Phactum - 2019 04 - April

Magazine Overview

Title: Phactum
Issue: April/May/June 2019
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT)
Country: USA
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Main Articles and Features

Angel Hair at Tyler Arboretum

This article by Don Nigroni details the author's experience finding 'angel hair' at Tyler Arboretum in Media, Pennsylvania, on March 30, 2019. Previously associated with UFOs and apparitions, the substance was identified as spider silk produced by spiderlings of the species *Atypus snetsingeri* for ballooning. The author notes that while he has now seen 'angel hair,' he has yet to see an extraterrestrial spacecraft, and expresses his appreciation for Phactum and its editor, Ray Haupt.

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

This section introduces a new entry: 'BURDEN OF PROOF REVERSAL.' This fallacy is described as shifting the burden of proof, assuming something is true or false unless proven otherwise. An example given is: "The six-day creation is the default. You have to prove to me that it isn't true. The burden of proof is on you, not me." This listing is available as a pamphlet at PhACT Meetings.

Upcoming PhACT Events

• The newsletter outlines several upcoming events hosted by PhACT:
• Saturday, April 20, 2019: A PhACT Lecture featuring Kenny Biddle, a Paranormal Investigator and writer for Skeptical Inquirer, who will discuss "Investigating Mysteries: Out-of-the-Box Thinking that Solved Strange Cases." Biddle's work involves investigating paranormal claims using science and critical thinking, and he has consulted for MUFON.
• Saturday, May 18, 2019: A PhACT Expedition to Indian Rock at Tyler Arboretum, where guide Don Nigroni will discuss theories about the artifact and local history, including the Lenape and the Walum Olum. Botanical information will be provided by Robb Kerr, and Kim Sheridan will document the event.
• Saturday, June 22, 2019: A PhACT Picnic at Fort Washington State Park, including a book swap and activities. The event is free and open to the public.
• Saturday, September 21, 2019: The PhACT Lecture Series begins for 2019/2020.

Letters to the Editor

• Several letters are included:
• Becky Strickland clarifies her affiliation with Rowan College @Gloucester County.
• Howard J. Wilke provides corrections regarding the terms 'playwright' and 'Monty Hall'.
• Tom Conti questions the amount of space dedicated to gambling articles, finding them detracting from the issue's quality.
• The editor, Ray Haupt, responds to Tom Conti, acknowledging that he may have gone 'a bit overboard' on gambling snippets. He defends focusing on social problems like gambling, alternative medicine, and science denial over topics like Bigfoot and Nessie, which he considers less problematic.

Open Letter to Dr. Paul Offit from PhACT member Eric Krieg

Eric Krieg expresses his strong support for Dr. Paul Offit's stance against anti-vaccine sentiments, commending him for using his voice to fight ignorance and protect public health. Krieg highlights the importance of vaccination in reducing infant mortality rates.

Various Ruminations of Woo Woo and Real Science and some Gossip

Ray Haupt announces his resignation as Editor of Phactum after 16 years, citing a desire to step away from schedules and deadlines to pursue more travel. He expresses hope for a volunteer to take over the newsletter but indicates he might still contribute modified content on a non-scheduled basis. He also notes that this will be the last edition with U.S. Mail distribution, with printed copies only available at PhACT meetings.

Freethinking Cryptograms

Brooks Rimes' book "Freethinking Cryptograms" is mentioned, featuring encrypted quotes. Four cryptograms are presented in this issue, with answers to be found on page 11.

Science Fiction

Don Nigroni's speculative fiction short story, "Saving Time," is available on the website Asymmetry Fiction.

Gambling Notes: USA - Connecticut

Professor Mark Potenza of Yale University suggests that gambling disorder may be linked to both genetics and environment, with a disorder potentially originating 50% through genetics or family history.

PhACT Membership Dues

Membership dues for PhACT will increase to $25.00 as of July 1, 2019. Membership supports speakers, excursions, picnics, and science fair prizes. PhACT is a 501c3 non-profit organization.

