Shadow of a Doubt

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow of a Doubt
Issue: January, 1997
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "Shadow of a Doubt," the monthly calendar of the National Capital Area Skeptics, dated January 1997, focuses on skepticism, media criticism, and notable events within the skeptical community.

Featured Events and Speakers

Todd Robbins on American Sideshows

The calendar announces a talk by Todd Robbins, described as a master of ceremonies, medicine show pitchman for The Big Apple Circus, magician, and sideshow worker. Robbins has a long-standing interest in the history of sideshows and was planning to open a one-man off-Broadway show incorporating this material in the fall of 1997. His talk, scheduled for Saturday, January 18, 1997, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM at the Bethesda Library (7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, Maryland), promised to cover the "Facts and Frauds of the American Sideshow." The event was free and open to all, members and nonmembers alike. For more information, attendees were directed to call the NCAS Skeptic Line at 301-587-3827.

Skeptical Media Watch

Skeptical TV on ABC

The publication highlights several upcoming television programs on ABC that are expected to approach topics with a skeptical perspective. These include:

• Friday, January 3, 1997: A "20/20" segment at 10 PM Eastern (9 PM Central) focusing on "multiple chemical sensitivity."
• Monday through Thursday, January 6-9, 1997: "Good Morning America" segments each day at 7 AM Eastern addressing people's fear of electric and magnetic fields.
• Thursday, January 9, 1997: A one-hour special at 10 PM Eastern (9 PM Central) titled "Junk Science: What You Know That May Not Be So," hosted by John Stossel. The NCAS expressed hope that these programs would be more skeptical than other recent TV pieces on similar topics.

Awards and Recognition

Skeptical Awards

The Council for Media Integrity (CMI) and the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP) were scheduled to hold a press conference on Thursday, January 9, 1997. At this event, Bill Nye, known for his television series "Bill Nye the Science Guy," was to receive the Council for Media Integrity "Candle in the Dark" Award. This award recognizes his contributions to the public's understanding of science and scientific principles, particularly his ability to make science fun and fascinating for young people.

Additionally, the Council planned to present an award to Dan Aykroyd, host of the television program "The Psi Factor." This award, dubbed "The Snuffed Candle Award," is intended to recognize Aykroyd for encouraging credulity, presenting pseudoscience as genuine, and contributing to the public's lack of understanding of scientific inquiry methods.

Reflections on Pseudoscience

More Candles in the Dark

This section features a poignant quote from Carl Sagan, taken from his book "The Demon-Haunted World: Science As a Candle in the Dark." The quote, dated from 1934 to December 20, 1996, reflects on the increasing temptation of pseudoscience and superstition as the Millennium approaches. Sagan expresses concern that in times of ethnic prejudice, scarcity, national challenges, or existential angst, people may turn to familiar, irrational habits of thought. The quote concludes with a somber metaphor: "The candle flame gutters. Its little pool of light trembles. Darkness gathers. The demons begin to stir."

Publication Details

The document notes "Last Change: January 5, 1997," indicating the date the information was last updated or finalized.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards paranormal claims and pseudoscience, media criticism of how science and skepticism are portrayed, and the promotion of scientific understanding. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science and critical of unsubstantiated claims, as evidenced by the awards presented and the highlighted media segments. The inclusion of Carl Sagan's quote further reinforces a concern about the potential rise of irrationality and the importance of critical thinking.