Shadow of a Doubt - 1997 06

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow of a Doubt
Issue: June, 1997
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Date: June, 1997

This issue of the monthly calendar for the National Capital Area Skeptics features announcements for an upcoming spring cookout and the schedule for the 1997-1998 meeting year. It also includes a section on "Kids' Science Theories" and recommendations for relevant television programs.

Spring Cookout

The final event of the 1996-97 season is an afternoon cookout hosted by Grace and Chip Denman at their home in Silver Spring, Maryland. Scheduled for Saturday, June 21, 1997, at 2:00 PM, the event is intended for members and non-members to socialize and discuss skeptical topics. NCAS will provide burgers and hotdogs, and attendees are asked to bring beverages, snacks, salads, or desserts to share. An RSVP by June 18 is requested for headcount. Those interested can call the Skeptics Line at 301-587-3827 for directions and to confirm attendance. There is no admission charge.

Summer Break and 1997-1998 Meeting Schedule

The June 21st cookout marks the last meeting of the spring season, with NCAS taking a summer break from formal meetings. Meetings will resume in September. The schedule for the upcoming 1997-1998 year has been organized and will take place at two Montgomery County Library locations: the Bethesda Branch (7400 Arlington Road, near the Bethesda Metro station) and the Davis Branch (6400 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, not near a Metro station).

The scheduled meetings are:

• September 20, 1997: Davis Branch
• October 18, 1997: Bethesda Branch
• November 15, 1997: Bethesda Branch
• December 20, 1997: Bethesda Branch
• January 17, 1998: Bethesda Branch
• February 21, 1998: Bethesda Branch
• March 21, 1998: Davis Branch
• April 18, 1998: Bethesda Branch
• May 16, 1998: Bethesda Branch
• June 20, 1998: Bethesda Branch

Skeptical (?) TV

The newsletter recommends two television programs for viewers in June 1997:

• "Prophets of Doom" on A&E cable network, airing on June 19 at 10 PM.
• A "50 Years of Roswell Special" hosted by Jonathon Frakes on the Sci-Fi cable network, airing on June 30 at an unspecified time.

Kids' Science Theories

This section, continued from the previous issue, presents "beguiling ideas about science" gathered from essays, exams, and classroom discussions, primarily from 5th and 6th graders. It illustrates Mark Twain's quote: "The most interesting information comes from children, for they tell all they know and then stop."

Examples of these theories include:

• The Earth's center has tremendous weight due to population stomping.
• Genetics explain why one looks like their father, or why they don't.
• Evaporation is blamed for perfume disappearing and for people forgetting to put tops on containers.
• Water vapor forms clouds, and when large enough, becomes a drop of rain.
• Humidity is the experience of looking for air and finding water.
• Rain is known as soft water, or oppositely, as hail.
• Rain is stored in cloud banks.
• Fossil footprints of fishes can be found in some rocks.
• A drop of cyanide on a dog's tongue can kill the strongest man.
• A monsoon is a French gentleman.
• Isotherms and isobars are important, though their names might suggest otherwise.
• Some places are so hot that people have to live elsewhere.

The last change date for this section was June 23, 1997.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are community engagement (cookout, meetings), the promotion of skeptical inquiry through scheduled events and TV recommendations, and an interest in how children perceive scientific concepts. The editorial stance is one of promoting rational thought and providing a platform for like-minded individuals to connect, while also acknowledging the value of childlike curiosity in understanding science, as highlighted by the "Kids' Science Theories" section. The organization appears active and organized, with a clear schedule and communication channels (Skeptic Line).