Phactum - 2013 05 - May

Magazine Overview

Title: Phactum
Issue: May/June/July 2013
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking
Content Focus: This issue of Phactum, the newsletter and propaganda organ of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, covers a range of topics including a local expedition, scientific and pseudoscientific concepts, and social commentary.

PhACT Expedition to the Heinz NWR

The main feature announces a PhACT expedition to the Heinz National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, May 18, 2013. The expedition's primary goal is to search for the legendary 'Ape Boy of the Swamps,' described as a tall, gangly, hideously ugly, redheaded boy who mutated into a half-ape, half-human monster. The article notes that large, hairy, ape-like cryptids such as the yeti, Abominable Snowman, yowie, Bigfoot, Fouke Monster, Momo, and skunk ape have been reported globally, with cryptozoology suggesting they can be up to 9 feet tall, comparable to the extinct Gigantopithecus blacki. The expedition will be guided by Don Nigroni, a local expert on the refuge. The event is free and open to the public, with participants advised to bring insect repellent, sturdy shoes, lunch, binoculars, and a camera. The refuge itself is highlighted as a 993-acre urban sanctuary in Philadelphia, established in 1972, supporting diverse habitats and wildlife, including bald eagles, beavers, and river otters. The expedition will also include Weed Warrior trainers and photographer Ned Levi. Information for more details is provided via a website link.

Table of Contents

• The Table of Contents lists several articles and sections:
• PhACT Expedition to Heinz NWR (p. 1)
• Annual PhACT Picnic (p. 5)
• Letters to the Editor (p. 6)
• Various Ruminations (p. 8)
• April Meeting Reports (p. 10)
• Sea Serpents and the Scottish Bride by Don Nigroni (p. 13)
• Homeopathy: Does it Hold Water? by Thomas Kaznowski (p. 15)
• Anti-Vaccination Update by Paul Schlueter III (p. 18)
• Calendar of Events (p. 20)

Wildlife and Nature Photography

Pages 3 and 4 showcase photographs taken by Kim A. Sheridan, a photographer for Friends of the Heinz Refuge. These images capture various wildlife and flora within the refuge, including a Bald Eagle, Osprey, Crabapple flowers, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Northern Raccoon, Great Horned Owl, Male American Bullfrog, Tree Swallows, Snapping Turtle, and Common Muskrat. The photographs were taken over the past year to illustrate the refuge's biodiversity. Special thanks are given to Don Nigroni for wildlife spotting and Jeff Cooney and Robb Kerr for plant identification.

PhACT Picnic

An announcement for the PhACT Picnic is scheduled for Saturday, June 15, 2012, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Mondauk Commons Park. The event is described as a fun gathering with food, cooking on the grill, and sports, with attendees encouraged to bring their own food and items like footballs or frisbees. A book swap for science/skeptic books is also planned. Directions to the park are provided, and the event is free and open to all.

Letters to the Editor

• Several letters address different topics:
• Howard J. Wilk responds to a query about envelope stuffing jobs, suggesting it's a common way for advertisers to distribute mail, and recommends using a P.O. Box to protect one's street address.
• Glenn Branch from the National Center for Science Education corrects a spurious quotation attributed to Darwin in a previous issue, providing a link to verify the information.
• Howard J. Wilk humorously reacts to the correction about the spurious quote, referencing the movie Casablanca.
• Paul Schlueter III writes about evolution, arguing against the idea that it follows a plan or direction. He emphasizes that evolution is a continuous, random process of genetic change, and all species are equally evolved in terms of their history, with future adaptations being a result of environmental selection rather than inherent progress.
• Howard J. Wilk shares an experience with an online flag digest, leading to the discovery of a website with complex character strings, some of which contained the German word "JUDEN" (Jews), linking it to 20th-century history.

Speak Out!!!

This section invites PhACT members and readers to submit letters and articles to be published in Phactum, encouraging diverse opinions on any topic except religion bashing or partisan politics. Submissions can be sent via email, and handwritten notes are accepted if short.

