Fellow PhACT members and sympathizers,

   After a summer recess were looking at starting a new season - and with a
bunch of new members culled from mailings to the local CSICOP and Skeptic's
Society mailing lists.    Invite thinking people to:
               "Creationism's Achilles Heel:  The Geologic Record"

                  Speaker: Professor Donald Wise

                  Creationists use Noah's flood and a 4004 B.C.
                  origin of the earth as the basis of much of their
                  fundamentalist anti-evolutionary rhetoric. Their
                  simplistic geologic view of the earth is largely that of
                  the early 1800s plus a few band-aids applied to the
                  corpse to include some subsequent discoveries.
                  Specific examples from the presently known
                  geologic record and the ludicrous ways creationists
                  have tried to argue around them may provide the
                  best way of sowing skeptical doubts about this
                  growing anti-scientific movement.
                  Saturday, September 19, 2:00 pm

   I'm sure many people hate Don, but I find him witty, articulate and cogent
By the way, our media friend, Faye Flam did a great job questioning
fringe science activities at Temple.  Among people quoted is the local John
Allen Paulos saying, "It's been like the scandal of the lobotomized cousin up
in the attic".  The article was prompted by Martin Gardners recent
animadversion. I think I smell another media integrity award winner, but check
it out at:
http://www.phillynews.com/inquirer/98/Aug/31/entertainment/PSYC31.htm
   Now that our president Bob Glickman has moved to Glenside, the new PhACT
hotline number is 885-2089.
--
    best wishes,

    Eric Krieg     eric@...  fax (215) 654-0651
                   http://www.phact.org

PhACT members and sympathizers,

   A reminder:  Our own founding member, Bill Wisdom will make his
first talk for us 2 pm in the Bensalem library on "The skeptic as expert
witness in the case against the faith healers".  Bill who was a philosophy
professor at Temple was an expert witness in a case involving parents
withholding medical care from their children.

Also,  please put on your calendar:  November 14 - a talk by Ted Schick author
of "How to think about weird things" on the same.

Some other general news:

   We did have at least one reporter at our last meeting with 40 people
attending.

   Possible future speakers are a few media people for a panel on critical
thinking in the media and a fringe writer who is skeptical of all claims of
psychiatry.

     Our membership has almost doubled in the last year. And our earlier
members seem to be mostly resubscribing.

Feel free to check out our discussion board (even though some posts are from
morons) at:
http://www.netdesignlab.com/phactboard/

   A practitioner of "Feng Shui" in the building I work has promised to let me
examine her energy meter she uses to take readings in peoples homes.

   Tom Napier is a making an open offer to test small devices purported to
produce anomalous heat.

   A guide book of alternative practitioners in the Delaware Valley shows this
area to be just crawling with tarot, past lives regressors, alt shrinks,
iridologists, palms readers, astrologers, Feng Shui people, Reiki masters,
dream interpreters, channelers, aroma therapists, shamans, homeopathists,
energy healers, and such.  Ominously, there seem to be nearly as many ads for
classes in those subjects as ads by practitioners.


--
    best wishes,

    Eric Krieg     eric@...  fax (215) 654-0651
                   http://www.syc.org/e/skeptic/

PS:  I close with a few leading skeptical newsletters:
==============

Bufo Calvin
P O Box 5231, Walnut Creek, CA  94596
Internet: BufoCalvin@...
Website: <A HREF="http://members.aol.com/bufocalvin">
http://members.aol.com/bufocalvin</a>
<A HREF="surprise link to Amazon.com">
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN=0486230945/bufosweirdworldA/</a>
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (permission is granted to reproduce or redistribute this
edition of Bufo's WEIRD WORLD provided that attribution is made
to http://members.aol.com/bufocalvin. It is good etiquette to check with
strangers before you e-mail them something.  If you forward this, please make
sure it is clear that you are forwarding it).


October 11, 1998

I'm happy to announce that I have worked out the new system for updating the
website.  While I am particularly busy right now, it does mean that I've been
able to add books to the Master List (and to the UFO books page).

I do want to apologize that I missed listing John Stossel's THE POWER OF
BELIEF on ABC last week.  One of my correspondents sent me a heads-up, but it
was too late to include and I didn't get a supplement out.  I really
appreciate it when someone takes the time to send me information.  I can't
always get it out to the list, depending on time and other circumstances.

RADIO
Fans of weird stuff may or may not be happy that Darian O'Toole has returned
to San Francisco Bay Area radio.  In the previous incarnation of her show, she
could be counted on for many paranormal-themed guests, such as Stan Johnson,
the bigfoot contactee.  With her former co-host Sean Kelley as a moderating
influence, she would let them tell their stories and yet ask the obvious
questions.  In what I have heard of the show since she has been back (on KSAN
107.7 FM, 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM), she has been less likely to let guests be hoist
on their own paradigm, so to speak.  For instance, she just had a
representative from the Unarius Academy on, and he seemed to realize she
fancied it a farce from the start.  I'm hoping she hits the delicate balance
she had before, when it was such an extraordinary  combination of common sense
and uncommon wit.  She has reportedly been sick, and any reconfiguration of
your working group takes some fine-tuning.  It is definitely worth listening
still, and it will be interesting to see the direction it takes as she works
back towards having the number one commute time show in one of the biggest US
radio markets.

TELEVISION

THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL
Sunday, October 11, 1:00 PM, INTO THE UNKNOWN: THUNDERBIRD
Thursday, October 15, 9:00 PM, INTO THE UNKNOWN: GIANT LIZARD (Features
Australian cryptozoologist Rex Gilroy)
Friday, October 16, 1:00 AM, INTO THE UNKNOWN: GIANT LIZARD (Features
Australian cryptozoologist Rex Gilroy)
Saturday, October 17, 2:00 PM, ARTHUR C. CLARKE'S MYSTERIOUS UNIVERSE:
SPONTANEOUS HUMAN COMBUSTION
Saturday, October 17, 2:30 PM, ARTHUR C. CLARKE'S MYSTERIOUS UNIVERSE:
MYSTERIES FROM HEAVEN (Shroud of Turin, etc.)
Next Sunday, October 18, 1:00 PM, INTO THE UNKNOWN: GIANT LIZARD (Features
Australian cryptozoologist Rex Gilroy)
Next Thursday, October 22, 9:00 PM, INTO THE UNKNOWN: BEAST OF THE MOORS ("The
Beast of Bodmin", a reported big cat in the UK)
Next Thursday, October 22, 9:30 PM, STRANGE BUT TRUE: UFOs (including airline
pilot witnesses and film from New Zealand)
Next Friday, October 23, 1:00 AM, INTO THE UNKNOWN: BEAST OF THE MOORS ("The
Beast of Bodmin", a reported big cat in the UK)
Next Friday, October 23, 1:30 AM, STRANGE BUT TRUE: UFOs (including airline
pilot witnesses and film from New Zealand)

THE HISTORY CHANNEL
Wednesday, October 14, 11:00 AM, THE 20TH CENTURY WITH MIKE WALLACE: ARE WE
ALONE? (UFOs)
Wednesday, October 14, 4:00 PM, THE 20TH CENTURY WITH MIKE WALLACE: ARE WE
ALONE? (UFOs)
Next Sunday, October 18, 7:00 PM, HISTORY UNDERCOVER: ROSWELL: AN ALIEN
OBSESSION
Next Sunday, October 18, 11:00 PM, HISTORY UNDERCOVER: ROSWELL: AN ALIEN
OBSESSION

THE LEARNING CHANNEL
Two weeks from Friday, October 23, 9:00 PM, UFOs: STORIES OF ABDUCTION

MTV
Sunday, October 11, 3:30 PM, ROAD RULES (The episode has something to do with
UFO stories.  It may not actually be appropriate for this list, but its hard
to tell.)
Sunday, October 11, 5:30 PM, ROAD RULES (haunted hotel)
Monday, October 12, 1:30 AM, ROAD RULES: UFO
Monday, October 12, 3:30 AM, ROAD RULES (haunted hotel)
Next Monday, October 19, 10:00 PM, ROAD RULES: UFO

THE SCIENCE CHANNEL
The new schedule is weird programming for an hour each at 6:00 AM, 2:00 PM,
and 10:00 PM.  Rotating shows include: INTO THE UNKNOWN, STRANGE BUT TRUE, and
ARTHUR C. CLARKE'S MYSTERIOUS UNIVERSE.

THE SCI-FI CHANNEL
Sun, October 11 7:00 PM SIGHTINGS EPISODE #3023: past-life regression;
heartland ghost; extraterrestrials and nuclear arms; snake handlers; near-
death experiences.
Sun, October 11 11:00 PM SIGHTINGS EPISODE #3023 past-life regression;
heartland ghost; extraterrestrials and nuclear arms; snake handlers; near-
death experiences.
Mon, October 12 8:00 PM SIGHTINGS EPISODE #206: Pennsylvania UFO in 1965
(probably Kecksburg, a reported crash and recovery investigated by Stan
Gordon); demonic possession.
Tue, October 13 9:00 AM SIGHTINGS EPISODE #3024: Middle East UFOs; child's
near-death experience; search for Bigfoot; Gettysburg; pollution; UFO defense
manual.
Tue, October 13 4:00 PM SIGHTINGS EPISODE #207: Hudson Valley New York UFOs
Tue, October 13 8:00 PM SIGHTINGS EPISODE #207: Hudson Valley New York UFOs
Wed, October 14 9:00 AM SIGHTINGS EPISODE #3025: UFOs and Air Force hangar 18;
psychic detective; life between lives; alien abduction; luck; life on Mars.
Wed, October 14 4:00 PM SIGHTINGS EPISODE #208: Parapsychologists look for
ghosts in a Scottish castle; self-proclaimed vampire.
Wed, October 14 8:00 PM SIGHTINGS EPISODE #208: Parapsychologists look for
ghosts in a Scottish castle; self-proclaimed vampire.
Thu, October 15 9:00 AM SIGHTINGS EPISODE #3026: UFO technology; head trauma
and psychic ability; soul exchange; Bahamian rites of Obeah; UFO sightings in
Mexico; healing and intuition.
Thu, October 15 4:00 PM SIGHTINGS EPISODE #209: "Epidemic of Evil". Doctors,
attorneys, a killer and the Rev. Jerry Falwell discuss satanism.
Fri, October 16 9:00 AM SIGHTINGS EPISODE #4027: Secret UFO tape; psychic
seeks girl missing for 25 years; alien autopsy; Bigfoot.
Fri, October 16 4:00 PM SIGHTINGS EPISODE #210: English crop-circle mystery;
Lake Champlain monster; British royal family curse.
Fri, October 16 8:00 PM SIGHTINGS EPISODE #210: English crop-circle mystery;
Lake Champlain monster; British royal family curse.
Sun, October 18 7:00 PM SIGHTINGS EPISODE #4028: Psychic policeman; ghosts
aboard the Queen Mary.
Sun, October 18 11:00 PM SIGHTINGS EPISODE #4028: Psychic policeman; ghosts
aboard the Queen Mary.
___________________________

This is Bufo saying, "If =everything= seemed normal, that =would= be weird!"
____________________________

You can stop receiving this from me just by asking (note: it is commonly
redistributed, and I can't control you getting it from those sources) by
e-mail at BufoCalvin@....  You can also subscribe or unsubscribe to
Bufo's WEIRD WORLD Media Alert the same way. Also, please let me know if
there is something in the media you think I should cover. Deadline is Tuesday,
the week before.
_____________________________

**OPUS is the Organization for Paranormal Understanding and Support. I am an
Executive Boardmember, and Director of the OPUS Educational Institute. OPUS
encourages its officers and Network Associates to express their own opinions:
however, it is important to note that I do not speak for OPUS in this piece
or others presented under my own name.  For more information on OPUS, see its
website at http://members.aol.com/josephxx3

----------------
Subject:
           SKEPTIC LIBRARY REQUEST
      Date:
           Thu, 08 Oct 1998 13:40:19 -0700
     From:
           Skeptic Mag Hotline <skeptic-admin@...>
  Reply-To:
           Skeptic Mag Hotline <SkepticMag@...>
        To:
           "Skeptics Society" <skeptics@...>




For those interested, here is how to obtain a free transcript of the Stossel
show on "The Power of Belief" on the internet:
http://www.abcnews.com/onair/abcnewsspecials/transcripts/specials_belief981006
pt1_trans.html

Because of the generous exposure of Skeptic magazine on the show the phone
here has been ringing nonstop for two days, with hundreds of subscriptions
coming in. Although no mention (that I recall) was made where we are located
(Altadena, CA), people have had no trouble finding us thanks to the internet.
And in just one day three media calls were placed and interviews arranged,
just from that one show. Stossel certainly has a wide and deep influence. He's
smart and, from what I could tell from spending an afternoon with him, he's a
hellova nice guy.

On another topic, since I was in college I have been collecting books on
science, history of science, philosophy of science, the paranormal,
pseudoscience (at first because I believed a lot of this stuff--I still have
my marked up copy of Hal Lindsey's LATE GREAT PLANET EARTH, along with my
philosophy professor's critique), etc., and have donated them all to the
Skeptics Society Research Library, now that we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
corporation. We have about 5,000 volumes, plus some very valuable antiquarian
books, and a number of archaeological artifacts and other items, such that the
library is also becoming a small museum. For the past few years a few
individuals have donated important books to help build the library, and
recently an active skeptic in the movement offered to send about a hundred
books related to evolution and creation, science and pseudoscience, religion
and cults, etc., in exchange for some books, tapes, a subscription to Skeptic,
and back issues of the magazine from our catalogue. If anyone out there would
like to do something similar--that is, exchange books we could use in our
library for the equivalent in subscriptions, back issues, books, and video
tapes from our catalogue, please e-mail me the titles you have so I can see
which ones we already have and which we need. (We'll have to guesstimate the
value of the used books, but that's reasonably simple to do.)

