The South Shore Skeptic

Magazine Overview

Title: The South Shore Skeptic
Issue: Volume 13, No. 4
Date: January/February, 1997
Publisher: The South Shore Skeptics
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The South Shore Skeptic, a newsletter dedicated to science education and the investigation of paranormal and pseudoscientific claims, announces its next meeting and features articles on human belief, skepticism, and the creation controversy.

The Next South Shore Skeptics Meeting

The cover announces the next meeting of The South Shore Skeptics will be held on Friday, March 21st, at 7:30 PM in Room 18 of The Life Sciences Building at Baldwin Wallace College. The meeting will feature a discussion entitled "Why We are Here: the reason The South Shore Skeptics exist" and will also include a "resurrection" of an old speaker via videotape. For more information, attendees are directed to call Page Stephens at 676-4859. A map to the location is provided.

In This Issue

The table of contents lists the following articles:

• Friday, March 21st Meeting (Page 1)
• Human Belief and Skepticism (Page 3)
• Review of January Meeting (Page 7)
• Creation Controversy (Page 7)
• Surfin' the Internet (Page 8)
• For Skepticism (Page 8)
• Evolution not a fairy Tale (Page 10)

Human Belief and Skepticism

This article, Part 2 of a series by Page Stephens, explores the dynamics of socio-cultural change and belief systems. It posits that humans learn imperfectly and innovate, leading to the development of similar socio-cultural formations when faced with similar environmental or technological situations, even in isolation. The author discusses how groups cope with change, whether through adaptation or by questioning their existing ideology when it no longer serves them. The article draws parallels to "cargo cults" in the Pacific, where islanders developed new beliefs and practices in response to being conquered. It also examines how subgroups may universalize their own ideologies, citing examples like the emphasis on "the family" as the basis of US society and the rise of "creation science." The author critiques the idea that ancient matriarchal societies existed or that women possess unique healing powers, suggesting these are New Age ideologies not supported by evidence. The piece concludes by discussing the challenge of defining a universally accepted god or cultural ideal in a diverse society, using the example of creationists disagreeing on theological details.

Lakewood Creation Controversy

This review by Bill Bazik discusses a talk given by Ulysses Torassa at Baldwin-Wallace College concerning an uproar at Lakewood High School. The controversy arose from a "World View" teaching concept in a physics course, where students were reportedly told evolution "doesn't make sense" and that human footprints were found alongside fossil dinosaur footprints. Activist Charles Hughes, along with members William Voss and Calvin Wight, campaigned to correct this perceived abuse of the curriculum. The review notes that students were not discriminated against grade-wise for not accepting creationism. Ms. Torassa, who alerted to the issue, believes instructor Mark Misniewski is sincere. The article touches on the creationist appeal to "fair play" by asking for "both sides" to be told, and counters with examples like Indian creation accounts or the Holocaust. It is argued that physics is the most dangerous threat to religion and that evolution is a well-confirmed scientific principle, not a fairy tale.

Surfin' For Skepticism

This section by Jim Kutz provides a comprehensive guide to online resources for skeptics and those interested in rationalism. It highlights the James Randi Educational Foundation website (www.randi.org), which features the Skeptic's Dictionary, the Randi Challenge with a million-dollar prize for demonstrating paranormal abilities, and the Randi Hotline. The article also lists websites for CSICOP (www.csicop.org/si), The Skeptic Society (www.skeptic.com), Reason Magazine (www.reasonmag.com), and The Journal of Irreproducible Results (www.jir.com). It provides links to various skeptical newsletters and organizations worldwide, including the San Francisco Bay Area Skeptics, British Skeptics, Australian Skeptics, and many others. The article also mentions the South Shore Skeptics' discussion forum accessible via the Cleveland Free-Net.

Evolution not a fairy Tale

This article by Andrew Lutes responds to a letter questioning the role of mutations in evolution. Lutes defines mutation as both large-scale catastrophic change and small-scale genetic changes. He argues that while most mutations may be neutral or harmful, genetic diversity allows for beneficial mutations to occur and drive evolution. He refutes the idea that random mutations alone cannot produce enough beneficial change, explaining that the selection process is not random and culls unbeneficial changes. The author contrasts Punctuated Equilibrium theory with Goldschmidt's "hopeful monster" theory and asserts that anti-evolutionists are incorrect in claiming no new species have ever developed. The piece concludes by stating that evolution and its theories are well-confirmed scientific principles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the promotion of skepticism, rational inquiry, and scientific understanding in the face of pseudoscientific claims and unfounded beliefs. The South Shore Skeptics organization positions itself as a proponent of evidence-based reasoning and critical thinking. The editorial stance clearly favors scientific explanations over creationism and New Age ideologies, advocating for the separation of science education from religious dogma. The newsletter actively encourages public engagement with skeptical ideas through meetings, online forums, and the dissemination of information via its publication and website resources.

Title: The South Shore Skeptic
Issue Date: Spring 1996 (Vol. 16, No. 1)
Publisher: The South Shore Skeptic
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The South Shore Skeptic continues the discussion on the "Lakewood Creation Controversy," a topic that extends beyond the local high school and continues nationwide. The article delves into the arguments presented by creationists, questioning their selective citation of biblical cosmology and their avoidance of other creation myths. Dr. Rickards is quoted as stating that "evidence is evidence and faith is faith," highlighting a fundamental distinction between empirical observation and belief.

The Challenge to Science Education

The piece expresses concern that "90% of the population [is] ignorant regarding science" and that "some tenured teachers [are] espousing creationism." This trend raises critical questions about how schools can "preserve intellectual integrity." The author ponders whether science will continue to advance the world or if society will "retreat to fixed views and 'magic.'"

A brief account of this controversy is referenced as appearing in an article by Page Stephens, published in the Spring 1996 issue (Vol. 16, No. 1) of the NCSE (National Center for Science Education) publication.

Subscription Information and Contact

The magazine also provides subscription details for "The South Shore Skeptic." Both new memberships and renewals are priced at $15.00. Interested readers are instructed to complete the provided form and mail it along with payment to P.O. Box 5083, Cleveland OH 44101.

Additionally, the publication solicits story ideas related to science or technology, particularly those with a "Cleveland connection." Potential contributors are encouraged to contact Ulysses Torassa at The Plain Dealer. Contact information for The South Shore Skeptic includes a phone number (216-999-4842) and fax number (999-4927), as well as an email address: [email protected].

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this excerpt is the ongoing conflict between scientific understanding and creationist beliefs, particularly within educational settings. The editorial stance appears to be strongly in favor of scientific inquiry and critical thinking, expressing concern over the spread of creationism and its potential impact on intellectual integrity. The magazine champions skepticism and evidence-based reasoning, positioning itself as a voice against what it perceives as a retreat into dogma and superstition. The emphasis on a "Cleveland connection" for story ideas suggests a focus on local relevance within a broader skeptical framework.