Various Ruminations

• This section, collected and written by Ray Haupt with contributions from others, includes several short pieces:
• The Awesome Power of Pyramids: Mentions physicist Tom Napier's claim about pyramids eliminating aircraft chem trails and suggests a website for more details.
• Alternative Therapy and Anti-Vax Campaigns: Directs readers to YouTube offerings by Gemma Arrowsmith for a humorous view of these movements.
• Kidnapping and Sylvia Browne: Discusses the case of three women held captive in Cleveland and the psychic Sylvia Browne's incorrect prediction about one victim's fate. It references links to articles detailing the story and Browne's history of exposing psychics as charlatans. The piece criticizes impresarios like Montel Williams who enable such 'hokum.'
• Creationism in Pennsylvania Public Schools: Reports on efforts by anti-evolution groups to introduce 'intelligent design' into Pennsylvania's public school curriculum. It quotes Glenn Branch of the NCSE, who explains that 'intelligent design' is not science because it posits a creator outside the laws of nature and cannot be tested. The section also references a poll of Pennsylvania science teachers showing a significant percentage believe in creationism or intelligent design alongside evolution, and notes that many teachers downplay evolution. It highlights the lack of critical thinking skills contributing to this issue.

Meeting Report(s) - April 2013: Pseudoscience by James Randi at The Franklin Institute

This report, by Michael Anhalt, Sedef Arslan, and Marc DiPinto, students of Dr. David Cattell, details a presentation by James Randi at The Franklin Institute. Randi performed a 'magic' show to explain and debunk pseudoscientific methods. He described a preacher who claimed Jesus spoke through him to heal people, revealing that the preacher and his wife used electromagnetic waves and information from audience cards to fake divine communication. Randi also presented special instruments that supposedly perform extraordinary feats, such as shoes using magnetic monopoles (which he stated do not exist) to improve circulation, and a device to locate items that was found to have disconnected wires. He also critiqued counterfeit money detector pens, explaining they only detect starch, not actual fakes, and are useless if counterfeiters use good paper.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes critical thinking and skepticism, evident in its critiques of pseudoscience, psychic claims, and the promotion of creationism in schools. The editorial stance appears to favor scientific explanations and rational inquiry, as demonstrated by the debunking of pseudoscientific claims by James Randi and the detailed discussions on evolution. The publication also engages with local events and community activities, such as the PhACT expedition and picnic, while maintaining a critical perspective on societal issues like anti-vaccination movements and the spread of misinformation.

Phactum, May/June/July 2013 issue, is a publication focused on skepticism and critical thinking, featuring articles that debunk pseudoscience, examine controversial health practices, and discuss historical curiosities.

Pseudoscience by James Randi at The Franklin Institute

This section, noted by Sedef Arslan, details a presentation by James Randi at The Franklin Institute. Randi aimed to educate the audience about pseudoscience and the importance of skepticism. He discussed various advertisements and products that prey on people's desire for easy solutions, such as programs for learning languages or building muscles quickly. Randi highlighted the issue of "energy bracelets" that claim to enhance blood flow and energy, noting that in Australia, a company manufacturing such bracelets was exposed as fraudulent and forced to refund customers. The author agrees with Randi, questioning why such practices are not stopped in the United States and emphasizing that informing the public can lead to companies losing business even if they are not immediately shut down.

James Randi at the Franklin Institute (Notes by Marc DiPinto)

Marc DiPinto also attended James Randi's presentation at The Franklin Institute, describing it as amazing and informative. Randi explained how companies use false advertising for products that seem magical. Examples included shoes with "Unipolar" magnets and "balance bracelets" made of rubber with hologram stickers, both sold at high prices despite having no scientific basis. Randi, a "Myth Buster," uses science to debunk these claims. He coined the term "woo-woo" for those claiming supernatural powers. Randi showed a clip of a faith healer, Peter Popoff, who used a transmitter to get information about his victims, and also demonstrated "psychic surgery" on the Johnny Carson show to expose how such practitioners con people out of money.