Finally, allow me to add one more point about the Stossel show. Even though
Skeptic and I got a lot of coverage, watching the show just reminded me again
that in this area of paranormal and pseudoscience claims Randi, like home run
champ Mark McGuire, is "the man." He is the fountainhead of the skeptical
movement and we are proud that Skeptic can be a regular outlet for what he has
to say. Way to go Randi. Keep knocking them over the fence.

Michael Shermer

==============
Subject:
           SI DIGEST 10-8-98
      Date:
           Thu, 8 Oct 1998 13:04:41 EDT
     From:
           SkeptInq@...
  Reply-To:
           CSICOP Announcement <CSICOP-ANNOUNCE@...>
        To:
           CSICOP-ANNOUNCE@...




  SKEPTICAL INQUIRER ELECTRONIC DIGEST
  OCTOBER 8, 1998

  SI Electronic Digest is the biweekly e-mail news update of the Committee for
the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP.) Visit
  <A HREF="http://www.csicop.org/">http://www.csicop.org</A>



  The Digest is written and edited by Matthew Nisbet and Barry Karr. SI Digest
has over 2500 readers worldwide, and is distributed via e-mail from the Center
for Inquiry-International, Amherst NY, USA.

  To subscribe for free to the SI DIGEST, go to:
<A HREF="http://www.csicop.org/list/">http://www.csicop.org/list/</A>

  PERMISSION IS GRANTED TO REPRINT OR REPOST ON THE WEB.  WE ENCOURAGE
TRANSLATION INTO FOREIGN LANGUAGES.

  PLEASE FORWARD TO YOUR SKEPTICAL FRIENDS.
  Send comments, media inquiries and news to:
  SINISBET@... (716-636-1425 x219)

  CSICOP publishes the bimonthly SKEPTICAL INQUIRER, The Magazine for Science
and Reason.  The Sept/Oct 1998 issue features a special section titled "What
are the Chances?" and includes articles on coincidence, numerology and
calculated risks.

  To subscribe at the $17.95 introductory Internet price, go to:
  <A HREF="http://www.csicop.org/si/subscribe/">
http://www.csicop.org/si/subscribe/</A>

  Or call 1800-634-1610 (1-716-646-1425 outside the US).

  This week's SI DIGEST includes:

  --ABC News Special "The Power of Belief" Delights Many Skeptics
  --CSICOP Continues Efforts on Campuses
  --Study on Chiropractic Treatment of Low Back Pain Finds Marginal Benefit
  --CFI LECTURE: Controversial "Aliens in America" Author Jody Dean Sparks
Debate


  "POWER OF BELIEF" DELIGHTS MANY SKEPTICS

  Tuesday, October 6, ABC NEWS ran their much anticipated John Stossel special
on belief in the paranormal.  Featuring provocative visuals and snappy
soundbites, the hour-long program was a critical review of firewalking,
psychic sleuths, therapeutic touch, alternative therapy nostrums, near-death
experience, astrology and spiritual mediums.

  Unlike the majority of media presentations, which in the name of "balance"
present most any claim in the wide realm of the paranormal as unsolved
mysteries, John Stossel and his production team at the Stossel Unit of ABC
News provided responsible, critical information and commentary for American
audiences.

  The special featured investigator of unusual claims and CSICOP founding
fellow James Randi.  One of the most illustrative segments of the program
aired clips from Randi's now famous Carlos hoax from the 1980's.  With the aid
of an Australian news program, Randi trained a young Miami artist to
impersonate a medium.  In the stage show and multi-city tour, Carlos and his
claims were unleashed on the rest of the Australian media.  Sure enough, the
media bought into Carlos' tale with little or no background investigation or
criticism.

  Viewers of the ABC NEWS program can post reviews on the Council for Media
Integrity Website at:
<A HREF="http://www.csicop.org/cmi/reviews/submit.html">
http://www.csicop.org/cmi/reviews/submit.html</A>

  You can also send comments to ABC NEWS by going to:
   <A HREF="http://www.abcnews.com/onair/email.html">
http://www.abcnews.com/onair/email.html</A>


  CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT OF LOW BACK PAIN HAS MARGINAL BENEFIT

  Suffering from chronic low back pain, you are given three options. Spend $280
on physical therapy or chiropractic treatment or $1 on an educational pamphlet
on back pain.  Now consider that the latest study published in this week's New
England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) finds that patients receiving chiropractic
treatment or a form of physical therapy called the McKenzie method experienced
just marginal improvement in back pain over those patients that only received
the educational pamphlet.  Tough decision?

  The back pain study was conducted by Dr. Daniel C. Cherkin and others from
the University of Washington in Seattle.  Read an abstract and findings of the
study by going to:
<A HREF="http://www.nejm.org/content/1998/0339/0015/1021.asp">
http://www.nejm.org/content/1998/0339/0015/1021.asp</A>

  Chiropractic medicine comes under fire from skeptics and members of the
medical community because unlike pharmaceuticals and most procedures in
scientific medicine, chiropractic methods have not undergone rigorous
scientific review and evaluation.  Probably the most notable outcome of the
NEJM study on chiropractic treatment of low back pain is that scientific
research was conducted and published in a respected peer-reviewed scientific
journal.

  This week's edition of NEJM also publishes a study evaluating chiropractic
treatment of childhood asthma.  Chiropractors believe that some diseases,
including asthma, result from lack of proper nerve function, and can be
corrected by manipulating the spine.

  Eighty children with mild to moderate symptoms were treated by 11
chiropractors and given either standard chiropractic treatments or sham
manipulations.  The results found that chiropractic care was worthless in
treating asthma.  While both groups of children saw slight improvement, there
was no difference between them.

  In editorializing on the role of chiropractic care in medical care, Dr. Paul
G. Shekelle of West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center writes that "I
think it is currently inappropriate to consider chiropractic as a broad-based
alternative to traditional medical care.... The challenge for chiropractors is
to demonstrate that they can achieve this benefit at a cost that patients or
health insurers are willing to bear." To read the full editorial go to:
<A HREF="http://www.nejm.org/content/1998/0339/0015/1074.asp">http://www.nejm.
org/content/1998/0339/0015/1074.asp</A>

  Currently in states where chiropractic care receives mandated health
coverage, the decision on chiropractic's cost effectiveness has been reached
not on the basis of scientific evaluation but on political efforts.  In
January, the New York State legislature and Governor George Pataki passed and
signed into law a requirement that state insurance carriers cover a minimum of
fifteen chiropractic visits annually per patient.  The New York State Business
Council estimated that the new law has an annual price tag of $200 million, a
cost that will be borne almost entirely by municipalities and small business.

  Could heavy lobbying by state chiropractors had an effect on the decision?
An analysis conducted by the Buffalo News of state political contributions
found that in late August, at the time of Governor Pataki's signing of the new
state law, New York chiropractors donated $27,500 to Pataki's campaign fund.

  For critical perspectives on chiropractic, visit the web's best resource for
valid information on alternative medicine:
<A HREF="http://www.quackwatch.com/">http://www.quackwatch.com/</A> .

  Also see "Chiropractic: Science and Antiscience and Pseudoscience Side by
Side" by Joseph Keating in Skeptical Inquirer, July/August 1997, pages 37-43.
You can order the article by calling 1800-634-1610.

  A good text on the subject of chiropractic is _Chiropractic: A Victim's
Perspective_ published by Prometheus Books. Call 1800-421-0351.

  Prometheus also publishes The Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine, the
only peer-reviewed science journal in the world focused exclusively on
alternative medicine.

  CSICOP CONTINUES EFFORTS ON CAMPUSES

  In an effort to promote skepticism, science and critical thinking on college
campuses, over the last two weeks CSICOP visited Cornell University and the
University of Toronto.  In Ithaca, as part of the Skeptical Inquirer Lecture
series at Cornell sponsored by the newly launched Cornell Skeptics, Matt
Nisbet spoke on "Skeptics Confront the X-Files: The Paranormal and the Media."
Attended by over forty students, faculty and staff, the event received
prominent coverage in the Cornell Sun daily newspaper.  The Cornell Skeptics
plan to invite several speakers to campus each semester and a campus skeptics
publication is in the works.

  Meanwhile, at the University of Toronto, CSICOP Senior Research Fellow and
leading paranormal investigator Joe Nickell interrupted classes on a Thursday
afternoon as he drew a large crowd to his lecture on "Investigating the
Paranormal."  The event was part of preliminary efforts to start a student
skeptics group at the University of Toronto.

  Last weekend, Nickell and Nisbet ventured to the Syracuse Museum of Science
and Technology as part of a presentation on "Investigating UFO Claims."
Unfortunately, once on the scene at the museum, the two were dismayed to
discover a traveling UFO exhibit that was uncritical of UFO claims ranging
from Roswell to Crop Circles.  Nevertheless, Nickell led an hour-long
discussion of UFO investigations that was attended by fifty museum-goers and
covered by two local television stations.

  Coming up on October 19 at Yale University, Steve Novella, founder of the New
England Skeptical Society and associate professor of medicine at Yale, will
give a lecture titled "Alternative Medicine: What Everyone Should Know!"  The
talk is part of the Skeptical Inquirer Lecture series at Yale, sponsored by
the newly formed Yale Skeptics group.

  And on the heels of the season premiere of Fox's The X-Files, stay tuned for
news of a "Skeptics Confront the X-Files" lecture coming to Harvard University
on Monday, November 2.

  ***If you would like to find out more information about starting a student
skeptics group at your university or are seeking assistance or possible
speakers, contact Matt Nisbet at SINISBET@... or 716-636-1425 X219***

  CFI LECTURE: AUTHOR OF "ALIENS IN AMERICA" STIRS DEBATE

  On Friday, October 2, Jody Dean, author of _Aliens in America_(Cornell
University Press) lectured on the themes of her controversial new book at the
Center for Inquiry-International, Amherst, N.Y.  Dean, a professor of
political science at Hobart and William Smith Colleges takes a cultural
studies and post-modernist approach to widespread infatuation with alien
abductions.

  "This is a book about alien space, about following and creating links from
cultural images of the alien to tales of UFOs and abduction, computer and
communication technologies, to political passivity and conspiracy thinking in
the contemporary United States," Dean writes in her introduction.  "It is an
age of aliens, an alien age when alien images and alien copies and copies of
aliens appear unpredictably and unannounced in places they shouldn't, in
places we can't understand, in multiple, contradictory, alien places."

  Both Dean and her publisher have come under harsh criticism in the Times
Literary Supplement, The Nation, The New York Review of Books and The New York
Times Review of Books for exhibiting a "slacker" indifference to the veracity
of abduction claims.

  In her multi-media presentation, Dean pointed to the 1987 Challenger space
shuttle crash and same year publication of books by Whitley Strieber and Budd
Hopkins as catapulting popular belief in alien abductions.  Dean recognized
that alien abduction claims had existed for years, but claimed that with the
Challenger crash, Americans no longer looked to space as a vast frontier for
exploration.  Instead, they looked inward.  "The message to Americans was 'go
home'" observed Dean. Instead of the American collective mind reaching out and
inquiring about the vast possibilities of space--mass tension and anxiety
precipitated by the disaster brought space to America in the form of
extraterrestrials.

  Alien tales grew to be group therapy, providing a release of cultural tension
over distrust of government, science and rapidly developing technology.
"During times of uncertainty and instability, people blame distinct groups"
noted Dean. "Aliens are a safe outlet for a lot of anger and fear."

  Dean cited the death in the Challenger crash of New Hampshire teacher-turned-
astronaut Christy McAulliffe as significant.  "Abduction stories went from the
guy out in the truck to the woman sexually molested and examined in the
bedroom."

  Dean, who holds degrees from Princeton and Columbia University, first came to
be interested in popular culture and alien abductions through her pursuit of
feminist studies.  She was a token skeptic at conferences where colleagues
claimed that if a woman merely said she was sexually assaulted, it had to be
accepted as true.  In response, Dean would ask her colleagues if a woman
claimed she was abducted by aliens, should it also be considered automatically
true?

  Despite her skepticism of feminist dogma, in questioning following her
presentation, Dean refused to weigh-in on the veracity of abduction claims.
After Dean affirmed her post-modernist assessment of a world of multiple
truths, CSICOP chair Paul Kurtz and other audience members challenged Dean to
discuss the evidence for abductions.  But Dean responded that in writing
_Aliens in America_ her concern was only in explaining and describing cultural
infatuation with aliens, and  it was not to assess the evidence for or against
abductions or visitation.

  The Center for Inquiry--International is world headquarters to CSICOP.
Housing a 40,000 volume library, a state-of-the-art conference center as well
as editorial and business offices, the Center for Inquiry sponsors a year-
round lecture series that draws regular crowds numbering over one hundred from
across Southern Ontario and Western New York.  Past lecturers have included
UFO investigator Phil Klass, anthropologist Eugenie Scott, philosopher Antony
Flew and psychologist James Alcock.

  --30--

-end of document -

Hi fellow PhACT members and sympathizers,


A little news:  A Penn State main campus skeptics group has emerged to our
west:
http://www.clubs.psu.edu/skeptics/
One of their alumni (who booked Randi for a talk) has moved into our area and
joined us.

Also, I had the following exchange with Mike Shermer editor of Skeptic
Magazine:

me: <<Would the Philadelphia skeptics be able to book you as a speaker in
     <<99?  - perhaps if you know of a time you will be on the East coast,
    << we could put something together

Mike:

--  Next spring when my publisher begins planning my book tour in the fall for
the
--  God book, remind me and we'll try to include Philadelphia on the schedule.



