Phactum - 2014 01 - January

Magazine Overview

Title: Phactum
Issue: January/February/March 2014
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking
Editor: Ray Haupt
Cover Description: The cover features a reproduction of Paleolithic cave paintings depicting hunters and animals, with the magazine title 'Phactum' prominently displayed above. A quote from Eric Hoffer about creativity and play is also featured.

Contents and Articles

Front Cover and Introduction

The issue opens with a quote from Eric Hoffer (1902-1983) emphasizing the role of play and creativity in human development, inspired by the Paleolithic cave paintings of Altamira.

Cave Art of the Iberian Peninsula

The front cover article discusses the Mediterranean Arc Cave Paintings of the Iberian peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These rock paintings and etchings, created between the Neolithic and Copper Ages (10,000-4,000 B.C.), are found in open-air rock shelters and caves. They predominantly feature human and animal figures engaged in actions like hunting, war, and dance rituals, sketched on limestone in red, black, and white. The article notes that there are 727 such pictorial groups across various regions of Spain. Examples from Lascaux, France, dating to approximately 17,000 B.C., are also mentioned as being older than the Spanish cave art.

Phactum Table of Contents

The table of contents lists upcoming PhACT events, letters to the editor, various ruminations, meeting reports, and articles on topics such as "Snowy Days are Here Again," "The Wantage Event," "The Blood-Sucking Forvolaka," "Pondering the Mega Millions Drawing," and the "PhACT Calendar."

Upcoming PhACT Events

• Several upcoming events hosted by PhACT are detailed:
• January 18, 2014: A lecture on "Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and Science in the Media" featuring science writer Faye Flam and toxicologist Dr. David Cragin.
• February 15, 2014: A lecture on "Neuroethics: the Perils and Potential of Brain Science" by Professor Ted Schick.
• March 15, 2014: A lecture on "Bigfoot and Cryptozoology" by Professor Brian Regal.
• April 28, 2014: A lecture by Michael Shermer, PhD, founder of the Skeptics Society, as part of the Philadelphia Science Festival.
• May 17, 2014: A "PhACT Scientific Expedition" led by Don Nigroni, focusing on monster/ghost hunting.

Details about the meeting location (Community College of Philadelphia), time (2:00 PM on the third Saturday of most months), and cost ($4.00 for parking) are provided. Meetings are generally free and open to the public.

Book Reviews/Features

• "The Score: How The Quest For Sex Has Shaped The Modern Man" by Faye Flam: This book is described as a witty and fresh look at the male side of the male-female relationship, tracing evolutionary history and the strategies males use to attract females.
• "How to Think about Weird Things: Critical Thinking for a New Age" by Ted Schick and Lewis Vaughn: This text is presented as an affordable guide to critical thinking, teaching readers how to evaluate claims and evidence, with examples from "weird claims and beliefs."
• "Searching for Sasquatch: Crackpots, Eggheads, and Cryptozoology" by Brian Regal: This book examines the relationship between professional scientists and cryptozoologists, challenging the traditional narrative that portrays scientists as dismissive of anomalous primates.

Letters to the Editor

• Don Nigroni writes about Roger Patterson's 1966 book "Do Abominable Snowmen of America Really Exist?" and the offer to join "THE ABOMINABLE SNOWMEN CLUB OF AMERICA" for $5.95.
• Howard J. Wilk contributes a letter discussing the independent evolution of flight in pterosaurs, referencing an article on "Comb Jelly DNA Startles Scientists."
• Howard J. Wilk also responds to an article in SKEPTIC V18N2 2013 regarding gender differences, questioning the premise of studying children in isolation and critiquing the concept of "congenital adrenal hyperplasia" as presented.
• Mitchell Brown discusses the distinction between "male" and "female," arguing that it is primarily a social construct, even when anatomical differences exist.
• Howard J. Wilk shares his theory on the decline of the phrases "political correctness" and "political correct-ness," citing Google's Ngram viewer data.
• Howard J. Wilk writes about his search for an email from Denise Creedon of the Chemical Heritage Foundation and the American Chemical Society, noting a similar name (Denise Creech) in the latter organization.
• Howard J. Wilk reflects on coincidental name similarities, such as Wendell Willkie marrying Edith Wilk.
• Howard J. Wilk shares an anecdote about testing a psychic on a TV show, highlighting how seemingly random predictions can be statistically significant.
• Howard J. Wilk discusses an article from nytimes.com about computer-generated insects and Neanderthal genomes, and the concept of "plausibility" in fiction, using examples from Jurassic Park and Star Wars.
• Don Nigroni reports on a Bigfoot sighting near the Appalachian Trail in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and offers a counter-theory involving a hibernating bear.

