At the meeting we’ll work on confirming an event date and location, brainstorm additional fund raising and event promotion avenues and hear some some ideas from our amazing and brilliant volunteers! We’ll also be there for those curious about participating in Atlanta Skepticamp to answer questions, assist with topic selections and offer help however we can!

I personally can’t wait to get another Skepticamp off the ground, and I’m excited to see new and familiar faces alike at the meeting on Sunday!

See you there!

We’re crazy excited about this. Brian is one of my favorite podcasters and the last time he did a live podcast in Atlanta, it turned into one of the best parties I’ve been to in years.

I hope that if you’re in or near Atlanta, you’ll join us. Brian will be interviewing Atlanta’s own Blake Smith (co-host of the Monster Talk podcast), and Lindsay Starke (writer and conspiracy expert). We are also expecting some exciting visitors who are coming into town for the event. Nothing is confirmed yet but there may be sightings of loud astronomers and flora-dwelling crustaceans… you never know

Plus, PRIZES. And not shitty Kevin Trudeau books like we had last year (although I think I still have a couple that may show up…) I’m talking really cool prizes, donated by the Atlanta Skeptics, Surly Amy, Tree Lobsters and others.

I hope you’ll make it. We’re charging a small fee for the event ($5) – it is, after all, a fundraiser but for the cost of a cup of coffee, you can be a part of what will inevitably be, the most talked about Skeptic event in Atlanta this year (at least until Dragon*Con).

I hope to see you there!

Details:

What: March Skeptics in the Pub featuring the Live Amateur Scientist podcast. RSVP at Meetup. NOTE: This will be an adult show. Bring kids at your own risk.

When: March 13, 2010, 7 p.m.

Where: Manuels Tavern, 602 N. Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA 30307

For those who don’t know I’ve served in the Infantry for twelve years with three combat tours and I’ve seen it all. I’ve jumped out of airplanes, blew stuff up, shot big guns, and generally put foot to ass for the country that I love, warts and all.  And, to be honest, I didn’t think that having openly gay soldiers serving alongside heterosexual soldiers was a good idea, not even a little bit. My own personal belief was that it would hurt unit cohesion, and when kicking down doors you MUST be able to trust the people around you. If you have family you wouldn’t trust with a potato gun… you know what I’m talking about.

Here is where my own skeptical beliefs cut in. Close friends know that I’m a skeptic and I’m always fond of saying, “I’m totally evidence-based” so I decided to do the research around this belief.  And I can honestly say that my own personally-held beliefs were wrong. There is no evidence to support the premise that homosexuals in a unit would hurt unit cohesion or impact mission performance.  Examining some of the claims, I found that many studies have been done that support lifting of the ban; police and fire departments have lifted their bans and have found no impact on mission performance. In addition, a review of NATO countries found that countries that lifted their ban on openly gay soldiers hasn’t impacted performance at all.

I cannot lie; my initial reaction was one of shock and surprise. I felt sure that there would have been some evidence supporting the premise that openly gay men and women serving in the military would lead to disaster. It is, after all, a premise that I’ve been operating on for the twelve years I’ve been associated with the military. Would I have a problem serving with an openly gay man/woman? I don’t think so; my objections for homosexuals serving was based purely on faulty reason, and once I discovered this I changed my world view.

Now it’s time to put your money where your mouth is because it’s easy to be skeptical when talking about Bigfoot, UFOs, or homeopathy it’s much more difficult when it comes to our own personally held beliefs. Skepticism to me is more than just debunking psychic’s claims and trashing Jenny McCarthy, it’s a way of life. If we as skeptics do not hold ourselves to our own evidence based standards, what have we become?

The word hypocrite comes to mind.

Recently I was pleased to discover that Washington is taking this issue seriously and is working to repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, to this I can only say what I’ve always said, “I’m totally evidence-based” if this is where the evidence leads than that is the only thing that  is important.

Some background info:
GAO Study on gays serving

Oral Statement of Gregory M. Herek, Ph.D to the House Armed Services Committee:

For donations made to the JREF through this link this week, I will make a matching donation to Atlanta Skeptics up to $150 for the upcoming Atlanta SkeptiCamp event.