==================

   Getting out the unpopular "gospel of rationalism" is a tough job.  An
individual can reach maybe few scores of people, a local skeptics group can
hit thousands.  Getting major network exposure can reach millions.  But I feel
the
best way to install critical thinking skills in society would be to get it in
school text books as part of a regular curricula.  A local professor who has
gone a long way towards this is Ted Schick who co-authored "How to think about
weird things".  James Randi gave me a copy, and he recommends trying to get
educational groups to back it as a high school text book.  The following
is a message about his upcoming talk to forward to others:

Speaker: Theodore Schick,
                  Professor of Philosophy at
                  Muhlenberg College

                  Ted Schick, Jr. is a professor of philosophy at
                  Muhlenberg College where he teaches philosophy
                  of science, philosophy of mind and biomedical
                  ethics. He received his B.A. from Harvard
                  University and his Ph.D. from Brown University
                  where he taught a freshman seminar entitled, "The
                  Philosophical Implications of Parapsychology."
                  He is the co-author (with Lewis Vaughn) of How to
                  Think About Weird Things and Doing
                  Philosophy: An Introduction through Thought
                  Experiments. He has also published numerous
                  articles on epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics in
                  such journals as The Skeptical Inquirer, Skeptic,
                  Free Inquiry, International Philosophical Quarterly,
                  Philosophy and Phenomenological Research,
                  Idealistic Studies, Thought, The Journal of
                  Speculative Philosophy, and the Journal of
                  Aesthetic Education. The recipient of the Lindbach
                  award for Distinguished Teaching and the Donald
                  B. Hoffman Research Fellowship, he is currently
                  working on a text in the philosophy of science.

                  Description of talk: "How to Think About Weird
                  Things." No one wants to be stupid or irrational.
                  Yet there is widespread belief in all sorts of things
                  that seem to have little evidential support. Why is
                  that? In this talk he will explore the causes and
                  propose a cure for credulity.

                  Saturday, November 14, 2:00 pm
                  at the Bensalem Public Library

--
    sincerely,

    Eric Krieg     eric@...  fax (215) 654-0651
                   http://www.phact.org/e/skeptic

PS: Feel very to check out or respond to our bulletin board at:
http://www.netdesignlab.com/phactboard/

First a little PhACT news:

   Phactum has a healthy backlog of articles - the next issue out soon. We also
have a steady stream of new people joining. The Ted Schick Lecture went well.
After having 2 philosophers speak in a row, we next will hear from 2
physicists:  In January, Tom Napier will discuss the physics (or rather, lack
there of) Saturday, January 23, at 2 pm, called "Hot air, hope and
handwaving." This talk, by physicist Tom Napier, will introduce you to some of
the colorful characters who have hoped, and still hope today, to achieve fame
and fortune by finding loopholes in the 175-year-old Second Law of
Thermodynamics.  Tom will answer their question, "The air contains lots of
heat energy, why can't we use it?"  Along the way you will learn enough about
heat engines to see where these maverick engineers went wrong and to
understand why none has a working machine. On Feb. 20th, Walt Cuirle will
speak on how we know if things are impossible. If anyone knows media people,
let me know because I'm trying to line some up for the March 20th PhACT panel
discussion on media integrity.

    In other news, the following conference on Alt Health hosted by CSICOP is a
little expensive.  If anyone is planning to go, consider doing a write up for
us for Phactum. The following is from the CSICOP email list:

Subject:
           Science Meets Alternative Medicine

     From:
           SkeptInq@...
  Reply-To:
           CSICOP Announcement <CSICOP-ANNOUNCE@...>


  The following is advance notice of a February national conference held in
Philadelphia that gathers top scientists and physicians to take a critical
look at alternative medicine.

  The conference features keynote addresses from Marcia Angell, MD, Executive
Editor of the New England Journal of Medicine and George Lunz, MD, Editor of
the Journal of the American Medical Association(JAMA).

  Contact Matt Nisbet at 716-636-1425 X219.  SINISBET@...
  ____________________________________________________________________
  Skeptical Inquirer magazine and the journal Scientific Review of Alternative
Medicine Present:

  SCIENCE MEETS ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
  A National Conference for Medical Professionals and Consumers
  February 26-28, 1999
  Warwick Hotel, Philadelphia
  Call 1800-634-1610 to Register.

  ***Featuring Keynote Addresses by Marcia Angell, MD, Executive Editor of the
New England Journal of Medicine and George D. Lundberg, MD, Editor of the
Journal of the American Medical Association(JAMA).****

  How strong (or weak) is the evidence?  What's the impact on doctors and
patients?
  What are the implications for medical ethics, government, and the media?

  SCHEDULE

  -FRI, FEB. 26-

  7:00pm Reception

  -SAT., FEB. 27-

  8-830am Conference Opening Address

  830-1100 Science and Alternative Medicine(AM);Exploring Points of Conflict
(Plenary)

  Physics, Scientific Law, and Homeopathy
  Biochemistry and Nutritional Supplements
  Biology and 'Life Forces'
  Clinical Errors in Alternative Medicine

  11-1200Noon

  Keynote Address:
  George D. Lundberg, MD
  Editor, Journal of the American Medical Association(JAMA)

  2-500pm   AM and the Psychology of Belief and Perception (Plenary)

  The Psychology of Belief
  Why Worthless Therapies Seem to Work
  Personal Coversions to AM Therapies

  7-900pm Banquet and Special Address

  SUN., FEB 28

  8-12noon Scientific Critiques of AM Therapies and Theories(Plenary)

  The Crisis of Herbal Cures in Europe
  Acupuncture
  Chiropractic
  Naturopathy
  Mind/Body Therapies
  Case Study: Herbs and Supplements

  2-300pm  Keynote Address:  Marcia Angell, MD, Executive Editor of the New
England Journal of Medicine

  300-5pm AM and Medical Ethics

  Therapeutic Touch: What is the Harm?
  The Ethics of Alternative Medicine
  Is it Right to Promote Unproven Therapies?

  300-500pm  AM, Government, and the Law (Concurrent)

  The FDA and Unproven Health Claims
  Perils of the Marketplace: Profits, Hype and Harm

  300-500pm  Educating Physicians and Consumers

  AM and Medical Journals
  AM and Medical Schools
  Critical Thinking for Physicians
  Why We Need Better AM Research

  Conference Speakers Include:

  Wallace Sampson, Clincal Professor of Medicine at Stanford University, Editor
of SRAM; Paul Kurtz, Publisher of SRAM, Professor Emeritus, SUNY at Buffalo;
Marcia Angell, MD, Executive Editor, New England Journal of Medicine; George
Lundberg, MD, Editor of the Journal of the American Medical Association;
Robert Park, PhD, Executive Director, American Physical Society; Saul Green,
PhD, emeritus Professor of Biochemistry, Memorial-Sloan-Kettering Cancer
Institute, New York; John Renner, MD, Clinical Professor of Family Medicine,
University of Missouri, Kansas City; Barry Beyerstein, PhD, Dept. of
Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia; James Alcock,
PhD, Dept. of Psychology, Glendon College, York University; William Jarvis,
PhD, Executive Director, National Council Against Health Fraud; Stephen
Barrett, MD, Board Chairman of Quackwatch, Inc., and Board Member of the
National Council Against Health Fraud; Donal P. O'Mathuna, MD, Professor of
Bioethics and Chemistry, Mount Carmel College of Nursing, Columbus, Ohio;
Lawrence J. Schneiderman, MD, Professor of Family and Preventive Medicine,
University of California, San Diego School of Medicine; Lewis Vaughn,
Executive Editor, SRAM; Andrew Skolnick, American Medical Association

  ACCOMODATIONS AND TRAVEL INFORMATION

  Rooms are available at the beautiful Warwick Hotel in Philadelphia at special
rates for conference attendees: $130 for a single, $145 for a double.  For
reservations call (215) 735-6000, fax (215) 790-7766.

  The Warwick is located at 1701 Locust Street.  It is within walking distance
of the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Franklin Court, and the Betsy Ross
House.  The Philadelphia Zoo is 20 minutes away.

  REGISTRATION

  $250 per person for all sessions Saturday and Sunday.

  $125 per STUDENT for all sessions Saturday and Sunday.

  $125 per person for DAY admission on only Saturday or Sunday.

  BANQUET is $30 per person Saturday night, Feb. 27.

  CREDIT CARD ORDERS MAY CALL TOLL FREE 1800-634-1610 OR FAX TO 716-636-1733.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT BARRY KARR AT 716-636-1425 X217 OR EMAIL
SKEPTINQ@...

  The Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine (SRAM) is a peer-reviewed
medical journal dedicated to providing scientific, rational evaluations of
unconventional health claims.  Its purpose is to apply the best tools of
science and reason to determine the validity and effectiveness of treatments.
It will dismiss no claim a priori, but consider it on its own merits.  It will
reject no claim because it fits, or fails to fit, some paradigm.  It will,
using scientific methods and reasonable criteria, seek justified answers to
two questions: "Is it true?" and "Does this treatment work?"  SRAM is
sponsored by the Council for Scientific Medicine.

  --30--


--
    sincerely,

    Eric Krieg     eric@...  fax (215) 654-0651
                   http://www.phact.org/e/skeptic

Dear PhACT members and sympathizers,

                  Next Meeting Saturday, January 23, 2:00 pm

                  "Hot Air Hope and Hand waving."

                  Speaker: Tom Napier, Physicist

                  Tom Napier, Has been a practicing engineer for years both
                  here in the states and at scientific research sites in
Europe.
                  He has written many electronics articles for engineering
                  periodicals. Recently, he has written a number of articles
                  on the internet providing a scientific response to claims of
                  Free Energy. Tom was one of the PhACT members who
                  investigated Dennis Lee's claims of free energy via heat
                  pump technology. His speech will address the real science
                  which gets misapplied by the hoards of "inventors" in the
                  perpetual search for a free lunch.
--

directions:
http://www.phact.org/phact/directions.html

On Feb. 20th, Walter Cuirle will speak on "How do you know that's impossible".

March 20th, we have a panel discussion by Media representatives on
Journalistic Integrity.

General reminders:  Let us know of potential speakers, pass Phacta along to
others,
think up new Phact projects. Feel free to participate on our discussion board:
http://www.netdesignlab.com/phactboard/

    sincerely,

    Eric Krieg

http://www.phact.org/phact/
eric@...  fax (215) 654-0651

Dear PhACT members and sympathizers,

The next meeting at the Bucks county library Feb. 20th 2 pm is this lecture :


           "How do you know that's impossible?"  by Walter Cuirle

                  Some things we dismiss as impossible because of
                  our experience, and we call that common sense.
                  Other things we dismiss because of logic, and we
                  call that mathematics.  But sometimes that system of
                  experience and mathematics we call science will
                  dismiss something as impossible in a way that seems
                  completely at odds with both logic and common
                  sense.  How can that be? How do we "know" that's
                  impossible?


                  Walter Cuirle is a physicist and writer.  He was an
                  op-ed columnist for ComputerWorld and other
                  magazines, back in the period between IBM and
                  Microsoft when there was some point in expressing
                  an opinion.  His science writing has appeared here
                  and there in less quantity that he would like, and his
                  science fiction has appeared in Analog at greater
                  length than he ever expected.  He teaches physics
                  at St. Joseph's, Philadelphia's Jesuit University.

                  Saturday, February, 20th  2:00 pm
--
Tom Napier and I were briefly shown on a NYC FOX investigative news expose.

Also, If anyone wants to donate a over head projector to the library on behalf
of PhACT - that would make things easier on our speakers.  We have had many
members donate neat stuff already.

Also, according to the Fortean Times the world is 4% weirder this year than
last year.  - draw your own conclusions there.

  You can see yours truly as "Mr. August" in a cheap promotion at:
http://www.gebesse.com.au/studmuffins/contents.htm

Most warnings about computer viruses are hoaxes that have metastasized
into chain letters.  However, If you have ever been emailed and executed
happy99.exe  - your computer is infected and could be spreading itself to
people you email. You can get fixed up from:
http://www.pspl.com/trojan_info/win32/happy99.htm

--
    sincerely,

    Eric Krieg

http://www.phact.org/phact/
eric@...  fax (215) 654-0651


PS: I close  with a complimentary copy of the most recent BUFO email update:

Bufo Calvin
P O Box 5231, Walnut Creek, CA  94596
Internet: BufoCalvin@...
Website: <A
HREF="http://members.aol.com/bufocalvin">http://members.aol.com/bufocalvin</a>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect-home/bufosweirdworld">
Link to Amazon.com</a>
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (permission is granted to reproduce or redistribute this
edition of Bufo's WEIRD WORLD
provided that attribution is made to http://members.aol.com/bufocalvin. It is
good etiquette to check with
strangers before you e-mail them something.  If you forward this, please make
sure it is clear that you are
forwarding it).


February 14, 1999

Happy Valentine's Day!  Due to the holiday, this one may be a bit sparse.
While my wife supports the time I spend at the computer, I don't think it's
very romantic ;) .  I may try and add some later.

This is the week CONFIRMATION: THE HARD EVIDENCE OF ALIENS AMONG US? on NBC.
As I mentioned last time, this is one of the more significant television
broadcasts on weird topics. One unusual element is that Whitley Strieber
(author of
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0312967047/bufosweirdworld">
Confirmation (paperback)</A>, on which it is based) is a co-Executive Producer
of the special. I have heard many times that people have felt manipulated by
the Producers of shows...for example, author Budd Hopkins in Nova's KIDNAPPED
BY UFOS? ((
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/6303996043/bufosweirdworld">
NOVA: Kidnapped by UFOs? (video)</A>). It seems less likely in this case.
Hopkins and John Mack are both scheduled to appear in the special. Other
highlights include: The Tremble County Disturbance (1993 Ohio: several police
officers see a UFO. Audio from the time is played, and one officer is
interviewed); UFO Evidence (films and photos, include the McMinville Trent
still shots); The Jesse Long Story (an L.A. abductee); The Black Vault story
(heavy-duty conspiracy website (<A HREF="http://www.blackvault.com/">
http://www.blackvault.com/</A>); and Streiber himself. For more information,
see the NBC press release at
<A HREF="http://www.nbc.com/tvcentral/mms/frpv_specials.html">NBC Specials:
Confirmation</A>.