Gambling Articles and News

• USA - California: Experts express concern that internet gambling will lead to a gambling crisis, with Dr. Timothy Fong of UCLA stating that the issue is not one of morality but of brain chemistry.
• USA - Alabama: The First Baptist Church of Wetumpka is returning a $25,000 casino donation because it does not support gambling.
• USA - Illinois: The state has seen a significant increase in video gambling machines and losses since 2012, with concerns that the issue of gambling addiction has not been adequately addressed.

Astro Homeopathy

A website blending Astrology, Crystal work, and Homeopathy is highlighted as an example of alternative medicine practitioners who extract money for dubious advice.

Dr. Stephen Barrett Reports in Consumer Health Digest

Information is provided on subscribing to Dr. Barrett's weekly newsletter, Consumer Health Digest, which focuses on health-related topics and debunking pseudoscience. His main website is Quackwatch.org.

Fluoridation benefits and safety reaffirmed

Public Health Ontario has released an evidence review confirming the benefits and safety of optimally fluoridated water. The report notes that mild dental fluorosis is the only adverse effect experienced, and suggests monitoring infant formula preparation if prevention of mild fluorosis is desired.

Evidence still lacking for facilitated communication

A systematic review of scientific literature since 2014 concludes there is no evidence that facilitated communication (FC) is valid. The review found that messages likely originate with the facilitator, not the nonverbal individuals, and that substantial literature is critical of FC.

Civil War Medicine: A Surgeon's Diary

This section reviews a newly published book, "Civil War Medicine: A Surgeon's Diary," edited by Robert D. Hicks. The book features the diary of 29-year-old surgeon James Fulton, detailing his experiences during the Civil War, along with contextual information on medicine during that era.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Phactum revolve around critical thinking, skepticism, and the scientific investigation of extraordinary claims. The publication actively debunks pseudoscience, such as 'angel hair' being extraterrestrial, and addresses social issues like gambling addiction and vaccine hesitancy from a rational perspective. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and scientific inquiry, encouraging readers to question claims and seek verifiable explanations. The resignation of the long-time editor, Ray Haupt, marks a significant transition for the publication, but the commitment to its core principles appears to remain strong.

Phactum, April, May, June 2019 issue, is a science-focused publication that delves into contemporary issues ranging from genetic engineering and public health debates to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence and the challenges facing scientific authority.

Facilitated Communication and Down Syndrome Society

The issue begins by addressing the controversy surrounding Facilitated Communication (FC), noting that messages delivered via FC are authored by the person with a disability. It references a National Down Syndrome Society webinar promoting FC, which proceeded despite requests for cancellation. A Skeptical Inquirer article is cited, labeling FC as pseudoscience.

French GPs Call for End to Homeopathy Reimbursements

French generalist physicians, represented by Le Collège National des Généralistes Enseignants (CNGE), have called for an end to the 30% reimbursement of homeopathic medicine by France's national health insurance system. The organization stated that there is no justification for these reimbursements or for teaching homeopathy at universities.

Anti-Vaccination Bills and Measles Outbreaks

At least 20 U.S. states have introduced bills that would allow parents to exempt children from vaccines for broader reasons, even without medical necessity, and require doctors to provide more information on vaccine risks. This legislative trend coincides with reports of 206 individual measles cases confirmed in 11 states during the first two months of 2019, primarily among unvaccinated individuals. The article emphasizes that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is very safe and that measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000.

Book Review: "Bad Advice: Why Celebrities Aren't Your Best Source of Health Information" by Paul Offit, M.D.

This section reports on a presentation by Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccinologist and pediatrician, discussing his book "Bad Advice." The presentation, though perhaps misnamed, touched upon the degradation of science's reputation in the public sphere. Dr. Offit used anecdotes to illustrate how media platforms and celebrities can disseminate misinformation about health, often overshadowing scientific expertise. The review highlights Offit's work in combating pseudoscience and challenging ideologies like Holocaust and climate-change denial. The book itself is described as a guide to battling misinformation, written with wit and passion, addressing the rise of politicized attacks on science.

