Phactum - 2018 04 - April

Magazine Overview

Phactum, the newsletter and propaganda organ of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, presents its April/May/June 2018 issue. The cover features a quote attributed to James Madison about philosophy and highlights the magazine's focus on critical thinking.

Yellow Jack: A Historical and Scientific Perspective

The issue delves into the history of Yellow Fever, referred to as 'Yellow Jack,' beginning with its portrayal in the 1934 play and 1938 film 'Yellow Jack.' The article details how during the Spanish-American War, American forces in Cuba suffered more fatalities from diseases like Yellow Fever than from combat wounds. Major Walter Reed, M.D., investigated the disease, initially proving it was not transmitted by water but that the vector remained unknown. His later work in Cuba, investigating Typhoid Fever, led him to consider the hypothesis of Cuban physician Dr. Carlos Finlay, who in 1880 suggested that Yellow Fever was transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Reed's experiments, using human volunteers under unsanitary conditions, confirmed Finlay's hypothesis, though the real-life nurse Clara Maas contracted and died from the disease, unlike the fictionalized romance in the play.

Public health officials implemented measures to control mosquito breeding grounds, which helped reduce outbreaks. However, no specific cure for Yellow Fever exists; treatment focuses on symptom management. The Rockefeller Foundation funded research, leading to the development of an attenuated Yellow Fever vaccine by Dr. Max Theiler in 1937, which was widely used during World War II and remains in use today. Dr. Theiler received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1951 for this work. Despite eradication efforts, Yellow Fever still causes hundreds of thousands of severe cases and tens of thousands of deaths annually worldwide. The article notes that while typical Yellow Fever infections are mild and confer lifelong immunity, a more virulent form exists.

A map from the CDC illustrates the projected range of Aedes aegypti in the United States in 2017, noting Philadelphia's borderline position. The mosquito is also a vector for Zika, Dengue Fever, and Chikungunya, diseases that, while dangerous, are less life-threatening than Yellow Fever. The article also touches on the mosquito's developing resistance to insecticides.

PhACT Events and Activities

The magazine outlines upcoming events hosted by PhACT, including lectures and expeditions. Dr. David Cattell hosts monthly meetings at the Community College of Philadelphia. A lecture on April 21, 2018, featured Rob Brotherton discussing 'Hip Hop and the Illuminati,' exploring the alleged connection between the secret society and hip hop culture. Brotherton, an academic psychologist, is the author of 'Suspicious Minds: Why We Believe Conspiracy Theories.'

PhACT also organized an expedition to Laurel Hill Cemetery on May 19, 2018, to explore its Victorian monuments and history. The cemetery, established in 1836, is a National Historic Landmark. Another event was a picnic on June 30, 2018, at Mondauk Common Park, featuring a book swap for science/skeptic literature.

Book Reviews and Features

Several books are featured and reviewed. 'Suspicious Minds: Why We Believe Conspiracy Theories' by Rob Brotherton is highlighted, examining the psychology behind why people are drawn to conspiracy theories. 'Laurel Hill Cemetery (Images of America)' by Carol Yaster and Rachel Wolgemuth is presented, detailing the history and significance of the Philadelphia cemetery. 'Subway City: Riding the Trains, Reading New York' by Professor Michael Brooks is discussed, exploring the development and cultural impact of New York's subway system. 'John Ruskin and Victorian Architecture' by Professor Michael Brooks is also featured, analyzing Ruskin's influence on Victorian architecture.

Letters to the Editor and Runic Studies

A 'Letters to the Editor' section includes a discussion initiated by Paul Schlueter III regarding 'The Curious Bind Runes of GR 1.' The author, Don Nigroni, clarifies the concept of bind runes, distinguishing them from binding spells and referencing scholarly works on runes. He discusses the interpretation of runic inscriptions, noting that "for every inscription there shall be as many interpretations as there are runologists studying it."

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

This section introduces the 'Outrage Gambit,' a tactic used to lend credibility to an argument by employing an angered or vehement response, which distracts from the actual evidence. It is presented as an 'Infamous Rational Error.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the historical and scientific understanding of diseases like Yellow Fever, the psychology of conspiracy theories, and the exploration of historical and cultural topics through literature and local history. The editorial stance, as suggested by the publication's name and content, is one of promoting critical thinking, skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, and an interest in debunking pseudoscience and irrational beliefs, while also engaging with historical and academic subjects.

