb, cardamom seeds, and saffron in spirit, were also common. The self-help manual recommended rhubarb for jaundice and smallpox, while a physician noted its use for measles, whooping cough, St. Anthony's fire, costiveness, diarrhea, and bloody flux. It was also an ingredient in 'Cholic Elixir'.

Philadelphia diaries from the period document its use for men with colicky disorders and 'disordred bowels,' and for women with colic, cramp, St. Anthony's fire, vomiting, and flux. It was also administered to children for teething, worms, and as a pretreatment before inoculation.

Spiced rhubarb was another preparation method. A recipe for spiced rhubarb involved simmering chipped rhubarb with mace and nutmeg in water, then sweetening with sugar and adding spirit. This was used for various ailments, including being 'poorly' and for rashes.

Culinary Uses of Rhubarb

While rhubarb's medicinal uses were prominent, its culinary applications, particularly in tarts and pies, developed later. The article notes that rhubarb stalks became a welcome sight in spring for pies, often paired with strawberries. This use began to emerge in the mid-18th century. A receipt from Peter Collinson to John Bartram in 1759 described how to make tarts using rhubarb stalks, comparing them favorably to gooseberry tarts.

Several cookbooks from the late 18th century provided recipes for rhubarb tarts. These generally involved peeling the stalks, cutting them into small pieces (often the size of a gooseberry), and baking them with sugar in a pastry crust, similar to gooseberry tarts. Philip Miller and Richard Briggs are cited for their recipes. Hannah Glasse's cookbook offered a recipe for rhubarb tarts, noting that while they might seem odd, they had a pleasant flavor. She also distinguished between the uses of rhubarb: stalks for tarts, roots for tinctures, and leaves (cautioned against as poisonous) for stomach pain.

Comparison to gooseberry tarts was a common theme in these early receipts, reflecting the availability of fresh gooseberries in spring. The article mentions a diary entry from Martha Ballard in 1808, which recorded roasting veal and making rhubarb tarts. It took about a century for rhubarb to be commonly known as 'pie-plant'.

Online Scams and Scam Baiting

The second major section of the magazine, "Online Scams and Scamming the Scammers" by Howard J. Wilk, shifts focus to contemporary issues of internet fraud. The article describes various types of advance-fee scams, including those involving dying benefactors, barristers seeking next-of-kin, stranded military personnel, and royalty needing help with overseas funds. These scams invariably require the victim to pay a fee upfront for the transfer of large sums of money.

Wilk introduces the concept of 'scam baiting,' where individuals intentionally engage with scammers to waste their time and expose their fraudulent activities. He explains his personal approach, which involves prolonging email exchanges, often by adopting a semi-literate persona, to maximize the scammers' time investment. He references Wikipedia entries on 'scam baiting' and '419eater.com' for further information.

The article includes a detailed 48-email exchange from February 22 to March 2, 2012, between a scammer posing as 'Sgt Terry Mice' from Iraq and a scam baiter using the alias 'Doug Grumblerson.' The scam begins with Sgt. Mice requesting assistance in moving oil money, offering Grumblerson a 30% cut. Grumblerson negotiates for a 50-50 split. The exchange progresses through various stages, including requests for personal information, the involvement of a 'diplomat' named Sume Mohammed from the 'Arab Securities and Finance Company,' and demands for payment of insurance fees via Western Union or MoneyGram.

The scam baiter, Grumblerson, feigns ignorance about how to use these services and expresses financial limitations, attempting to prolong the interaction and frustrate the scammers. The scammers, in turn, provide increasingly elaborate details about the supposed transfer process, including a 'diplomatic immunity' code and a tag number for the consignment. The exchange highlights the scammers' persistence and their attempts to manipulate the victim through urgency and appeals to trust.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores themes of historical practices versus modern challenges. The first half focuses on the practical, everyday uses of a plant in colonial America, emphasizing its medicinal and culinary significance and the knowledge transfer between individuals. The second half sharply contrasts this with the deceptive and exploitative nature of modern online scams, highlighting the ingenuity and persistence of both scammers and those who attempt to thwart them. The editorial stance appears to be one of historical appreciation and practical caution, encouraging readers to be informed about both the past and the present dangers of misinformation and fraud.

Phactum, April 2012 issue, features a diverse range of articles covering archaeology, neuroscience, history, and scientific events. The cover story, "The First Americans" by Paul Schlueter III, challenges traditional theories of Native American migration, presenting archaeological evidence for earlier human presence in the Americas.