We’ll be announcing this at Skeptics in the Pub tonight in anticipation of next month’s March Skeptics in the Pub — Live Podcast with the Amateur Scientist. This is going to be a great fund-raising event for Atlanta SkeptiCamp, and tickets are just $5!!

Let’s have great kick off to this SkeptiCamp season by raising money for the wonderful JREF! Remember, for this week donations made to the JREF through this link,  I will make a personal matching donation up to $150 towards Atlanta SkeptiCamp 2010!

We’re looking forward to having another great Atlanta SkeptiCamp this year, and helping out our friends JREF as well!

Ms. Information began by stating that her objective was to provide balanced information about vaccines.  At first she presented things objectively, but this deteriorated into the usual abyss of lies, misinformation, and partial information. She said that Americans have the sickest kids in the world. I got the impression that she considers asthma and food allergies to be worse than malaria or yellow fever. She feels that diseases like the measles and whooping cough are childhood rites of passage. That is easy to say for someone who has access to good healthcare, but what about the ones who don’t and then suffer complications form these preventable illnesses? Although she did not overtly recommend that parents not vaccinate, it was certainly heavily implied. Her recommendation not to vaccinate until they’re 5 became don’t vaccinate until they’re 13 at which time it’s too late to prevent the spread of most childhood diseases.  Although she never actually said “don’t vaccinate” she did show show two YouTube videos by Barbara Loe Fisher, head of the National Vaccine Injury Corporation (NVIC) and an all around big fat liar. Ms Fisher was not as delicate about the issue. She was very clear about not getting your children vaccinated…ever. She took special issue with the H1N1 vaccine and Gardasil, saying that the H1N1 vaccine was not safe because of…you guessed it, Thimerosal. I think these videos were included so the clinic could not be accused of advising parents not to vaccinate, and could, therefore, be absolved of any responsibility. Of course, there was the obligatory mention of Big Pharma and government conspiracy which I find highly amusing since Wakefield was found to have been paid about a million dollars by lawyers suing a vaccine manufacturer.

Some people do suffer side effects from vaccines and she gave a list of 8 things that parents should look for such as high fever, seizures, and listlessness. She also advocates parents being educated about the vaccines and I agree, parents should be educated, but there is a difference between being educated and being lied to. She thinks parents should have the right not to get their children vaccinated. Well, I would like the right not to get sick. There are babies too young to get vaccines and people (like me) who have compromised immune systems who depend on herd immunity to protect us.

I found it ironic that at the end of her talk she mentioned the need for good science. I could not agree more. It’s just that when they do get good science, it’s not the right science for them.

An autism diagnosis can be devastating to a parent and I understand the need to find a reason for the disease and a cure. Unfortunately, autism is complicated, and there are no easy answers. I think people have mistakenly gotten the idea that science should give definitive answers to all our medical problems, and if it can’t then they move on to other less reliable and unproven treatments. As skeptics, one of the best things we can do is to educate people about what science is, how it works, and what its limits are. By doing this we might be able to avoid the influences of the Wakefields of the world.

If you want a very good read about how the anti-vax movement got started, I strongly recommend Paul Offit’s book Autism’s False Prophets.

God was apparently slow in answering that prayer as the rains didn’t return in force until fall of 2009. And, boy howdy, did the rains return! Much of North Georgia had what was categorized as 500-year flooding in October. Rehearsals for a show I was in at the time were canceled due to rain, something I’ve never experienced before. Since October, we’ve had regular rain, and will probably continue to have rain through the spring. This is all thanks to El Niño, which means “the boy” in Spanish. I’m thinking of petitioning for a name change to El Bastardo.