Tomorrow, the fifteenth, is the deadline for me for Bufo's WEIRD WORLD Watch
(tentative title) for the April issue of FATE.  If you'd like to send me any
weird reports, I'd appreciate it.  Everything has to have a citable source.
It's a great way to direct people to your website, if I use it.  E-mail me for
more information.

On to the listings: Times are generally Pacific.

TELEVISION

A&E
Sunday, February 14, 3:00 PM, THE UNEXPLAINED: HAUNTINGS

THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL

Sunday, February 14, 12:30, ARTHUR C. CLARKE'S MYSTERIOUS UNIVERSE, STRANGE
POWERS OF ANIMALS

THE LEARNING CHANNEL

NBC
Wednesday, February 17, 8:00 PM, CONFIRMATION: THE HARD EVIDENCE OF ALIENS
AMONG US?

THE SCIENCE CHANNEL

The new schedule (since December 28, 1998) is weird programming for an hour
each at 3:00 AM, 11:00 AM,and 7:00 PM. Alternating shows are: INTO THE UNKNOWN
and ARTHUR C. CLARKE'S MYSTERIOUS UNIVERSE. They also run a Roswell show now
every other week (it's probably the same show every time) at 4:00 AM and noon
on Sundays.

THE SCI-FI CHANNEL

Tuesday, February 16, 11:00 AM, SIGHTINGS: EPISODE #4031 (multi-generational
alien contact; Bigfoot museum; faith healer; Peru)
Wednesday, February 17, 11:00 AM SIGHTINGS, EPISODE #4032: (Georgia UFO;
psychic cop; haunting)
Thursday, February 18, 11:00 AM SIGHTINGS: EPISODE #4033 (Oregon ghost train;
alien autopsy; Tesla)
Friday, February 19, 11:00 AM SIGHTINGS: EPISODE #4034 (jetliner and UFO;
Nostradamus)



___________________________

This is Bufo saying, "If =everything= seemed normal, that =would= be weird!"
____________________________

You can stop receiving this from me just by asking (note: it is commonly
redistributed, and I can't control you getting it from those sources) by
e-mail at BufoCalvin@....  You can also subscribe or unsubscribe to
Bufo's WEIRD WORLD Media Alert the same way. Also, please let me know if
there is something in the media you think I should cover. Deadline is Tuesday,
the week before.
_____________________________


--

A general announcement of the coming meeting hosted by the Philadelphia
Association for Critical Thinking:


     Media Integrity Symposium


      Come hear a panel discussion by local representatives of
     TV, radio and newspapers discuss questions like:


     How does the media decide what is newsworthy?
     What are the long term trends in the media?
     How do ratings affect news quality?
     What are the rules for getting "the other point of view?"

This will be a moderated discussion with a chance for
questions from the audience.

-----------------------------------
In other general news:

    A bunch of us helped with the big Alternative Health Symposium sponsored by
SRAM and CSICOP in Philadelphia the other week.  There is a review by Hunter
Gordon at:
http://www.phact.org/phact/sram.htm

James Randi will be speaking in Piscataway NJ April 2 to a "free thought"
group.  Anyone interested in that or open to participating in a fund raiser
for Randi's organization, give me a call.

--


    Eric Krieg      eric@...

http://www.phact.org/phact/
Check out our discussion board at:
http://www.netdesignlab.com/phactboard/

Members, please don't forget to MAIL in 25$ per person for the coming April 17th
noon PhACT LUNCHEON to Jack Rohr at box 1131 North Wales PA 19454.  Specify
Fish, Chicken or Vegetarian.  We will have Pam Freyd of the local False Memory
Institute speak on new developments.  More information at:
http://www.voicenet.com/~eric/phact/meetings.html

   At the last meeting, David Leiter raised objections to organized skepticism
during the question and answer period and said he believed he could prove a
paranormal power.  We agreed to try to negotiate terms for a test.  Last night
another PhACT member and I met with David to discuss his claim.  The upshot is
that David will first try to see if he can privately demonstrate his ability
(kind of like remote reading), before being tested by us.  Randi claims this
sort of thing can save embarrassment.  So if he can't first prove it to himself,
then we don't have a public test.  More on this as it develops.


   We had a late schedule problem for the May 15 2 pm meeting- so I'll fill in
with:

  ==  Fanaticism in Cyberspace  ==

      Many consider fraud, viruses and predators the greatest internet threat. 
But
      what of cults and political extremists trolling for recruits? Come see a
      presentation on how fringe groups operate on the internet and what can be
done to
      limit them.  Internet expert, Eric Krieg will explore issues like:

          What kind of "reality impaired people" are out there?
          What sorts of deception can you expect?
          What kind of low budget tools can reach millions?
          How can rational people fight back?"

      A live demonstration will be given.  An example of some of the nuts out
there can be
      had from: http://www.phact.org/e/crack.html

      Saturday, May 15th 2:00 pm at the Bensalem Public Library. Directions from:
http://www.syc.org/phact/directions.html


hope to see a few of you there,


    Eric Krieg      eric@...

http://www.phact.org/phact/

PS:  I close with a post from the west coast Skeptic Society:

===========================
Subject:
          NEED COVERAGE OF SCI-RELIGION CONF
          Skeptic Mag Hotline <skeptic-admin@...>


I am looking for someone to attend this conference and write up an article on
it for Skeptic magazine. We will cover the $150 conference fee but cannot
cover travel expenses. E-mail me at skepticmag@... if you would like to
attend and you can write it up for Skeptic.

Michael Shermer

Leading Cosmologists, Philosophers To Discuss Origin Of Cosmos

AAAS Conference to Explore Cosmology Questions and Religious Implications

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Cosmologists, philosophers, and
religious scholars will gather in Washington, D.C., for a three-day
exploration of the origin and nature of the cosmos and the religious
implications of scientific discovery in the universe.

The AAAS conference, Cosmic Questions, will explore three of the most
provocative questions in contemporary cosmology and astronomy: What came
before the Big Bang?  Is the universe designed?  And are we alone in the
cosmos?

Recent discoveries, including distant galaxies in the early stages of
formation, evidence that neutrinos have mass and probable liquid water on
moons of Jupiter and planets outside the solar system, have enhanced our
understanding of the evolution of stellar and planetary systems and life in
the universe.  At the same time, these discoveries have raised questions
that have modern-day religious significance.

WHAT:     Cosmic Questions Conference
WHEN:     Wednesday - Friday, April 14 - 16, 1999
WHERE:    Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Baird Auditorium
10th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC

Speakers will include:

Anindita Balslev, Ph.D., Professor, Center for Cultural Research, Aarhus
University. Her research interests include cosmology and the concept of
time in philosophy, science and theology. She is the author of Religion
and Time and Cross Cultural Conversation.

Sandra Faber, Ph.D., University Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics,
University of California-Santa Cruz. Her research focuses on the
formation and evolution of galaxies and the evolution of structure in
the universe.

John Haught, Ph.D., Professor of Theology, Georgetown University. His
research is broadly on science and religion with particular focus on the
relationship of theology to cosmology, ecology and evolutionary theory.
He is the author of Science and Religion: From Conflict to Conversation.

John Leslie, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, University of
Guelph. His writing and research have focused on metaphysics, philosophy
of religion and philosophy of cosmology. He is the author of Physical
Cosmology and Philosophy.

Jaraslav Pelikan, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of the History of Religion,
Yale University. He the author of numerous books including What Has
Athens to Do With Jerusalem?: Timaeus and Genesis in Counterpoint.

John Polkinghorne, Ph.D., F.R.S., former President, Queens College,
Cambridge, and Professor of Applied Physics, Cambridge University. He is
an Anglican priest and author of several books on science and religion
including The Faith of a Physicist.

Joel Primack, Ph.D., Professor of Physics, University of
California-Santa Cruz. He is one of the developers of the theory of dark
matter. He has also written on relationships between contemporary
cosmology and the Jewish mystical tradition, Kaballah.

Robert John Russell, Ph.D., Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences
(CTNS), Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley. He is the founding
director of CTNS and co-editor of a series of volumes on Scientific
Perspectives on Divine Action.

Jill Tarter, Ph.D., Senior Program Scientist and Director, Project
Phoenix, The SETI Institute. She directs the world’s most sensitive and
comprehensive search for extraterrestrial intelligence using the 1,000
foot radio telescope in Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

Steven Weinberg, Ph.D., Nobel Laureate and Jack S. Josey-Welch
Foundation Chair in Science and Regental Professor of Physics,
University of Texas-Austin. He shares the Nobel prize for the
development of the electroweak unification theory. He is the author of
The First Three Minutes and Dreams of a Final Theory.

Each day of the conference will offer two sessions that address cosmic
questions; topics will include the history of scientific cosmology, the
beginning of time, cosmic evolution and design, and intelligent life in the
universe. The IMAX film "Cosmic Voyage" will also be shown.  The conference
is being organized by the AAAS Program of Dialogue Between Science and
Religion with support from the John Templeton Foundation, the North
American Montessori Teachers Association, and individual gifts.  For more
information, call 202-326-7044, fax 202-289-4950, or visit the Web site at
http://www.aaas.org/spp/dspp/dbsr/events/cosmo/.

SOURCE  AAAS
CO:  AAAS
ST:  District of Columbia
IN:  EDU
SU:
02/26/99 10:34 EST http://www.prnewswire.com

--------------------------------
Permission is granted to reproduce this e-mail and distribute it without
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Michael Shermer
Publisher
---------------------

just a reminder to send in 25$ per person Members, please don't forget to MAIL
in 25$ per person for the coming April 17th noon PhACT LUNCHEON to and care of
Jack Rohr at box 1131 North Wales PA 19454-0131.  Specify Fish, Chicken or
Vegetarian. In fact, if you are this late, it may be good to call our hotline at
(215) 885-2089 so we can get the order in on time.

The featured lecture is:
"The rise and fall of a psychiatric fad" by local leader of the " False Memory
Syndrome Foundation", Pamela Freyd

Pam states:

    "I would like to give a general overview of where things stand now: with the
legal situation, with families, and with response from the professional
community. "

There is more information on her group at:
http://advicom.net/~fitz/fmsf/aboutFMSF.html

In other news, the fellow who last meeting stood up and agreed to have his
remote viewing ability tested now first wants to double check on his own that he
has the ability before we publicly test him.
--


    Eric Krieg      eric@...

http://www.phact.org/phact

I promise my presentation for the next meeting will be entertaining:
=======================

"Fanaticism in Cyberspace "

Many consider fraud, viruses and predators the greatest internet threat.  But 
what of cults and political extremists trolling for recruits? Come see a  
presentation by net-addict/crusader Eric Krieg on how fringe groups operate on
the internet. I'll cover issues like:


      What kind of "reality impaired people" are out there?
      What sorts of deception can you expect?
      What kind of low budget tools can reach millions?
      How can rational people fight back?"

   An overview of some of the nuts out there can be had from:
http://www.phact.org/e/crack.html

Saturday, May 15th 2:00 pm at the Bensalem Public Library. There is a business
meeting for members at 1pm

=====================================

Saturday June 26th  3- 8 pm is our annual Phact Phamily Phun picnic - but this
year it is more accessible to more of our growing membership.  It will be in
Upper Dublin in the middle of Montgomery County. We will be in the pavilion of
the south east corner of Mondauk Common park.  There are cook out grills, we
have the baseball field to ourselves and are right along the mile loop
walking-jogging path.  There are also near by play grounds, V-ball and B-ball
courts and plenty of room for all kinds of sports. Tom will likely bring his
radio controlled glider.  Our kids will be there.  We'll try the communal food
thing - email me what you are bringing.
   Directions:  From the turnpike, 309 N, take 2nd exit to turn right onto
Susquehanna, going south - turn left onto Broad St. which is your 2nd light.
Turn left after .25 miles into the 2nd park parking lot (right before dead end).
The pavilion will be directly ahead of you across a little foot bridge.   It
should be fun - hope to see you there,

--


    Eric Krieg      eric@...

http://www.phact.org/phact/

Dear Phact members and sympathizers,

    A few news items:  The new issue of Phactum will be out in a few days. 
Please schedule June 26 at 3pm to join in our summer picnic.  This year will be
at Mondauk Common park - bring food, there are play grounds, a mile loop walking
path, ball fields, frisbee, possible ET visitations, and fire places.  Email me
if you'd like me to send a map.


Here are some kooky things going on right in our own area:

==========================
    From: Jogg <pore@...>
Subject: New Orgonomy web site in USA

Date: May 12, 1999
Subject: New Orgonomy web site in USA


Institute of Orgonomic Science ** http://orgonomicscience.org **

now is online with their own web page in May 1999: (IOS) was
incorporated in September, 1982 Contact: IOS 100 Park Blvd. Suite 49A
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 USA ** Tel.: (609) 482-5444 ** Email:
ios@...  Tel.: (609) 482-5444 Publishes "Annals of the
Institute for Orgonomic Sciences". Provides orgone therapy and training
for orgone therapists; and they offer discussion groups regarding
orgonomy and Reich on an ongoing basis in the Philadelphia area.
Interested people may contact them for more specific information.


====================================

also:
Subject:
         Preparedness Expo '99
    Date:
         Thu, 13 May 1999 15:10:49 -0700 (PDT)
    From:
         Danny Barnett <dannybarnett@...>
      To:
         Eric Krieg <eric@...>




Hi, Eric!  Hope all is well with you and PhACT.

