Shadow of a Doubt - 1996 09

Magazine Overview

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

Content Summary

This issue of "Shadow of a Doubt" from September 1996 focuses on the theme of "EXPECTING THE UNEXPECTED." A prominent feature is an announcement for a lecture by Chip Denman, a statistician from the University of Maryland. Denman is scheduled to discuss how individuals perceive and misperceive chance events and the importance of mathematical thinking in scientific inquiry. The lecture is set to take place on Saturday, September 21, 1996, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm at the Bethesda Library, located at 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, Maryland. Admission is free and open to all members and non-members.

Another event highlighted is the "NCAS Movie Night" on Friday, September 20, at 8 p.m. Chip and Grace Denman are hosting this event for NCAS members and their guests, promising movies that skeptics can appreciate, likely featuring themes of aliens or beings from the 1950s and 1960s. Popcorn and sodas will be provided, and attendees are encouraged to bring other refreshments. Due to limited space, reservations are required by Wednesday, September 18, by calling the NCAS Skeptic Line.

The publication also includes information on obtaining a free INTERNET EMAIL account. This service, provided by JUNO, is available for users with Windows 3.1 or 95 and a modem of 9600 or better. The service is free but includes unobtrusive advertisements on the screen. Users are asked to answer "consumer profile" questions during registration. To obtain a registration disk, interested individuals should send a request to Gary Stone, NCAS VP, including $1 for the disk and postage. The offer is specifically for NCAS members, and NCAS is not affiliated with or compensated by JUNO.

NCAS Board and Schedule

The issue lists the NCAS Board for the 1996-1997 term, with Grace Denman serving as President, Gary Stone as Vice President, Herb Federhen as Treasurer, Marv Zelkowitz as Secretary, Chip Denman as Spokesman, and Carol Krol as Skeptical Eye Editor. The board also includes members Alfred Baer, Michael Epstein, Tom Hartnett, Joe Himes, Paul Jaffa, Patti Maslinoff, Pamela O'Neill, Sean O'Neill, Eugene Ossa, Walter Rowe, and Jamy Ian Swiss.

The NCAS 1996-97 program schedule is detailed, with meetings planned for Saturdays at the Bethesda Branch of the Montgomery County Library. The scheduled dates are: September 21, 1996; October 19, 1996; November 16, 1996; December 21, 1996; January 18, 1997; February 15, 1997; March 22, 1997; April 19, 1997; May 17, 1997; and June 21, 1997. All meetings begin at 2 pm.

Community Initiative

An initiative called "WIRE UP YOUR SCHOOL" is promoted, encouraging individuals to volunteer their time on the weekend of September 27-29 to help wire neighborhood public schools to the INTERNET. This project is sponsored by the State of Maryland as "Maryland Net Weekend." No technical experience is required. Interested volunteers are asked to call 1-888-828-2468 to register and coordinate their participation. The article also suggests joining the PTA at the school as a way to contribute to quality education.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around promoting skeptical inquiry, critical thinking, and community engagement within the National Capital Area Skeptics organization. The editorial stance is one of encouraging rational thought, scientific understanding, and active participation in community initiatives like public school internet access. The publication also aims to keep members informed about upcoming events and opportunities relevant to their interests, such as lectures on perception and chance, movie nights, and access to online resources.