Shadow of a Doubt - 1995 09

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow of a Doubt
Issue: September, 1995
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics
Content Type: Monthly Calendar/Newsletter

Featured Events and Articles

Lecture: "Common Creationism Arguments and How Scientist Counters Them"

The centerpiece of this issue is an announcement for a lecture by Dr. Edward Max, a Molecular Biologist. The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 16, at 2 PM at the Bethesda Library, located at 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, Maryland. For further information, individuals are encouraged to call the NCAS Skeptic Line at 301-587-3827.

NCAS Movie Night

On Friday, September 29, at 8 PM, Chip and Grace Denman are hosting a movie night for NCAS members and their guests. The event promises movies that "skeptics can laugh at." The Denmans will provide popcorn and sodas, and attendees are invited to bring anything else they wish to share. The agenda includes a showing of FOX's "definitive broadcast of the authenticity of the Roswell alien," as well as other science fiction relevant to the group's interests. Due to limited space, reservations are required by calling the NCAS line by Wednesday, September 27, to secure a spot and obtain directions.

Horizon Section of The Washington Post

The newsletter highlights a special "Horizon" learning section that The Washington Post has been running on the second Wednesday of each month. This section features articles of interest to skeptics and has been running successfully for about a year. The next edition is scheduled for Wednesday, September 13. The publication encourages readers to express their support to The Washington Post to ensure the continuation of this section indefinitely.

NCAS Joke of the Month

This section presents a collection of "supposedly true statements" from student exam papers, offering a humorous take on scientific and general knowledge. Examples include:

• "When you breathe, you inspire. When you do not breathe, you expire."
• "H2O is hot water, and CO2 is cold water."
• "When you smell an odorless gas, it is probably carbon monoxide."
• "Nitrogen is not found in Ireland because it is not found in a free state."
• "Water is composed of two gins, Oxygin and Hydrogin. Oxygin is pure gin. Hydrogin is gin and water."
• "Blood flows down one leg and up the other."
• "Dew is formed on leaves when the sun shines down on them and makes them perspire."
• "A super saturated solution is one that holds more then it can hold."
• "The body consists of three parts-the brainium, the borax and the abominable cavity. The brainium contains the brain, the borax contains the heart and lungs, and the abominable cavity contains the bowels, of which there are five - a, e, i, o, and u."
• "The skeleton is what is left after the insides have been taken out and the outsides have been taken off. The purpose of the skeleton is something to hitch meat to."
• "To keep milk from turning sour, keep it in the cow."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes skepticism and critical thinking, evident in its coverage of scientific arguments against creationism and its support for media that critically examines phenomena like UFOs. The inclusion of humorous content, such as the student exam jokes, suggests an editorial stance that values intellectual engagement and a lighthearted approach to challenging conventional beliefs. The emphasis on community events like movie nights and the promotion of resources like The Washington Post's "Horizon" section indicate a commitment to fostering a community of critical thinkers and providing them with relevant information and social opportunities.