Skeptical Eye - Vol 20 No 1 - 2008-2009

Magazine Overview

Title: National Capital Area SKEPTICAL EYE
Issue: Vol. 20, No. 1
Date: 2008/2009
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Main Cover Story: James Randi & Bob Park Receive Philip J. Klass Awards

The cover prominently features the announcement that NCAS honored James Randi and Prof. Robert L. Park with the 2007 and 2008 Philip J. Klass Awards, respectively. These awards recognize outstanding contributions in promoting critical thinking and scientific understanding. The cover includes photos of both recipients and directs readers to pages 10 and 12 for more details.

Inside Content Overview

Current & Coming Events

This section details recent election results for NCAS board members, with Nelson Davis, Jr. and Melissa Pollak being elected as new members, and several incumbents being reelected. It also lists the current officers: Scott Snell (president), Gary Stone (vice president), Walter F. Rowe (secretary), and Marv Zelkowitz (treasurer).

Join Us For Drinking Skeptically

This recurring event is described as an informal social gathering held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Jackie's Restaurant in Silver Spring, MD. The purpose is to foster fellowship and networking among skeptics, encouraging discussion of issues and promoting skepticism, science, and rationality. The event is open to all, regardless of whether they drink alcohol.

Monthly Meeting Times & Places 2009

• This section outlines the schedule for NCAS public meetings in 2009:
• February 2009: Saturday, Feb 14, 1:30 pm, National Science Foundation, Arlington, VA. Topic: "Darwin At 200 Years, Human Nature At A Few Million Years, And A Socio-Legal Myth Undermined At 40 Years" by Dennis K. McBride, Ph.D.
• March 2009: Saturday, Mar 14, 1:30 pm, National Science Foundation, Arlington, VA. Program to be announced.
• April 2009: Friday, Apr 10, 11:30 a.m., Center For Inquiry's 12th World Congress, Bethesda, MD. NCAS will present the 2009 Philip J. Klass Award to Paul Kurtz.
• May 2009: Saturday, May 9, 1:30 pm, Bethesda Library, Bethesda, MD. Program to be announced.

NCAS Publication and Contact Information

The magazine is identified as the National Capital Area Skeptical Eye (ISSN 1063-2077), published by NCAS. Contact information includes a PO Box, phone number (301-587-3827), email ([email protected]), and website (www.ncas.org). Input for the Skeptical Eye can be sent to [email protected]. The copyright is dated 2009.

NCAS Board of Directors and Staff

A list of the NCAS Board of Directors is provided, including the Executive Committee (Scott Snell, Gary Stone, Walter F. Rowe, Marv Zelkowitz, Chip Denman) and other board members. Helen E. Hester-Ossa is credited as Editor/Designer/Photographer.

Prez Sez (President's Message)

By Scott Snell

Scott Snell, NCAS president for the 2008-2009 term, reflects on the organization's chartered objectives: promoting critical thinking, serving as an information resource on extraordinary claims, and providing evidence that skeptics are cool. He outlines four goals set by the board: expanding demographic reach, increasing community and networking, fostering collaboration with external organizations, and prioritizing relevant topics. Examples include holding lectures at the National Science Foundation, starting the "Drinking Skeptically" event, planning the 2009 Philip J. Klass Award presentation to Paul Kurtz at the Center for Inquiry's World Congress, and launching the NCAS Channel on YouTube with a lecture on "Autism and Vaccines."

Snell encourages members to contribute ideas for projects and mentions a successful instance where NCAS members collaborated to suggest a disclaimer for a "clairvoyant" event at The George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium. He also highlights the upcoming Center for Inquiry World Congress in Bethesda, MD, where James Randi, Joe Nickell, and others will present.

Snell notes that this is the final issue of the Skeptical Eye to be distributed in hardcopy, with NCAS transitioning to an electronic (PDF) version.

It Was 20 Years Ago Today

By Scott Snell

This article commemorates the 20th anniversary of the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS), founded in 1987. Scott Snell recounts the early days, including the first gathering at the Edmund Burke School in Washington, DC, where Philip J. Klass was present. He describes the initial meeting, the involvement of Skeptical Inquirer (SI) subscribers, and the role of individuals like Jamy Ian Swiss, Tim Warner, and Stan Bigman. The article details how the organization evolved from a potential committee to a membership organization, inspired by the Bay Area Skeptics and calls from SI for local groups.

