Shadow of a Doubt - 2000 02

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow of a Doubt
Issue: February 2000
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Featured Article: Child Abuse: Pseudoscience, False Memory, and False Accusations

The lead article focuses on the complex issue of child abuse accusations, highlighting the role of pseudoscience, false memory, and the devastating consequences for the accused. The piece introduces Sue Taylor, Virginia State Contact for the False Memory Syndrome Foundation, who has firsthand experience with what is described as a national "Witch Hunt."

Taylor is presented as knowledgeable about the pseudoscience often involved in such cases, particularly "Recovered Memory" therapy, and its impact on families. She will share her insights from working with families victimized by these accusations and therapies, offering a perspective "from the trenches."

An event featuring Sue Taylor was scheduled for Saturday, February 12, 2000, from 2pm to 3:30pm at the Bethesda Public Library, located at 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, Maryland. The event was open to both members and non-members of NCAS. For further information, attendees were directed to call the NCAS Skeptic Line at 301-587-3827.

Gary Null on WETA

The publication addresses viewer dissatisfaction with WETA Channel 26 for allegedly allowing "alternative medicine advocate Gary Null seemingly endless hours of self-promotion during pledge drives." Readers are encouraged to write to WETA to express their displeasure. Contact information for key WETA personnel is provided:

• Elizabeth P. Campbell: Founder and Vice-President, WETA
• J. Roderick Heller III: Chair, Board of Trustees, WETA
• Sharon P. Rockefeller: President & CEO, WETA

All correspondence should be sent to WETA, 2775 South Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22206.

Science Fairs

NCAS announced its intention to resume judging local science fairs and awarding prizes for projects demonstrating good science and skepticism. This activity, which had been on a hiatus, is being revived. Individuals interested in assisting with a science fair in northern Virginia on Saturday, March 18, are asked to leave their name and telephone number on the NCAS telephone line or send an email to [email protected].

Exploring the Unknown

An update is provided on the Skeptics television series "Exploring the Unknown," which is rerunning on Friday nights at 10pm on the Fox Family Channel. Michael Shermer was informed by the V.P. of programming that the show continues to receive good ratings, but there has been no decision yet regarding a pickup for another run.

Creationism in Arizona

The issue highlights a concern that the Arizona legislature is contemplating legislation to mandate the teaching of creationism in high school biology classes. Readers are directed to an article on this topic from The Tucson Weekly, with a provided URL: http://www.tucsonweekly.com/tw/2000-01-20/skinny.html.

Events in Southern Virginia

Information is shared about the "Investigating Modern Pseudo-Science" Distinguished Visitor Lecture Series, part of the 2000 program at the Old Dominion University College of Sciences. The series runs through April 21.

• Public Lectures: Thursdays at 8:00 PM in Room 102 Mills Godwin Bldg.
• Science Colloquia: Fridays at 3:00 PM in Room 200 Oceanography-Physics Bldg.

Further event details can be found at http://www.physics.odu.edu/htmlstuf/sue/cal-lec-99.htm. For inquiries, Dr. Larry Weinstein of the Department of Physics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, can be contacted at (757) 683-3468 or [email protected].

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims, particularly in the context of child abuse allegations and alternative medicine. The NCAS demonstrates a commitment to promoting scientific literacy through science fairs and by critically examining controversial topics like creationism. The publication also serves as a platform for community engagement, announcing local events and encouraging reader participation in addressing perceived issues with media content (WETA) and educational policies (Arizona).