Other Content

• A cartoon by Dave Lowe titled "SASQUATCH STANDUP" is included.
• An advertisement for a mail-order "University" offering a medical diploma is present.
• A note encourages members and others to submit letters and articles for publication in Phactum.
• A brief mention of Margaret Mitchell, author of "Gone With the Wind," is included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue of Phactum consistently promotes critical thinking and skepticism towards extraordinary claims, while also engaging with scientific and philosophical discussions. The articles and letters explore topics ranging from the scientific validity of paranormal claims (Bigfoot, psychics) to the interpretation of scientific findings (GMOs, neuroethics) and societal constructs (gender differences, political correctness). The publication encourages civil discussion and the presentation of diverse viewpoints, as long as they align with the broader goal of fostering critical inquiry. The editorial stance appears to favor rational analysis and evidence-based reasoning, as exemplified by the focus on critical thinking and the questioning of unsubstantiated beliefs.

This issue of Phactum, dated January/February/March 2014, is Volume 11 and features a cover headline of "Various Ruminations of Woo Woo and Real Science." The magazine covers a range of topics from personal tributes and critiques of alternative medicine to scientific discussions and wildlife observations.

Tributes and Personal Reflections

The issue begins with a tribute to Bill Wisdom, a long-time PhACT member and Professor of Philosophy at Temple University, who passed away on December 15, 2013, at the age of 78. Eric Krieg, former president of PhACT, shares warm memories of Wisdom, highlighting his contributions to the organization, his musical interests, and his philosophical inquiries. The article notes Wisdom's role in founding PhACT and his preference for allowing discussions on purely religious claims within the group.

Homeopaths Without Borders: A Critique

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to criticizing the organization "Homeopaths Without Borders" (HWB). The article draws a parallel with the well-known humanitarian organization "Medecins Sans Frontieres" (Doctors Without Borders) but points out that HWB, established in 1996, offers services devoid of evidence-based medicine. The author argues that while the individuals involved may be well-intentioned, their practices of dispensing "medical quackery" and "minute quantities of distilled water" are not what desperately ill people need. The article also notes that HWB is supported by US Tax codes, which the author finds outrageous. It references pundit Mark Crislip, who observed the proliferation of similar organizations like Chiropractors Without Borders and Naturopaths Without Borders, many of which focus on Haiti. A quote attributed to Edmund Burke (though questioned) states, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of disease is for good men to do homeopathy."

The article also introduces "The Skeptical Raptor," a website that debunks quackery and pseudoscience. The Raptor's blog is presented as a resource for science-based information, and his critique of Homeopathy Without Borders is highlighted.

Science and Skepticism in Practice

Professor Fakes AIDS Vaccine Data

This section reports on Dr. Dong-Pyou Han, an Iowa State University professor who falsified AIDS vaccine testing data, leading to the acquisition of $19 million in research grants. The article expresses outrage that the Federal Government's response was a voluntary exclusion agreement for three years, allowing Dr. Han to exclude himself from government contracting and advisory roles. Dr. Ivan Oransky, a physician and medical journalist, is quoted as saying the penalty is harsh but that such activity should be punished more severely by the federal government.

Gambling Issues

Several articles address the growing problem of gambling. One report indicates that senior citizens are the fastest-growing population of gamblers, losing income and jeopardizing their future. Another study finds that people in poor neighborhoods are twice as likely to have gambling problems. A third article discusses the potential increase in gambling addiction if federal bills to legalize internet poker are passed, citing testimony from Dr. Rachel Volberg, who has studied gambling for over 25 years.

A New Poll on Evolution

Glenn Branch of the National Center for Science Education reports on a Pew Research Center poll concerning views on evolution. The poll indicates that 60% of Americans accept human evolution, while 33% believe in creationism. The article details how these beliefs are influenced by religious affiliation and political party, noting a widening gap between Republicans and Democrats on the issue.

