Phactum - 2014 04 - April

Magazine Overview

Title: Phactum
Issue: April/May/June 2014
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking
Editor: Ray Haupt
Webmaster: Wes Powers

This issue of Phactum, the newsletter and anti-woo woo organ of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, marks the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War I. The cover features a poignant image of a WWI soldier with the ironic caption, "August 1914: Don't worry. It should end by Christmas."

World War I Centennial

The lead article reflects on the 100th anniversary of World War I, noting the resurgence of imperialism in Europe prior to the conflict. It details the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, which triggered the war a month later. Key early battles mentioned include the invasion of Liege, Belgium, and the First Battle of the Marne, which resulted in significant casualties. The article also notes America's entry into the war in 1917 and the eventual end with the flawed Treaty of Versailles in 1918. It highlights the scientific and technological advancements spurred by the war, including improvements in plastic surgery, skin grafts, and the eventual reformulation of nitrogen mustard gas for cancer therapy.

Upcoming PhACT Events

The newsletter details upcoming events hosted by PhACT. Meetings are generally held at the Community College of Philadelphia, with parking available. A special lecture on Monday, April 28, 2014, at 7:30 PM, features Michael Shermer discussing his book "The Believing Brain: From Ghosts and Gods to Politics and Conspiracies---How We Construct Beliefs and Reinforce Them as Truths." Shermer's thesis is that beliefs come first, and explanations follow, driven by the brain's patternicity and agenticity. The event was held at the Auditorium of the Bonnell building at CCP.

PhACT also organized a Scientific Expedition on Saturday, May 17, 2014, led by Don Nigroni, focusing on investigating the history of ghostly apparitions and colonial ruins at Ridley Creek State Park. The expedition included discussions on the nature of ghosts and information about the park's zoology and botany. Another event was a PhACT Picnic on Saturday, June 21, 2014, at Mondauk Common Park, featuring a book swap.

Reviews and Ruminations

Book Review: The Believing Brain

Page 5 provides an in-depth look at Michael Shermer's book "The Believing Brain." It explains Shermer's theory that beliefs are formed for subjective, personal, emotional, and psychological reasons, and then rationalized with intellectual arguments. The book details the brain's function as a "belief engine" that seeks patterns (patternicity) and meaning (agenticity), leading to a positive feedback loop of belief confirmation. Shermer uses real-world examples to demonstrate why science is the best tool for determining the truth of beliefs.

Letters to the Editor

Howard J. Wilk from Philadelphia contributes two letters. The first discusses new methods for detecting malaria using light and magnets, referencing research published in PNAS and Chemical & Engineering News. He humorously notes the irony of detecting malaria parasites with high precision while still being unable to send a man to the moon. His second letter discusses the etymology and astronomical significance of "Iwo Jima" and "Io," the moon of Jupiter, exploring coincidences related to the word "sulfur."

Various Ruminations

Collected and written by Ray Haupt, this section covers several topics:

• School Science Fairs: PhACT members served as judges for high school and middle school science fairs in Philadelphia and Bucks County. The Carver Science Fair in Philadelphia showcased nearly 600 exhibits, with PhACT prizes awarded for critical thinking. The Bucks County Science Fair saw judges impressed by students' integrity in acknowledging flawed hypotheses and drawing proper conclusions.
• Kevin Trudeau Goes to Jail. Does Not Pass Go: This piece reports on the sentencing of Kevin Trudeau, a TV pitchman and alternative medicine fraudster, to 10 years in federal prison for promoting conspiracy theories and ineffective treatments.
• Red Herring Department: This section explains the concept of a "red herring" as a diversionary tactic in discussions and debates, noting that it will be included in the third edition of PhACT's "Roster of I.R.E. (Infamous Rational Errors)."
• Tiktaalik and the Weather Channel: The article discusses the fossil Tiktaalik as a link between fish and walking animals, noting the surprising coverage by the Weather Channel and its role in promoting science communication.
• New Anti-Quackery Website: The formation of the nonprofit Society for Science-Based Medicine (SFSBM) is announced, aiming to educate consumers and professionals about science-based medicine and oppose quackery.
• Research review finds little health-related benefit from meditation: A review of studies published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that while mindfulness meditation showed moderate evidence for improving anxiety, depression, and pain, it had low evidence for other benefits and no evidence for mantra-based programs being superior to other therapies.