Title: Phactum
Issue: April/May/June 2018
Cover Headline: Various Ruminations of Woo Woo and Real Science and some Gossip

This issue of Phactum delves into a variety of topics, blending skeptical analysis with discussions on science, history, and societal issues. The magazine features articles collected and written by Ray Haupt, with contributions from others, offering a critical look at pseudoscience, health claims, and the importance of evidence-based information.

Key Articles and Features

Consumer Health and Skepticism

Chemical Heritage Foundation Renamed: The Chemical Heritage Foundation has been renamed the Science History Institute. Its website is now https://www.sciencehistory.org/event-calendar.

Iowa AG Hits Herbal "Memory" Pill: Dr. Stephen Barrett reports on an agreement where marketers of an herbal product claimed to "reduce memory loss" paid $35,000 to the State of Iowa and must stop targeting Iowa residents. The product, Intellux, was falsely advertised to older users. The seller, JGG Enterprises Inc., and its owner, Joseph Gregory Grelock, were barred from further marketing in Iowa. The agreement also involved refunds to consumers and support for future enforcement of Iowa's Consumer Fraud Act. This was the seventh such case pursued by the Iowa AG in five years, with a call for state attorneys general to have the ability to obtain nationwide federal court orders.

Homeopathic Autism Treatment Scrutinized: Respen-A™, a homeopathic topical treatment for autism symptoms, promoted by MedDEV-OTC, Inc., was examined by Dr. Stephen Barrett. He found no evidence to support its effectiveness, noting its extreme dilution and questioning the presence of key ingredients. A crowdfunding campaign for the product was shut down for violating Indiegogo's terms of use.

Recommendations from "The Dr. Oz Show" and "The Doctors" Criticized: Georgetown University students analyzed over 300 recommendations from these shows. They found that the average number of recommendations per show was high (6.91 on Oz, 9.55 on The Doctors), but discussions of potential harms were infrequent (8.6% on Oz, 13.1% on The Doctors). Nearly 80% of recommendations did not align with evidence-based medical guidelines. The cost of interventions was mentioned less often on 'The Doctors' (3.1%) compared to 'The Dr. Oz Show' (23.7%). The study also noted that a significant portion of ads on both shows related to general content, and specific products were frequently mentioned by hosts. The literature used to support claims was often statistically insignificant or required extrapolation, with about a third of supporting evidence being of low quality.

Patient Killed by Bee Sting Therapy: A case report from Madrid, Spain, details the death of a 55-year-old woman from anaphylactic shock after undergoing live bee acupuncture therapy for muscular contractures. The report warns that previous tolerance to bee stings does not prevent hypersensitivity reactions, repeated exposure increases risk, and the risks of apitherapy may exceed alleged benefits. Actress Gwyneth Paltrow's past comments about receiving bee stings for beauty were also mentioned.

Guerrilla Skeptics on Wikipedia (GSoW): The article introduces GSoW, a group dedicated to correcting misinformation on Wikipedia. They target pseudoscience and alternative medicine claims, including those from anti-vaccination advocates, mediums, and various alternative medicine providers. GSoW is noted as being unpopular in pseudo-scientific circles and has faced harsh criticism, even being labeled a branch of the Ku Klux Klan.

WikiSalon at Science History Institute: A free 'WikiSalon' is held on the second Saturday of each month at the Science History Institute in Philadelphia, offering training on how to create and edit Wikipedia articles.

Knowledge Source Reversal: This section discusses the false proposition that untutored amateurs know more than professional scholars, often rooted in social/class opposition.

Emunctorology: This new-to-the-editor branch of alternative medicine is described as dealing with organs supporting detoxification, with its main thrust being "detoxification" schemes. Dr. Edzard Ernst is noted as being an ardent critic of such non-scientific medical therapies.

Gambling Addiction

USA - Science Has a Gambling Problem: An editorial highlights that pathological gambling is a recognized behavioral addiction. It notes a lack of well-designed studies in gambling research and the underfunding of the field.

UK - Sportsmen Twice as Likely to Be Addicted to Gambling: The PFA reports that professional sportsmen may be twice as likely to have betting addictions. An investigation revealed that a significant number of active professionals bet on football, against FA rules.

UK - Wales 'Gambling Turned Me Into a Zombie': A man from Cardiff lost over £30,000 from gambling, becoming a "zombie" and cutting himself off from family. The report from the chief medical officer identifies gambling as an emerging public health issue with potentially devastating effects.