I thought I'd let you know that the Preparedness Expo will be held in
Philadelphia in mid-June.  Their schedule can be found at this address:

http://www.preparedness.net/schedule.html

I've been to the Expo when it was in Dallas last month, and I wrote a
review of it for the North Texas Skeptics.  You can read my comments at
this address:

http://jblanton.home.mindspring.com/may1999.htm

Pretty scary stuff here, but I thought I'd let you know just in case.
How's everything going?

Danny Barnett
North Texas Skeptics
_________________________________________________________

--

Hello again,

   I just wanted to make sure people had the attached map to the coming PhACT
family picnic June 26th in Upper Dublin.  It should be a lot of fun.


    Eric Krieg      eric@...

http://www.phact.org/phact

People,

   The next issue of PhACTUM should be out soon.  Keep in mind, we
are always looking for article submissions, meeting speakers,
volunteers to do research and other general help.

   an early heads up for the first lecture of our last season of
this millennia:


Sept. 18      Eating Candy for Longevity and other Toxic Science


    Does eating candy increase longevity?  How bad is the
   cancer epidemic?  When will we return to the good old days
   of safe pesticides and wholesome food?  Is health
   misinformation simply a innocuous game, or does it have
   real consequences for the well-being of Americans?  The
   speakers will discuss health misinformation from two
   perspectives, that of an epidemiologist and of a toxicologist.
   They will discuss how misdirection can occur when
   recommendations are based on data from one of these fields

   without regard to the other, and how this misinformation
   skews understanding and interferes with progress on the
   betterment of health of Americans.

Bios:
   Jeff Lewis has a Ph.D. in Epidemiology from the University
   of Texas School  of Public Health, an M.B.A. from Rutgers
   University and a B.S. in Biology from the University of
   Kansas.
   Dave Cragin has a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and
   Toxicology from the University of California, Davis, a B.S.
   in Zoology from the University of Rhode Island, and is
   board-certified by the American Board of Toxicology.
   Both speakers have more than 10 years of experience
   in their fields.

=============== also, a local event of possible interest: ======
Subject:
          Friday the Thirteenth Bashes in L.A., Buffalo, Philly


  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
  CONTACT:  Matt Nisbet 716-636-1425 x219
  Chris Mooney 716-636-1425 X221

  ON FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH OF AUGUST
  SKEPTICS LAUGH IN THE FACE OF SUPERSTITION
  Superstition Bashes to Be Held in Los Angeles, Buffalo, and Philadelphia

  **Dunk-the-Witch, Misfortune Tellers, Walk-Under-the-Ladder-Limbo, Giant
Mirror Smash, Black Cats, Salt-Throwing**

  AMHERST, N.Y.--  Looking for that Friday the Thirteenth story?  Go no
further.  On Friday, August 13, skeptics will challenge thousands of years of
superstition and tradition by hosting "Friday the Thirteenth Superstition
Bashes" in Los Angeles, Buffalo, and Philadelphia.

  The Center for Inquiry-International in Buffalo, NY, and the Center for
Inquiry-West in Los Angeles will host a barbecue and party with whimsical yet
"dangerous" designs.  Dozens will gather to play "Limbo Under the Ladder,"
consult a mis-fortune teller, throw salt over the shoulder, step on cracks,
smash mirrors, open umbrellas indoors, and crack open mis-fortune cookies.
The events are sponsored by Skeptical Inquirer, The Magazine for Science and
Reason.

  In Philadelphia, at the historic Ethical Union building, the Freethought
Society will be up to similar revelry as they sponsor a Superstition Carnival
with games like "Superstition Trivia," "Luck o' the Irish", and "Enie, Menie,
Hit the Genie."

  But beyond laughter in the face of superstition, skeptics have a serious
message to deliver.  "There is no such thing as luck.  We make our own fate
through our actions," says Matt Nisbet, Public Relations Director for
Skeptical Inquirer magazine. "Yet most people still cling to century old
superstitions, the greatest of all being fear of Friday the Thirteenth. By
risking a lifetime of misfortune, our message to the public is that you have
nothing to fear!"

  Friday the Thirteenth has not been without past incident for Nisbet,
however.  In 1997, he woke up early on history's darkest day to do a local
radio interview. He soon discovered that his phone had gone dead.  Nisbet
pulled on his shoes, ran to the corner, and did the interview collect from a
payphone.  Word of the mishap reached the Associated Press which ran a story
on the statewide wire.  "In that case, it wasn't bad luck, it was stupidity.
I had just moved into a new apartment, and the phone wasn't properly
installed.  I should have double-checked the phone line, but I didn't, and
the result was that I created my own misfortune."

  EVENT TIMES AND LOCATIONS:


  Ethical Society of Philadelphia
  8pm
  August 13, 1999

  1906 Rittenhouse Square
  Philadelphia, 19103
  Contact Margaret Downey
  (610) 793-2737

  --30--
--


    Eric Krieg      eric@...

PS: check out our web page at:
http://www.phact.org/phact
or our discussion board (which a lot of the kooks have found):
http://www.netdesignlab.com/phactboard/

People,

   I wanted to remind you of our Phact meeting 2 pm, Sept. 18th in Bensalem:
http://www.syc.org/phact/meetings.html
   It will be an interesting lecture giving the straight scoop about all these
new health threats from a toxicologist and an epidemiologist. .  Apparently,
there is much misuse of statistics and poorly constructed studies behind a
growing
number of health related myths.
   Keep Oct. 16 and Nov. 13 free for future meetings. The 16th may well be an
update on how cults operate by Joe Szimhart.
   In other news, we have a member researching Feng Shui.  And Dennis Lee claims
he will include the 1st Union Spectrum as part of another nationwide free energy
tour.

In an unrelated issue, email me if you want to join me in a private splat ball
day I'm organizing for Oct. 2.


    Eric Krieg      eric@...

http://www.phact.org/phact

PS:  If anyone is up to a local investigation, I got the following
email exchange from the paranormal research group in Princeton:


>--
>People,
>
>  We at the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT) would
>be interested in taking a closer look at significant evidence for the
>paranormal. I realize that the massive meta analysis's of data, or stuff
>that borders on irreproducible would only enmesh us in intractable
>debates.  But if you ever come up with some very impressive - yet simple
>data, let us know.
>
>
>   Eric Krieg      eric@...
>

Mr. Krieg:

Thank you for your inquiry.  To learn more about PEAR's research results, I
suggest that you return to our website and download two publications:  #1.
"Consciousness and Anomalous Physical Phenomena"; and # 31. "Correlations
of Random Binary Sequences with Pre-Stated Operator Intention: A Review of
a 12-Year Program." These will give you an accurate overview of our data.
The free software for downloading them is on the site.

Sincerely,

Arnold L. Lettieri, Jr., Ph.D.
Communications Director, PEAR Lab
C-131, E-Quad
School of Engineering and Applied Science
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ  08544
609-258-5370
609-258-1993 (FAX)
http://www.princeton.edu/~pear/

People,

   You should be getting the latest Phactum any day.  Our last meeting had a
great informative lecture by David Cragin and Jeff Lewis on "Toxic Science"
about extra reason needed in sorting out medical statistics.  November will
include a presentation by a bunch of us for a session at the Nov. 12 - 14th
Philadelphia Science Fiction Convention.  It will be a panel discussion on "How
can we keep Fiction out of Science?".  We will also have a informal field trip
to catch the Dennis Lee free energy revival meeting (assuming the law doesn't
catch him first) at the First Union Spectrum November 10 at 7pm.  This is the
culmination of a heavily advertised 45 city nationwide tour.  You won't have a
chance to catch such a colorful con man as this for a long time.  Email me to
find out where we will all have dinner ahead of time.  Depending on the interest
of the local press - we may try to hold a press conference as well.

   Our next meeting will be Oct. 16th 2pm on Destructive Cults

                      Attorney Joe Flanagan will talk about his experiences with
                      "destructive cults" Joe has been both a cult member and an
                      exit counselor - he will tell us how to recognize a cult
and
                      explain how cults having widely different belief systems
                      have adopted similar coercive methods to recruit and
                      retain members. He will explain "sudden conversion
                      techniques" and "coercive persuasion".  He will also cover
                      how people get into cults and how  they can get out again.
                      In the past - cult members have attempted to disrupt his
                      meetings.

We can't publicize this one too widely - Scientologists have dressed up like
Nazi's in the past to try to prevent Joe from being heard.  Anyone coming from
center city, please give Eric Hamell an email about possibly car pooling at:
eph1@...


   There is lots of general discussion on our PhACT discussion board at:
http://www.netdesignlab.com/phactboard/


--


    Eric Krieg      eric@...

http://www.phact.org/phact

PS:  I close with an announcement of a new SKEPTICAL TV SHOW staring
Mike Shermer (obviously, I'm trying to convince him to let us help him in future
episodes):

========================

FOX FAMILY EXPLORING THE UNKNOWN PREMIERE
Tomorrow night, Tuesday October 5, from 10-11pm (but check your local
listings for the time) Fox Family will premiere my new television series,
EXPLORING THE UNKNOWN, hosted by myself and X-Files' Mitch Pileggi. The pilot
features:

--a segment on FIREWALKING in which I traipse across 1,000-degree hot coals
barefoot without getting burned (and without chanting or thinking positive
thoughts--in fact, I was rather nervous);

--a segment on PSYCHIC READINGS in which we set up mentalist and magician
Mark Edward at a mall to do psychic readings on people--he was brilliant at
it and everyone was convinced he was the real thing, until he disclosed that
it was all a trick--wait until you see their faces drop!;

--a segment on OUT OF BODY EXPERIENCES and other mind bending phenomena in
which we travel to Michael Persinger's lab at Laurentian University in
Sudbury, Canada, and I get strapped into his electromagnetic helmet to
experience some weird mental states generated by his computer;

--a segment on PSYCHIC SURGERY in which the Amazing Randi exposes how this
old canard is done with sleight of hand;

--a segment on the alleged NASA UFO sighting from the Space Shuttle;

--very short segments on the face on Mars exposed as nothing more than a
random pattern of rock formations, a biomagnetic family (where irons and
spoons magically stick to skin), and 0faked fairy photos.

Enjoy an entire show with a VERY strong skeptical perspective. In fact, where
I occasionally thought we should be a bit conciliatory, the Fox Family
network folks pushed us to be even STRONGER on the skeptical perspective.
How's that for a change of pace??!!

Michael Shermer
Publisher
-----------------------------------
Copyright 1999 by Michael Shermer and the Skeptics Society. Copies of this
internet posting may be made and distributed in whole without further
permission. Credit: This has been another edition of SkepticMag Hotline, the
internet edition of Skeptic magazine and the cyberspace voice of the Skeptics
Society. For further information about the magazine and society, contact P.O.
Box 338, Altadena, CA 91001; 626/794-3119 (phone); 626/794-1301 (fax);
skepticmag@... and www.skeptic.com or send your message telepathically
and we will respond in kind.

For those of your not familiar with the Skeptics Society or have not seen
Skeptic magazine, see our web page: www.skeptic.com

People,

    I don't know if many of you noticed, but we got mentioned
in last weeks USA Today and also on today's Channel 6 story
at 5:30 on Dennis Lee coming to grift in our town - it may
also run on their 11 pm news tonight.   Anyone interested in
going to the Dennis Lee show this Wednesday, give me a call.

   Also, Friday, Tom Napier will be addressing the Philcon
Sci Fi convention at the Adams Mark on the main line.  Then
Sat, a bunch of us will run a panel discussion on "Keeping
Fiction out of Science" at 2:00 PM in Delaware Room No. 3.

   We still need someone to go ahead and volunteer to host
a "Winter Solstice Party" in December.  Then in January,
we will have Tom Delworth speak on Global Warming (I've been
undecided and hope to finally make up my mind)

   Speakers we are working on for early next year (which we
believe will come) include:

   Norm Biss - telling a story of being taken by a con man.
   Catherine A. Fiorello - child psychology myths
   Joel Carlinsky - Wilhelm Reich and Orgone Energy

   I solicit help from anyone on lining up other speakers.  Also,
we will need a new newsletter editor.
--


    Eric Krieg      eric@...

http://www.phact.org/phact

People,

   Tonight on the Channel 17 10pm news, Tom Napier our editor of
Phactum will be giving a few statements about Dennis Lee.
   Also, I believe our group will be mentioned in tomorrow's Inky.
We are seizing the chance to ride the media wave while it lasts.

   I was wrong about the January speaker - the "weather modeling
expert" will likely speak in April. Catherine Fiorello, of the
  Temple University School Psychology program is expected to speak
the 3rd Saturday in January about myths of child hyperactivity and
questions about the scientific basis of Psychology (and stuff like
that).

   We are also hoping to poll our state representatives to find
out where they stand when it comes to trying to limit what
Biology teachers are allowed to teach.

