Shadow of a Doubt - 1996 04

Magazine Overview

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

This issue of 'Shadow of a Doubt' focuses on critical thinking and skepticism, featuring an upcoming program for children, details about the James Randi Educational Foundation, and an announcement for the CSICOP World Skeptics Congress.

Program Announcement: Illusions & Confusions

The lead article announces a special program titled "ILLUSIONS & CONFUSIONS: Magic, Science and Why We Get Fooled," designed for children ages 8-12 and their parents. The program aims to encourage natural curiosity while fostering healthy skepticism and critical thinking about "weird science, superstitions and magical beliefs." Chip Denman, who has experience teaching "Science & Pseudoscience" and writing columns on critical thinking for The Washington Post, will conduct the hands-on session. Participants will explore principles behind magic tricks, optical illusions, and common ways people fool themselves, using scientific experiments to investigate beliefs like ESP and astrology. A workbook will be provided, and additional resource material will be available. The program is free but requires reservations due to limited space (first 20 kids and their parents). It is scheduled for Saturday, April 20, 1996, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Davis Library in Bethesda, Maryland. NCAS members are encouraged to reserve their spots early. For more information, the NCAS Skeptic Line can be reached at 301-587-3827.

James Randi Educational Foundation

The issue introduces the James Randi Educational Foundation, established as a non-profit, tax-exempt educational foundation. Funded by an anonymous sponsor, its home office will be in Florida, featuring a 7,000-square-foot facility with an extensive book and video library, a sophisticated computer setup with a World Wide Web server, and high-speed Internet access. The Foundation plans to provide copies of photographic, video, audio, and printed materials to requesters at minimal cost. It will conduct and/or finance research into paranormal, occult, and supernatural claims, offering classes and seminars for students, teachers, the media, and the public. Furthermore, the Foundation will offer scholarships to students who create projects or write essays on paranormal subjects, with evaluations based on the quality of work, not the conclusions. The Foundation seeks to engage competent academics, particularly those involved in parapsychology, and aims to become self-supporting through grants and other funding within two years.

CSICOP First World Skeptics Congress

CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal) is sponsoring its 20th anniversary meeting, the "First World Skeptics Congress," at SUNY -- Buffalo in Amherst, NY. The event will take place from Thursday, June 20, 1996, starting at 1:45 PM, until Sunday, June 23, 1996, at noon. Featured speakers include Nobel Laureate Leon Lederman, James Randi, Stephen Jay Gould of Harvard University, and Dr. Dean Edell. The congress will cover a wide range of topics of interest to skeptics, including UFOlogy, Astrology, Homeopathy, Therapeutic touch, Creationism, Parapsychology, Alternative health cures, Spiritualism, and critical thinking in education. Registration fees are $149 for the conference, $35 for the awards banquet, and $22 for luncheons on Friday and Saturday. For more information, individuals can call 716-636-1425, or to charge registration, call 800-634-1610.

NCAS Elections

Finally, the issue reminds readers that they will soon receive a ballot for the NCAS Board of Directors elections. Eight of the sixteen members are elected each year for two-year terms, and members are urged to return their ballots. Readers are also invited to share any special requests for future programs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism, critical thinking, and the scientific investigation of paranormal and pseudoscientific claims. The National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS) actively promotes these values through educational programs for children and adults, and by supporting organizations like the James Randi Educational Foundation and CSICOP. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and a critical approach to extraordinary claims, encouraging public engagement with these principles.