UK - The Invisible Addiction: This section discusses the rise of online gambling addiction, particularly among children, and how it can lead to neglecting schoolwork and stealing money.

USA - Massachusetts Gambling Might Be a Problem: The article discusses the shift in understanding gambling addiction from a moral defect to a disorder, influenced by factors like genetics, thought patterns, and poverty. It emphasizes that understanding how gambling works is important.

History and Science

USA – West Virginia- Greyhound Racing Must Accept Reforms: Lawmakers voted to end state subsidies for greyhound racing, but the governor vetoed the legislation. The industry faces pressure to reform, including cracking down on drug use.

Homeopathy and Yellow Fever: This section discusses the conventional medical approach to Yellow Fever, including the vaccine and its potential side effects, contrasting it with homeopathy's claimed preventative and treatment methods, such as the 'Yellow Fever' nosode. It notes the lack of scientific testing for homeopathic treatment of Yellow Fever.

Meeting Reports - Jan/Feb/Mar 2018:

• Paul Halpern, Ph.D., Physicist and Cosmologist: Discussed his book "The Quantum Labyrinth: How Richard Feynman and John Wheeler Revolutionized Time and Reality." The presentation covered the friendship and collaboration between Feynman and Wheeler, their contributions to physics, including the Wheeler-Feynman Absorber Theory and Feynman diagrams, and their work on the Manhattan Project.
• Robert D. Hicks, Ph.D., Curator of the Mutter Museum: Discussed "Vaccination Pure and Spurious: The Confederate Vaccination Crisis of the Civil War." The talk covered the history of smallpox and its vaccination during the Civil War, the role of pharmaceutical companies, and the use of vaccinations for control.
• Massimo Pigliucci, Professor of Philosophy: Discussed his new book, "Science Unlimited," focusing on the "variety of scientisms and the limits of science" and critiquing the exaggerated trust in natural science methods applied to all areas of investigation.

Book Reviews

• The History of Medicine in 100 Facts by Caroline Rance: This book is described as a comprehensive overview of medicine's history, dispelling myths and highlighting figures. Caroline Rance is noted as running the website www.thequackdoctor.com.
• The Quantum Labyrinth: How Richard Feynman and John Wheeler Revolutionized Time and Reality by Paul Halpern, Ph.D.: This book explores the unlikely friendship and collaboration between Feynman and Wheeler, and their impact on quantum physics, time, and reality.
• Voyage to Jamestown: Practical Navigation in the Age of Discovery by Robert D. Hicks: This book explores sea navigation during the age of discovery, using a fictional voyage to illustrate historical methods and challenges.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Phactum are skepticism towards pseudoscience and unsubstantiated health claims, the importance of evidence-based reasoning, and critical examination of various topics including alternative medicine, gambling, and historical scientific developments. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific rigor, critical thinking, and consumer protection, as evidenced by the scrutiny of health products, the promotion of skeptical inquiry, and the critique of misinformation. The magazine encourages reader participation through letters and articles, emphasizing a tolerance for amateur writing while upholding a critical perspective.

This issue of Phactum, dated April/May/June 2018, features a cover story titled "Science Unlimited?: The Challenges of Scientism" edited by Maarten Boudry and Massimo Pigliucci. The magazine explores various facets of science, pseudoscience, and the critical evaluation of claims.

Article: "Science Unlimited?: The Challenges of Scientism" (Pages 1-1)

This section, attributed to Massimo Pigliucci, discusses the concept of scientism, which is defined as the privileging of science over all other ways of knowing. Pigliucci outlines six points related to scientism:
1. Giving "science" and "scientific" honorary standing: This can be seen in questionable advertising practices, such as "Nine out of ten doctors recommend," which may not educate the public on a product's true usefulness.
2. Adopting manners and terminology of science regardless of usefulness: Applying measurement to intangible concepts like emotions is nonsensical.
3. Obsession with demarcating science from pseudoscience: Pigliucci claims there is no clear line, as theories once accepted as fact can be debunked over time.
4. Preoccupation with identifying a scientific method: The application of a scientific method can vary across disciplines.
5. Deploying science to answer questions beyond its scope: This can be illogical, particularly concerning ethics and philosophy.
6. Denying or denigrating non-scientific activities: Pigliucci defends philosophy, stating that calling it "useless" because it doesn't solve scientific problems shows a fundamental misunderstanding.

