Phactum - 2015 07 - July

Magazine Overview

Phactum, the newsletter and anti-woo woo organ of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, for the July/August/September 2015 issue. The magazine features a mix of historical accounts, scientific discussions, and critiques of pseudoscience.

The 1915 National League Pennant Winners

This section details the 1915 World Series, where the Philadelphia Phillies, with pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander, won the National League Pennant for the first time. The article recounts the first game of the World Series, a 3-1 victory for the Phillies at Baker Bowl, where Alexander struck out Babe Ruth. It also notes the Phillies' subsequent losses in the series and the significance of President Woodrow Wilson throwing the ceremonial first pitch at the second game.

Upcoming PhACT Events

This section outlines upcoming meetings and lectures hosted by PhACT. Dr. David Cattell, Chairman of the Physics Department at Community College of Philadelphia, hosts these meetings. Parking is available for $4.00. Meetings are free and open to the public.

Saturday, September 19, 2015: Lecture on Quantum Physics

Professor Paul Halpern will discuss his book, "Einstein's Dice and Schrödinger's Cat: How Two Great Minds Battled Quantum Randomness to Create a Unified Theory of Physics." The lecture will explore the concept of a Grand Unified Theory and Halpern's research on the history of higher dimensions in science. Halpern is an award-winning author and has appeared on numerous media outlets.

Saturday, October 17, 2015: Lecture on Misinformation

John Grant, author of several books on pseudoscience, will discuss his latest book, "Debunk It! How to Stay Sane in a World of Misinformation." His talk will focus on applying science to the supernatural, including topics like the physics of the soul and psychic research. Grant is known for his prolific writing on diverse topics appealing to science-minded skeptics.

Saturday, November 21, 2015: Lecture on the Human Microbiome

Dr. Robert Baldassano will discuss "The Ecosystem Within You, How is it Affecting You?" The lecture will cover new research on the symbiotic relationship of bacteria within the human body and its impact on health, including autoimmune diseases and emotional state. Dr. Baldassano is a distinguished professor and researcher in pediatric gastroenterology and inflammatory bowel disease.

Saturday, May 21, 2016: PhACT Expedition to Haycock Mountain

This expedition will explore the legend of the "Wild Man of Haycock Mountain." Participants will be guided by Don Nigroni, with zoological and botanical information provided by Robb Kerr and Jeff Cooney. The event will include a hike, a picnic lunch, and opportunities to visit local historical sites like the Rosicrucian pyramids and Levi Sheard Mill.

Einstein's Dice and Schrödinger's Cat: Book Review

This section provides a detailed look at Paul Halpern's book, "Einstein's Dice and Schrödinger's Cat: How Two Great Minds Battled Quantum Randomness to Create a Unified Theory of Physics." It discusses Einstein and Schrödinger's dissatisfaction with quantum indeterminacy and their pursuit of a deterministic unified theory. The review highlights the book's exploration of modern physics, the Higgs Boson, and string theory, and provides biographical details about the author.

Phactum's Roster of I.R.E. (Infamous Rational Errors)

This feature introduces a pamphlet compiled by Paul Schlueter III, which lists common logical fallacies and argumentative tactics. The pamphlet is available for free at PhACT Meetings and is intended as a collaborative project.

Letters to the Editor

This section includes letters from readers. Eric Krieg critiques attempts to bridge Hinduism and Science, calling them "gibberish." Howard J. Wilk comments on the atmosphere on Tralfamadore. Paul Schlueter III discusses the controversy surrounding geneticist Bryan Sykes's analysis of cryptid DNA, raising concerns about scientific integrity and the "Sagan Effect."

Various Ruminations of Woo Woo and Real Science and some Gossip

Collected by Ray Haupt, this section includes several short pieces:

• Is this the Last Phactum and last PhACT Meeting?? A brief mention of a website predicting the end of the world on September 22-28, 2015, suggesting attending the next meeting for insights from cosmologist Paul Halpern.
• Farmers' Almanac predicts another nasty winter for the Northeast: Notes the Almanac's long history of weather prediction and its accuracy for the region.
• Homeopathy - Extend the Life of Your Homeopathic Remedy: A question and answer from "Homeopathy Plus" on how to extend a liquid homeopathic remedy by adding water and succussing it.

