Phactum - 2013 10 - October

Magazine Overview

Title: Phactum
Issue Date: October 2013
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking
Focus: Critical thinking, anti-woo woo, science.

Featured Articles and Discussions

PhACT Meeting Announcement

The issue announces a PhACT meeting on Saturday, October 19, 2013, at the Community College of Philadelphia. The featured speaker is Dr. Paul Offit, who will discuss "Do You Believe in Magic?: The Sense and Nonsense of Alternative Medicine." Dr. Offit, a prominent figure in infectious diseases and vaccinology, will explore the promises and pitfalls of alternative medicine, contrasting them with evidence-based medicine. The event is free and open to the public, with a book signing to follow.

Vaccination and Public Health

A significant portion of the magazine addresses issues related to vaccination. An article highlights a coincidence: Dr. Paul Offit, the featured speaker, is an expert on vaccines, and the October 2013 issue of Scientific American features an article by Tara Haelle discussing how vaccination opt-outs contribute to whooping cough outbreaks. The article cites an outbreak in California in 2010 that sickened thousands, with parental refusal of vaccination being a key factor. The editor shares a personal anecdote about contracting whooping cough in childhood, emphasizing its severity compared to other childhood illnesses like measles and chicken pox.

Book Reviews and Discussions

"Do You Believe in Magic?: The Sense and Nonsense of Alternative Medicine" by Paul A. Offit, M.D.: This book is reviewed by Dr. David Cragin, a toxicologist and member of PhACT's Council. The review explores the origins of various alternative medicine practices, such as chiropractic and acupuncture, highlighting their often unscientific bases. Offit is praised for providing historical context and scientific analysis, making the book valuable for anyone interested in health and science.

"Deadly Choices: How the Anti-Vaccination Movement Threatens Us All" by Paul Offit, M.D.: This book is described as a rebuttal to the anti-vaccine movement, detailing its origins, leaders, and impact. It aims to prevent a return to an era where children died from infections.

"The Quack Doctor: Historical Remedies for all your Ills" by Caroline Rance: This book is presented as an investigation into the history of quackery, featuring advertisements from the Victorian era and exploring the inventive ways quack remedies were promoted. It suggests that those who bought these remedies were not simply gullible.

Various Ruminations

This section, collected by Ray Haupt, covers several disparate topics:

• Legal Troubles: The case of Donald Eugene Miller Jr. of Fostoria, Ohio, who was declared legally dead in 1994 but reappeared in 2013, is highlighted. He is unable to collect Social Security due to his legal status, while his wife has been collecting death benefits.
• Good Quack / Bad Quack: This segment humorously distinguishes between the sound a duck makes and a person pretending to be a doctor. It also touches on the different ways animal sounds are spelled across languages.
• The Quackometer: This UK-based website, operated by Andy Lewis, is presented as an experiment in critical thinking that exposes alternative medicine and 'woo woo' nonsense by spotting common errors in thinking and argument.
• The Quack Doctor (website): Authored by Caroline Rance, this UK-based website offers a library of historical cures and medical stories.
• Kevin Trudeau: Infomercial scammer Kevin Trudeau was briefly jailed for contempt of court related to failing to pay sanctions. He claims to have few assets, but investigators believe he has hidden assets through an elaborate scheme involving marriage and corporations.

Creeping Creationism in Pennsylvania

This report, based on information from Glenn Branch of the National Center for Science Education, discusses a proposed bill in Pennsylvania that aims to undermine the teaching of evolution under the guise of 'academic freedom.' Barbara Forrest warns that this is a tactic by the Discovery Institute to promote 'intelligent design' creationism. The report notes that similar legislation has been pursued in other states, referencing the Kitzmiller v. Dover trial.

A Few Thoughts About Gravity

This section presents unusual ideas about gravity from "The Watchtower," the newsletter of Jehovah's Witnesses. One idea suggests that planetary alignment could cause floods, with Neptune acting as a gravitational corrective. Another discusses 'negative gravitation' and 'radiant energy' as potential means to avoid accidents, such as falling from elevator shafts.