Meeting Report: Earl Bennett on The Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI)

Earl Bennett, past President of the Philadelphia Area Space Alliance, discussed the history and future of SETI. He explained SETI's primary forms: the SETI Institute, the distributed computing project SETI@home, and the SETI League, comprised of individuals operating amateur radio telescopes. Bennett traced the history from early concepts of the "plurality of worlds" to modern efforts using radio telescopes and space telescopes like Kepler and the James Webb Space Telescope. He clarified that while many tools are used for SETI, most are primarily for astronomical research, making efforts like SETI League and SETI@home crucial.

Speaker: Robert Crease, Ph.D. on "Lights Out: The Rise and Fall of Scientific Authority"

Dr. Robert Crease, Professor of Philosophy at Stonybrook University, discussed science denialism and how to combat it by drawing lessons from the history of science. He argued that while science has historically faced opposition, its current vulnerability stems from aspects that have made it successful, such as its transformation of values, technical abstraction, fallibility, bureaucratic production, its "acting into nature," and the ability to be used without full understanding. Crease suggested that scientists need to make human connections, tell stories, and stir emotions to reassert scientific authority, citing an example of a scientist discussing seatbelts who connected with an audience by referencing his grandchild.

Book Feature: "The Workshop and the World: What Ten Thinkers Can Teach Us About Science and Authority" by Robert P. Crease

This section features Robert P. Crease's book, which explores how ten key thinkers have shaped public perception of science and authority. It examines the origins of scientific infrastructure and the historical context of science denialism, particularly in an era of increasing distrust in scientific institutions. The book highlights figures like Francis Bacon, Galileo Galilei, and René Descartes, who articulated the worldly authority of science, and others who addressed the relationship between science and the public.

The First CRISPR Kids

This article by Paul Schlueter III discusses the groundbreaking and controversial genetic engineering of human embryos by Chinese scientist Dr. He Jiankui, resulting in the birth of twin girls genetically engineered to be resistant to HIV. The article details the experiment, the scientific community's reaction (including condemnation and investigation of He's former advisor), and the ethical implications. It notes that Dr. He's data was not peer-reviewed and that potential risks, such as debilitating gene mutations or increased susceptibility to other diseases, were raised. The article also touches upon the broader implications of human genetic engineering, including the potential for creating a "superior race" and exacerbating societal inequalities.

How NOT To Proselytize

This short piece recounts the story of John Chau, a 27-year-old American missionary who was killed attempting to contact a remote and hostile tribe on North Sentinel Island, India. After his initial attempt left him wounded, his canoe was burned on a second visit, and on his third visit, he was murdered. The article uses this incident as a cautionary tale about the effectiveness and appropriateness of proselytizing, suggesting that persistence may not always be rewarded.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Phactum include the critical examination of pseudoscience and misinformation (Facilitated Communication, homeopathy, anti-vaccination sentiments), the importance of scientific literacy and authority in the face of denialism, and the exploration of cutting-edge scientific advancements like gene editing (CRISPR) and the search for extraterrestrial life (SETI). The magazine appears to advocate for evidence-based science, critical thinking, and responsible scientific inquiry, while also acknowledging the complex ethical and societal implications of these advancements. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science, emphasizing the need for clear communication and the battle against scientifically unfounded claims.

This issue of Phactum, dated April, May, June 2019, serves as a comprehensive calendar of events related to science, critical thinking, and skepticism in the Philadelphia area. It is published by the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT), which aims to promote scientific investigation and education.

Upcoming PhACT Events

The cover highlights upcoming events hosted by PhACT, including lectures and a picnic. Dr. David Cattell, Chairman of the Physics Department at the Community College of Philadelphia, hosts these meetings. The venue is handicap accessible, and attendees are required to sign in with an ID.

• Key PhACT events listed are:
• Saturday, April 20, 2019, 2:00 PM: PhACT Lecture featuring Kenny Biddle, a Paranormal Investigator, who will discuss "Investigating Mysteries: Out-of-the-Box Thinking that Solved Strange Cases." (See Page 4 for details).
• Saturday, May 18, 2019, 2:00 PM: PhACT Expedition to Indian Rock. (See page 5 for details).
• Saturday, June 22, 2019, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: PhACT Picnic at Fort Washington State Park, Militia Hill Day Use Area. (See page 5 for details).
• Saturday, September 21, 2019: The PhACT Lecture Series begins for the 2019/2020 season.

