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Shadow of a Doubt - 1994 06
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Title: Shadow of a Doubt - The Electronic Edition Issue: June 1994 Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS) Date: June 1994
Magazine Overview
Title: Shadow of a Doubt - The Electronic Edition
Issue: June 1994
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Date: June 1994
This electronic newsletter from the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS) serves as a monthly calendar and communication channel for its members. The June 1994 issue covers organizational updates, upcoming events, and initiatives aimed at promoting critical thinking and skepticism.
News Flash & BBS Update
The issue begins with a "NEWS FLASH" apologizing for initial difficulties in accessing the NCAS Bulletin Board System (BBS). The BBS experienced a hard drive failure just before its planned debut, but this has been corrected, and it is now operational. The BBS is intended to be a "homey" and limited platform for electronic skeptics who may not have access to larger online services.
NCAS Annual Meeting
The newsletter announces the upcoming NCAS Annual Meeting, scheduled for Saturday, June 18, at 2 p.m. at the Bethesda Library (7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, Maryland). The meeting is open to the public and free of charge, with soft drinks provided. The agenda includes a review of the past year's programs and projects ("WHAT HAVE WE DONE?"), a look at future plans such as "Media Watch" and an education workshop ("WHAT'S PLANNED FOR NEXT YEAR?"), and a comparative analysis of other skeptical groups ("HOW DO WE COMPARE?"). Members are also encouraged to provide feedback on the organization's performance ("HOW ARE WE DOING?"). Electronic critiques, questions, and suggestions can be sent to Joe Himes at [email protected].
Brief Notes & Board Elections
New directors Maggie Ragaisis and Curtis Haymore have been elected to two-year terms on the NCAS Board of Directors. Maggie Ragaisis will oversee the NCAS electronic bulletin board project, while Curtis Haymore is noted for his contribution to the current "Skeptical Eye" about a recent NCAS Workshop at Harpers Ferry. Incumbent directors were also reelected.
The issue also mentions that Maggie and Chris Ragaisis are responsible for NCAS' own "Skeptic Tank Bulletin Board."
BBS Access Information
Detailed instructions are provided for accessing the NCAS BBS. Users should set their modems to 2400 baud, N-8-1, full duplex, and call 703-471-8562. After providing ID information, users can log in to challenge, argue, and interact with other "Tankers." Chris Ragaisis is the System Operator.
"Can You Believe This?" Initiative
NCAS is soliciting contributions for its "Can You Believe This?" section. Members are asked to clip or copy extraordinary claims from the media that purport to be scientific, send them in with commentary, and indicate where they were found. The goal is to critically examine how the media shapes public opinion and beliefs, with NCAS aiming to be a constructive force by highlighting both the best and worst examples of critical thinking in media coverage.
Contact Information & Board Members
Contact information is provided for submitting items to the "Can You Believe This?" section, with specific board members listed: Joe Himes (Fairfax, VA), Mike Epstein (Mt. Airy, MD), and Chip Denman (Silver Spring, MD).
Future Programs
New monthly programs are planned to commence in September, following discussions at the Annual Meeting. The Bethesda Library is considered the best location so far, but suggestions are welcomed by Joe Himes (703-280-2503).
General Contact & Quote
Further contact details are provided for Mike Epstein, who is listed as a Research Chemist at NIST and Vice President of NCAS. His opinions are stated to be his own and not necessarily those of NCAS. The issue concludes with a quote from Benjamin Franklin: "'Tis easy to see ... Hard to foresee." The document was updated on 6/14/94.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue are organizational communication and community building within the skeptical movement, the promotion of critical thinking through media analysis, and the practical application of skepticism via online forums and public meetings. The editorial stance is clearly pro-skepticism, aiming to foster a critical environment and provide resources for like-minded individuals, while also engaging with and critiquing media portrayals of science and extraordinary claims.