Sea Serpents and the Scottish Bride

Authored by Don Nigroni, this article delves into historical accounts of sea serpents. It begins with a report from The New York Times on November 30, 1869, detailing Captain Allen's encounter with a large marine monster, described as a "great sea serpent," approximately twenty-five feet long, with a large, flat head, scintillating eyes, and crocodile-like scales. The creature was accompanied by a smaller specimen. The captain believed the creature came from Florida and followed the Gulf Stream. The article then connects this description to the alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula), citing Alfred Cleveland Weed and the Peterson Field Guide to Freshwater Fishes. The alligator gar can reach up to 12 feet, has a short, broad snout, and rows of teeth. Its coloration is typically dark olive-brown to black above and spotted on the sides, with a white or yellow underside. Its habitat is usually freshwater but can extend to brackish and marine waters, with its American marine range along the Gulf of Mexico from Texas to western Florida. Mark Spitzer noted that a mythical figure of twenty feet is associated with the alligator gar, which also has lung-like organs that breathe air, potentially explaining how they might raise their heads above water. The article also discusses severe weather events in Philadelphia, Norfolk, and Augusta in November 1869, suggesting that a hurricane might have driven these creatures out of their normal range, leading Captain Allen to mistake them for sea serpents.

Homeopathy: Does it Hold Water? (or anything but)

Written by Thomas Kaznowski, this article critically examines homeopathy. The author, a self-proclaimed skeptic with a science background, argues that homeopathy lacks clinical evidence and a plausible scientific mechanism. He explains that homeopathy is based on the principle of "like cures like" and extreme dilution, where remedies are often diluted to the point of containing no original molecules. Kaznowski contrasts this with modern pharmacology, which demonstrates a dose-dependent relationship between a drug's concentration and its potency. He cites a 1998 meta-analysis that found homeopathic arnica to be no more efficacious than a placebo, and notes that many studies are burdened with methodological flaws. The article highlights that the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NIH) has concluded there is little evidence to support homeopathy. Kaznowski also points out the potential dangers, including contamination with harmful substances and the risk of patients foregoing proven conventional treatments for serious conditions. He criticizes the billions of dollars spent annually on homeopathy, suggesting these resources could be better used for scientific research into diseases like cancer and HIV.

Anti-Vaccination Update

Authored by Paul Schlueter III, this article presents an update on the "vaccine wars." It notes positive news from a Science News article by Nathan Seppa, suggesting that public resistance to vaccines may be subsiding, possibly due to efforts by the skeptic community to educate parents about the pseudoscience behind the vaccine/autism connection. However, the article also reports on negative trends, citing a JAMA Pediatrics study indicating that rates of delay in infant vaccinations have climbed since 2004, with a significant portion of these delays being intentional. Jason Glanz, an epidemiologist and co-author of the study, explains that some parents try to space out vaccinations, viewing the recommended schedule as risky. Edgar Marcuse, a physician, counters that timely immunization is crucial because many diseases occur in early life, and delaying vaccines increases risks and costs without demonstrated benefit. The article also references a study of 320,000 infants which found that while delayed vaccinations led to fewer outpatient visits, they also resulted in higher hospitalization rates. The author urges readers to encourage parents to follow recommended immunization schedules. The article includes an update about a measles outbreak in the UK due to parents refusing vaccination and editor's notes about a baby's death from whooping cough and statistics on measles and chickenpox.

PhACT Events

This section lists upcoming events organized by PhACT (Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking). Events include a meeting on the third Saturday of most months at Community College of Philadelphia, an expedition to the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge on May 18, 2013, a picnic on June 15, 2013, and a talk on AIDS denialism by Nicoli Nattrass on September 21, 2013. The calendar is open to members and non-members, with submissions welcome for events of general interest to the skeptical or scientific community within a reasonable radius of Philadelphia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Phactum are pseudoscience, skepticism, and the importance of critical thinking in evaluating claims, particularly in health and science. The magazine consistently promotes a scientific and evidence-based approach, debunking claims that lack empirical support and warning against the dangers of misinformation and fraudulent practices. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of science and rationality, actively challenging pseudoscientific beliefs and practices such as homeopathy, unproven medical treatments, and the anti-vaccination movement.