Anyway, I was thinking of all of this on my morning commute. Apparently, I’m the only one as that prayer meeting in 2007 seems to be old news. No one is blaming the governor for the flooding and non-stop rain. I wonder if we had only received moderate rainfall, bringing Lake Lanier up to full pool over time instead of overnight, would people have praised Perdue for “taking action” in 2007? Is the only reason no one is linking the increase in rain to that prayer because of how destructive the rain has been, because that couldn’t possibly be what God would do, could it? I’m not sure what logical fallacy that might fall into, maybe a form of confirmation bias, it’s just something I find interesting.

As for me, I do blame the governor for all this rain, not because I think the prayer did anything at all, but just because I can. Well, that and he threatens to veto any law allowing Sunday alcohol sales, but that’s a whole different story.

The weighty issue they are screaming about, against the Republicans who presented these bills?  The bills would allow young girls (under 16) to be placed into diversionary programs instead of arresting them and putting them into the criminal system with prostitution charges.  The argument in favor of these laws is that legally, children cannot consent to sexual intercourse, and so, legally, cannot be considered guilty of prostitution.  The argument against these bills, best as I can determine, is that the pseudoChristian protestors are just implementing the words of Jesus Christ, when He was asked about the 12-year-old prostitute: “Let that ho fry!”

I’m glad to see that the generally reliably wingnut bloggers and commentators at Peach Pundit (founded by wingnut extraordinaire Erick Erickson, who also leads wingnuttery at RedState) quickly decided that this was insanity.

The first wave of responders at the AJC blog above pushed a general line of sanity against this, but if you read down the responses you’ll find a huge batch of True Christian Victims.  There are one or two at Peach Pundit, too, who try to justify the True Christian opponents of this bill.  Their arguments remind me of the anti-Equal Rights Amendment arguments I heard as a child in Mississippi, such as “Rape will no longer be a crime if ERA is passed!”  Yes, I seriously heard that argument, enough to remember it 35 years later.

This story was just reported in the 10pm local news on the local Fox affiliate, and the segment was extremely sympathetic to the laws.  It did not mention the right-wing Christian opposition.  If you get a chance, get your voice out there in favor of these bills.  We may actually get to help some of these girls, like some of the 12-year-olds kidnapped abroad and brought here for sexual slavery.  Maybe somebody can explain why the Christian Coalition wants to make sure that these girls go to jail rather than get public assistance to rescue them from this life, whether “chosen” or forced.

The problem is that when it comes to pseudoscience and woo they are woefully inadequate.  I’ve been forced to listen to those damn Atlanta Ghost Hunters too many times.  Now, their latest golden calf is this weight loss supplement called Healthe’ trim.  They have numerous commercials throughout the day with Bert Weiss, the namesake of the show, giving his testimonial of how effective this supplement is, followed with testimonies of actual users.

My inner voice stewed, “These commercials are so annoying! This is CRAP!”  I turned on the radio today and listened to the creator use Bert show airtime to hawk this junk.  In response I sent this email:

Let’s start with the ingredients, shall we?