--


    Eric Krieg      eric@...

http://www.phact.org/phact

Here's my early report for the Philadelphia Dennis Lee show at the First Union
Center 11/10/99:

The Inquirer ran a quarter page story at the top of the business section and KYW
(the big news radio station) ran reports.  I believe there has
been other press coverage too.
   A group of about 9 Phact members showed up at 5pm at a near by diner to hang
out before the show.  I split out early to go meet channel 3 and 17 in front of
the center.  They did a 10 minute interview. (the channel 17 report aired at 10
pm - I don't know why channel 3 didn't run it at 11).  With camera's still
rolling, I took my box of fliers and worked a very appreciative crowd waiting to
get in.  The looks on people's faces seeing  my literature was priceless.  Some
of Dennis's followers were telling people "watch out - he's paid by big business
to deceive you".  I just responded, "go listen to Dennis in there - but also
read this and make up your own mind".  One really angry guy yelled at me, "why
don't you get your own damn show".  Dennis's 2 daughters were trying to convince
me I was being unfair.  The one said, "you will soon have to pay Dennis the
$50,000 you promised when he delivers working machines". I said, "you said that
in 97 and will say it years from now".  Many people asked me who was paying me
to be there.  I explained that I was just a volunteer and probably the only
thing I would get  . . was my ass kicked.  At that point a heavyset older lady
said, "we won't let them" and boldly showed me the boots she was wearing.
   The camera's were getting all this.  I exchanged furtive glances with members
of the Philadelphia skeptics group who managed to get in.  (I'll post their
report later). Another fellow Phact member passing my literature and I were
kicked out of the entire complex by beefy security guards.  They wouldn't even
permit us in the parking lot. Channel 3 was warned they too would be ejected if
they covered me being removed.  I argued for around 10 minutes with them - tried
to ask to speak with someone more important and failed to get my 8$ parking fee
back.  They just kept saying we'd be arrested and my car would be towed.  A
third Phact member who lingered too close to me was ordered to leave as well.
I'm told that Comcast "owns" the whole property. It is scary when a company in
the business of spreading information tries so hard to stop independent free
flow of information.
   Luckily, I'm still still free to disseminate information on the internet.  Our
members in the show said it drowned on for 4 hours (with much attrition) and
that the only "breaking" announcement was that $200 of an original portion of a
sign up payment could be pledged instead of paid.  Either way, I doubt they made
back the $40,000 to rent the place given around only 300 people there (most with
my literature).  I credit press reports and dimming enthusiasm of Lee's
reporters with making this show far smaller than the 1996 show with a few
thousand attending.

   I'd like to thank all the many brave folks who have tried to help with the
voice of reason (most who I've only met via email) through out this whole
nationwide tour.

--



    Eric Krieg      eric@...

http://www.phact.org/e/dennis.html

PS:  I got the following report from the Virginia Beach show:

Enjoyed your pages.

Only about 50 people showed up for the Va. Beach show.  From the
chuckles at some of his demonstrations and claims, it was obvious there
were several people there like me who just wanted the chance to see a
real snake oil show in person.  Only heard a few "amens" near the end
and they may have been from his own people sitting in the audience.  I
left before the packet were distributed, so I did not see how many
people were suckered.  I would guess not too many.

I was disappointed in the lack of polish.  Whit lab coats for the
assistants would have been a nice touch.


The comments were made during his talk on Y2K power failures.  According
to Lee the power companies can just flip a switch and go on manual any
time they want, eliminating any problems that could be caused by a
computer.  (not an exact quote) "This Y2K thing is all a government scam
(Alan Greenspan mentioned) so FEMA and the National Guard can come in,
and martial law can be declared, so they can take away your guns.  All
so the people can not outgun the government.  Therefore you should have
massive fire power."

I wish I could be there in Philly.  It sounds like it will be a much
more interesting time than it was here.

People,

    The latest issue of Phactum just went out.  We still need a new
replacement editor.  It looks like we are getting booked for a
panel discussion for the national Mensa meeting in Philadelphia
this coming July.
   The next PhACT meeting is January 15th at 2pm in the Bensalem public
library.  The lecture subject is: "Psychology of children's behavior"
and includes:
                              Does ADHD exist? Does spanking work? What is
                      dyslexia anyway? And what really happens when kids eat
                      sugar? See how scientific thinking can cut through the
                      myths of children's behavior. Find out the reality, and
some
                      techniques you can use to answer your own questions about
                      children's behavior.

                      by Cathy Fiorello of the Temple University School
                      Psychology
=============================

     I also wanted to invite all of you to an hour lunch time discussion of the
general and special theories of relativity next Wednesday in a conference room
of L3 Communications at 700 Dresher Rd. in Horsham.  I was going to try to
present a 10 - 15 minute overview and then let things go into open discussion.  
It's not an official PhACT function, but still a neat chance to learn.
    Directions: From turnpike, exit 27, go north on 611, left on Blairmill.
Right on 63 at dead end. Rt. on Dresher at 2nd light, left after 200 yds at
first company entrance.  Enter lobby on left as you pull into driveway.
From lobby turn to your left and go to first meeting room on the left.


Eric    eric@...
(215) -658-4697

--

People,

   just an update:  It looks likely that Greg Lester will take Tom Napier's
place as editor of Phactum after the next issue. Now is your last chance to
ask people you know who are getting really hyped about Y2K, "if nothing
happens, will you be willing to make a late New Year's resolution to be
less gullible?".

    The next lecture is something of interest to a lot more of the
general public than something like free energy.  Though PhACT seems
to have a low percentage of parents, we at least all know young parents
who may be interested in the coming talk:

Psychology of children's behavior


         Does ADHD exist? Does spanking work? What is dyslexia anyway? And
        what really happens when kids eat sugar? See how scientific thinking can
        cut through the myths of children's behavior. Find out the reality, and
        some techniques you can use to answer your own questions about
        children's behavior.

            by Cathy Fiorello of the Temple University School of Psychology


                               -------------

   Note:  - All our meetings will be 2 pm on the 3rd Saturday of each
        month at the Bensalem Public Library.

          http://www.phact.org/phact

     Saturday, Jan 15th 2:00 pm at the Bensalem Public Library.
--
===================
   To those who are also facing huge capital gains taxes on over-appreciated
stocks - consider a direct stock gift to CSICOP or the James Randi
Educational Foundation.  (I can give details for this).  For that matter,
there are people who give direct donations to PhACT. They can always be
earmarked directly for things like: an overhead projector to be given to the
library which we could use, visiting speakers costs, the next media integrity
awards, a mass mailing to the CSICOP list, etc.


    Eric Krieg    eric@...

People,

We had a well attended lecture from Catherine Fiorello covering
myths of child psychology.  The most common myth she deflated was
"sugar hypes kids up".  If you missed it, you can catch Hunter
Gordon's review coming in the next issue of Phactum in 2 weeks.

   The next meeting will be a field trip to the infamous Mütter Museum
of Philadelphia (no business meeting this time). There is more information at:
http://www.collphyphil.org/muttpg1.shtml
   I've heard it described as a freak show museum that you don't want
to see more than once.  Even if you are not squeamish, bring an
empty stomach.  The museum describes itself as having "medical oddities".  Their
collection includes many crackpot medical devices
from previous centuries.  Nothing paranormal - but plenty abnormal.
We may even get a private tour from the curator.
We will meet at the museum (on 22nd between Chestnut and Market)
at noon and eat near by afterwards.  The museum cost for people in
groups is $4.

   March 18th, we will have a lecture at 2 pm by Tom Delworth on global
warming and meteorology.

There will be a lunar eclipse next Thursday from around 10 pm, and peaking at
11:22  (thanks to Ray Haupt)

The PhACT board is still down - more on that when we get a new site
to host it.
--
   best wishes,

    Eric Krieg      eric@...

http://www.phact.org/phact

People,

   Our latest issue of Phactum just went out.  The next one will be the
first from our new editor Greg Lester.  If you have any material
to submit to Greg, send it to:
greg_lester@...
    Keep in mind we are looking for more speakers for upcoming events.

   The Randi Foundation is really kind of low on money lately.  Consider
if you have some overvalued highly appreciated stocks (in danger of
getting taxed 50%) possibly tax free gifting some to a good skeptical cause.
  Geri at JREF can give info on such a tax advantaged donation at:
(954) 467-1112.

   Susan Umfer (sp?) of the Bucks County Courier Times is looking for
Scientists to Chat on-line. The date is February 17.
  She can be reached at:  215-949-1467.

Saturday, July 8th from 3pm to 4:30 at the Adam's Mark Hotel - we will
run a panel discussion on skepticism for the world Mensa gathering.

   The next meeting will be a field trip to the infamous Mütter
    Museum of Philadelphia (no business meeting this time).
  There is more information at:
  http://www.collphyphil.org/muttpg1.shtml
    I've heard it described as a freak show museum that you
  don't want to see more than once.  Even if you are not
  squeamish, bring an empty stomach.  The museum
  describes itself as having "medical oddities".  Their collection
  includes many crackpot medical devices from previous
  centuries.  Nothing paranormal - but plenty abnormal. We
  may even get a private tour from the curator. We will meet
  at the museum (on 22nd between Chestnut and Market)
  at noon and eat near by afterwards.  The museum cost for
  people in groups is $4.  There will likely be people going
out for a late lunch afterwards.  Contact me, if you want to be
part of a really small group meeting before hand at Milton
Rothman's home nearby.  I don't know if I can make this meeting
myself.

    March 18th, we will have a lecture at 2 pm by Tom
  Delworth on Global Warming.


--


    Eric Krieg      eric@...
http://www.phact.org/phact/

PS:  a typical web conversations I've had with dowsing advocates:
http://www.egroups.com/group/digital-dowsers/6296.html
We are considering making:
http://www.InsideTheWeb.com/mbs.cgi/mb961366
our new PhACTBOARD.

People,

   first a few general announcements:

We need someone who went to the Mütter museum to do a little write up
on it for Phactum.  And we really need a speaker for April.  There is
talk about PhACT offering a $500 book scholarship-prize for a winning
essay related to critical thought or skepticism.  We won't have trouble
getting pledge volunteers, but may need help with promotion and
rating responses.

PhACT got mentioned in the latest Skeptic magazine twice: once for
the Dennis Lee tour and also in member Joel Kaufman's article about
unexpected chances of guessing pictures in sealed arguments.  The
skeptical article was inspired by David Leiter's presentation to PhACT.

-------------
I hope you can make our next meeting, March 18th :

       Global Warming - Is it Real? Should we Care?

       The issue of Global Warming evokes passionate
    responses from both ends of the political
    spectrum. The issue is a complex mixture of
    science and politics. In this presentation Tom will
    focus on an overview of the scientific basis for
    Global Warming and the uncertainties associated
    with future projections of climate change. It is
    critical that we separate the science of the issue
    (Is the climate warming, and why?) from any policy
    implications (Should we do something about it?).

                         by Tom Delworth.


    Eric Krieg      eric@...

http://www.phact.org/e/more.htm

PS:  some entertaining newer kook websites:

  some of the most detailed plans I've seen in a while for building
UFO's are found at:
http://www2.murray.net.au/users/egel/fs3.htm

A little anti-white propaganda (posted by anti-black people):
http://www.americanpatrol.com/RECONQUISTA/getoutgringo000215.html

Some pretty good disaster nuttiness at:
http://www.earthchangesTV.com/breaking/index.htm

There are still support groups for people who think the world
is hollow at:
http://www.onelight.com/hollow/hollowlaunch1.html
--
   http://townchat.com/y2k/bbs/power/msg/217.html

People

Don't forget Saturday a week for our lecture on Global Warming and some
related dubious science and politics.   It's March 18th 2 PM at the Bensalem
Public Library.  In phact, mark off the 3rd Saturday of every calendar page
for us.
http://www.syc.org/phact/meetings.html

  The following is an update from member, David Cragin:


Eric - Previously, I had mentioned to you that the Soc. of Toxicology will be
holding its annual meeting in Philadelphia in March of next year.  On Tues, 3/21
from 5:30 - 7:30 pm at the Academy of Nat Sciences, SOT will have a lecture/Q&A
session on toxicology for "the public."  (I'll be on the panel).  They've asked
for recommendations on who to invite, and I've recommended PhACT.  Invitees will
include the Amer. Lung Assoc., Poison Control Centers, and the general public.

If there are any other groups that you think might want to attend let me know
(there is no cost for the sesssion).  (other skeptic groups?).  As this is the
1st time that SOT has held its annual meeting in Phil, and will not return to
the city for many years, the session will represent an opportunity that won't
occur again for quite a while.

As part of this meeting, there will be a special 1-day session for teaching
K-12th grade teachers about science of toxicology and how to teach it to their
students.   The educational materials meets national science education
standards.  There is a $15 registration fee, but the Society will reimburse the
school district for the cost of a substitute teacher.   Any PhACT members who
would like their local teachers to attend should provide them with the
information the attached e-mail.

In addition to the session for teachers, there will be an open panel discussion
to allow anyone to ask questions of toxicologists.   The discussion will be
begin with a talk and then there will be an open Q & A on any topic related to
toxicology.  I will be one of the panelists.  (In my bio for the panel, I
mention my membership in PhACT). This session is free.

Please forward this PhACT members and any one else you think might have
interest.  In addition, while the Society is contacting the press, since you
have good contacts, you may want to forward this information to them as well.
....... Dave


Here's the info on the open discussion:

Living Safely With Chemicals in the New
                       Millennium:
        How Toxicologists Help Decide What is
                           Safe
                       5:30 to 7:30 PM
                       March 21, 2000

             The Academy of Natural Sciences Auditorium
                 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
                   Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

        Free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
                     RSVP (215) 596-8983
       Talk with toxicologists and other experts on the health effects
        of chemical exposures. Learn how they decide how much is
                   too much of a good thing...
---------------------- Forwarded by David Cragin/PHL/ATO_NA/ATO on 02/22/2000
08:12 AM ---------------------------





Pete Harvison <p.harvis@...> on 02/21/2000 05:48:15 PM



  To:      David Cragin/PHL/ATO_NA/ATO@ATONA,
           aulettac@...,
           markhite@..., jwkille@..., Ann
           Tveit/PHL/ATO_NA/ATO@ATONA,
           anne_h_chappelle@...,
           drlskaufman@..., mcginnis@...

  cc:      bettye@..., steinbbr@...,
           eknight@..., jwkille@...,
           adepeyst@...