Reader Participation Desired for Phactum

An appeal for constructive letters to the editor and articles on various topics. It suggests exploring subjects like "Riders of the Purple Sage" and its connection to Native American herbal medicine, or famous dentists from Philadelphia, referencing Zane Grey's background.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Phactum include the rigorous examination of scientific claims, the debunking of pseudoscience and "woo woo," and the promotion of critical thinking. The magazine consistently advocates for evidence-based reasoning and skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, as exemplified by the "Letters to the Editor" section and the focus on authors like John Grant who specialize in debunking misinformation. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific literacy and rational inquiry.

Title: Phactum
Issue: July/August/September 2015
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Phactum, dated July/August/September 2015, features a diverse range of articles covering pseudoscience, scientific activism, folklore, and natural science. The magazine appears to advocate for evidence-based reasoning and critical thinking, often debunking claims made by alternative medicine practitioners and paranormal investigators.

Homeopathy and Questionable Medical Devices

The issue begins with a critique of homeopathy, questioning its effectiveness and the concept of 'energy medicine.' It provides links to articles that further explore the dilution of remedies and the potential for taking the wrong homeopathic medicine without adverse effects, highlighting that homeopathy cannot poison or cause toxic side-effects due to its nature.

Further concerns are raised regarding ZYTO devices, which are marketed for various diagnostic purposes. The FDA has issued a warning to ZYTO Technologies, stating that their devices are not useful for diagnosis or measuring nutritional preferences. The device's clearance is only for measuring galvanic skin response (GSR), which has no diagnostic value. The software, however, is programmed to diagnose supposed organ weaknesses and recommend corrective products. The article likens these devices to Scientology's e-meter and 'high technology' devices devoid of real science.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is also noted for planning a workshop to examine advertising for over-the-counter homeopathic products, suggesting a potential tightening of regulations on the homeopathy industry.

Scientific Activism and Misinformation

Dr. Stephen Barrett reports on tips for scientific activists aiming to combat online misinformation. These strategies include understanding the competition, maintaining a blog, linking to credible information, participating in social media, correcting Wikipedia entries, and rebutting false claims. The article emphasizes the importance of staying informed and knowing when to disengage from unproductive arguments.

Perceptions and Misperceptions of Science: Evolution and GMOs

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a report on lectures by Dr. Dave Cragin (toxicologist) and Faye Flam (science writer). Faye Flam discussed the complexities of evolution, presenting charts that illustrate human evolution from a common ancestor rather than a linear progression from apes. She also touched upon common errors made by journalists when reporting on scientific research.

Dr. Dave Cragin's lecture focused on agriculture, organic food, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). He argued in favor of GMO fruits and vegetables as a solution to farmers' problems, citing the historical benefits of insecticides like DDT in reducing malaria deaths. He also discussed the importance of insecticides in preventing the spread of diseases like chikungunya.

Vince Spalletta's report further elaborates on GMOs, highlighting their potential to alleviate food scarcity, increase crop yields, and enhance nutritional value (e.g., golden rice with Vitamin A). While acknowledging fears about GMOs, the report frames them as based on hysteria and ignorance, asserting that GMOs are beneficial and will save lives by providing better nutrition, especially for those in need.

The Legend of the Jersey Devil

The magazine recounts a PhACT expedition to the Mullica River in New Jersey, with the secondary goal of finding the Jersey Devil. The article delves into the convoluted history of the Jersey Devil legend, tracing its origins back to an 1859 Atlantic Monthly article. It presents various traditions, including the 'witch tradition' (offspring of a witch and the Devil) and the 'curse tradition' (result of a mother's curse). Numerous newspaper accounts and books from the late 19th and early 20th centuries are cited, detailing different versions of the legend, including the role of Mother Leeds and the creature's physical descriptions. The article also mentions a film, '13th Child: Legend of the Jersey Devil' (2002), and historical encounters with the creature near the Mullica River.