He emphasizes that engaging in scientism is "harmful to public intellectual discourse." The article also references a modified quote from A. Sokal regarding "scientistic" writings.

The book "Science Unlimited?" edited by Maarten Boudry and Massimo Pigliucci is introduced. It features contributions from scientists, science communicators, and philosophers exploring the limits of science and the threat of scientism. The book questions whether scientism captures an intellectual stance that should cause alarm, or if it's merely excessive confidence. It also addresses fears that science might marginalize the humanities and explain away human experiences like emotion and free will.

Article: "PhACT Participates in 2018 School Science Fairs" (Pages 2-2)

This section details PhACT's (Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking) involvement in two countywide science fairs: the George Washington Carver Fair in Philadelphia County and the Bucks County Science Fair. PhACT sponsored middle school divisions, awarding fourteen cash prizes of $50 and medallions to students demonstrating critical thinking skills. Al Erpel is credited with designing and donating the medallions. Board members Doreva Belfiore, Dave Langdon, and Mike LeWitt judged the Carver Science Fair, which has been operating since 1979 and showcases exhibits from grades 7-12. PhACT prizes specifically target 7th and 8th graders for excellence in critical thinking, focusing on projects that manipulate variables and follow proper scientific procedures. Several students received awards for projects such as "Do the Materials Used in a Phone Charger Affect the Speed of the Charge?" and "What Applications Use the Most iPhone Battery?"

Eric Krieg, PhACT Vice-president, judged the Bucks County Science Fair, awarding six medallions and cash prizes to middle school students who displayed strong critical thinking skills.

Events at the Wagner Free Institute of Science (Page 3)

• This section lists upcoming lectures and events at the Wagner Free Institute of Science in Philadelphia:
• April 5, 2018: "Expedition to the End of the Earth: The Antarctic Paleontology Project" lecture by Kerin Claeson.
• April 22, 2018: "Be a Geologist for a Day!" interactive event.
• May 17, 2018: "Tiny Mysteries: Decoding the Wagner's 19th-Century Microphotographs" illustrated lecture by Dr. Byron Wolfe.
• June 1, 2018: Annual Benefit - "A Sip of Science 2018," honoring Dr. Paul Offit.

• It also lists adult education courses for Spring 2018:
• "Splendor in the Grasses: A Natural History of the Plant Family Poaceae" taught by Professor Jordan Teisher.
• "Sex in the Wild: Strategies of Sexual Reproduction in the Animal Kingdom" taught by Professor Patrick Slavin.

All lectures and courses are free and open to the public, with contributions gratefully received.

Article: "Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia: An Introduction" (Pages 4-6)

Written by Rob Palmer, this article introduces the Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia (GSoW) project. GSoW is described as a group of volunteer editors aiming to improve skeptical content on Wikipedia by adding scientific and evidence-based information and ensuring paranormal-themed pages are balanced with notable secondary sources. Palmer states that GSoW operates within Wikipedia's strict rules and guidelines and is pro-science.

The article addresses criticisms of GSoW, including those from parapsychologist Rupert Sheldrake, who accused GSoW of having an ideological agenda and trying to control information. Palmer refutes these claims, explaining that GSoW's actions are in line with Wikipedia's established rules and that many edits are made by non-GSoW editors. He also addresses criticism from Astrology.co.uk, which accused GSoW of promoting "scientism" and controlling fringe topic pages, such as homeopathy.

Palmer highlights the importance of Wikipedia as a source of information, noting its high ranking in global website traffic. He emphasizes that GSoW's goal is to promote science and combat irrationality by improving the quality of information on Wikipedia. The article provides cumulative statistics for GSoW, indicating that its articles have collectively garnered millions of pageviews. The author invites interested individuals to contact [email protected] to participate.

Article: "What Makes A Claim "Credible?"" (Pages 7-10)

Authored by Paul Schlueter III, this article discusses the "epistemological crisis" in contemporary society, particularly concerning the concept of "fake news" and the subjective nature of credibility. The author argues that the media's use of the term "credible accusations," especially in cases of sexual misconduct, bypasses due process and relies on a presumption of truth rather than evidence.

The article criticizes the media's role in determining credibility, suggesting it has become a political tool. It contrasts this with the legal concept of "due process," which requires evidence and adherence to specific legal procedures. The author uses examples of sexual misconduct accusations and eyewitness misidentification to illustrate how the presumption of innocence can be undermined and how claims can be accepted without rigorous scrutiny, particularly when amplified by media attention.