Project STEVE

Glenn Branch reports that Project Steve, a parody of creationist lists of scientists, has exceeded 1300 signatories. The project restricts signatories to scientists named Steve (or cognates) to mock the creationist practice of compiling lists of dissenting scientists.

Book Review: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Film Noir

This section reviews "A Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Film Noir" by John Grant (aka Paul Barnett). The book is described as an extensive reference guide covering films from noir's earliest days to modern offshoots, with an alphabetical arrangement and a detailed appendix.

Evolution and World War 1

This article clarifies that Charles Darwin did not cause World War I, but notes that biologist Ernst Haeckel first used the term "First World War" in 1914. Haeckel, while a proponent of evolution, had some differing views from Darwin, such as subscribing to Lamarckian evolution and proposing humans evolved in Asia. Despite some inaccuracies, Haeckel is recognized for identifying thousands of species.

The Big Gamble

This piece discusses the push to legalize Internet gambling, the opposition from figures like Sheldon Adelson, and the growing inevitability of online gambling. It references an article from Slate.com detailing the history of this fight.

Brain study offers hope for gambling addicts

A study from Cambridge University suggests that gamblers develop a different pattern of brain activity, particularly in the insula, which supports distorted thinking about their chances of winning.

Embezzlement a growing trend with problem gamblers

This section highlights a trend of white-collar crime, particularly embezzlement by public officials, linked to problem gambling, as discussed by Washington County District Attorney Gene Vittone.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Phactum include the promotion of critical thinking, skepticism towards pseudoscience and "woo woo" claims, and an emphasis on scientific evidence and research. The publication actively engages with its readers by soliciting letters, articles, and suggestions. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science and anti-quackery, as evidenced by the coverage of the SFSBM, the critique of Kevin Trudeau, and the discussion of scientific methodology in events like the science fairs and the ghost hunting expedition. The magazine also demonstrates an interest in history, particularly through the World War I centennial feature.

Title: Phactum
Issue: April/May/June 2014
Date: April/May/June 2014
Content Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Phactum magazine, dated April/May/June 2014, features a collection of meeting reports from January-March 2014, alongside articles on various scientific and historical topics, and announcements for upcoming events.

Meeting Reports

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and Science in the Media

Reported by Yanyan Li, this section details a PhACT meeting on January 18, 2014, featuring Dr. Dave Cragin (toxicologist and risk assessment expert) and Faye Flam (science writer). They discussed GMOs, asserting that they are not fundamentally different from conventional breeding practices and can help solve the global food crisis by saving resources and increasing food production. For instance, GMO cotton requires significantly less water than conventional cotton. The report notes that many accredited organizations, including the WHO and FDA, deem GMO foods safe. However, it also addresses the public's skepticism, attributing it to activist attacks and faulty information spread through media. Dr. Cragin argued that GMO food is nutritionally and safely equivalent to conventional food and that labeling GMOs is misleading. The report includes a quote from Jean-Jacques Rousseau on humanity's tendency to corrupt nature.