1. Hoodia gordonii – This supplement has no scientific evidence to support that it does what it says it does.  This doesn’t mean that this doesn’t work; the problem is that people are ingesting this because of claims of appetite suppression with no proof of efficacy or of its safety or side effects.
2. Green Tea Leaf Extract – There is some evidence on this herb, and while it hasn’t been proven in a large and carefully controlled study, there is enough preliminary evidence to suggest that this is some good stuff.  No real problems here; my only gripe is that if this stuff is so good, why don’t manufacturers get some money together and run a large study?  If it’s as good as they say it is, wouldn’t this be the slam dunk they need?
3. Caralluma Fimbriata – Once again, there is no scientific evidence to of the efficacy of this ingredient.
4. Coix seed – I couldn’t find anything about Coix seed relating to weight loss, except that it is used as a diuretic and that in large enough doses, it can cause dehydration.
5. Poria Cocos – Again, here is an herb that has some promise but is lacking in scientific literature. If it’s so beneficial, why not study it? It is used in traditional Chinese medicine and one of the uses listed is as a diuretic.
6. Cassia Seed – Yet again, no scientific literature but I did find two things of interest: first, Cassia is not a species but a genus meaning it describes hundreds of different species. So what exactly is someone ingesting with this drug?  Since the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act in 1992, the supplement companies have not had to disclose what is actually in their product, nor to supply evidence for the efficacy of their product.  The most notable fiasco was “Boom,” a sexual stimulant that was marketed as all natural, but was spiked with Viagra. Since the company didn’t have to disclose what they were putting into it, the deception went unnoticed until people with high blood pressure and heart problems started going to the hospital.  Second, the references in traditional Chinese medicine say that cassia seed is used to “loosen the bowels” to relieve constipation but mentions nothing about weight loss. What is the purpose of this ingredient in this supplement?
7. Lotus Leaf – The company claims an antioxidant effect but what exactly is an antioxidant effect?  Is it an antioxidant or not?  How can it be not an antioxidant but still have the effect of an antioxidant?  Plus, it fights wrinkles?  Really?  Come on.
8. Water Plantain – Again, little to no evidence for efficacy or safety; nothing mentioning that it is for weight loss and no proof that it is safe for consumption.
9. Cumquat – this is a fruit, not a supplement. We might as well offer vegetables in pill form.
10. Methionine – this is an essential acid and as such we need to ingest it or proteins containing it. But if you eat fish, poultry, pork, or dairy, you will easily exceed your recommended daily amount.
11. Mullberry Leaf – It says it protects blood cell membranes but from what exactly?  While there is some merit for further study, the research is mainly in the area of diabetes. So if it works for anything, it would be diabetes and the regulation of blood sugar. There’s a warning label on this, right?  I mean we don’t want diabetics to take this for weight loss and end up screwing up their blood sugar, would we?
12. Gymnema Sylvestre – This ingredient actually has some merit but again, only for diabetes. It is being studied and it seems to reduce blood sugar levels and actually inhibits the tasting of sugar in the mouth!  For about fifteen minutes.  Hey, that diabetic warning is on the label, right? Seems like it would be almost unethical not to have it!
13. Eleutherococcus Senticosus – More commonly known as “Siberian Ginseng,” this ingredient has had many studies done but all have been inconclusive. In addition, Siberian Ginseng has many known drug interactions which can neutralize proscribed medications or add to the effect of medications which once again brings us to the warning label, or lack thereof! So why change the name from Siberain Ginsent to Elethrococcus Senticosus?  Is it to hide something?   Because we don’t actually want people to think about what they’re taking or be forewarned of possible side effects, that kinda cuts into the profits.
14. Pyruvate – This is probably the biggest pile of baloney in the whole thing. The studies supporting these claims are only preliminary, and have not been reproduced by any independent labs. In addition, the doses used in research are orders of magnitude higher than what is marketed today.
15. Trace Minerals – The reason they are trace minerals is because the body doesn’t need them.  If they were needed, the levels found in the body would be higher. You can get enough of these by eating a well balanced diet.
16. Chromium Picolinate – Another ingredient that has not been shown to have any benefits at all.
17. Reseveratrol – This stuff is legitimately exciting stuff and studies are being conducted right now. Really this is good stuff!  The problem is that the most efficient way of absorbing it is not orally but buccally or by holding it in the mouth.  When swallowed, up to 70% of the reservatrol is broken down and very little actually makes it into the bloodstream.  You take healte trim by swallowing it, right?

So what you have here is a product filled with unproven ingredients, useless ingredients, diuretics, laxatives, stimulants, and ingredients that could have negative reactions with prescribed drugs.  So why should I pay money for this?  You said it yourself, the best thing to do is to get in the gym, learn to exercise and learn to eat.  Although we’re all looking for the Pill that will save us the effort, the reality is that we’re a long way from that and it’s not worth throwing your money away on supplements that are useless at best, dangerous at worst.

Then there is the FAQ:

What are trace minerals?

Minerals are the catalysts that support enzyme function, protein, digestion, metabolism cellular electrolyte impulses, and billions of chemical reactions that keep the body functioning properly. Minerals initiate, regulate and control every organ and function in our bodies

Never mind the fact that you get these if you eat a well balanced meal, or even fortified foods.