More information can be found on the PhACT website: www.phact.org.

Other Events of Interest for Skeptics Around Philadelphia

The magazine extensively lists lectures, tours, and events hosted by various institutions and organizations in the Philadelphia area, catering to an audience interested in science, history, and critical inquiry. These events span from April to September 2019.

Key Institutions and Event Types:

• Laurel Hill Cemetery: Features numerous walking tours focusing on historical figures, "true crime" cases, "Philadelphia Gothic" literature, and even yoga sessions. Examples include "Pistols, Poisons, Prisons, and Persons of Interest," "Ghosts Among Our Graves," "Heavenly Intonations: Laurel Hill's Musical Legacy," and "Cryptic Crypts: Egyptian Symbolism."
• Science History Institute: Hosts "Lunchtime Lectures" and "WikiSalon" events. Topics include "Saccharin: A Chemical between Food and Drug," "Interpreting the Periodic Table through Art," and "Software Packages in Computational Chemistry."
• Free Library of Philadelphia: Features author talks and lectures, such as Emily Bazelon discussing "Charged: The New Movement to Transform American Prosecution and End Mass Incarceration," and George Packer on "Our Man: Richard Holbrooke and the End of the American Century."
• The Franklin Institute: Hosts astronomy lectures and other science-related events.
• Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University: Offers "Academy Town Square" events, including "Cold Hard Science in Antarctica: A Paleontology Adventure with Ted Daeschler."
• Wagner Free Institute of Science: Presents "Weeknights at the Wagner" lectures, such as "From Stream to Sewer: A History of Philadelphia's Landscape," and "A SIP of SCIENCE - 2019 BENEFIT COCKTAIL PARTY."
• American Revolution Round Table of Philadelphia: Hosts talks on historical topics, including "American Revolution Round Table of Philadelphia" events with speakers like Wade Catts on Revolutionary War battlefields.
• Eastern State Penitentiary: Features the "Searchlight Series: Conversations About Crime, Justice, and the American Prison System" and other talks.

Specific Event Highlights:

• April 2019: Events include talks on the history of Philadelphia's landscape, the American criminal justice system, Antarctic paleontology, and the history of saccharin.
• May 2019: Features include a lecture on Leonardo da Vinci, a discussion on "Chasing Cosby," an exploration of the "Great Maya Cosmos," and talks on the "Age of Living Machines" and "The Hot Spots and Storied Plots" at Laurel Hill Cemetery.
• June 2019: Includes events like "Who's Stuff Is It, Anyway? Decolonization and the Role of Museums in Contemporary Society," "A Sip of Science" fundraiser, and various cemetery tours.
• July 2019: Events include "WikiSalon" sessions and a lecture on "Reckoning with Violence: Mass Incarceration, Restorative Justice, and the Road to Repair."
• September 2019: The PhACT Lecture Season 2019/2020 begins.

Event Logistics:

Many events require advance registration, and some have admission fees. Details on websites, parking, and costs are provided for most listings.

Philadelphia Area Lecture Host Websites

A directory of websites for various institutions hosting lectures and events in the Philadelphia area is provided, including the Academy of Natural Sciences, Franklin Institute, Free Library of Philadelphia, Penn State University, Science History Institute, and Laurel Hill Cemetery, among others. This section encourages readers to contact the Phactum editor if any listed sites are missing or erroneous.

Membership and Support

The magazine concludes with information on how to support PhACT through membership (annual fee $25) or donations. It also provides contact information for the Phactum Editor and lists the PhACT Council members for 2018/19.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are the promotion of science, critical thinking, and education. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning, skepticism towards extraordinary claims, and the dissemination of factual information. The extensive listing of events reflects a commitment to engaging the public with scientific and historical knowledge, encouraging intellectual curiosity, and fostering a community of critical thinkers. The emphasis on local institutions and historical sites in Philadelphia underscores a dedication to exploring the intersection of science, history, and culture within the region. The inclusion of a quote from Galileo Galilei at the end reinforces the magazine's core value of intellectual exploration and the pursuit of knowledge.