Bigfoot and Cryptozoology

Reported by Edwin Abia-Okon, this section covers a PHACT lecture on March 15, 2014, by Professor Brian Regal, a historian of science. The lecture defined cryptozoology, explored the etymology of the word 'monster,' and traced the history of searching for cryptids. Regal explained that 'monster' evolved from meaning a 'sign' to referring to imaginary creatures, and cryptozoology focuses on animals whose existence is unproven. He noted that the search has often been driven by amateurs and folklore, citing examples like the Yeti and Bigfoot. The lecture also touched upon historical accounts of monstrous creatures and the early scientific interest in cryptozoology from figures like Aristotle and Linnaeus. Professor Regal mentioned key figures in the field, including Ivan Terence Sanderson, Bernard Heuvelmans, Willy Ley, Edward Tyson, Antoine Corneile Oudemans, Richard Owen, John Russell Napier, Carleton Stevens Coon, William Charles Osman Hill, and Grover Krantz, who expressed belief in Bigfoot. Regal concluded by advising that a photograph is valuable evidence for such creatures.

Book Reviews and Features

"The Score: How The Quest For Sex Has Shaped The Modern Man" by Faye Flam

This section reviews Faye Flam's book, which examines the male-female relationship through an evolutionary lens. It explores how differences in early reproductive strategies have shaped male behavior and courtship rituals across species, ultimately influencing the development of modern man.

"Searching for Sasquatch: Crackpots, Eggheads, and Cryptozoology" by Brian Regal

This review discusses Brian Regal's book, which investigates the complex relationship between professional scientists and cryptozoologists. It challenges the narrative that scientists (eggheads) dismiss cryptozoology (practiced by crackpots), revealing that many scientists have actively researched anomalous primates, even risking their careers to explore the possibility of creatures like Bigfoot.

"If at first... or, Tomatoes in "the World of William Penn"" by Clarissa F. Dillon, Ph.D.

This article debunks the myth that tomatoes were considered poisonous in colonial America. Clarissa F. Dillon uses primary sources from the 17th and 18th centuries to demonstrate that tomatoes were grown, eaten, and enjoyed by colonists. She cites English herbalists and gardening manuals that describe tomatoes being prepared in various ways, including being eaten raw, boiled, or stewed, and used in soups. The article highlights that tomatoes were known as 'love apples' and were considered wholesome in hotter climates, contradicting the notion of widespread fear.

"The Universe in the Rearview Mirror: How Hidden Symmetries Shape Reality" by Dave Goldberg

This section reviews Dave Goldberg's book, which explores how hidden symmetries in the universe shape reality, from the Higgs boson to galaxies. It highlights Emmy Noether's theorem as a significant contribution to understanding these symmetries and their impact on physics.

"A User's Guide to the Universe: Surviving the Perils of Black Holes, Time Paradoxes, and Quantum Uncertainty" by Dave Goldberg and Jeff Blomquist

This review describes a guide that answers fundamental physics questions in an accessible manner, covering topics like string theory, quantum mechanics, and parallel universes. It aims to provide readers with an engaging and understandable overview of complex scientific concepts.

Organizations and Events

Humanist Association of Greater Philadelphia (HAGP)

An article introduces the HAGP, describing it as an organization that promotes a secular humanist worldview through rational principles and science. It details their monthly events, including book and movie discussions, and speaker programs, and invites readers to engage with the community online or in person. Upcoming HAGP events are listed, including social lunches, book club meetings, and a speaker series.

Fourth Annual Philadelphia Science Festival

Announced for April 25 - May 3, 2014, this festival involves various institutions across Philadelphia hosting nearly 100 FREE events celebrating science and technology. The article notes that PhACT hosted The Amazing Randi in 2013 and will host Michael Shermer, founder of the Skeptics Society, in 2014 for a provocative lecture.

At the Wagner Free Institute of Science

This section lists upcoming lectures at the Wagner Free Institute of Science, including a presentation on chromosomal genes and sex determination by Scott Gilbert, and a talk on the restorative potential of mushrooms by Paul Stamets. It also mentions the Philadelphia Science Festival as part of the latter event.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes scientific inquiry, rational thinking, and the dissemination of knowledge. It features a balanced approach, presenting scientific findings, historical research, and discussions on philosophical and societal issues. The editorial stance appears to favor evidence-based reasoning and critical thinking, as seen in the debunking of the tomato myth and the promotion of scientific literacy through events and book reviews. There is a clear emphasis on making complex scientific topics accessible to a broader audience.