Meeting Report: "Why Symmetry Matters"

This section covers a talk given by Professor Dave Goldberg, a physicist and cosmologist from Drexel University, at a PhACT meeting. Goldberg discussed the concept of symmetry in the universe, its role in scientific discoveries, and how nature breaks symmetry. He touched upon Emmy Noether's theorem on the conservation of energy and time translation symmetry, and how the expanding universe breaks the symmetry of the Big Bang. The talk also explored the asymmetry between matter and anti-matter and the direction of time, concluding that while science seeks understanding, an element of chaos remains.

Book Reviews

Two books by Dave Goldberg are reviewed: "The Universe in the Rearview Mirror: How Hidden Symmetries Shape Reality" and "A User's Guide to the Universe: Surviving the Perils of Black Holes, Time Paradoxes, and Quantum Uncertainty." Both are described as accessible and engaging explorations of complex physics topics.

Philadelphia Science Festival and Events

The magazine announces the Fourth Annual Philadelphia Science Festival, scheduled for April 25 - May 3, 2014, featuring numerous events across the city. It also notes that PhACT will host Michael Shermer, founder of the Skeptics Society, for a lecture on April 28, 2014.

Wagner Free Institute of Science

Information is provided about lectures and free courses offered by the Wagner Free Institute of Science for Winter and Spring 2014, covering topics such as the Passenger Pigeon, genetics, instruments and order, botany, pollination biology, sedimentary rock, and environmental science.

"Snowy Days Are Here Again" - Snowy Owl Irruption

This article by Kim A. Sheridan details an unusual irruption of snowy owls in North America during the winter of 2013-2014. The owls, typically found further north, appeared in large numbers along the coastlines and even at airports in states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio. The article explores potential causes, including the cyclical fluctuation of lemming populations and a possible boom in the owl population. It provides resources for observing snowy owls, such as the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology's eBird database and specific wildlife refuges.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Phactum strongly emphasizes scientific skepticism, evidence-based reasoning, and critical thinking. It critiques alternative medicine practices, particularly homeopathy, and highlights the importance of rigorous scientific research, as seen in the reporting on the AIDS vaccine data falsification and the discussion of evolution. The magazine also covers scientific topics like cosmology and physics, alongside community events and observations of natural phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one that champions science and rational inquiry while questioning unsubstantiated claims and practices.

Phactum, January/February/March 2014 issue, is a magazine focused on skeptical inquiry, science, and the paranormal. This issue features "The Wantage Event" as its cover story, exploring a reported encounter with a mysterious creature in New Jersey in 1977.

The Wantage Event

This article by Don Nigroni details the 1977 incident in Wantage Township, New Jersey, involving the Sites family. They reported a seven-foot-tall, hairy creature with red eyes that terrorized their farm, killed six pet rabbits, and damaged a garage door. Initial police reports suggested a bear, but later official statements from the State Police and the N.J. Division of Fish and Game concluded it was an 'unidentified woods animal,' possibly a wild dog. The article also explores alternative explanations, including a red fox's killing frenzy or an American black bear, and mentions the involvement of the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) and other investigative groups.

The Blood-Sucking Forvolaka

Paul Schlueter III reviews the 1945 Hammer film "Isle of the Dead," starring Boris Karloff. The article focuses on the mythical creature known as the "forvolaka," described as a part-wolf blood-sucker whose victims rise from death. The review discusses the film's plot, its themes of superstition versus rationality, and the character of the General, who is swayed by superstitious beliefs despite his military background.

Indian Anti-Superstition Activist Narendra Dabholkar Shot Dead

This section reports on the murder of Narendra Dabholkar, a rationalist campaigner in Maharashtra, India, who advocated for an anti-black magic bill. The article details his efforts to outlaw practices of 'godmen' and his organization's outreach programs promoting rational thought. It also mentions the state government's reward for information leading to the arrest of his killers and provides a website for the Maharashtra Blind Faith Eradication Committee.

Some Thoughts as I Ponder The Mega Millions Drawing Tonight, Tuesday 17 December 2013

Howard J. Wilk offers a personal reflection on playing the Mega Millions lottery. He discusses his gaming strategy, the concept of expected value, and the odds of winning. Wilk also touches upon the "Let's Make a Deal" probability problem and the 1980 Pennsylvania Lottery Scandal, "Triple Six Fix," to illustrate concepts of probability, fairness, and technical limitations in random draws. He concludes by noting the Mega Millions lottery had two winners sharing a $648 million prize on December 17, 2013.

