Shadow of a Doubt

Magazine Overview

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

This issue of the National Capital Area Skeptics' monthly calendar, 'Shadow of a Doubt,' dated October 1997, focuses on a talk concerning 'The Bible Codes.' The publication also details the NCAS Board membership for the 1997-1998 year, outlines the organization's meeting schedule, and promotes a workshop on paranormal claims.

The Bible Codes Talk

The main feature of this issue is an announcement for a talk titled 'THE BIBLE CODES' by Marvin V. Zelkowitz from the Computer Science Department at the University of Maryland. The talk is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 1997, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM at the Bethesda Branch of the Montgomery County Library, located at 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, Maryland. The event is open to both members and non-members with no admission charge.

Zelkowitz's talk addresses the public's fascination with 'seemingly prophetic coded messages' purportedly found in the Bible through computer-intensive searches. These codes are claimed to contain direct references to events such as World War 2, the Kennedy assassination, and the Oklahoma City bombing, as well as other current and future events. The premise discussed is that the ability to foretell the future implies divine inspiration for the Bible. Zelkowitz intends to discuss the bible codes and, from a skeptic's perspective, the consequences of discovering such hidden messages within the ancient text.

For further information regarding the talk, attendees are advised to call the NCAS Skeptic Line at 301-587-3827.

NCAS Board and Schedule

The issue lists the current Board membership of the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS) for the 1997-1998 year. The board includes:

• President: Grace Denman
• Vice President: Gary Stone
• Treasurer: Herb Federhen
• Secretary: Marv Zelkowitz
• Spokesman: Chip Denman

The Board members are:

• Jim Giglio
• Tom Hartnett
• Joe Himes
• Paul Jaffe
• Patti Maslinoff
• Pamela O'Neill
• Sean O'Neill
• Eugene Ossa
• Walter Rowe
• Jamy lan Swiss

It is noted that there is one vacancy on the board due to the resignation of a former member.

The 1997-1998 meeting schedule has been organized, with meetings to be held at two Montgomery County Library locations: the Bethesda Branch (7400 Arlington Road) and the Davis Branch (6400 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda). The schedule is as follows:

• 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

Florida Seminar from JREF

The James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF) is announced as pleased to present a workshop titled "Solved Mysteries." This workshop, focused on examining paranormal claims, will take place from Friday, October 31 through Sunday, November 2, at the Wyndham Hotel - Fort Lauderdale Airport. For more information, individuals can contact the JREF at 1 (954) 467-1112.

Want to Join NCAS

The issue includes a call to action for interested individuals to join NCAS. Membership benefits include receiving a copy of 'Shadow of a Doubt' via US mail. The membership fees are $20 for an individual and $30 for two-member households. Payments should be sent to NCAS at 8006 Valley Street, Silver Spring, MD 20910. The organization states that membership contributions help NCAS stay attuned to pseudoscience problems.

The document also indicates that the 'Last Change' date for this information was September 30, 1997.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around skepticism towards paranormal phenomena and pseudoscientific claims, as exemplified by the critical examination of 'The Bible Codes.' The NCAS, through its publication and activities, actively promotes critical thinking and scientific inquiry. The organization's stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and against unsubstantiated beliefs, as highlighted by the mention of James Randi and his foundation, known for debunking paranormal claims. The editorial focus is on educating the public and fostering a skeptical community.