Meeting Report - September 2013: The AIDS Conspiracy: Science Fights Back

This report details a discussion by Professor Nicoli Nattrass on her book "The AIDS Conspiracy: Science Fights Back." The discussion covered AIDS denialism, the belief that HIV does not cause AIDS, and the social and political factors contributing to this viewpoint, particularly in South Africa. Nattrass identified key figures who perpetuate these theories, including 'hero scientists,' 'cultropreneurs,' 'living icons,' and 'praise-singers.' The report emphasizes that while conspiracy theories are harmful, education and critical thinking are crucial to combat them. It also notes the significant number of AIDS deaths and HIV infections in South Africa that resulted from delayed antiretroviral treatment.

The North American Gorilla

This article by Don Nigroni explores historical reports and myths of gorillas in North America. It discusses the scientific recognition of gorilla species in Africa and the early exhibitions of stuffed gorillas. The article references newspaper reports from the late 19th century about 'wild men' and alleged 'gorillas' in places like Tennessee and Texas, as well as the famous 'Jacko hoax' from British Columbia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes critical thinking, skepticism towards pseudoscience and 'woo woo' claims, and a strong defense of evidence-based science. The editorial stance is clearly against alternative medicine, conspiracy theories (such as AIDS denialism and anti-vaccination sentiments), and creationism, advocating for scientific literacy and rational inquiry. The publication encourages reader participation through letters and articles, while maintaining a firm commitment to factual accuracy and polite disagreement.

Phactum, October 2013 issue, Volume 11. This issue features articles on human evolution, the explorer Paul du Chaillu, a book review, and an exposé on multilevel marketing.

Articles

The North American Gorilla and Bigfoot

The issue begins with a discussion of alleged gorilla sightings in the United States, referencing historical newspaper accounts from British Columbia and Indiana. The author notes that while the "Colonist" was duped by a story about a gorilla in 1884, and a "monster gorilla" was reported in Indiana in 1898, these accounts are presented with skepticism. The author concludes by linking these stories to the concept of Bigfoot.

Paul du Chaillu (1835 - 1903)

This section provides a biographical sketch of Paul du Chaillu, a French-American explorer born in New Orleans. At age 15, he accompanied his father to Africa, where he learned local languages and heard tales of native tribes and animals. After his father's death, he pursued a career as an explorer. From 1856 to 1860, he undertook an expedition to Equatorial Africa for the Academy of Natural Sciences at Philadelphia, becoming the first white man to encounter many African animals and tribes, and possibly the first to see gorillas, bringing specimens to the Natural History Museum of London. Between 1863 and 1865, he confirmed accounts of a pygmy people. Du Chaillu was a prolific writer, authoring several adventure books for young people based on his travels. Later in his life, he conducted expeditions in Scandinavia and died in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Book Review: Science and Modern Thought in Nursing: Pragmatism & Praxis for Evidence-Based Practice

Reviewed by Peterson Masigan, BSN, RN, this section discusses Dr. Bernie Garrett's book, which explores the evolution of science and Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) within the nursing profession. The book covers historical figures, scientific inquiry concepts, alternative philosophies, and the future of science in healthcare. The reviewer notes that while some chapters lean towards philosophy, the book offers a good overview for nursing students and professionals, with helpful discussion questions and an extensive reference list.

Is Human Evolution Accelerating?

Authored by Paul Schlueter III, this article examines recent findings from a Science News article about human genetic diversity. It highlights that a significant percentage of genetic variants in European-Americans and African-Americans arose within the last 5,000 years, a development that challenges traditional views of slow evolutionary change. The article discusses how population explosions, increased travel, and inter-societal reproduction might influence evolutionary rates. It also touches upon the sensitive topic of historical interbreeding and the potential impact of modern medicine and technology on natural selection. The author questions whether humanity's success has become a blight on the planet, driving it towards extinction.

Gradualism and Punctuated Equilibrium

This section explains two theories of evolutionary change: Gradualism, characterized by slow, consistent change over long periods, and Punctuated Equilibrium, marked by long periods of stability followed by rapid bursts of change, often driven by mutations. The article suggests that recent findings in human evolution might support the punctuated equilibrium model.

The Multilevel Marketing Scheme

Written by Paul Schlueter III, this article critically analyzes multilevel marketing (MLM) schemes, using Herbalife as a primary example. It describes how these companies recruit independent distributors who, in turn, recruit more salespeople. The article points out that a large percentage of participants in the MLM industry either break even or lose money, and that the Federal Trade Commission has limited regulations governing it. The author details the recruitment process, where job seekers are pitched the idea of earning income by selling products and recruiting others, often involving the purchase of a demonstrator unit. The article also discusses pyramid schemes, where the primary focus is on recruitment rather than product sales, and how these schemes are unsustainable and eventually collapse, leading to financial losses for most participants.