Monarch Butterfly Migration

An article by Kim A. Sheridan details the incredible annual migration of Monarch butterflies to Cape May County, New Jersey. It describes the butterflies' journey, their life cycle, and the efforts of the Cape May Bird Observatory's Monarch Monitoring Project to track their movements through tagging. The article emphasizes the importance of Monarchs as indicators of environmental quality and highlights the severe population decline they have experienced, largely due to habitat loss and the eradication of milkweed by herbicides used on GMO crops. It concludes by mentioning a concerted push to protect the Monarch butterfly through public education and habitat preservation initiatives.

Skepticism and Humanism

Paul Schlueter III provides a categorization of skeptics, distinguishing between 'Debunking Skeptics' (who seek evidence) and 'Debating Skeptics' (who use logical argument). He further breaks down these categories into types such as Mythological S., Partisanal S., Zooskeptic, Astroskeptic, Conspiracy Skeptic, Medical S., Addiction S., Omniskeptic, Social S., Alpha S., Pseudo S., and Scientific S., offering definitions for each. The article also briefly touches upon definitions of Humanism, including Religious Humanism, Congregational Humanism, and Secular Humanism.

Poetry and Parkinson's

An article by Minter Krotzer discusses the intersection of National Poetry Month and Parkinson's Awareness Month, focusing on her husband, Hal Sirowitz, a poet who has lived with Parkinson's for nearly 20 years. The article highlights his struggle with the disease's symptoms, such as difficulty walking, swallowing, and speaking, and his continued dedication to writing poetry as a means of expression and motivation. It mentions his travels to perform his poetry and how his work encourages others facing similar challenges. A poem by Hal Sirowitz, titled 'Learning New Words,' is included, reflecting on how his medication affects his perception and daily life.

Thoughts on Superstition

The issue includes a section with quotes on superstition, featuring a quote from Adam Smith stating, "Science is the great antidote to the poison of enthusiasm and superstition," and a humorous quote from Groucho Marx about black cats.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Phactum revolve around the critical examination of pseudoscience, alternative medicine, and unsubstantiated claims. The magazine consistently promotes scientific literacy, evidence-based reasoning, and skepticism towards phenomena that lack empirical support. The editorial stance appears to be strongly in favor of scientific methodology and critical thinking, actively seeking to debunk misinformation and promote a rational understanding of the world. Articles often provide resources for further investigation, such as website links and references to publications, encouraging readers to engage in their own research and critical evaluation of information.

This issue of Phactum, dated July/August/September 2015, features a collection of articles and event listings relevant to the skeptical and scientific community, with a particular focus on events in the Philadelphia area. The magazine includes discussions on skepticism, reviews of books on science and history, and critiques of alternative medicine.

Skepticism and Self-Awareness

The issue opens with a piece that attempts to categorize different types of skeptics: 'Academic S.' (highly educated and certified), 'Autodidactic S.' (self-educated), and 'Arrogant/Personable S.' The author suggests that skeptics may tend to self-segregate and devalue those outside their cliques. The article encourages readers to identify their own biases to become 'better' skeptics and invites contributions for further definitions.

Book Review: The Hot Zone

Paul Schlueter III reviews Richard Preston's "The Hot Zone: The Terrifying True Story of the Origins of the Ebola Virus." The review notes that with the recent Ebola outbreak, attention has turned to the disease, which has been around for decades and has struck closer to home than most realize. The book, copyrighted in 1994, traces the first known cases of Ebola in Africa, its natural source, and the cousin virus HIV. It also details how Ebola 'hitch-hiked' into the U.S. East Coast and broke free of quarantine, a near-catastrophe that was scarcely discussed in the press. The reviewer recommends the non-fiction book for its insights into contagious viral strains and suggests Preston might release an updated edition.

