Shadow of a Doubt - 1997 12

Magazine Overview

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

This issue of the National Capital Area Skeptics' newsletter, "Shadow of a Doubt," dated December 1997, features several articles and announcements relevant to the organization's activities and interests.

Star in the East

This article announces an upcoming presentation by Walter Rowe, Professor and Acting Chairman of the Department of Forensic Sciences at The George Washington University. The presentation, scheduled for Saturday, December 20, 1997, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM at the Bethesda Branch of the Montgomery County Library, will explore astronomical explanations for the Star of Bethlehem as described in the Gospel of Matthew. Rowe intends to examine various phenomena such as meteors, comets, novae, planetary conjunctions, and lunar occultations, evaluating how well each explains the biblical account. The presentation will also delve into the historicity of Matthew's infancy narrative and its potential context within first-century BCE astrological lore. The event is open to both members and non-members with no admission charge. Further information can be obtained by calling the NCAS Skeptic Line at 301-587-3827.

ITS ALL IN THE CARDS

This section announces the January 17th meeting of NCAS, which will feature Eugene Ossa. Ossa is scheduled to speak on the development and historical role of tarot cards. The meeting is planned to take place at the Arlington Road library location.

NCAS EMAIL

This is an announcement encouraging members to join the NCAS email distribution list by sending a request to [email protected]. Periodic emails will provide members with up-to-date announcements. The organization is also planning to launch an interactive discussion group covering topics of interest to NCAS members, with more information to be released shortly.

BECOME AN NCAS CITIZEN SKEPTIC

NCAS is organizing a spring weekend event for its members, scheduled from Friday evening, March 13, to Sunday morning, March 15, 1998. The event will be held at the Holiday Inn in Solomons, southern Maryland, and will include a weekend of skeptical activities, learning, and other programs. The program is still under development, and cost and preliminary details will be published in the next issue of "Shadow of a Doubt." Members are advised to keep this weekend open and to make hotel reservations by mid-February.

ACADEMIC GUIDE TO THE INTERNET

This section provides information about an "Academic Guide to the Internet" that was mentioned at a previous November meeting but whose URL was not then known. The guide is provided by InterNIC in cooperation with the National Science Foundation and others. Two versions are available: a frames version at http://www.internic.net/aldea/attframes2.html and a text-only version at http://www.internic.net/aldea/iagitext.html.

CREATIONISM VS. EVOLUTION DEBATE TO AIR ON PBS

This announcement informs readers that on December 19, PBS will air a two-hour special of "Firing Line" focusing on the creationism versus evolution controversy. The program will feature a debate held at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey, before a student audience.

CSICOP IN DC?

This section discusses CSICOP's consideration of establishing a joint skeptic/humanist Center for Inquiry in Washington D.C. and other cities. The NCAS Board has discussed the issue but concluded that they currently lack the resources to assist in this endeavor. Readers with opinions on this topic are encouraged to contact NCAS.

CONDON REPORT

NCAS, under the leadership of Board member Jim Giglio and Bob Keefer of Mt. St. Mary's College, has taken on the project of digitizing the 1400-page, out-of-print Condon Report on UFOs and making it available on the NCAS website. Additional volunteers are still needed to help proofread the scanned text. Interested individuals can contact NCAS via email or telephone to offer assistance.

WANT TO JOIN

This section encourages readers to join NCAS to receive the "Shadow of a Doubt" by U.S. mail and other membership benefits. Membership costs $20 for an individual or $30 for a two-member household. Payments should be sent to NCAS, 8006 Valley Street, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Membership contributions are stated to help NCAS address pseudoscience issues.

The last change date for the document is noted as December 29, 1997.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around skepticism, critical thinking, and the examination of pseudoscientific claims. The NCAS actively promotes scientific explanations for phenomena, encourages public discourse through meetings and events, and engages in projects like digitizing the Condon Report to make information accessible. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rational inquiry and scientific evidence, as demonstrated by the focus on debunking or critically analyzing topics like the Star of Bethlehem, tarot cards, and the creationism debate, while also providing resources like the Academic Guide to the Internet.