PhACT Calendar

This section lists upcoming events hosted by PhACT (Philadelphia Area Center for the History of Science) and other related organizations in the Philadelphia area. Events include lectures on topics such as the history of science, alternative medicine, the universe's symmetry, Victorian taxidermy, and historical events like the Civil War. It also includes details about adult education courses offered by the Wagner Free Institute of Science.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to have a skeptical and critical stance towards pseudoscientific claims and deceptive business practices. It promotes scientific inquiry, historical accuracy, and critical thinking. The articles on evolution and Paul du Chaillu reflect an interest in scientific and historical exploration, while the pieces on multilevel marketing and pyramid schemes serve as cautionary tales, urging readers to be aware of and discuss such schemes to protect themselves and their connections.

Title: Phactum
Issue: October 2013
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Phactum, dated October 2013, serves as the main propaganda organ for the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT). It details a comprehensive schedule of events, lectures, and activities taking place in Philadelphia throughout October and into November 2013. The publication aims to spread knowledge and encourage critical thinking across a variety of disciplines, including science, history, and culture.

Featured Events and Lectures

The magazine extensively lists upcoming events, providing dates, times, locations, and brief descriptions. These events are hosted by various institutions and organizations across Philadelphia.

October 2013 Events:

• Lectures and Discussions:
• Dr. Giegengack discusses the history and science of Vesuvius at Laurel Hill Cemetery (October 20).
• Eben Alexander, MD, presents "Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife" at St. Paul's Episcopal Church (October 20).
• Nick Shapiro gives a talk on "Toxicity and the 'New Car Smell'" at the Chemical Heritage Foundation (October 22).
• Simon Winchester discusses his book "The Men Who United the States" at the Free Library of Philadelphia (October 22).
• A panel discussion on "Women in the Civil War" takes place at the University of Pennsylvania Museum (October 26).
• Kathleen Duffy, SSJ, PhD, explores "Teilhard's Mysticism: Seeing the Inner Face of Evolution" at St. Paul's Episcopal Church (October 27).
• Thibaut Serviant-Fine talks about "Rationalizing Drug Discovery? The Early History of Antimetabolites (1940–1960)" at the Chemical Heritage Foundation (October 29).
• Jim Piecuch discusses his book "Cavalry of the American Revolution" at Saint Peter's Lutheran Church (October 30).
• Nicholas Basbanes presents "On Paper: The Everything of Its Two-Thousand-Year History" at the American Philosophical Society (October 30).
• Anna Dhody discusses "Preserving the Final Moment: A Brief History of Embalming in America" at the Wagner Free Institute of Science (October 30).
• Grover Silcox performs "Edgar Allan Poe and the Flip Side of Comedy" at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia (October 30).
• Linda J. Lee presents "Raising the Dead in Fairy Tales" as part of the Mütter Museum's "Day of the Dead Festival" (November 2).
• Michael Brooks, Ph.D., leads a tour on "Crooked Cronies: Philadelphia's Profiteering Politicians of the Past" at Laurel Hill Cemetery (November 3).
• Elisabeth Berry-Drago discusses "Thomas Wijck's Painted Alchemists at the Intersection of Art, Science, and Practice" at the Chemical Heritage Foundation (November 5).
• Richard R. Beeman discusses "The Forging of American Independence, 1774-1776" at Washington Memorial Chapel (November 5).
• Philadelphia Nerd Nite features science discussions at Frankford Hall (November 6).
• Ignacio Gallup-Diaz presents "Ferdinand Magellan, 'Our One True Guide': The First Circumnavigation of the Globe, 1519-1522" at the University of Pennsylvania Museum (November 6).
• Daniel M. Dailey and Ken Milano lead a tour on "From Sails to Steel: Shipbuilders of Philadelphia" at Laurel Hill Cemetery (November 9).
• Anthony Waskie, Ph.D., discusses the Marine Corps Anniversary Service and KIA Veterans' Day Tour at Laurel Hill Cemetery (November 10).
• A "Science on Tap" event featuring a presentation by the Chemical Heritage Foundation is held at National Mechanics (November 11).
• Professor Dave Goldberg of Drexel University discusses "Why Symmetry Matters" at a PhACT Event (November 16).