Schlueter III points out that in cases like those involving Harvey Weinstein, the public has readily accepted accusations, influenced by celebrity and media narratives, effectively bypassing legal standards. He also discusses the issue of mistaken eyewitness identifications as a significant factor in wrongful convictions. The article concludes by questioning the future of justice and truth-telling in an era where "credible" accusations can be made and accepted without the safeguards of due process.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Phactum consistently emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, scientific rigor, and due process. There is a clear stance against pseudoscience and "scientism" when it oversteps its bounds, while simultaneously advocating for the integrity of scientific consensus. The magazine champions the role of organizations like PhACT in promoting science education and critical thinking, particularly among young students. The articles also highlight the challenges in discerning truth and credibility in the modern media landscape, particularly in the context of "fake news" and the subjective interpretation of evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one that values evidence-based reasoning, robust scientific inquiry, and adherence to established legal and logical principles.

This issue of Phactum, dated April/May/June 2018, is primarily dedicated to exploring the concept of prayer from a skeptical and scientific perspective, while also providing a comprehensive calendar of upcoming events in the Philadelphia area.

The Nature of Prayer and Skepticism

The magazine features several articles that critically examine prayer. One piece questions the reliance on "testimony of jailhouse snitches" and the broader issue of credibility in legal and societal contexts, drawing parallels to the commandment against bearing false witness. It advocates for critical thinking and the rigorous examination of claims, regardless of the subject matter, including alien abduction stories or Bigfoot sightings.

Another article delves into the definition and efficacy of prayer, comparing it to love. It posits that while love can be demonstrated through sacrifice, prayer's effectiveness is not scientifically confirmed. The author suggests that many arguments for prayer's value are clever diversions, and that prayers made with the expectation of reward may not qualify as loving acts. The piece also critiques the modern trend of "praying for" others, suggesting it can be a way to avoid tangible help.

Further exploration into prayer's efficacy questions its impact on emotional states, comparing its calming effects to meditation. It raises the point of whether a loving deity would require prayer for benefits. The article also discusses the difficulties in conducting controlled experiments on prayer due to the variability of illness and the challenge of demonstrating whose prayers were answered. It highlights the scientific method's reliance on plausible means of action and measurable effects, which are often lacking in the context of prayer.

The issue also touches upon the physics of signal strength, using the "Inverse Square Law" to question why prayer's strength would not diminish with distance. It speculates whether media broadcasts of prayer amplify its effect and questions the motivations behind such broadcasts, suggesting they might be related to election day support.

A cartoon by Benoît Leblanc humorously depicts a conversation between God and a devilish figure about the mysterious ways of the universe, possibly alluding to the complexities and uncertainties discussed in the articles.

Quotes and Reflections

A prominent quote from Dwight D. Eisenhower is featured: "The clearest way to show what the rule of law means to us in everyday life is to recall what has happened when there is no rule of law." This quote underscores the importance of order and justice, a theme that subtly resonates with the critical examination of claims and evidence presented in the magazine.

Upcoming Events in Philadelphia

The latter half of the magazine is dedicated to the "PhACT Calendar," listing numerous events of interest to skeptics and the intellectually curious in the Philadelphia area. These events span various dates from April to May 2018 and include:

• Lectures: Topics range from "Hip Hop and the Illuminati" and "Expedition to the End of the Earth: The Antarctic Peninsula Paleontology Project" to discussions on aero-chemical statecraft in Colombia and the history of science textbooks.
• Tours: Historical walking tours of Laurel Hill Cemetery, focusing on Egyptian symbolism, Titanic victims, and notable figures.
• Film Screenings: A rough cut of a Holocaust documentary and a Turkish/German film titled "The Edge of Heaven."
• Astronomy Events: The Rittenhouse Astronomical Society hosts monthly meetings, and there's a "Citywide Star Party."
• Cultural Events: An opera lecture on "Carmen," and discussions on crime, justice, and the American prison system as part of "The Searchlight Series."
• Special Events: A "PhACT Expedition" to Laurel Hill Cemetery, a "PhACT Picnic," and a "Brown Bag Lecture" series at the Science History Institute.