Key figures in the formation of NCAS are highlighted, including Seán O'Néill, who wrote a letter to the Washington Post that sparked interest, and Philip J. Klass, who mentored the group. The article mentions O'Néill's passion for justice and his work in helping people overcome addiction and control pain. It also touches upon the early focus of NCAS and how it later shifted towards grassroots activism and entertainment programs, leading to Bigman's departure.

The article traces the connections between early members, such as Chip and Grace Denman meeting Jamy Ian Swiss at the "Inn of Magic." It also discusses the influence of James Randi's book "The Magic of Uri Geller" in galvanizing skeptical activism. The role of CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal) and its recommendations are discussed, as well as NCAS's decision to form a membership organization with a large board of directors.

The narrative continues by detailing the early interactions and collaborations with CSICOP, including a meeting in Pasadena, California, attended by Chip and Jamy, where they met Carl Sagan and Penn & Teller. Friendships were forged, leading to collaborations such as Penn & Teller offering ticket discounts for NCAS members.

Strange Stories & Elusive Tails (Excerpt)

By David Streitfeld

This section includes an excerpt discussing unusual cases, such as a "haffing case of the angry kangaroo" in Illinois in 1974. It also references cryptozoologist Loren Coleman and his work investigating unexplained phenomena, noting that he finds a more receptive audience during Halloween.

Bigfoot? Prove It. (Letter to the Editor)

By Sean O'Neill

This is a letter to the editor responding to an article about the paranormal. O'Neill, Chairman of the Committee for Scientific Inquiry of the National Capital Area, acknowledges the creative and imaginative aspects of ideas like psychic projection but cautions against confusing speculation with scientific evidence.

NCAS 20th Anniversary Greetings

• This section features congratulatory messages from notable figures:
• Paul Jaffe, NCAS President (1998-2003): Wishes NCAS many more years of science and critical thinking advocacy.
• Randy (non-amazing) Lockwood, founding member and NCAS Vice President (1989-1991): Recalls the first organizational meeting and the diverse group that formed NCAS. He emphasizes the ongoing need for skepticism in a world where politics and media often conflict with science.
• Barry Karr, Executive Director, Committee for Skeptical Inquiry: Expresses pride in CSI(COP)'s involvement in NCAS's formation and looks forward to the next 20 years.

Physicist Bob Park Receives 2008 NCAS Klass Award

By Scott Snell

This article details the presentation of the 2008 Philip J. Klass Award to Robert L. "Bob" Park, Professor of Physics at the University of Maryland. Park, known for his skeptical commentary and "What's New" feature on science policy, accepted the award before NCAS members. The award, established in memory of Philip J. Klass, recognizes contributions to critical thinking. Park's lecture, "The Lingering Death of Superstition," touched upon the Bush administration's handling of science policy and the perceived equal weight given to science and superstition by world leaders.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is the celebration of skepticism, critical thinking, and scientific understanding, exemplified by the awarding of the Philip J. Klass Awards to prominent skeptics James Randi and Bob Park. The magazine also emphasizes the history and ongoing activities of the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS), highlighting its role in promoting rational discourse and combating pseudoscience. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science, pro-skepticism, and dedicated to providing accurate information and fostering critical evaluation of extraordinary claims. The transition to an electronic format for the Skeptical Eye signals a forward-looking approach to dissemination.

Title: Skeptical Eye
Issue: Vol. 20, No. 1
Date: 2008/9
Publisher: Skeptical Eye
Country: USA
Price: $4.00

This issue of Skeptical Eye delves into various aspects of skepticism, science, and the critique of pseudoscience. It features an account of James Randi's presentation "Beware: Skeptic on the Loose!" and his reception of the Philip J. Klass Award, alongside discussions on the historical evolution of scientific thought, the challenges of teaching science in the face of popular pseudoscience, and a critical analysis of the documentary "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed."

Park's Lecture: Causality and Overpopulation

The issue begins with a continuation of a previous article, detailing a lecture by Robert Park. Park argues that the philosopher Thales of Miletus, by stating the law of cause and effect (for every physical effect there is a physical cause), established the birth of science and the principle of causality. This principle, Park contends, necessarily excludes supernatural events. The lecture then shifts to the peril of overpopulation in the modern technological age. Park references Genesis 1:28's command to multiply, noting that the Earth's finite nature was not mentioned. He discusses Paul Ehrlich's "The Population Bomb" and the differing views of "technological optimists" like Julian Simon and "pessimists" like Ehrlich, with physicists often siding with the latter due to their understanding of exponentials. Park identifies women's rights as a key to population control. He also touches upon the efforts of the John Templeton Foundation to bridge science and religion, noting Sir John Templeton's conviction that science would prove the Presbyterian God to be the "right one" and the establishment of the Templeton Prize. Park mentions the foundation's funding of the AAAS "Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion (DoSER)" program, while also noting his own efforts, along with others, to limit the foundation's influence within AAAS.