Title: Phactum
Issue: April/May/June 2014
Document Type: Magazine Issue

The Wagner Free Institute of Science: A Brief History

The lead article details the history of the Wagner Free Institute of Science in Philadelphia, celebrating its 150th anniversary. Founded by William Wagner, a merchant and philanthropist, the Institute began as free public lectures on science in the early 1850s. Wagner, a collector of natural history specimens, believed science education should be accessible to everyone. His lectures, initially held at his home, Elm Grove, became so popular that by 1855, they moved to a public hall. A faculty was appointed to teach subjects ranging from paleontology to architecture, with an open admission policy for both men and women.

In 1859, Wagner began construction on a permanent building designed by architect John McArthur, Jr. (who later designed Philadelphia's City Hall). This building, completed in 1865, served as the home for his collections and educational programs. After Wagner's death in 1885, Dr. Joseph Leidy, an internationally renowned biologist, took over the scientific and educational direction. Under Leidy, the Institute's programs expanded significantly. He invigorated public lectures by inviting prominent scientists and explorers to teach and initiated the Institute's first field expeditions, publishing the results in "The Transactions of the Wagner Free Institute of Science."

Leidy's most significant contribution was the reorganization of the museum. He developed a systematic display that allowed visitors to progress from simpler to more complex organisms and through geologic time. This display, opened in 1891, remains largely unchanged, making the Institute an exceptional example of a Victorian science museum. By the turn of the century, the Institute was a leader in public education in Philadelphia, participating in the University Extension movement and opening the first branch of the Philadelphia public library system in 1892. A west wing was added in 1901 to accommodate the library's growth.

Today, the Wagner Free Institute of Science is recognized as a historic treasure, preserving its building and collections while serving as an educational resource for programs on science, natural history, and the history of science.

The Museum

The Wagner Institute's natural history museum houses over 100,000 specimens, illustrating diverse branches of the natural world. It includes William Wagner's mineral collection and his fossil collection, featuring sites from the nineteenth century. The museum also displays mounted animal skeletons, skulls, skins, birds, an extensive regional entomological collection, and shells from around the world. Fossils from Institute-sponsored expeditions to various regions, including the American South, North-east, Mid-Atlantic, and Caribbean, are on display. Notably, the collection includes "type specimens" – the first identification of a new species. The best-known of these is the North American saber-toothed cat, Smilodon floridanus, discovered in 1886 on an expedition to Florida. These fossils are displayed near dinosaur bones collected by paleontologist Edward Drinker Cope. All specimens are housed in cherry wood cases from the 1880s, many with original handwritten labels.

The specimens are arranged systematically for study, making it one of the largest such collections in the country and a resource for scholarly research. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM, for self-guided tours. Schools and groups of more than six require advance reservations. Researchers needing special access should also book in advance. Admission is free, though donations are encouraged. Filming and photography are generally not permitted, with exceptions made for researchers, press, and other professionals with advance arrangements and potential fees.

Guided tours of the National Landmark building are available by appointment, including a slide presentation and a walk through the reference library and museum exhibits, offering a glimpse into a Victorian science collection.

Book Review: Beyond All Religion by Samuel Butler

This review discusses Samuel Butler's book, "Beyond All Religion," which explores the subtexts and messages of world faiths, delving into their history and potential connections to intolerance and violence. The reviewer notes that while the book could benefit from professional re-editing and more thorough referencing, it offers a provocative entry point for those interested in examining the flaws in organized religion. Butler's work is described as a collection of articles and commentaries aimed at finding a better course for humanity. The book examines Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Mormonism, Buddhism, and other faiths, seeking to reveal their historical sources and similarities to ancient belief systems. The reviewer found Butler's interpretations of scripture to be sometimes accurate and sometimes stretched, but ultimately deemed the book a respectable effort and an excellent provocation for skeptics.

