Shadow of a Doubt - 1998 11

Magazine Overview

This document is the November 1998 issue of "Shadow of a Doubt," the monthly calendar of the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS). It details upcoming events, lectures, and discussions relevant to skepticism and scientific inquiry.

Science on Trial

The main featured event is a talk titled "Science on Trial" by the Honorable Durke G. Thompson, an Associate Judge of the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. Judge Thompson's presentation will focus on the historical and modern standards employed by federal and state courts for admitting scientific evidence. The talk will examine landmark cases such as the "Scopes Monkey Trial," the role of DNA evidence, and the challenges posed by "emerging science" like "multiple chemical sensitivity." Key topics to be covered include the definition of evidence, the role of experts, how science is presented in court, and how courts evaluate scientific evidence, particularly concerning special subjects. The presentation will also touch upon the legal frameworks for judging scientific evidence, referencing Maryland Rules of Evidence and the standards set by cases like Frye-Reed v. Daubert.

Judge Thompson, who has served as an Associate Judge since 1994, has extensive experience in upper-level criminal and civil trial jurisdiction. He is also involved in the "Live Your Dreams" program, which focuses on alcohol and drug abuse education for middle and high school students. Prior to his judicial career, he practiced law in Bethesda, Maryland, for 25 years and is an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin School of Law, the University of Maryland, and B-CC High School.

The lecture is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 1998, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM at the Montgomery County Library, Bethesda Branch, located at 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, Maryland. The event is open to both members and non-members with no admission charge. For more information, attendees are encouraged to call the NCAS Skeptic Line at 301-587-3827.

NCAS Fright Night

In addition to the main lecture, the NCAS is hosting a "Fright Night" event on Friday, November 13, which falls on Friday the Thirteenth. Chip and Grace Denman are inviting NCAS members and their guests to a movie night featuring films that skeptics can find amusing. The hosts will provide popcorn and sodas, and attendees are welcome to bring their own refreshments. The selection of movies is expected to include "suitable flicks of aliens or other beings from the '50s or '60s." Due to limited space, interested individuals are advised to call the NCAS line by Wednesday, November 11, to reserve a spot and to get directions.

Fright Night - Part 2

Following up on the Fright Night theme, the calendar mentions a segment related to scary movies. Glenn Sparks, a professor of communications, and cultural analyst Dr. Will Miller conducted research to understand people's perceptions of the scariest movies. Their study, part of a larger project on media message effects, involved a random sample telephone survey of 200 respondents in a small Midwestern city. The survey identified 44 movies that people considered particularly scary. Seven movies accounted for 58% of all nominations, with "The Seven Deadly Films" listed in order of frequency: Scream, Friday the 13th, The Shining, Halloween, Nightmare on Elm Street, The Exorcist, and Poltergeist. This information is noted as being from a CSICOP Press Release.

NCAS Web Site Changes and Capital Science Lectures

The NCAS has updated its web presence, with the website now hosted on a different computer. The new web address is http://www.ncas.org/, although the old address will remain functional. Email addresses for NCAS officers ([email protected]) and the discussion group ([email protected]) remain unchanged.

Another upcoming event is a lecture on Tuesday, November 17, by Alan Dressler, titled "RETURN TO THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE: OUR SEARCH FOR PLACE AND PURPOSE." This lecture is part of the Capital Science Lectures series and will be held at the Carnegie Institution, 1530 P Street N.W., Washington, DC 20077. The lecture aims to explore humanity's place in the universe and our cosmic beginnings, aligning with NASA's "Origins" program. The lectures are free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Those interested in attending can call (202) 328-6988 or email Sherrill Berger at [email protected] for details.

The last change noted for this information was November 3, 1998.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the intersection of science and society, particularly in legal contexts, and the critical examination of popular culture and media through a skeptical lens. The NCAS, as indicated by its publication, maintains a stance that values scientific rigor, critical thinking, and the debunking of pseudoscience or unsubstantiated claims. Events like "Science on Trial" and the focus on scary movies reflect an interest in how scientific principles are applied or perceived in various domains, from the courtroom to entertainment.