James Randi: Beware, Skeptic on the Loose!

This section details an event on March 18, 2007, where James Randi, a renowned skeptic, presented "Beware: Skeptic on the Loose!" at the NCAS 20th Anniversary Celebration in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Randi was honored with the Philip J. Klass Award by then-NCAS president Gary Stone. Following Randi's talk and a Q&A session, attendees engaged in an open discussion about the future of NCAS and its mission to promote critical thinking and scientific understanding. The article includes several photographs of Randi and other attendees at the event, as well as a brunch held at Jackie's Restaurant prior to the presentation. The brunch is noted as a regular "Drinking Skeptically" gathering.

Examining Extrasensory Perception (ESP) in a Course on Physical Science

Written by Mike Epstein, this article discusses the challenges of teaching introductory college science courses, particularly to non-science majors, in an era saturated with pseudoscience. Epstein, an assistant professor at Mount Saint Mary's University, describes his Physical Science course, which incorporates examples of pseudoscience such as astrology, psychic chemistry, and ESP. He notes that while textbooks are beginning to address these topics, they often don't emphasize them sufficiently. Epstein details the experiments conducted in his course to examine ESP, including Ganzfeld remote viewing, Zener cards, dice throwing, and various other parapsychological tests. He highlights that student conclusions often indicate that ESP appears to be an imagined phenomenon, with results falling within probability limits defined by chance. The article includes photographs of students participating in these experiments.

From Magic To Science: Sir Isaac Newton

Authored by Richard Dengrove, this article explores the complex relationship between Sir Isaac Newton and "occult magic." Dengrove clarifies that Newton's involvement was not with the popular notion of occult magic but with "Natural Magic." He contrasts the Aristotelian view of observable causes with the less respectable school of thought that posited hidden or occult causes. Newton, Dengrove explains, made his reputation by advocating "action at a distance," a concept that challenged Aristotelian physics. This idea was applied to the motion of heavenly bodies, the study of light, and even chemicals, drawing from alchemy. While Newton's work on gravity, light, and chemicals was eventually accepted, it was based on careful, repeatable observation, unlike the "weapons' salve" theory that relied on sympathetic powders. The article notes that Newton, while acknowledging the possibility of unknown natural or spiritual explanations, was reluctant to make hypotheses public. It also discusses how Newton and his disciples downplayed his association with Natural Magic in the 18th century.

A Self-Contained Critique of "Expelled"

This article by Scott Snell and James Hawks critically examines the 2008 documentary "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed," hosted by Ben Stein. The authors state that the film purports to reveal a suppression of intelligent design (ID) by the scientific establishment but is, in fact, "little more than a groundless propaganda piece." They highlight that the National Center for Science Education has created a website, expelledexposed.com, to counter the film's falsehoods. The article points out flaws in the film's presentation, such as interviewing ID proponents and evolution experts separately, which prevents direct debate and exposes ID as unscientific. It also notes that the film uses a false dichotomy, suggesting that suppressing ID is akin to teaching that the Earth is flat or that the Holocaust never happened.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of claims that fall outside the realm of established science, the importance of scientific methodology and evidence-based reasoning, and the historical development of scientific thought. The magazine consistently promotes a skeptical viewpoint, challenging pseudoscience, debunking unfounded claims, and advocating for rigorous scientific inquiry. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific rationalism and critical thinking, as evidenced by the focus on figures like James Randi and the critical analyses of topics ranging from ESP to the documentary "Expelled."

Title: Skeptical Eye
Volume: 20
Issue: 1
Date: 2008/9
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the Skeptical Eye, published by the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS), delves into several key topics relevant to its readership. The primary focus is a critical review of Ben Stein's film "Expelled," which is analyzed for its arguments regarding evolution and intelligent design. The magazine also features a section encouraging readers to join or renew their NCAS membership, detailing the organization's activities and financial needs. Additionally, it provides practical information on copyright law, specifically concerning the protection of sightings and depictions of phenomena.

Analysis of "Expelled"

The article continues a discussion from a previous page, critiquing Ben Stein's film "Expelled." It asserts that while the film is "cleverly edited and free of self-contradiction," there are "telltale signs that the movie is not leveling with its viewers." The review suggests that the film's editor has removed elements that would have exposed its arguments as absurd. The website expelledexposed.com is recommended for more information on the "missing pieces."

