Shadow of a Doubt - 1996 03

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow of a Doubt
Issue: March, 1996
Publisher: The Monthly Calendar of the National Capital Area Skeptics
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Main Feature: Creationism in Public Schools

The central article, "Here We Go Again: The Campaign to Include Creationism in the Public School Science Curriculum," addresses the ongoing controversy surrounding the inclusion of Creationism in science classes. Deanna Duby, Director of Education Policy Research for People For the American Way, presented a talk on this subject. Ms. Duby, a former public school teacher and attorney, leads PFAW's efforts to monitor and compile reports on attempts to censor educational materials and programs, particularly those influenced by Religious Right political groups seeking to control public school curricula.

The presentation was scheduled for Saturday, March 23, 1996, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Davis Library, 6400 Democracy Road, Bethesda, Maryland. Admission was free, and all were welcome. The event was followed by audience questions and discussion. For further information, attendees were directed to call the NCAS Skeptic Line at 301-587-3827.

Exploring Superstitions

A section titled "Did you know why?" delves into the origins of various common superstitions, presenting them as trivia with explanations:

• Walking under ladders is bad luck: Explained as a symbolic representation of the Trinity, making the ladder an "arch" that an ordinary person would not wish to pass through.
• Brides are carried across the threshold: This practice is traced back to Roman days, signifying that the bride loses her virginity unwillingly.
• Thirteen is unlucky: Attributed to the Last Supper, where there were supposedly 13 attendees.
• Lighting three cigarettes on one match is unlucky: An anecdote from the Boer War suggests that soldiers who lit the third cigarette were targeted and shot by the enemy, implying the act provided enough time for the enemy to aim.
• Rice is thrown at weddings: This is noted as another Roman tradition, symbolizing plenty and fruitfulness, when wheat was scattered over the bride's head.

The section also includes "cures" for hiccups and toothaches, citing Pliny the Elder from 77 AD. The hiccup cure involves looking at a horseshoe and remembering where it was found, while the toothache cure suggests biting off a piece of wood from a lightning-struck tree. The source for this information is cited as "A Dictionary of Superstitions" by I. Opie and M. Tatem (Eds.), Oxford University Press, 1989.

NCAS Announcements and Events

The issue also contains several announcements relevant to the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS):

• Board Elections: Elections for 8 new board members were scheduled for April. Interested individuals were asked to send a short biography by March 10 to Marv Zelkowitz, NCAS Secretary, at 10058 Cotton Mill Lane, Columbia, MD 21046, or via email to [email protected].
• Newsletter Submissions: NCAS was seeking submissions for its newsletter, "The Skeptical Eye," with a new email address provided: [email protected].
• Lecture Series: In cooperation with NCAS, the Johns Hopkins School of Continuing Studies was presenting a series of lectures titled "Science and Pseudo-Science" at its Columbia, Maryland center. The lectures ran on Thursdays from March 21 to May 2 (with an exception for April 4) at 7 PM. The cost for the series was $90, with a discounted rate of $70 for NCAS members. Contact JHU at 410-516-4842 for information or 410-516-8516 to register.
• Membership Renewal: Members were reminded that their NCAS membership might be due for renewal. They were advised to check their mailing label and send $20 for one person or $30 for two at the same address to NCAS, 8006 Valley St., Silver Spring, MD 20910.

The document notes "Last Change: March 8, 1996.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the defense of scientific integrity in education against religious encroachment and the skeptical examination of popular beliefs and traditions. The editorial stance, as represented by the NCAS and its publication "Shadow of a Doubt," is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and critical thinking, opposing the introduction of non-scientific doctrines into science curricula and providing rational explanations for superstitions. The organization actively promotes dialogue, education, and community engagement through lectures, newsletters, and board participation.