Off the Beaten Path: For Want of a Horseshoe

This article by Kim A. Sheridan explores the ecological connection between horseshoe crabs and migrating shorebirds in New Jersey. Thousands of horseshoe crabs, an ancient marine creature, come ashore on New Jersey bay beaches in the spring to mate and lay eggs. These eggs are a vital food source for over a million shorebirds, including the rufa subspecies of red knots, which travel thousands of miles from Tierra del Fuego to the Arctic. The article highlights the precarious state of both species: the red knot population has dropped significantly since the 1980s, and the horseshoe crab population has also plummeted from 2 million to 200,000 in the Delaware Bayshore area.

Human activity, including harvesting horseshoe crabs for a substance used in medical testing and for bait, has contributed to their decline. Efforts are underway to manage horseshoe crab populations, including harvest quotas and a moratorium in New Jersey. However, recovery is slow due to their long maturation period. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing the rufa red knot as threatened. The article emphasizes the interconnectedness of these species, stating that the survival of shorebirds depends on the endurance of the horseshoe crab.

It also provides information on good locations in New Jersey for viewing the horseshoe crab and shorebird spectacle, the best times to visit, and recommended equipment. Several websites are listed for further information on shorebird viewing and conservation efforts.

Homo keepupwithus: The Ever-Evolving Story

This article by Paul Schlueter III discusses recent discoveries in paleontology and human origins, focusing on two studies published in Science News. The first study, concerning fossils found at Dmanisi, Georgia, suggests a greater diversity within Homo erectus individuals than previously recognized, potentially leading to the reclassification of species like H. habilis, H. rudolfensis, and H. ergaster as variants of H. erectus. This challenges the traditional view of distinct species, suggesting that the dispersal of proto-humans across the Old World might have involved a single species with regional variations.

The second study examines the practice of farming in Europe, revealing that agricultural and hunter/gatherer societies lived side-by-side without interbreeding for approximately 2,000 years. This suggests a significant social segregation that persisted for a considerable period. Further analysis of DNA from German burial sites indicates that farming populations remained genetically distinct from hunter-gatherer groups for up to 5,000 years. The article also touches upon the discovery of Denisovans and the potential connection to the Red Deer Cave People, highlighting the ongoing efforts to reconstruct ancient human DNA and understand cultural relationships.

PhACT Calendar

The PhACT Calendar lists upcoming events related to skepticism, science, and history in the Philadelphia area. Events include lectures by Michael Shermer on belief formation, scientific expeditions, picnics, and various talks and presentations hosted by organizations such as the Community College of Philadelphia, the Wagner Free Institute of Science, the Ethical Society, the Free Library of Philadelphia, the Mutter Museum, and Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Notable events include:

• Monday, April 28, 2014: Lecture by Michael Shermer at the Community College of Philadelphia on "The Believing Brain: From Ghosts and Gods to Politics and Conspiracies."
• Saturday, May 17, 2014: PhACT Scientific Expedition led by Don Nigroni.
• Saturday, June 21, 2014: PhACT Picnic.

The calendar also lists events from the Philadelphia Area Center for History of Science (PACHS), including talks on "Science on Tap," "Food & Thought: Parade's End," "Putting the X and Y in SEXY," and a memoir by Barbara Ehrenreich. Other events include a discussion on "Faye Flam's The Score: How The Quest For Sex Has Shaped The Modern Man," a lecture on "City Abandoned: Charting the Loss of Civic Institutions in Philadelphia" by Vincent Feldman, and a Brown Bag Lecture by Carsten Reinhardt at the Chemical Heritage Foundation.

Further events include a talk by Amartya Sen on "An Uncertain Glory: India and its Contradictions," a "Monthly Fourth Friday Tour Series: Hot Spots and Storied Plots" at Laurel Hill Cemetery, and "Astronomy Night: Stargazing from the Cemetery."