Heyerdahl Vindicated - Somewhat

This article, also by Paul Schlueter III, discusses the explorer Thor Heyerdahl and his Kon Tiki expedition. Heyerdahl's hypothesis that South American natives populated the Polynesian islands was initially dismissed as pseudoscience after his balsa log raft journey. However, new DNA evidence presented by geneticist Anna-Sapfo Malaspinas suggests that members of the Rapa Nui culture (Easter Islanders) may have mated with Native Americans between 1280 and 1495. This evidence, showing about 8% Native American DNA in current Rapa Nui residents, challenges the prevailing theory of Southeast Asian origins for the Polynesian population. The article notes that while Heyerdahl's initial hypothesis might be vindicated in part, the evidence suggests islanders likely found South America rather than the reverse.

Homeopathy at Thomas Jefferson University

Gary Shugar, M.D., expresses concern about Thomas Jefferson University's embrace of homeopathy. He attended a lecture on how alternative medicine has infiltrated U.S. medical schools and was dismayed to find that Jefferson proudly presented homeopathic doctors on its faculty in the Center for Integrative Medicine. Shugar highlights that the university offers a list of diseases treated by homeopathy and has established a center for integrative medicine, hired a past president of the American Institute of Homeopathy, and offers medical school electives in the subject. He notes that historically, Jefferson students protested against homeopaths. Shugar concludes that the university's support for homeopathy misleads the public and expresses sadness at this trend in medicine.

PhACT Calendar

The latter part of the magazine is dedicated to the "PhACT Calendar," listing numerous upcoming events in the Philadelphia area related to science, history, and technology. These events include lectures, book discussions, science cafés, and walking tours, spanning from September 2015. Notable events include lectures by Professor Paul Halpern on "Einstein's Dice and Schrödinger's Cat," John Grant on "Debunk It! How to Stay Sane in a World of Misinformation," and Dr. Robert Baldassano on "The Ecosystem Within You." Other listed events cover topics such as recycling rare-earth magnets, the history of science fiction in Philadelphia, the Shroud of Turin, Louis Pasteur's connection to art, and discussions on crime, justice, and the American prison system.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Phactum revolve around critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and the examination of pseudoscientific claims. The magazine appears to advocate for evidence-based reasoning and skepticism towards alternative medicine and unverified theories. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific rigor and the dissemination of accurate information, as evidenced by the critique of homeopathy and the exploration of new scientific findings regarding human migration. The extensive listing of science-related events further underscores the publication's commitment to promoting scientific literacy and engagement within the community.

Phactum, dated July/August/September 2015, is the main propaganda organ for the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT). This issue details a comprehensive schedule of events, primarily focused on Philadelphia, covering a diverse range of topics including astronomy, history, science, literature, and culture.

Rittenhouse Astronomical Society Meetings

The Rittenhouse Astronomical Society holds its meetings on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Fels Planetarium at the Franklin Institute. The society aims to foster knowledge, awareness, and enjoyment of astronomy, welcoming individuals of all experience levels to ask questions and engage with astronomical topics.

Featured Events and Lectures

Science and Environment

• Climate Change Forum: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University hosted a public forum on climate change, bringing together environmental advocates and scientists. Registration was required, and the event was free and open to the public.
• PENN SCIENCE CAFÉ: An event at World Cafe Live on October 6, 2015, with details to be announced.

History and Culture

• Brown Bag Lectures: Several lectures are scheduled at the Chemical Heritage Foundation:
• Marcin Krasnodebski presented "Can Science Feed on Crisis? The Case of the French Resin Chemistry (1900–1970)" on September 22, 2015.
• Andreas Weber discussed "Making Money Circulate: Chemistry and 'Governance' in the Career of Coins in the Early 19th-Century Dutch Empire" on September 29, 2015.
• Justin Rivest gave a talk on "Scarcity or Abundance? Illuminating the Role of Scarce Metals" on October 13, 2015.
• Hanna Vikstrom presented on "Drug Pricing" on October 13, 2015.
• AIA Evening Lecture: Thomas Strasser presented "Stone Age Seafaring in the Mediterranean: New Evidence for Very Early Mariners" at the University of Pennsylvania Museum on September 28, 2015.
• American Revolution Round Table: Events included Thomas Fleming discussing his book "The Great Divide" (rescheduled) and Kenneth J. Miller discussing his book "Dangerous Guests: Enemy Captives and Revolutionary Communities during the War for Independence" on October 26, 2015.
• Jay Winik Lecture: The Meelya Gordon Memorial Lecture featured Jay Winik discussing "1944: FDR and the Year That Changed History" at the Free Library of Philadelphia on October 5, 2015.
• Pennsylvania Flute Choir: A performance of "The Fords of the Brandywine" was scheduled for September 11, 1777, with commentary by Dr. Debra Torok.
• Philadelphia Nerd Nite: Events were scheduled for October 7 and November 4, 2015, at Frankford Hall, featuring science discussions.