The Quack Doctor: Historical Remedies for all Your Ills

This is a book review by Caroline Rance of a book detailing the history of quackery and its advertising from the Victorian era to the early twentieth century. The book explores inventive methods used to promote remedies and suggests that consumers were not always simply gullible.

PhACT Calendar

The PhACT Calendar lists upcoming events related to skepticism and science in the Philadelphia area. Events include lectures on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), Neuroethics, Bigfoot and Cryptozoology, and a scientific expedition led by Don Nigroni. It also mentions events hosted by The Philadelphia Area Center for the History of Science (PACHS) and a reading circle on religion and science.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a skeptical and rational approach to phenomena, contrasting scientific explanations with superstition and folklore. Articles often explore historical accounts, media portrayals of the supernatural, and the importance of critical thinking. The editorial stance favors evidence-based reasoning and challenges unsubstantiated beliefs, as seen in the discussions of the Wantage Event, the forvolaka, and the critique of quackery and blind faith.

This issue of Phactum covers events scheduled for January, February, and March 2014, serving as the main propaganda organ for the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT). The publication details a diverse range of lectures, workshops, and meetings hosted by various institutions in Philadelphia.

Event Listings

January 2014

• January 22, 2013 (Note: Year discrepancy in original text, likely 2014): College of Physicians of Philadelphia hosts a discussion on "Football: America's Pride or America's Shame?" featuring medical professionals and former NFL players. The Academy of Natural Sciences offers an "Adult Class: Reptile Sketching."
• January 28, 2014: Chemical Heritage Foundation presents a "Brown Bag Lecture" on "'Won't Get Fooled Again': The Primacy of Chemistry in the Founding of America."
• January 24, 2014: Laurel Hill Cemetery offers a "Monthly Fourth Friday Tour: Hot Spots and Storied Plots."
• January 29, 2014: The Free Library of Philadelphia hosts Brad Bumsted discussing "Keystone Corruption." The American Revolution Round Table of Philadelphia features Kim Burdick on "Seized in September." The Wagner Free Institute of Science presents Joel Greenberg discussing "The Echoes of their Wings: The Life and Legacy of the Passenger Pigeon." The University of Pennsylvania Museum hosts a "Brown Bag Lecture" on "Preserving Heritage is Good Local Business: Saving Sites with Economic Development."

February 2014

• February 1, 2014: The Academy of Natural Sciences hosts a "Paleo Illustration: Bringing Ancient Beasts to Life" class.
• February 4, 2014: Chemical Heritage Foundation offers a "Brown Bag Lecture" on "'Such a Sister Became Such a Brother': Lady Ranelagh's Influence on Robert Boyle." Friends of Valley Forge Park discusses "The Historical Evolution of Valley Forge."
• February 5, 2014: University of Pennsylvania Museum hosts a "'Great Voyages' Lecture: Titanic to the Iron Age" with Robert Ballard.
• February 8, 2014: Laurel Hill Cemetery hosts a tour on "Transplanted Souls: Another Try at Eternal Rest."
• February 10, 2014: National Mechanics hosts "Science on Tap."
• February 11, 2014: Chemical Heritage Foundation presents a "Brown Bag Lecture" by Alex Csiszar on the rise of scientific journals. The Free Library of Philadelphia hosts Richard Barrett discussing "A Prosecutor's Perspective."
• February 12, 2014: Philadelphia Nerd Nite meets at Frankford Hall. World Cafe Live hosts a "Science Cafe" on "Rabies: A Perpetual Killer Disease." The Rittenhouse Astronomical Society holds a lecture at The Franklin Institute. Wagner Free Institute of Science features Dr. Scott Gilbert on "Putting the X and Y in SEXY: How Genes Turn us into Boys and Girls."
• February 14, 2014: Laurel Hill Cemetery hosts "An Indecent Proposal: Erotica and the American Civil War."
• February 15, 2014: PhACT Lecture features Ted Schick discussing "Neuroethics: the Perils and Potential of Brain Science."
• February 16, 2014: University of Pennsylvania Museum hosts a "Pompeii Lecture Series: Dining and Lovemaking in Pompeii." Laurel Hill Cemetery hosts a tour on "Friends in High Places: Laurel Hill's Presidential Connections."
• February 17, 2014: Chestnut Hill College hosts Scott F. Gilbert discussing "Wonder and the Need for Alliances between Science and Religion."
• February 18, 2014: Chemical Heritage Foundation offers a "Brown Bag Lecture" by Juan-Andres Leon on mathematical models in chemistry.
• February 19, 2014: The Free Library of Philadelphia hosts Zack Stalberg discussing "What Are You Going To Do About It?"
• February 20, 2014: The Academy of Natural Sciences hosts "Mega-Bad Movie Night: Jurassic Park III."
• February 22, 2014: University of Pennsylvania Museum hosts an "Afternoon Lecture: Secrets of the Mountain-of-Anubis."
• February 24, 2014: American Revolution Round Table of Philadelphia features Don N. Hagist on "Sixty Men at Monmouth."
• February 25, 2014: Chemical Heritage Foundation offers a "Brown Bag Lecture" by Robin Scheffler.
• March 4, 2014: Friends of Valley Forge Park hosts Carol Spacht discussing "An Evening with Martha Washington: General's Wife and President's Lady." Chemical Heritage Foundation offers a "Brown Bag Lecture" by Kurtis Hessel.
• March 5, 2014: University of Pennsylvania Museum hosts a "'Great Voyages' Lecture: Kon Tiki" with Clark Erickson. World Cafe Live hosts a "Science Cafe" on "Rock Mechanics of Fracking."
• March 6, 2014: Wagner Free Institute of Science features Dr. Emily Dolan discussing "Instruments and Order."
• March 10, 2014: National Mechanics hosts "Science on Tap."

