Shadow of a Doubt

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow of a Doubt
Issue: October, 1999
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of "Shadow of a Doubt," the monthly calendar of the National Capital Area Skeptics, focuses on the upcoming "Ghostbusting 101" Fall Workshop. The cover headline poses the question, "When things go bump in the night, what's a scientist to do?" The workshop is scheduled for October 16, 1999, at the Best Western Leesburg Dulles in Leesburg, Virginia.

1999 Fall Workshop: Ghostbusting 101

The workshop is designed as a full-day program that delves into investigations of the spirit realm, spanning from the 19th century to the present day. It aims to present diverse viewpoints on how science and technology can be applied to assess traditional beliefs and practices related to the paranormal.

Session Highlights:

• "If the spirits are willing...": Presented by Chip Denman, a statistician at the University of Maryland and past-president of NCAS. This session will cover the history of seances and mediums during the Spiritualist movement and the individuals who investigated them.
• "Ghosts and electromagnetic anomalies": Joe Holbert, who conducts "ghost tours" in Leesburg, Virginia, will discuss his research into the potential association between ghosts and low-level electromagnetic fields.
• "Modern mediums and psychic readings": Kari Coleman, an actress and skeptical writer, will explore the contemporary landscape of Spiritualism, discussing mediums like James Van Praagh and her personal experiences and methods in giving readings.
• "High tech communications with the hereafter": Dr. Michael Epstein, a chemist at NIST and former vice president of NCAS, will provide an overview of technological efforts to record evidence of spirits, including ghost photos, ghost detectors, electronic-voice phenomena, and phone calls from the dead.

Registration and Workshop Details:

The workshop is scheduled for Saturday, October 16, 1999, from 9 am to 5 pm at the Best Western Leesburg Dulles, located at 726 East Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176. The registration fee is $25 if postmarked by September 25, 1999, and $30 thereafter. Registration includes morning and afternoon breaks and handouts, but lunch is not included. Several restaurants are available near the hotel. Registration details, including a PDF brochure and form, are available. Mail registrations should be sent to Ghostbusting 101, NCAS, PO Box 8428, Silver Spring, Maryland 20907.

NCAS Board and News

The issue also lists the NCAS officers for 1999-2000, including Paul Jaffe as President, Marv Zelkowitz as Secretary, Grace Denman as Treasurer, and Gary Stone as Vice President. Other board members and the Eye editor are also listed.

In the news section, NCAS is mentioned in the latest issue of Skeptical Inquirer for making the Condon Report on UFOs available online. The Condon report can be accessed via the NCAS website.

Related Events and Publications

• Fortean Annual Meeting: The International Fortean Organization (INFO) will host FortFest in College Park, MD, on November 6-7. The event will feature speakers such as John Michell, Budd Hopkins, and John Keel. Advance registration is available until October 13.
• New Book Available: "HOW WE BELIEVE: The Search for God in an Age of Science" by Michael Shermer of The Skeptic Society is highlighted. The book examines the paradox of increasing belief in God despite societal secularization, based on an empirical study of 10,000 Americans.

Membership Renewal

Members are reminded to check their mailing labels for renewal dates and to send $20 for a one-person renewal or $30 for a two-member household renewal to the NCAS address to avoid being dropped from membership.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around skepticism, the scientific investigation of paranormal phenomena, and the critical examination of beliefs related to spiritualism and the afterlife. The NCAS, as indicated by its publication and the featured workshop, maintains a stance that encourages the application of scientific methods and critical thinking to claims of the supernatural and pseudoscientific. The organization actively promotes rational inquiry and provides a platform for discussions that challenge unsubstantiated beliefs.