Additional listings include a lecture on "Shades of Animals at Laurel Hill," an afternoon lecture on "The Place and Role of Mothers in Private Tomb Decorations" at the University of Pennsylvania Museum, and a discussion by Jennifer Bullock on "Independent Pennsylvanians."

Other events include "Explorer Sunday: Nature in the Necropolis" at Laurel Hill Cemetery, "Murder at the Mütter" at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, and a talk by Chef Walter Staib on colonial cooking. The calendar also features a Brown Bag Lecture by Nick Harris at the Chemical Heritage Foundation, and a lecture by Ralph Nader on "Unstoppable: The Emerging Left-Right Alliance to Dismantle the Corporate State."

Finally, there are listings for a Brown Bag Lecture on "Rethinking the Criminal Market in Transnationally Trafficked Archaeological Antiquities" and the "Cheryl Beth Silverman Memorial Lecture featuring Carl Safina."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "Phactum" appears to focus on science, history, skepticism, and natural phenomena, with a strong emphasis on events and research relevant to the Philadelphia area. The editorial stance seems to favor rational inquiry, critical thinking, and the dissemination of scientific knowledge, as evidenced by the promotion of skeptical events and discussions. There is a clear interest in historical perspectives, particularly concerning science and natural history, as well as contemporary scientific discoveries and their implications. The inclusion of detailed event listings suggests a commitment to engaging the local community with scientific and intellectual pursuits.

Title: Phactum
Issue: April/May/June 2014
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Content Summary

This issue of Phactum, the propaganda organ for the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, serves as a comprehensive guide to a wide range of events and activities scheduled from April to June 2014. The publication highlights numerous lectures, tours, concerts, and workshops taking place primarily in Philadelphia.

Featured Events and Themes

The content is rich with opportunities for learning and engagement across various disciplines. Several events focus on scientific topics, including lectures on environmental science, medical history, and the history of chemistry. Dr. Carl Safina is featured discussing environmental issues, drawing from his books "The View From Lazy Point" and "A Sea In Flames."

Historical and cultural events are prominent, with a strong emphasis on the history of Philadelphia and its landmarks. Laurel Hill Cemetery is a frequent venue, hosting tours that delve into its "Southernmost Sod," "1864: The Final Throes of War," "Jewish Notables," and "Abolition of Slavery." Other historical talks include "Women in the Civil War: Nursing," "Great Voyages: Jason and the Golden Fleece," and discussions on the American Revolution and the Civil War.

Science and technology are explored through events like "CURE YOU or KILL YOU: 19th CENTURY MEDICAL SCIENCE & QUACKERY," which examines historical medical practices, and a lecture on "Nanomaterials Dossier in Review." The "Philadelphia Science Festival" is also highlighted, featuring events like "The Magical Mushroom: How a Little Spore Can Save the World" and a "Ghostly Circus: Fire Arts Performance."

Cultural and artistic events include "A Ghostly Circus: Fire Arts Performance," a concert by "The Bailey Hounds," and "Cinema in the Cemetery." Wellness is addressed through "Yoga in the Cemetery" sessions.

Key Organizations and Venues

Key venues for these events include Laurel Hill Cemetery, the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania Museum, the Chemical Heritage Foundation, the Franklin Institute, and the Free Library of Philadelphia. Organizations such as The American Philosophical Society, The Rittenhouse Astronomical Society, and Friends of Valley Forge Park are also involved in hosting or sponsoring these activities.

Membership and Submission Information

The publication also includes information for those interested in supporting the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, detailing membership dues and donation options. It also outlines the policy for article use and provides contact information for the Phactum editor, Ray Haupt, for submissions of rebuttals, ideas, essays, and other contributions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue revolve around education, history, science, and community engagement, with a particular focus on Philadelphia's rich cultural and historical landscape. The publication promotes critical thinking and lifelong learning by offering diverse and accessible events to the public. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting intellectual curiosity and providing a platform for discussions on a wide array of topics, from environmental science to historical preservation and scientific inquiry.