March 2014

• March 11, 2014: American Revolution Round Table of Philadelphia features Ruma Chopra on "Enemies of Britain in the Atlantic World, 1750-1800."
• March 12, 2014: The Rittenhouse Astronomical Society holds a lecture at The Franklin Institute. Philadelphia Nerd Nite meets at Frankford Hall. Chestnut Hill College hosts Paul Knitter discussing "Is the History of Religions on the Brink of a New Axial Age?"
• March 15-16, 2014: Laurel Hill Cemetery hosts "Bury the Dead," a staged reading and discussion exploring themes of war and guilt.
• March 15, 2014: PhACT Lecture features Professor Brian Regal discussing "Bigfoot and Cryptozoology."
• March 16, 2014: University of Pennsylvania Museum hosts a "Pompeii Lecture Series: Visiting with the Ancients."
• March 18, 2014: Chemical Heritage Foundation offers a "Brown Bag Lecture" by Daniel Margoczy. The Free Library of Philadelphia hosts Wendy Ruderman and Barbara Laker discussing their book "Busted: A Tale of Corruption and Betrayal in the City of Brotherly Love."
• March 25, 2014: Chemical Heritage Foundation offers a "Brown Bag Lecture" by Joel Klein on "Epistolary Chymistry, The Philosophical Golden Chicken, and Recipes for the Reform of Medicine."
• March 28, 2014: Laurel Hill Cemetery offers a "Monthly Fourth Friday Tour Series: Hot Spots and Storied Plots."
• March 29, 2014: Laurel Hill Cemetery hosts a walking tour on "Designing for the Dead: The Art and Architecture of Laurel Hill."
• March 31, 2014: American Revolution Round Table of Philadelphia features Ruma Chopra on "Enemies of Britain in the Atlantic World, 1750-1800."
• April 1, 2014: Friends of Valley Forge Park hosts Clarissa Dillon discussing "Women's Work in the Eighteenth Century." Chemical Heritage Foundation offers a "Brown Bag Lecture" by Rebecca Guenard.
• April 2, 2014: University of Pennsylvania Museum hosts a "'Great Voyages' Lecture: The Odyssey." World Cafe Live hosts a "Science Cafe" on "Eating in a Material World."
• April 8, 2014: Chemical Heritage Foundation offers a "Brown Bag Lecture" by Carin Berkowitz.
• April 9, 2014: Philadelphia Nerd Nite meets at Frankford Hall.
• April 28, 2014: PhACT Lecture features Michael Shermer, PhD, founder of the Skeptics Society.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The publication consistently promotes critical thinking and provides a platform for diverse intellectual and cultural events, primarily in Philadelphia. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging engagement with science, history, and societal issues through accessible public lectures and discussions. The "PhACT Lecture" series and the inclusion of events from organizations like the American Revolution Round Table and the Rittenhouse Astronomical Society highlight a commitment to fostering an informed and curious public. The magazine also emphasizes the importance of skepticism and evidence-based reasoning, as evidenced by the inclusion of Michael Shermer, a prominent skeptic, as a featured speaker.