Title: Phactum
Issue: May/June/July 2013
Publisher: The Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Phactum serves as a comprehensive calendar of events and a newsletter for the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT). It details a wide array of public lectures, workshops, tours, and special events happening in the Philadelphia area from May through July 2013. The publication also includes information on how to support PhACT and its initiatives.

Featured Events and Content

The majority of the magazine is dedicated to listing events hosted by various institutions and organizations in Philadelphia. These include:

• The Philadelphia Area Center for the History of Science (PACHS): Maintains an extensive calendar of events related to the history of science, technology, and medicine.
• Science on Tap: A monthly gathering at National Mechanics featuring informal presentations by scientists.
• Lectures at the Free Library of Philadelphia: A series of author talks and lectures on diverse topics, including historical narratives, scientific research, and cultural commentary. Notable speakers include Nathaniel Philbrick, Derick Dreher, Jeremy Scahill, Rick Atkinson, Jessica Wapner, Gordon Campbell, Gary Greenberg, Oliver Sacks, and Margalit Fox.
• Events at Laurel Hill Cemetery: A rich schedule of tours and special events, such as "Hot Spots and Storied Plots," "The French Connection," "Lunar Strolls," "Ghosts Among Our Graves," "America's Second War of Independence: Laurel Hill's 1812 Veterans," "The Nature of a Great American Cemetery," "Age of Discovery: Explorers, Inventors and Scientists," and "The Streets of Philadelphia: Philly Streets Followed by Philly Treats." These tours often explore the history of the cemetery, its notable residents, and the surrounding city.
• PhACT Events: Including a "Seriously Scientific Expedition to the Heinz National Wildlife Refuge" and an annual picnic.
• Other Institutions: Events are also listed from the Delaware County Institute of Science, College of Physicians of Philadelphia, Wagner Free Institute of Science, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania Museum, and the Rittenhouse Astronomical Society.
• Nerd Nite: A recurring event featuring science discussions in a casual setting.
• Socrates Cafe: A moderated philosophical discussion group.
• The Institute for Religion and Science: Hosting a reading circle.

Support and Membership

The magazine includes sections encouraging readers to support PhACT. This includes:

• Membership: Information on joining PhACT with options for email or US Mail delivery of Phactum, with annual fees of $15 and $25 respectively.
• Donations: Encouragement to donate for general support, additional support, or specifically for High School Science Fair prizes.
• PhACT's High School Science Fair Student Prize Funds: A dedicated appeal for donations to support student prizes.

Editorial Information

• Phactum Editor: Ray Haupt, reachable at [email protected].
• Policy for Article Use: Materials originating in Phactum may be reprinted by groups recognized in CSI's international network of skeptics organizations, with proper credit. Other publications require permission from PhACT.
• PhACT Council 2012/13: A list of the organization's leadership, including Bob Glickman (President), Dr. David Cragin (Vice-President), Susan Glickman (Treasurer), Becky Strickland (Secretary), Eric Krieg (Past President), Wes Powers (Webmaster), Mike Caro, David Cattell, Ray Haupt, Dr. David Langdon, and Tom Napier.
• PhACT Website: www.phact.org

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the promotion of intellectual engagement, critical thinking, and the dissemination of knowledge through public events and accessible information. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of skepticism, scientific inquiry, and the exploration of history, science, and culture. The extensive listing of events suggests a commitment to fostering a vibrant intellectual community in Philadelphia and encouraging public participation in learning opportunities. The focus on historical tours, scientific lectures, and author events indicates a broad interest in making complex subjects accessible and engaging for a general audience.