Archaeology and Early Human Migration

The article "The First Americans" explores the long-held doctrine of Native Americans crossing the Bering Strait land bridge approximately 13,000 years ago. It contrasts this with Native American creation stories and recent DNA research suggesting descent from East Asian populations. The piece highlights archaeological findings, including middens dated to the end of the last ice age and human remains from over 10,000 years ago. A significant focus is placed on the Native American Graves Protection & Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and the contentious handling of ancient human remains. The discovery of the Clovis culture in New Mexico in 1929, characterized by distinctive fluted stone points, is discussed as a benchmark for early American inhabitants. However, a more recent find of pre-Clovis stone tools near Buttermilk Creek, Texas, dated between 15,500 and 13,200 years ago, is presented as a paradigm shift, suggesting earlier human presence and potentially a maritime migration route rather than solely a land bridge.

The article also touches upon the Meadowcroft Rockshelter in Pennsylvania, considered one of the oldest known sites of human habitation in North America, occupied as long as 19.6 Kya. It notes that studies of pre-Columbian cultures reveal a contrast between the development of complex societies in tropical zones and the relative isolation of the Americas, which prevented the acquisition of certain technologies and resistances.

Neuroscience and the Human Brain

"What's On Your Mind? The Best Scientific Project You've Never Heard Of" by Tom Medero discusses two major scientific endeavors: the Human Genome Project and the Human Connectome Project. The Human Genome Project, completed in the early 2000s, aimed to identify all human genes. The Human Connectome Project, launched in 2009 by the National Institutes of Health, is a massive undertaking to map the brain's neural connections and synaptic wiring. This project, involving 9 institutions and utilizing advanced scanning techniques like HARDI, seeks to understand how brain areas interact, how consciousness arises, and to potentially find cures for neurological disorders. The article emphasizes the complexity of the brain and the importance of understanding its connections to address pathologies and answer fundamental questions about human experience.

Historical Voyages and Disasters

"Voyage to Jamestown: Practical Navigation in the Age of Discovery" by Robert D. Hicks explores sea navigation methods and tools used during the era of discovery. The book reconstructs a fictional voyage from Bristol, England, to Virginia in 1611, captained by Tristram Hame, to illustrate the challenges and practices of 17th-century marine navigation. The article also mentions the 100th anniversary of the R.M.S. Titanic sinking, detailing a special program at Laurel Hill Cemetery that includes a walking tour of gravesites, a presentation, and a historically themed dinner.

PhACT Events and Calendar

The magazine includes a comprehensive calendar of upcoming PhACT events in Philadelphia and surrounding areas for April, May, and beyond. These events cover a wide array of topics, including: toxicology and the modern world, scientific expeditions, politics vs. science, pseudoscience, AIDS denialism, and the science of death. Specific events include lectures on the Civil War, the history of embalming, and discussions on topics like "Truth, Trust, and Fracking" and "Urban Heat Islands."

Other Mentions

The issue also contains a brief mention of Howard J. Wilk, a synthetic organic chemist living in Northeast Philadelphia, and a quote from Hippocrates regarding the brain's central role in human experience. There is also a notice about the "How to Become a Certified Heinz NWR Weed Warrior" program.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Phactum appears to maintain a focus on scientific inquiry, historical exploration, and critical thinking. The magazine encourages an evidence-based approach to understanding the world, as seen in its coverage of archaeological debates, neuroscience advancements, and its calendar of events that often explore skeptical viewpoints and scientific explanations for phenomena. The editorial stance seems to favor accessible science communication and the promotion of intellectual curiosity across a broad spectrum of disciplines.

Title: Phactum
Issue: April 2012
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Phactum, published by the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, is a comprehensive listing of upcoming events, lectures, and activities primarily focused in the Philadelphia area, spanning from late April through May 2012. It also includes information about the organization itself, its mission, membership, and support for youth science education.

Featured Events and Articles

Civil War History and Reenactments

Several events are highlighted related to Civil War history. One event, co-sponsored by various historical groups, features reenactors, military demonstrations, living history presentations, and a sutlers tent village. It emphasizes fun and education for families, with free admission and parking. Another event is the Frankford Civil War Monument Graves Re-Dedication.

Science and Philosophy Lectures

PhACT Event: Dr. David Cragin on "The Good Old Days"
On Saturday, April 28, 2012, Dr. David Cragin will discuss "The Good Old Days" from a toxicologist's perspective. This meeting is noted to be on the 4th Saturday of the month, not the usual 3rd. Registration details and co-sponsors are provided.