• Special Events:
• "Singing in the Cemetery: Kids' Concert and Family Fun" at Laurel Hill Cemetery (October 20).
• "Mega-Bad Movie Night: Them" featuring the 1954 film about giant ants, with expert commentary, at the Academy of Natural Sciences (October 24).
• "Hot Spots and Storied Plots" tour at Laurel Hill Cemetery (October 25).
• "Soul Crawl: Haunted History Halloween Tours" at Laurel Hill Cemetery (October 25, October 30).
• 18th Century Historian Clarissa Dillon, Ph.D., hosts a "Hands-on Cooking Workshop: Preparing an Autumn Meal in the 18th Century colonial style" at The 1696 Thomas Massey House (October 26).
• Clarissa Dillon, Ph.D., will also be cooking on an 18th-century hearth for the "Closing Day for the season" at The 1696 Thomas Massey House (October 27).
• A "Sip of Science 2013 Benefit Cocktail Party" is held at the Wagner Free Institute of Science (November 8).

November 2013 Events:

• The Rittenhouse Astronomical Society holds its monthly meetings at the Franklin Institute.
• The Mütter Museum hosts its "Annual Day of the Dead Festival" with cultural activities and a presentation by Linda J. Lee (November 2).

Featured Articles and Content

• "Mega-Bad Movie Night: Them": This event features the 1954 cult classic film "Them," about giant man-eating ants. The Academy of Natural Sciences will host the screening, with experts providing commentary on the scientific absurdities. The event includes a cash bar, snacks, specimen sampling, live animals, and access to exhibits.
• "Simon Winchester | The Men Who United the States": Acclaimed author Simon Winchester is featured for a talk on his book, which explores the lives of American explorers, inventors, and eccentrics who shaped the nation. Winchester's background and previous works are highlighted.
• "Hot Spots and Storied Plots" Tour: This monthly tour at Laurel Hill Cemetery offers an overview of its history, art, and legendary stories, designed for first-time visitors and those interested in the cemetery's WOW factor.
• "Soul Crawl: Haunted History Halloween Tours": These extended nighttime walking tours of Laurel Hill Cemetery focus on its history, art, and landscape, concluding with cookies and cider by fire pits.
• "Women in the Civil War" Panel Discussion: This discussion at the University of Pennsylvania Museum examines the multifaceted effects of the Civil War on American women, including those in the North and South, free Black women, and women laborers.
• "From Sails to Steel: Shipbuilders of Philadelphia" Tour: This tour at Laurel Hill Cemetery delves into Philadelphia's maritime history, focusing on shipbuilding in the 19th century and the stories of those interred there.
• "Marine Corps Anniversary Service and KIA Veterans' Day Tour": This event at Laurel Hill Cemetery commemorates the founding of the Marine Corps and honors fallen heroes with a tour of veterans' resting places.
• "On Paper: The Everything of Its Two-Thousand-Year History": Nicholas Basbanes discusses his book, which chronicles the history and uses of paper from its invention in China to its role in modern society.

Supporting PhACT and Phactum

The magazine includes information on how to support the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT). Memberships are available for $15 (email delivery) or $25 (US Mail delivery), with additional options for donations. Contact information for the PhACT editor, Ray Haupt, is provided for submissions and feedback.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

Phactum positions itself as the "main propaganda organ" for the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, indicating a commitment to promoting critical thinking and skepticism. The content heavily features scientific, historical, and cultural events, often with a focus on debunking pseudoscience or exploring complex topics from an evidence-based perspective. The magazine encourages intellectual engagement and participation in public discourse. The inclusion of a quote from Henry David Thoreau about credulity and medicine suggests a critical stance towards unsubstantiated claims, particularly in the realm of health and wellness.

The recurring themes include:

• Science and Critical Thinking: Many events focus on scientific topics, historical scientific developments, and the application of critical thinking to various fields.
• History and Culture: Numerous lectures and tours delve into local and national history, including the Civil War, American shipbuilding, and notable historical figures.
• Community Engagement: The magazine actively promotes participation in public lectures, workshops, and tours, fostering a sense of community among those interested in intellectual pursuits.
• Skepticism: As the organ of a critical thinking association, the publication implicitly promotes a skeptical approach to extraordinary claims and encourages evidence-based reasoning.