Shadow of a Doubt

Magazine Overview

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

Mummies Unwrapped Lecture

The November 1999 issue of Shadow of a Doubt highlights an upcoming slide-illustrated lecture titled "Mummies Unwrapped" by Allison Willcox, a research collaborator from the National Museum of Natural History. The lecture, scheduled for Saturday, November 13, 1999, from 2pm to 3:30pm at the Bethesda Public Library in Maryland, will delve into the religious and cultural motivations behind mummification in ancient Egypt. It aims to explain the value of mummy studies for modern researchers and how recent scientific advances allow for new insights into life and death in ancient Egyptian society. The event is open to both members and non-members of NCAS, and further information can be obtained by calling the NCAS Skeptic Line at 301-587-3827.

Free Energy Events

The publication also draws attention to "Free Energy" events, brought to their notice by Eric Krieg of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking. These events feature a performer who has been promoting "free energy" for 12 years, alongside conspiracy theories, offbeat religion, and "buggered science." Despite the controversial nature of the performer's claims, large crowds reportedly attend his shows. Specific performances mentioned are scheduled for Saturday, November 6th, at the Richmond Center for Conventions & Exhibitions in Richmond, Virginia, and on Monday, November 8th, at the Virginia Beach Pavilion Theater in Virginia Beach, VA.

Ghosts and Spirits

For those interested in the paranormal, a web page is recommended for further exploration of ghosts and spirits. The URL provided is http://www.go.com/WebDir/Off_the_Beaten_Path/Ghosts_and_spirits.

What is Skepticism?

An essay is recommended for readers who are unsure about the definition of skepticism. The essay can be found on the web at http://www.capital.net/~phuston/Whatisskepticism.HTML. The publication notes that this essay represents the author's personal opinions and is not an official stance of the NCAS.

Evolution on Trial

The second page of the document addresses the controversy surrounding the teaching of evolution in schools. It reports on the Kansas School Board's decision to remove evolution from the official curriculum. Additionally, it details a unanimous 7-0 vote by the Board of Education of the Poudre School District in Fort Collins, Colorado. This board declared that Liberty Common School (LCS), a charter school, had breached its contract by adopting a policy that prohibited teaching human evolution and failed to emphasize "macro-evolution" (speciation). The board's decision was a response to a complaint filed by Linda Rosa and Larry Sarner on behalf of their daughter, Emily Rosa, an eighth-grader. They argued that LCS's policy denied Emily a comprehensive education, including a full discussion of evolution, which was contrary to the school's pledge to teach the Core Knowledge Sequence (CKS) and align with the Benchmarks for Science Literacy of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). The Rosas characterized the anti-evolution policy as a "bait and switch." The article also mentions that Emily Rosa was the teenager whose 4th-grade science project debunked "Therapeutic Touch" in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around skepticism, critical thinking, and the examination of pseudoscientific claims and controversial topics. The NCAS, through its publication "Shadow of a Doubt," aims to inform its readers about lectures, events, and news relevant to a skeptical viewpoint. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting scientific literacy and critical inquiry, as evidenced by the coverage of the evolution debate and the recommendation of resources for understanding skepticism. The organization actively debunks or questions claims related to paranormal phenomena and pseudoscience, while also providing a platform for discussions on scientific topics like mummification and evolution.