Shadow of a Doubt

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow of a Doubt
Issue: June, 1999
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "Shadow of a Doubt" serves as the monthly calendar for the National Capital Area Skeptics, providing information on upcoming events and relevant news for the skeptical community.

NCAS Spring Cookout

The primary event highlighted is the "1999 NCAS SPRING COOKOUT," hosted by Chip and Grace Denman at their home in Silver Spring, Maryland, on Saturday, June 19th, starting at 2:00 PM. This event is described as the final gathering for the 1998-99 season and an opportunity for members and non-members to enjoy an afternoon discussing skeptical topics. The NCAS will provide burgers, drinks, and hotdogs. Attendees are asked to RSVP by June 16th. Directions can be obtained by calling the NCAS Skeptic Line at 301-587-3827. The NCAS also announces its new Post Office Box address: PO Box 8428, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

Upcoming Events and Conferences

1999 MUFON Symposium

The issue announces the "1999 MUFON SYMPOSIUM" hosted by Virginia MUFON from Friday, July 2nd to Sunday, July 4th, 1999, at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City near Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia. The symposium features speakers such as Richard Hall, Bruce Maccabee, Beverly Trout, Eddie Bullard, Jenny Randles, Budd Hopkins, S. Peter Resta, Evn, Stanton Friedman, and Robert Swiatek. Registration costs $65.00 before June 9th and $75.00 thereafter. A Friday night buffet dinner/party is available for an additional fee. The symposium schedule runs from Saturday morning to Sunday evening.

CSICOP Superstition Bash

Scheduled for Friday, August 13th, the "CSICOP SUPERSTITION BASH" invites skeptics from around the world to participate in a fun event that includes a barbecue and playful engagement with superstitions like smashing mirrors, walking under ladders, and stepping on cracks. The event aims to deliver an important message about skepticism.

10th European Skeptical Congress

The "10th European Skeptical Congress" will take place from Friday, September 17th to Sunday, September 19th, in Maastricht, Netherlands. The theme is "The Challenge of the 21th Century." More information is available on the website http://www.skepsis.org/.

Other News and Announcements

Patent Office: Fallout from Future Energy Conference

A brief report discusses a conference on over-unity that led to an examination of the Patent and Trademark Office. The Integrity Research Institute hosted the conference, and its president, Tom Valone, is a patent examiner. The report mentions David Voss's investigation in "Science" magazine, noting patents for cold-fusion and over-unity devices, as well as peculiar items like the DKL Lifeguard dowsing rod and an ESP-operated electrical switch.

Membership Renewal

Members are reminded to check their mailing labels for their renewal date. A one-year renewal costs $20 for an individual or $30 for a two-member household. Renewals should be sent to the NCAS address.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism, the promotion of rational inquiry, and the dissemination of information about events relevant to the skeptical community. The editorial stance is clearly pro-skepticism, evident in the promotion of events like the CSICOP Superstition Bash and the European Skeptical Congress, as well as the coverage of topics related to pseudoscience and alternative medicine. The NCAS actively organizes its own events, such as the spring cookout, to foster community among its members.