Information on locations, times, costs, and registration details is provided for each event, along with website links for further information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism, critical thinking, the scientific method, and the examination of belief systems, particularly prayer. The editorial stance is clearly one of advocating for evidence-based reasoning and questioning unsubstantiated claims. The magazine encourages readers to apply a similar level of critical scrutiny to all assertions, whether they pertain to religious beliefs, legal testimonies, or even paranormal phenomena. The extensive event calendar suggests an aim to engage the community in intellectual discourse and exploration of diverse topics, often with a scientific or historical bent.

Title: Phactum
Issue: April/May/June 2018
Volume: 41
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Phactum serves as a comprehensive guide to lectures, tours, and events happening in the Philadelphia area during April, May, and June 2018. The publication is the primary propaganda organ for the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT) and aims to promote critical thinking and scientific inquiry.

Event Listings

The bulk of the magazine is dedicated to detailing a wide array of events, with a significant focus on activities hosted at Laurel Hill Cemetery. These events include historical tours, musical performances, and educational talks.

Laurel Hill Cemetery Events:

Laurel Hill Cemetery is a central hub for many of the listed activities. Notable events include:

• The Hot Spots and Storied Plots tours: These regular tours explore the cemetery's history and notable residents.
• Music for the Hearing Eye: A performance by the Divine Hand Ensemble featuring the theremin.
• Cinema in the Cemetery: Screenings of films.
• Shakespeare in the Cemetery: Productions of Shakespeare's plays, such as 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.
• Heavenly Intonations: Laurel Hill's Musical Legacy: A tour focusing on musicians and composers buried at the cemetery.
• Gettysburg and Beyond: Laurel Hill's Ultimate Civil War Tour: A tour exploring the cemetery's connections to the Civil War.
• Forever Young: Died Before Their Time: A tour focusing on the stories of children buried at Laurel Hill.
• Sacred Stonework: Laurel Hill as a Sculpture Garden: A tour exploring the cemetery's artistic elements.

Science and History Lectures:

Several institutions host lectures and discussions on scientific and historical topics:

• Academy of Natural Sciences: Offers lectures on various scientific subjects.
• American Philosophical Society: Hosts talks on history, science, and identity.
• American Revolution Round Table of Philadelphia (ARRTOP): Features discussions on the American Revolution.
• College of Physicians of Philadelphia: Presents lectures related to medicine and health.
• The Franklin Institute: Hosts 'Science After Hours' events and 'Night Skies at the Joel M. Bloom Observatory' programs.
• Freethought Society: Organizes lectures on various topics.
• Rittenhouse Astronomical Society: Offers astronomy lectures.
• Science History Institute: Features talks on the history of science.
• Science on Tap: Monthly gatherings with informal presentations by experts.
• Wagner Free Institute of Science: Hosts lectures and events.

Other Notable Events:

• Delaware Valley Opera Company: Presents its Summer Festival with operas like 'Il Tabarro & Suor Angelica' and 'Faust'.
• Yoga in the Cemetery: A yoga session held in the peaceful setting of Laurel Hill Cemetery.
• PhACT Picnic: A community picnic event.
• Pint of Science: A science communication event.
• Penn Science Cafe & Lightbulb Cafe: Events hosted by the University of Pennsylvania.

Specific Topics and Speakers:

• Dr. Buikstra discusses tuberculosis and leprosy.
• Dr. Byron Wolfe presents on 19th-century microphotographs.
• Dr. Anders Bettum discusses private coffins from the Amarna Period.
• Thomas McGuire presents on the Lancaster Road and the American Revolution.
• Derrick Pitts hosts 'Night Skies' events.
• Dr. Ted Daeschler presents on Antarctic Paleontology.
• Robert Greenberg gives a presentation on Beethoven's life and innovations.
• Ian Ruskin performs a one-man play about Nikola Tesla.
• Phillip Papas discusses his book 'Renegade Revolutionary: The Life of General Charles Lee'.
• Projit Mukharji explores modern identities between genes and rebirths in India.

Membership and Policy

PhACT invites individuals to become supporting members for $15 annually, which includes an email subscription to Phactum. Donations are also welcomed. The publication outlines a policy for article use, allowing reprints by recognized skeptic organizations with proper credit, while requiring permission for other uses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and skepticism. It highlights events that educate the public on science, history, and rational thought. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and against superstition, as encapsulated in the quote by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk featured at the end of the issue. The publication aims to foster an engaged and informed community through its event listings and informational content.