Humanist Association of Greater Philadelphia
On Sunday, April 29, 2012, Barry Klassel, Humanist Chaplain at Rutgers University, will speak about the Book of Job from a Humanist perspective.

Scott F. Gilbert on Symbiosis and Individuality
On Thursday, May 3, 2012, Scott F. Gilbert will present "We Were Never Individual: How Symbionts and Hives Pervade Our Lives" at the Chemical Heritage Foundation. Gilbert, a Professor of Biology, will discuss symbiosis and the concept of individual selection. The talk is part of the 2012 Gordon Cain Conference.

Andrea Baldeck on "Bones, Books, & Bell Jars"
On Tuesday, May 8, 2012, photographer Andrea Baldeck will discuss her work behind the scenes at the Mütter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia. The event includes an illustrated talk and a book signing.

Brown Bag Lecture: "Crystal Clear, Tritan Tough: A Case Study in Polymer Development"
On Tuesday, May 8, 2012, Benjamin Gross will discuss the development of the copolyester Tritan by Eastman Chemical Company.

Rittenhouse Astronomical Society Meetings
The Rittenhouse Astronomical Society holds monthly meetings at the Fels Planetarium at the Franklin Institute, offering opportunities to discuss astronomy.

Science on Tap
A monthly gathering featuring informal presentations by scientists, held at National Mechanics.

Dr. Bennett Lorber on "Snakes, Sex, Sushi, Saunas, and Spinach"
On Wednesday, May 16, 2012, Dr. Bennett Lorber will discuss how societal changes impact disease patterns.

Urban Sustainability Forum: The Next Generation of Urban Manufacturing in Philadelphia
On Thursday, May 17, 2012, this forum will explore how Philadelphia's sustainability movement can support urban manufacturing, featuring panelists from the EPA, Pratt Center for Community Development, and industry leaders.

Annual Memorial Day Observed at Historic Laurel Hill Cemetery
On Sunday, May 27, 2012, a recreation of the original G.A.R. Decoration Day Service of 1868 will be held, including the dedication of bronze veterans' markers.

PhACT Event: Pine Barrens Expedition
On Saturday, May 19, 2012, PhACT is organizing an expedition to the Pine Barrens of New Jersey to evaluate the "Blue Hole" and potentially sight the Jersey Devil.

Dr. Aaron Wunsch on "Electrifying Philadelphia"
On Wednesday, May 23, 2012, Dr. Aaron Wunsch will present an illustrated talk on the history of Philadelphia's electrification.

American Revolution Round Table of Philadelphia (ARRTOP)
On Wednesday, May 23, 2012, Richard Borkow will speak about his book "George Washington's Westchester Gamble."

Catherine Jackson on "Beyond Genius, Before Theory: Recovering the Lost World of Practice in 19th-Century Chemistry"
On Wednesday, May 23, 2012, Catherine Jackson will discuss the development of organic chemistry, focusing on the practical world of 19th-century chemists.

Weed Warrior Training Program
On Saturday, May 26, 2012, a program at the John Heintz National Wildlife Refuge will focus on learning about and clearing invasive plant species.

Mega Bad Movie Night!!
On Thursday, May 31, 2012, The Academy of Natural Sciences will host a screening of "Sharktopus" with expert commentary.

PhACT Information

PhACT's High School Science Fair Student Prize Funds
The magazine details the prize amounts awarded in previous years (2010, 2011, 2012) and the total for the 2013 Prize Fund, encouraging donations to support these prizes and other youth science education projects.

Membership and Donations
Information is provided on how to support PhACT through annual membership (with options for email or US Mail delivery) and direct donations. Checks should be made payable to PhACT and mailed to their Glenside, PA address.

Phactum Editorial Policy
Details are given regarding the publication's policy for article use, allowing reprinting by recognized skeptic organizations with proper credit, and requiring permission from PhACT for other uses.

The PhACT Council 2011/12
A list of the current council members, including the President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Editor, is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Phactum revolve around the promotion of critical thinking, scientific literacy, and engagement with a diverse range of intellectual and cultural topics. The publication actively lists and promotes events that encourage public participation in learning, from historical reenactments and scientific lectures to discussions on philosophy and urban sustainability. The editorial stance appears to be one of fostering curiosity, providing accessible educational opportunities, and supporting science education, particularly for young people through the Science Fair Prize Funds. The organization emphasizes its role in serving Philadelphia as a learning institution and encourages community involvement through membership and donations.