Shadow of a Doubt - 1996 01

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow of a Doubt
Issue: January, 1996
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Document Type: Magazine Issue (Monthly Calendar)

This issue of the NCAS's monthly calendar, 'Shadow of a Doubt,' for January 1996, features several articles and announcements relevant to skepticism and scientific inquiry.

Featured Event: History is Flawed: Exhumations Prove It

The main event highlighted is a talk by James Stars from George Washington University. Titled 'History is flawed: Exhumations Prove It,' the talk will delve into how forensic examinations of exhumed bodies of famous and infamous individuals, such as outlaw Jesse James, have potentially altered historical understanding. The event is scheduled for Saturday, January 27, at 2 pm, at the Bethesda Library, located at 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, Maryland. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome. Further information can be obtained by calling the NCAS Skeptic Line at 301-587-3827.

Membership Renewal and Online Presence

A section titled 'How good is your memory?' serves as a reminder for members to check their mailing labels for renewal status. It humorously suggests that members who cannot recall what they did on the last day of the month listed are 'seriously late.' The newsletter also encourages those reading it online via the WWW to join NCAS, with annual membership fees of $20 for one or $30 for two. Membership applications and payments can be sent to the NCAS address in Silver Spring, Maryland, or inquiries can be made via email to [email protected].

Critique of A&E Program on Nostradamus

Under the heading 'A&E Cable Fluff,' NCAS friend and magician James Randi offers his commentary on an A&E cable network program about Nostradamus. Randi expresses disappointment that his input, which included doubts about Nostradamus's prophetic abilities and references to his book 'The Mask of Nostradamus,' was not presented in a critical or skeptical manner. He notes that the program featured authors and 'experts' who, in his view, exaggerated and fabricated information to portray Nostradamus as a genuine prophet. Randi suggests that viewers inform A&E and their local cable operators of their feelings about such programming.

Dowsing Technology Tested

The article 'Dowsing changes with the times' reports on the Quadro Corporation's QRS 250G Detector, a dowsing rod marketed for locating items like weapons and buried treasure for $995. However, a scientist from Sandia National Labs conducted a test that reportedly failed to locate anything. Upon dissection, the device was found to contain only plastic. The report also mentions that Sandia sources indicated management directed scientists to remain silent due to threats of legal action from Quadro.

CSICOP 20th Anniversary Meeting Announcement

An announcement is made for the CSICOP 20th Anniversary Meeting, scheduled for June 20-23, 1996, at the State University of New York at Buffalo. The theme of the meeting is 'Science in The Age of (Mis) Information.' This event is sponsored by The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP). Details regarding registration are promised in the coming months.

Project Volunteers Wanted

An invitation is extended to individuals to join a project team focused on presentations, debates, and audience participation programs concerning the scientific evidence for and against the biological determination of sexual orientation. The project seeks generalists, specialists in neurophysiology, philosophers, researchers, and those skilled in debate. Its goals include challenging superstition-based intolerance and promoting public education in evaluating claims about human nature using a scientific standard. Interested individuals are asked to contact Bing Garthright at 19437 Battleridge Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20879, or by phone at 301 330-1225 during evenings and weekends. The project welcomes NCAS members but is not formally affiliated with NCAS.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of 'Shadow of a Doubt' consistently promotes a skeptical and evidence-based approach to understanding phenomena. It critiques pseudoscientific claims presented in popular media (Nostradamus), investigates the validity of purported technological devices (dowsing rod), and encourages critical thinking in historical interpretation (exhumations). The publication also actively engages its readership by soliciting membership and volunteer participation in projects aimed at public education and challenging intolerance with scientific reasoning. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific rigor, critical evaluation, and the dissemination of accurate information, while actively debunking or questioning claims that lack empirical support.