Shadow of a Doubt - 1998 01

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow of a Doubt
Issue: January, 1998
Volume: The Monthly Calendar of the National Capital Area Skeptics
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of 'Shadow of a Doubt' focuses on upcoming events and presentations organized by the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS).

Featured Articles and Events

"It's All in the Cards" Presentation

The issue highlights a presentation titled "It's All in the Cards" by Eugene Ossa, a Senior Systems Analyst at the Library of Congress and a long-time collector of Tarot cards. The presentation, scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 1998, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM at the Bethesda Branch of the Montgomery County Library in Bethesda, Maryland, will examine the origins and significance of Tarot cards. It will also explore claims linking the Tarot to the occult tradition. A bibliography will be provided for those interested in further study. The event is open to both members and non-members with no admission charge.

"How To Be a Citizen Skeptic" -- The 1998 NCAS Weekend

An upcoming NCAS weekend workshop, "How to be a Citizen Skeptic," is announced for Friday, March 13, 1998, to Sunday, March 15, 1998. The workshop will be held at the Holiday Inn on Solomons Island, Maryland. The main sessions are scheduled for Saturday, March 14th, and Sunday morning, March 15th. The event includes optional activities such as a Saturday evening social dinner at a local restaurant. The workshop promises to be informative and fun, building on the success of previous NCAS events.

Workshop Schedule and Topics:

• Friday Evening: Arrival, with an option for an informal dinner for early arrivals.
• Saturday (9 AM - 5 PM): Tentative topics include experiences with grassroots skepticism, strategies for dealing with school boards, newspaper articles, and parent groups. Case studies, such as the "Quadro Tracker," will be used to illustrate how to handle spurious claims. The sessions will include hands-on group activities to develop methods for investigating and testing claims and products. Participants will also learn about research resources and techniques for responding to the media, including writing letters.
• Saturday Evening (8 PM): An entertaining magic show, described as "only illusions, but fascinating anyway," will be performed by Jamy Swiss.
• Sunday (9 AM - noon): Continuation of the Saturday program.

Hotel Registration:

Information is provided for hotel registration at the Holiday Inn, with special rates for singles ($69.95) and doubles ($79.95). These rates are valid until February 10th, and guests are encouraged to stay from Friday night through Sunday morning. The hotel is located on Solomons Island, Maryland, approximately 90 minutes from the Washington Beltway.

Conference Registration:

Registration fees are to be sent to NCAS at 8006 Valley St., Silver Spring, MD 20910. The cost is $50 for one person, which covers continental breakfast for two days, lunch on Saturday, handouts, and the Saturday evening show. For two people, the fee is $90, which includes only one set of handouts. The form includes fields for Name1, Name2 (if any), Address, Phone, and Email. Participants are also invited to a group dinner on Saturday at a scenic local restaurant, with dinner costs being separate from the registration fee.

Last Change Date: January 9, 1998.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The NCAS, as indicated by the content of this calendar, actively promotes critical thinking and skepticism. The featured presentation on Tarot cards and the "Citizen Skeptic" workshop both aim to equip individuals with the tools to evaluate claims and information rationally. The organization appears to foster a community for like-minded individuals through regular meetings, workshops, and social events, encouraging active participation and learning in the field of skepticism.