  Subject: Paracelsus program- teacher recruitment








                          MEMORANDUM


To:  Paracelsus Program Volunteers

From:     Pete Harvison, Local Organizing Committee, Paracelsus Program

Date:     February 21, 2000

Re:  Teacher Recruitment


      Plans for the "Paracelsus Goes to School" workshop at the 2000 SOT meeting
are nearly complete. If you have volunteered as a mentor, the organizing
committee will be contacting you shortly with more specific details
(teacher assignments, etc.) about the program. In the meantime, we would
like to ask for your help.
      On the volunteer form, you had expressed a willingness to help out in
teacher recruitment and the program organizers would now like to ask for
your assistance with that task. If possible, we would like you to take
copies of the Paracelsus workshop brochures to a local school or give them
to any teachers that you know personally (your children's teachers,
neighbors, etc.). A supply of brochures will be mailed to you within a few
days; in the meantime, the brochure is also available on-line at:

http://www.toxicology.org/Education/edu.html (follow the link entitled
"Resources for Teachers Grades K-12").

      PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DEADLINE FOR REGISTERING FOR THE PROGRAM HAS BEEN
EXTENDED. If you should happen to talk to any teachers, please tell them
that this is a one-time, "not-to-be-missed" opportunity and that substitute
reimbursement is available.
      On behalf of the Paracelsus program organizing committee, thank you for
your cooperation.

Sincerely yours,


Pete Harvison

Peter J. Harvison, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
University of the Sciences in Philadelphia
e-mail: p.harvis@.../phone: (215) 596-8979/fax: (215) 895-1161




    Eric Krieg      eric@...

Today is Fastnact day  - look up:
http://www.phact.org/e/z/fastnact.htm

People,

   Our next meeting is April 15th at 2pm with speaker Chip Denman
covering spiritualism.  Feel free to come an hour early to the exec
meeting where we will vote on officers for the new year.
    I looked at the proofs for Greg Lester's first editing of Phactum,
which should be out this week.  a new look - good coverage of
the global warming controversy from last meeting.  Also, in this issue
of Phact note that we can use volunteers to help promote our new
scholarship offering.

   While you are looking at your calendar - hold out May 20th - for
a story of a brush with a con man inspiring a conversion to skepticism.
   And June 17th will be our annual Phact Phamily Phun picnic in the
same Upper Dublin Park as last year.  -we hope to have more good food,
music, object tossings and alien visits.

The following is an overview of the coming meeting:

      "If the Spirit is Willing:  a Brief History of Spiritualism"


      The mid-1800s through the 1920s was the heyday for
      Spiritualism. Many respectable and influential persons held
      that Spiritualism was a scientific religion with definitive
      proof of the here-after. Although it may seem quaint
      and even comical today, the history of the Spiritualist
      movement sheds a lot of light on sincere believers and
      outrageous fakers, including magicians, scientists,
      philosophers, artists, politicians, and just plain citizens on
      both sides. Chip Denman will give a brief history of some of
      the most notable seance mediums and those who
      investigated them.

      SHORT BIO
      Chip Denman is a statistician at the University of Maryland
      where he teaches "Science/Pseudoscience" for the University
      Honors Program, and past-president of the DC area skeptics group.

      Note:   All our meetings will be the 3rd Saturday of each month:
       2:00 pm at the Bensalem Public Library.
===========================

I made a try at a new free bulletin board service for Phact at:
http://www.coolboard.com/boardshow.cfm/mb=255153259697749

   Here's a understatement for you, "perhaps some extra skepticism could
have been useful in Uganda".


    Eric Krieg      eric@...
http://www.phact.org/phact


PS:  I close with email from Martin Czigler by permission:


From:   Czigler Martin <cziglerm@...>

The April issue of Central PA magazine (the schedule guide for public
TV/radio station WITF) has an article on Spontaneous Human Combustion (SHC)
and Larry Arnold, a resident in this area, author of "Ablaze! The Mysterious
Fires of Spontaneous Human Combustion".  Below is a letter I've submitted to
the editor of Central PA magazine.  Below that is a note I wrote about a
lecture by Arnold that I attended in October of 1998.

------------
Although I mostly enjoy Central PA, I was disappointed in the poorly
researched tabloid-style article on Spontaneous Human Combustion (SHC).

A little digging (e.g. a review of Mr. Arnold's book at
www.csicop.org/si/9611/shc.html) would have revealed a strong correlation
between SHC and obesity, smoking, alcohol or drug use, and carelessness with
fire. Mr. Arnold's own research has shown that the vast majority of cases
occur in winter, when coincidentally people tend to be indoors, bundled up,
by a roaring fire.  The outrageous theories dramatized by SHC proponents
fail to explain these facts, and these extraordinary claims defy physics and
chemistry as understood today.

In the Mary Reeser case, she was last seen wearing a flammable nightdress
and housecoat, and she was smoking while seated in an overstuffed armchair.
She was a "plump" woman, had taken two Seconal that day and planned to take
two more in the evening.  John Bentley, who died in 1966, not the early
1970s, was well known for dropping hot ashes from his pipe onto his clothes,
which were dotted with burn spots.

SHC believers often mention the high temperatures used to cremate bodies.
Experiments have demonstrated that bodies can be burnt to a cinder at low,
smoldering temperatures, where cloth or upholstery acts as a candlewick for
melting fat.  Crematoria use much higher temperatures in order to quickly
reduce bodies to ash.

If Central PA continues to cover the paranormal, I hope a better-balanced
presentation that would include a skeptical viewpoint.  We readers deserve
better journalism.

------------

I attended a lecture on Spontaneous Human Combustion (SHC) on Tuesday, Oct.
28, 1998 at Lebanon Valley College here in Lancaster County.  The speaker
was Larry Arnold, founder? of ParaScience International in Harrisburg.  His
Web site is http://www.voicenet.com/~psinet, but there doesn't seem to be
any content there.  He is author of Ablaze! The Mysterious Fires of
Spontaneous Human Combustion, which appears to be self-published, as well as
a two volumes of videos with the same name.  The lecture was sponsored by
the Student Committee at LVC, and was attended primarily by students.

He showed many slides of photographs of the gory results of many historical
cases of (alleged) SHC, as well as videos with interviews with fire
officials, etc.  Many of the cases discussed are historical, and are
discussed by Joe Nickell in his chapter on SHC in _Secrets of the
Supernatural_ (e.g., Bentley, Mary Reeser, several others).   Others are
more recent, such as a George Mott in 1986.  I was able to read a paragraph
of Nickell's book on the Bentley case to the audience, pointing out details
left unmentioned by Arnold. Arnold had some response but I hope my
"contribution" helped a little.

There were also some stories of people who have "survived" SHC, such as Jack
Angel whose right arm burned off without him being aware of it.  A Mr. Jones
began to "smoke" in bed, and his wife helped to put out the smoke.  Later
that same day, Mr. Jones claimed to have also begun to "smoke" in his car,
but it stopped shortly afterward on its own.  An Elizabeth Norris claims her
arms began to smoke.  A Kay Fletcher, who appeared on Unsolved Mysteries in
1996, claims she felt a warmth on her back and there was smoke and the smell
of burning flesh for one and half minutes.  There's another case from India
in 1970, with someone who is claimed to be 114 years old, accompanied by a
"perfume-like smell".  A Mel Thomson rushed to the bathroom to find her
underwear smoldering and a 3-inch burn mark on her bottom.  I'm not familiar
with any of these cases, but they don't appear to be consistent (some feel
heat, others don't).

Arnold used many of the the same arguments that Nickell has discussed, such
as the claimed high heat required to burn flesh and bone in crematoria.
There were claims of a lack of heat damage to the surrounding apartment.
Amazingly, for one case he stated there was no heat damage to the ceiling
while the photograph on the screen clearly showed large dark smoke damage
stains on the wall.  He also mentioned the alleged "shrunken skulls".  And
he claimed that often there was a sweet smell at the site, not a greasy
burnt smell.  (This slightly contradicts Elizabeth Norris case above, who
did smell something burning.)

There were summaries statistics of SHC cases, seeming to indicate a
correlation with the phases of the moon, and also with solar/magnetic
anomalies.  His statistics also indicated to me that there are clearly more
cases in the winter and on weekends, although he uses these statistics to
say that not all cases are in the winter or on weekends as claimed by
"experts".  He also states that not all cases happen to obese people (citing
the case of a baby, but with no details), or to people who are alone.  He
did not mention the correlation that Joe Nickel had found between the amount
of damage to the body and the amount of external fuel available.

There were claims of "fire-leynes" in Britain, i.e. that SHC cases fall on
various straight lines drawn on a map.  Arnold mentions that if four cases
fall on a straight line, it's statistically significant.  But he didn't
mention that if you have many dozen random points on a map, there's a high
probability that several sets of 4 points will line up, which is what his
map looked like.

Arnold left the causes of SHC as a mystery, but mentioned the possibility of
UFOs (which he claimed are for real) and unknown energies.

Arnold left an impression of a glib entertainer, assuring the students at
the beginning that they would enjoy his presentation and the gory photos.
He used the argument that we don't know everything, and that the authorities
are often wrong (examples included Plato and Einstein), and heaped scorn on
the experts who deny SHC (including Nickell).   He is also involved with the
Fortean society somehow, and at the end of his show he stated that there are
all kinds of mysterious things, if we only open our minds to them.  He'll be
appearing on the Howard Stern show next Wednesday (I think).

People,

   Just a reminder that tomorrow at 2pm is a lecture at the Bensalem
Library on the nefarious history of spiritualism.  A summary at:
http://www.syc.org/phact/meetings.html

May 20th is the next meeting and keep June 17th open for the Phact picnic.
Anyone coming from near center city, consider car pooling with Eric Hamil:
eph1@...

   I thought the following writing by Tom Napier was a good overview of our
group:

Facing Fiction with PhACT
           Tom Napier

Astrology, Channeling, Crashed saucers, Dowsing, Free Energy,
Homeopathy, Precognition, Psychic powers, Telepathy.  All these
have two things in common.  Firstly, between a third and two-thirds
of the population believe in them and, secondly, there is no evidence
at all for their validity.  Despite this, most people take them for
granted.
Those who question such beliefs are called skeptics.  Contrary to
popular opinion, skeptics are not knee-jerk nay-sayers.  We don't
prejudge issues, we simply ask to see the evidence.  Until there is
evidence, we think it reasonable to reserve judgement and to
maintain an open mind.  Skeptics apply Occam's Razor, not as it is
so often misquoted, but in its original form, "Do not introduce
unnecessary factors."  That is, if something can be adequately
explained by natural causes we do not postulate paranormal forces
or entities, however much we would like them to exist.
So skeptics don't run up their phone bills talking to psychics.  We
expect psychics to specify what powers they have and then to
demonstrate those powers.  Skeptics don't risk their health on
alternative remedies.  We rely on remedies which have been shown
to work by proper double-blind studies.  When a huckster comes by
offering to install free energy machines, we hang on to our money.
We know the laws of physics say there is no free energy.
It is not the skeptic's duty to prove a claim wrong.  It is those who
make an unusual claim who must prove it right.  Claiming that
something could be true is not the same as showing that it is true.
Eyewitness reports can be mistaken, incomplete or downright
untrue.  Anecdotes are not evidence, neither is the claimant's own
conviction, however sincere and heartfelt it may be.  Skeptics know
that if something is true, there must be some way to prove it.  This
is how science works and for over three hundred years science has
been the most successful human enterprise ever.  Of course the
truth may not be what we expect, like other people, skeptics can be
wrong.  Unlike other people we accept that and we can change our
minds.
We often hear the complaint that we haven't studied a subject in
depth so we aren't qualified to comment on it.  (Only believers'
opinions count!)  We usually counter this by saying that we have
examined the evidence presented by those who have studied the
subject and we have found it unconvincing.  If a farmer shows you
the best apple in his crop and it turns out to be rotten, you need
hardly examine all the other apples.
Thus skeptics don't feel the need, for example, to research
thousands of UFO sightings.  They ask the UFO proponents to say
which sighting represents the best available evidence for the
existence of extraterrestrial spacecraft.  Then we research that
case.  If it turns out to have a mundane explanation we needn't
concern ourselves with the other cases.  Of course this never
satisfies the UFO proponents, they can always find some other case
and say, "You can't possibly explain this."  To which the answer is,
"We don't have to.  It is you who are claiming the cause is
extraterrestrial.  Prove it."
Astrologers claim there is a correlation between a person's character
and the exact time and place of their birth.  In the classical
experiment, four horoscopes are prepared for each subject, one for
the correct birth time and three for other times on the same day.
The subject does not know which one is which and thus cannot
give the astrologer any unconscious clues.  Professional astrologers
assert that, given a chance to talk to someone, they can pick out the
correct horoscope every time.  This experiment has been done many
times.  Astrologers pick the correct horoscope 25% of the time.  In
other words, they do no better than chance.  No one has ever done
an experiment which demonstrates that astrology has any scientific
value.
Skepticism has a practical value.  You can save yourself from
making bad life decisions by seeking out information.  If you are
unskeptical you may lose money to scams.  When ill, you may seek
alternative treatment rather than effective treatment.  But why
should skeptics care about what other people believe?
Well, most of us dislike seeing others being taken in and don't like to
see people making money from fraud.  More importantly, how our
tax money is spent and what research is funded depends, ultimately,
on what people believe.  This controls the government they vote for,
what sort of measures they support and what pseudosciences are
tolerated.  The CIA spent $20 million trying to read Soviet secrets
using psychics.  These days getting a job no longer depends on your
age, gender or race but, if your horoscope is unsuitable, you may
never even find out about it much less have a case to take to court.
Unfortunately, the media encourage belief in the paranormal.  What
appears on TV and what books and magazines you can buy depends
on what sells.  The truth is often seen as dull and uninteresting but
mysticism and the paranormal seem fun so people buy them.
Bookstores devote three times as much space to New Age or Occult
as they do to Science.  Besides, there are vested interests at work.
Uncritical believers make the best customers for TV commercials.
For every skeptical TV program there are hundreds such as
Unsolved Mysteries whose producers are on record as rejecting the
true explanation since it spoiled a good story.
In 1976 a group of concerned scientists founded CSICOP, the
Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the
Paranormal, to make a stand against pseudoscientific nonsense.  The
members of this committee mostly have academic credentials and
are experts in the fields being investigated.  It also includes
magicians since many of the claims they encounter are based on
conjuring tricks and it takes an expert to spot these.
CSICOP publishes the bi-monthly magazine, the Skeptical Inquirer
and acts as an information resource for the media.  It also sponsors
weekend conferences at the local, national and international level,
with keynote addresses from the likes of Leon Lederman, Richard
Dawkins, Stephen Jay Gould and Carl Sagan.
CSICOP encourages skeptics around the country to form
independent local organizations; there are currently about 40 of
them.  In 1988 some skeptics in the Philadelphia area formed the
Delaware Valley Skeptics.  It ended up being pretty much a one man
operation and faded out after only two years.
In March of 1994 CSICOP held a seminar in Philadelphia.  Some of
those present got together to form a new group.  We formed a
Council and worked out the details of the organization for nearly a
year before going public.  We called our group the Philadelphia
Association for Critical Thinking since it said what we advocated
and had the nice acronym, "PhACT."  We started recruiting in May
1995 and now have over 160 members in the Philadelphia area.
PhACT's mission is to investigate fringe-science claims and to
educate ourselves and the public in science and in critical thinking.
Since our members embrace a variety of faiths PhACT has a policy
of not addressing the truth or falsity of religious beliefs.  However
we will investigate paranormal claims even if the responsible agency
is alleged to be supernatural.
PhACT holds monthly meetings which are open to the public.
Speakers have ranged from local members describing their research
to nationally known experts such as UFO guru Philip Klass,
magician, skeptic and TV star James Randi, Dr. Stephen Barrett
from the National Council Against Health Fraud and Pamela Freyd,
the director of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation.
PhACT publishes a bi-monthly newsletter, Phactum, which contains
news, meeting reports and articles on skeptical subjects.  Copies are
circulated to our members, the media and to other skeptics'
organizations all over the world.  PhACT maintains a Web site at
www.phact.org.  This has information about PhACT and skeptical
subjects.  It maintains links to both skeptical and pseudoscientific
Web sites.  Our mailing address is PhACT, Box 1131, North Wales,
PA 19454-0131.
We offer our services to educators and the media as a source of
information on unusual claims.  If there is something we can't
handle locally we know where to find the national experts on the
subject.  For example, we helped the Philadelphia Inquirer to
investigate therapeutic touch and I appeared as the lone skeptic on a
public radio debate on the Roswell Incident.
We have assisted the producers of two TV programs to prepare
segments on the Free Energy scam.  One of our members was
interviewed on free energy by a TV station in Pittsburgh.  In what
must be a rare event in television history, the presenter apologized
on the air for his former support for this scam.  We estimate that
our publicity has kept over a million dollars of peoples' savings out
of the hands of hucksters.
Naturally PhACT investigates local paranormal events.  Two of our
members surveyed local police departments to see if they used
psychics.  Their report revealed that psychics had offered lots of
help and had even been called in by the police themselves but that
they had not been of any practical assistance.
We have an ongoing investigation into the new fad in nursing,
Therapeutic Touch.  In this supposed therapy someone runs their
hands around about four inches from your body.  This is supposed
to smooth out your energy field and remove negative energy.  (If a
human energy field existed tampering with it could be very
dangerous.  In effect, practitioners are carrying out unauthorized
experiments on human subjects.)
We could only find one practitioner willing to feel this field for us.
When she could see the patients she could tell the difference
between an injured wrist and a healthy wrist ten times out of ten.
When the patients were hidden, her score dropped to 11 out of 20,
just what you would expect from guessing.  We concluded that this
experiment had shown no evidence for a human energy field.
Despite the James Randi Educational Foundation offering to pay $1
million for a successful demonstration we have been unable to find a
volunteer for further testing.
To wrap up, we skeptics want people to lead less fearful, happier
and more productive lives.  We are fighting the people who take
your money and give nothing practical back; the telephone psychics,
the astrologers, the channelers, the people who write "alien
abduction" books, and the producers of junk TV shows.  We are
fighting the people who risk your health; the faith healers, the
psychic surgeons, the homeopaths and the peddlers of worthless
cancer cures.  We know that not all these people are cynics out to
make a buck.  But, however sincere the others may be, the harm
they do is just as real.
On a personal note, I have found among skeptics both intelligent
company and a shared outlook and aim.  And it doesn't hurt to know
that what we are doing is a real help to other people.

Copyright (c) 1999
Tom Napier,   No e-mail.
One Lower State Road,
North Wales, PA 19454



--


    Eric Krieg      eric@...

http://www.phact.org/e/more.htm

A few bits of news:

Anyone who has kids in ages of 10 - 12 in the Horsham area, I'm
trying to put together an electronics class at lunch time at my
company. email me for more info.

Submissions to Phactum may be made to Greg Lester - copied.

We can't use the library for meetings in July and August - any ideas
for informal gatherings are appreciated.  likewise - ideas for speakers
in the fall would be useful.

Did anyone notice today's Inquirer headline story? - it mentioned a criminal
using false leads including a psychic detectives report to throw people off his
trail.  So there is a use for them.

Hold out 3 - 8 pm June 17th for the PhACT Picnic again at Mondauk common park.
   From 309 North, get off and make right onto Susquehanna, left at 2nd
   light onto Broad Street. Make 2nd left into parking lot, continue on
foot across bridge and our pavilion is on the left.  Bring some food,
there is a cooking grill and picnic tables.  There is also a play ground,
walking path and sports fields.


Last Friday was supposed to be the end of the world - however, some sources
admit that it could come as late as the 18th.  But if you aren't worried a
bout that, then plan on May 20th for our Phact meeting:

May 20  "The Norm Biss Story"

                  A first hand account by a convert to skepticism.  Most
                  people who get ripped off by con men either stay in denial or
                  feel too stupid to come forward with their stories. As a
                  result, some con men operate openly for years. Electric
                  motor Technician Norm Biss of Erie bought Joe Newman's
                  book which made fantastic promises concerning motors.  He
                  got his company to make a deal to develop one of Newman's
                  promised over-unity devices.  Norm's growing suspicions
                  culminated the night before it was to be tested when
                  Newman absconded with the device .  Norms novel
                  information gathering and bold internet presence has had
                  quite an impact on the "free energy community"  Hear the
                  story of a Vietnam combat veteran who didn't take it sitting
                  down.

                  Norm Biss is our first blue collar speaker.  He also a
decorated
                  Vietnam veteran.  He's wasn't afraid to trade bullets with the
                  Viet Cong nor is he afraid to continue exposing Joe Newman
                  despite of threats of law suits. Norm has developed
                  equipment to help his company become a leader in servicing
                  large size electric motors for industrial applications.

              Note:   All our meetings will be the 3rd Saturday of each
--


    Eric Krieg      eric@...

http://www.phact.org/e/more.htm

PS:  Consider promoting the scholarship article by sending the following to your
local high school:
http://www.syc.org/phact/scholarship.htm

Hi folks! My friend Lori -- who previously attended the Joe Flanagan talk --
is interested in the next meeting, but may not be up to walking from the bus
stop from Knights & Street Rds., as I do when I come by myself. If anyone
might be able to give us a ride from there (it's less than a mile and a
half), it would be much appreciated. Thanks, and see you there!

Eric Hamell
________________________________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com

People,

   don't forget May 20th at 2pm - our next Phact meeting.
Members are welcome to come an hour earlier to vote on next season's
board members.

Pennsylvania is currently debating whether to include evolution
as part of the curriculum in PA schools.  If you would agree that
science should be kept free from religious interpretations, please
send a letter to that effect to:

State Board of Education
333 Market St.
Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333

If you do write a letter, please email David Cragin, copied.
Keep in mind - it's not only biology at stake here, but also aspects
of astronomy, geology and even physics could be threatened if young
earthers have their way.

I encourage people to forward a copy of:
http://www.phact.org/phact/scholarship.htm
to science teachers at local schools.  It may even be a good thing
to stick on a library bulletin boards.

Anyone who can provide a ride from Knights & Street Rds (near our meeting
point) before coming - please send an email to:
stripey7@...


I just did a volunteer school presentation on con men last week.  I explained
how our city of Philadelphia is known for a good supply of stupid suckers.  It
was rather prescient; I just read that faith healers/con men Benny Hinn and Jim
Baker are coming to our city.

Also, remember to keep June 17 on your calendar for our picnic.  And any
submissions to Phactum should be send to greg_lester@...

hope to see you next Saturday,

    Eric Krieg      eric@...

    http://www.phact.org/phact

PS:  here's a good review on Foxes attempt to become
"the supermarket checkout lane tabloid of the air waves:"


  "Powers of the Paranormal": Another FOX TV Outrage

  By Joe Nickell

  May 12, 2000

  Those of us who thought the FOX television network had nowhere to go but up
after airing their pseudodocumentary "Signs from God" (reviewed in the
November/December 1999 Skeptical Inquirer) should have been more, well,
skeptical. The May 11, 2000, program "Powers of the Paranormal: Live on
Stage!" reached even lower standards of responsibility by dispensing with
even token skepticism.

  Absent were any skeptical voices, or any other vestige of critical thinking,
other than a fig leaf of a disclaimer to hide their naked hucksterism: "The
following program deals with a controversial subject. The theories expressed
are not the only possible interpretation.  The viewer is invited to make a
judgement based on all available information." They certainly got that right,
but unsuspecting viewers might not realize just how likely the other possible
interpretations are.

  Let me mention a few examples.  When "Perceptionist" and "Human Lie
Detector" Joel Bauer correctly determined which of four people had produced
each of as many drawings, might he have used one of the many methods employed
by "mentalists" (stage magicians who perform mind-reading tricks)? Or when
he-and later "celebrated paranormalist" Uri Geller-divined and reproduced a
volunteer's supposedly secret sketch, might they have used one of the
subterfuges readily available from conjuring texts and magic supply houses?

  Again, when "hypnotherapist" Michele Gauzy and "master hypnotist" Tom Silver
plied their alleged entrancing powers-Gauzy to "regress" two volunteers to
their "past lives" and Silver to help relieve another's fear of spiders-might
there have been more than meets the eye? Viewers were told in a very quick
aside that the mesmerists had previously hypnotized the subjects. Might they
have utilized the old stage hypnotist's technique of beginning with several
volunteers, then selecting only those who exhibited strong propensities for
compliance and fantasy production?

  For example, when Gauzy asked the "regressed" subjects to describe their
supposedly centuries-old dress and surroundings, and to relate their mode of
death, how were their responses any different than if they were merely
invited to imagine them? And when Tom Silver performed the old "rigid body"
stunt (in which "hypnotized" subjects are placed horizontally with supports
only at their shoulders and feet, and someone stands on their unsupported
midriffs) why should we be more impressed than when it is done by children as
an age-old parlor trick? (For a discussion, see Secrets of the Amazing Kreskin
, Prometheus Books, 1991, p. 46).

  Yet again, when Jeff and Tessa Evanson performed the spiritualistic
"table-tipping" phenomenon, why did they select volunteers who had raised
their hands when asked if they had successfully used a Ouija board, which
likewise relies on movements due to the ideomotor effect (i.e., unconscious
muscular activity)? Could it be they preferred subjects who would be likely
to help things along?  And when Jeff caused the table to seemingly adhere to
his hand and be lifted off the stage, might he have been performing that feat
the way it has been done by countless magicians and phony spiritualists for
many generations?

  Furthermore, why should we be impressed with Bill Burns' "Séance of the
Century"? After some standard spirit-possession twitches, Burns delivered the
monologues allegedly from Marilyn Monroe and Andy Kaufman that were
convincing to the actress's first husband and two of the comedian's friends.
But weren't those sitters expecting to validate the endearing messages?

  Then there was Joe McMoneagle, a former member of the US government's failed
psychic spying project. Unlike some of the other performers-whose feats went
suspiciously well, McMoneagle appears to actually rely on paranormal ability.
Unfortunately, his remote viewing experiment cast doubt on his powers,
although the program's host and a volunteer dispatched to the site McMoneagle
was to clairvoyantly view, were as helpful as possible in converting his
failed impressions into successes.

  The "sculpture" he saw coming out of the "water" scarely matched the
modernesque restaurant at Los Angeles International Airport, unless one
applies a generous helping of "retrofitting" (after-the-fact interpretation).
  Of course there was, as McMoneagle envisioned, a "well-defined concrete
edge," but then where in the greater L.A. area would that not be found? (In
this case a sidewalk filled the bill.)

  Produced by Jeff Margolis Productions, this special was an affront to
science and rationality. Can FOX sink any lower in its credulous, snake-oil
approach to the paranormal? Unfortunately, I suppose, we'll have to stay
tuned and see.

  Joe Nickell, formerly "Janus the Magician" and "Mendell the Mentalist," is
CSICOP's Senior Research Fellow.

  NOTE:

  Those who would like to contact FOX Television to comment on "Powers of the
Paranormal," can e-mail FOX at askfox@... or write to:

  "Powers of the Paranormal"
  Attn: FBC SPECIALS
  Beverly Hills, CA 90213-0900
  Attn: Bldg. 100, Room 4420

1) Discussion and definition some of the most popular methods of
predictive modeling and elaboration on the strengths and weakness of
each method.

2) Detail of strategies to determine if you have an opportunity that
will benefit from the inclusion of predictive modeling.

3) Examples of current uses of the various methods of predictive
modeling with a description of benefits realized.

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