Can I take the product while taking other medications?
Our experience has been that taking Heathe Trim with other medications has not been a problem, but you should always check with your physician first to answer any of your concerns

Well! Isn’t that convenient? You load the product up with herbs that have known drug interactions and forget to mention them, then tag on “Check with your physician.” Is this laziness, incompetence or intellectual dishonesty?

Is the product FDA approved?

Under DSHEA (Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act) our products do not need approval from the FDA. However, all of our ingredients are classified as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe).

The GRAS rating is based on the use of the substance rather than the substance itself, meaning that it takes into account estimates of (from the FDA website):

“taking into account the characteristics of the substance, the estimated dietary intake under the intended conditions of use, and the population that will consume the substance”

I read this as saying that the best guess is that this stuff probably won’t cause harm; that doesn’t mean it certainnly won’t.

I’m sure that many people are taking this pill and reaping the benefits of the energy boosts that come with the caffeine but do you really want to pay $55 for a caffeine boost?  I’m surprised that a supplement chock full of diuretics and caffeine haven’t caused people more problems. I wonder what the summer will bring?  All the research in weight loss points to this simple dynamic, calories in vs. calories out.

No wonder drug has come along that will solve the weight loss problem. In this case, save the $55 and buy some more coffee, leave the cream and sugar out and drink it about 45 minutes before a workout.

There are two stated reasons for this extra fine: the first is that Georgia lawmakers want to reduce the amount of speeding in the state. If you’ve ever been on any part of I-285 you know what I’m talking about; it’s a frakking racetrack. The second reason stated that this extra money will go fund trauma centers, but (fine print) the legislature can do whatever they want with it.

I don’t want to talk about Georgia politics, (but I will if given half a chance); instead I want to focus on the idea that higher fines will decrease speeding. Surely, other states have tried this approach. There should be a mountain of data out there confirming or unconfirming this idea. Can we move this from an idea to a testable hypothesis?

First:

• The data has shown that police presence does nothing to deter speeding outside of the immediate area.
• Automatic systems for red light enforcement and speed enforcement don’t generate self-sustaining revenue, meaning that they are a victim of their own success. They do their job so well at deterring drivers from running lights and speeding that the city is unable to cover the costs and require subsidies; the only other option is the discontinuation of the program
• Speed monitoring displays that show a driver’s current speed have been shown to reduce speeds, but this is not feasible for a highway.
• A number of overseas studies DO find that increased fines and the threat of losing a license ARE effective, but the fact that the number of licensed US drivers is many times that of most studied countries muddies the waters.
• Signs noting the threat of double fines at construction sites has increased awareness and decreased speeding, but only by a third.

While there is no direct evidence that points to whether or not higher fines do deter speeding, we may be able to infer some conclusions from a number of other psychological studies on deterrence by increased penalties. Georgia lawmakers are hoping that the fear of punishment will deter illegal behavior in potential offenders. Is this borne out in the research?

The short answer is that we just don’t know for sure; we know that a deterrence effect does exist but its significance and magnitude have been difficult to measure. What it boils down to is that lawmakers want to penalize unsafe driving. If this is all this is, then I suppose I can’t complain. But if this is being billed as a method of saving lives, it will fall flat on its face. The only real ways to reduce speeding, and ergo traffic deaths, is to either step up enforcement or find a way to get drivers off of the road. Maybe the legislature could spend that money on a better mass transit system?

I mean its 2010, why can’t we teleport? Or should we wait five years for hoverboards and flying cars?

Roads? Where we’re going we don’t need roads!

The Scientologists are planning on filing a religious liberty lawsuit against the city because they will not be allowed to add a fourth floor to the building, but are stuck with what’s already there. They will probably end up getting what they want considering the money and horde of lawyers they have backing them.

Another lawsuit may be coming from the other direction as some home owners in the area are convinced the building in question does not have enough parking and will make traffic in the area worse. I personally doubt this will go anywhere. It looks inevitable that the Georgia headquarters of the Church of Scientology will be moving into my potential backyard.