Darwinism Dehumanizes Victims

One of the arguments presented in the issue is that Ben Stein claims Darwinism paved the way for the dehumanization of victims of eugenics, communism, and Nazism. The author counters this by questioning whether the horrific acts committed by these movements invalidate the facts illuminated by Darwin and evolutionary research. The article draws a parallel to religion, asking if transgressions by religious groups invalidate their faiths. It further argues that even within science, the discovery of atomic nuclei, while enabling destructive power, does not change the fundamental findings of nuclear physics. The piece concludes that morality must evolve as new information is obtained or new situations emerge, citing the ethics of cloning as an example.

The authors express a hope that "Expelled" will "quickly sink into obscurity," finding it "dull and its call for action is relatively feeble." They note with optimism that Stein himself has not been actively promoting the movie, citing a recent appearance on "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" where Stein dismissed a prompt about the film. This is interpreted not as a disavowal, but as a realization that the context of a brief television appearance was not suitable for his argument, which would likely sound foolish in such a short format. The hope is that Stein will eventually recognize the irony of his predicament, promoting a film that similarly misrepresents reputable scientists.

Full disclosure: Co-author Scott Snell is noted as a fellow alumnus of Montgomery Hills Junior High School and shares Stein's opinion that the film was "loathsome."

NCAS Membership Appeal

Marv Zelkowitz, NCAS Treasurer, writes an appeal for readers to consider joining or renewing their membership in the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS). He emphasizes that while meetings are free and open, the organization needs members to fund its activities. These activities include hosting lectures (requiring venue rental, refreshments, and recording), maintaining communication channels (telephone, postal box, mailing announcements, website), recognizing distinguished service through the annual Philip J. Klass Award, and community service such as judging science fairs.

Zelkowitz also mentions the social aspect of NCAS, including "Drinking Skeptically" events where like-minded skeptics can meet informally. He stresses that supporting these endeavors requires funds, and encourages renewals starting at $30 per year. The article includes a membership form and notes that NCAS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, making membership fees tax-deductible.

About Scott Snell and James Hawks

Biographical information is provided for two individuals:

• Scott Snell: A charter member of NCAS and president for the 2008-2009 term. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from the University of Maryland and works as a flight software engineer at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.
• James Hawks: Holds a Bachelor of Science degree in geography from the University of Maryland University College. He is employed as an information technology specialist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), working for the Coast Survey Development Laboratory.

From the Copyright Office: Protecting Sightings

This section addresses the question, "How do I protect my sighting of Elvis?" It clarifies that copyright law does not protect sightings themselves but will protect a photo or other depiction of a sighting. Readers are directed to the electronic Copyright Office (eCO) to file a claim online, pay a fee, and attach a copy of their photo. Alternatively, they can download, print, and mail Form CO with their photo and fee. For more information, readers are referred to the website http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html#elvis.

Scene from a Vienna (Austria) Storefront, September 2008

A photograph shows a storefront in Vienna, Austria, identified as "Ron's Bookstore." The caption explains that this is not just any bookstore but one that exclusively sells the works of L. Ron Hubbard, the developer of Dianetics and founder of the Church of Scientology. The image displays books and signage related to Scientology.

About NCAS: Bits and Pieces

This section provides information about NCAS's communication channels and resources:

• Shadow of a Doubt: NCAS's monthly calendar can be received via email by subscribing at http://ncas.org/emailsubscribe.html.
• ncas-share: A low-volume electronic mailing list for members to share news and other interests. Subscription is available at http://ncas.org/emailsubscribe.html.
• NCAS Website: The website (www.ncas.org) offers resources such as the Condon UFO report.
• Donations: NCAS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and donations are fully tax-deductible.

Readers are also invited to submit suggestions for future content in the Skeptical Eye via email, newsletter business contact, or by calling a 24-hour phone number.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Skeptical Eye, as represented by this issue, maintains a strong stance of critical inquiry and skepticism towards claims that lack empirical evidence or are presented with manipulative editing. The magazine actively promotes scientific literacy and rational thinking, as evidenced by its critique of "Expelled" and its support for organizations like NCAS that advocate for these principles. The editorial stance is clearly against pseudoscience and misinformation, encouraging readers to seek out verifiable information and to support organizations dedicated to critical thinking. The inclusion of practical information, such as copyright law and membership drives, also reflects a commitment to educating and engaging its readership.