Shadow of a Doubt

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow of a Doubt
Issue: September 1994
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Content Focus: Skepticism, critical examination of claims, and organizational news.

School Daze: Looking Critically at the African American Baseline Essays

This article, authored by Walter F. Rowe, a Professor of Forensic Sciences at George Washington University, critically examines the "African American Baseline Essays." These essays, which originated from a 1982 desegregation plan for Portland public schools, aim to document African contributions to mathematics, science, music, religion, and philosophy. The essays have been adopted by numerous school systems across the United States, including those in the metropolitan Washington area.

Rowe contends that while these essays are presented as promoting multiculturalism, they are exclusively Afrocentric in content. He further argues that in many instances, they seriously misrepresent the achievements of other ethnic groups. A detailed examination of these essays concerning science, mathematics, and social studies, according to Rowe, reveals them to be a mixture of pseudoscience and pseudohistory.

New Location for NCAS Meetings

The National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS) has announced a new location for its regular meetings: the Chevy Chase Library, located at 8005 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase. Directions are provided from the Beltway (Maryland Exit 33 toward Washington) and from the intersection of East-West Highway and Connecticut Avenue.

The article notes that the Bethesda Library was unable to provide suitable dates for the meetings this year. It also highlights that the Chevy Chase Library is not near a metro stop, and NCAS is seeking suggestions for a more accessible site, possibly from a business interested in a tax deduction.

Meeting Dates and Times

A schedule of upcoming NCAS meetings and events is provided:

• September 17, 2:00 PM
• October 15, 2:00 PM
• November 12, 2:00 PM
• December 17, 2:00 PM
• January 21, 2:00 PM
• February 18-19: Workshop
• March 18, 2:00 PM
• April 22, 2:30 PM
• May 20, 2:00 PM
• June 17, 2:00 PM

NCAS cautions that these dates may be subject to change to accommodate speakers or Montgomery County. The organization also mentions the possibility of offering additional programs if a notable skeptic presents an opportunity.

Program Summary

The summary of the previous season's programs includes:

• 2 programs on current issues
• 2 programs on tools for skeptics
• 2 programs on extraordinary phenomena and claims
• 1 program on the official treatment of extraordinary claims
• 1 program on the media treatment of extraordinary claims

Additionally, a two-day workshop focused on communicating skepticism was held, providing participants with enhanced tools.

NCAS Electronic Bulletin Board System (BBS)

NCAS is soliciting comments and ideas for future topics and speakers. Interested individuals can contact the NCAS recorder at (301) 587-3827, any member of the Board of Directors, or leave a message on the NCAS electronic bulletin board.

The NCAS BBS is available 24 hours a day at 703-280-1446 (2400 baud, 8N1) in Fairfax. The article mentions that James Randi's comments were available on the BBS within 24 hours after NBC aired a program titled "Cured!". The BBS is described as being in a formative stage, and NCAS seeks input to tailor it to user needs. New members are welcome.

Update Date: September 12, 1994

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical thinking, the examination of pseudoscientific or pseudohistorical claims, and the promotion of skepticism. The National Capital Area Skeptics, as the publisher, clearly advocates for a rational and evidence-based approach to understanding phenomena and claims, particularly those presented in educational contexts or through media. The editorial stance is one of rigorous inquiry and the debunking of unsubstantiated assertions.