Science and Medicine

• The Anatomy of Violence: Andrew Peterson PharmD, PhD, presented on "The Anatomy of Violence: Dissecting the Biological Roots of Crime" at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia on October 14, 2015.
• Comics in Medicine: An interactive presentation exploring the role of comics in medical education, patient care, and the social critique of the medical profession, featuring speaker Kimberly R. Myers, on October 8, 2015.
• The Ecosystem Within You: Dr. Robert Baldassano was scheduled to discuss "The Ecosystem Within You, How is it Affecting You?" at a PhACT Lecture on November 21, 2015.

Literature and Philosophy

• PhACT Lecture: John Grant, author of "Debunk It! How to Stay Sane in a World of Misinformation," was scheduled to speak on October 17, 2015.

Laurel Hill Cemetery Events

Laurel Hill Cemetery hosted a variety of themed events:

• Laurel Hill: The Hot Spots and Storied Plots: An informative historical overview tour of the cemetery, presented on multiple dates including September 25, October 10, and October 23, 2015.
• Music for the Hearing Eye: A concert by The Divine Hand Ensemble took place on September 26, 2015.
• Spirits and Spiritualists Tour: A tour exploring the history of spiritualism in Philadelphia, held on September 27, 2015.
• Over My Dead Body: Murder Mystery in the Cemetery: Presented by The Mechanical Theatre on October 2 and 3, 2015 (with a rain date of October 4).
• Sinners, Scandals and Suicides Tour: A walking tour focusing on the less reputable figures buried in the cemetery, held on October 4, 2015.
• Edgar Allan Poe: Deep Into That Darkness Tour: A tour exploring Poe's connection to Philadelphia and the cemetery, held on October 6, 2015.
• 7th Annual Rest in Peace 5K Run: A Halloween costume run and after-party on October 10, 2015.
• Soul Crawl: Haunted History Halloween Tours: Nighttime walking tours focusing on the cemetery's history and landscape, held on October 23 and 24, 2015.
• True Tales from the Tombs: Mischief Night by Firelight: Storytelling event featuring provocative residents' stories, held on October 30, 2015.
• Fall Family Day: Halloween Picnic and Parade: A family-friendly Halloween event on October 31, 2015.

Other Events

• AIA Evening Lecture: On September 28, 2015, at the University of Pennsylvania Museum, Thomas Strasser presented on Stone Age Seafaring.
• Weeknights at the Wagner: "The Mineralogy of Mars" with Selby Cull-Hearth was offered on September 30, 2015.
• Science on Tap: A gathering at National Mechanics on October 12, 2015, featuring a scientist presentation and conversation.

PhACT Information

PhACT is distributed quarterly. Membership is available for $15 annually (email delivery) or $25 (US Mail delivery). Donations are accepted for general support and High School Science Fair prizes. The PhACT Council 2014/15 is listed, along with the PhACT website: www.phact.org. The editor of Phactum is Ray Haupt.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and engagement with science, history, and culture. It highlights local events and lectures, encouraging public participation. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting knowledge and discussion, as evidenced by the variety of topics covered and the invitation for reader contributions. The inclusion of events at Laurel Hill Cemetery suggests an interest in local history and unique cultural experiences. The quote from Michael Faraday at the end reinforces a belief in the power of reason and natural laws.