Shadow of a Doubt - 2000 03

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow of a Doubt
Issue: March, 2000
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Featured Articles and Reports

From Tabloids to Textbooks: How Americans Learn About Science

This section features Bruce A. Fuchs, Director of the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) Office of Science Education. Fuchs argues that the primary issue with science education in the United States is not a lack of interest but rather the traditional methods of teaching science. He plans to present data from various sources to support his viewpoint and encourage an open exchange of ideas. Fuchs, an immunologist, previously worked at the Medical College of Virginia and has been involved in numerous science education outreach efforts. He emphasizes the importance of scientists actively communicating their research to the public and has organized programs like "Mini-Med School" and "Science in the Cinema."

The event featuring Dr. Fuchs is scheduled for Saturday, March 11, 2000, from 2pm to 3:30pm at the Bethesda Public Library, located at 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, Maryland. The event is open to both members and non-members, and further information can be obtained by calling the NCAS Skeptic Line at 301-587-3827.

Training Psychics

This report, citing The New York Times from January 28, details a program by New York City's Human Resources Administration to recruit and train welfare recipients as telephone psychics. The position offered a minimum starting salary of $10 per hour plus bonuses and the possibility of working from home. The report notes that NYC dropped the program the same day it became public knowledge, referencing Bob Park's "What's New" column.

More Aliens in NASA

This section discusses claims of alien encounters based on videotapes from space shuttle missions. Specifically, it mentions the space shuttle mission STS-48 in September 1991, where a TV onboard the Discovery spacecraft reportedly spotted moving white dots that suddenly changed direction after a flash of light. While acknowledging that debris often appears on shuttle videos, the combination of flares, streaks, and directional changes captured the imagination. The article suggests that James Oberg provided commentary on this topic via ABC News or his own website.

News and Announcements

Texas A&M Researchers Form Pet-Cloning Company

This brief report, attributed to Bob Park's "What's New" from February 18, 2000, states that Texas A&M researchers have formed a company called "Genetic Savings and Clone." This venture follows an anonymous owner's donation of $2.3 million to clone a border collie named Missy. The company aims to clone pets for other owners.

Conference on Intelligent Design--A Critical Appraisal

This announcement introduces "Intelligent Design" as a contemporary term for "creationism," intended to make it appear less religious and more scientific. The conference is scheduled for June 22-24, 2000, at Concordia University in Wisconsin. More information is promised for the next issue.

Upcoming Events at the Center for Inquiry--International

This section lists two upcoming events at the Center for Inquiry--International, located at 1015 Sweet Home Rd., Amherst, NY 14226. Tickets can be ordered by calling 716-636-1425.

• Dr. Robert Park: Scheduled for Monday, March 27, at 8 PM, with a $5 admission fee. Dr. Park, a Professor of Physics at the University of Maryland and Director of the American Physical Society, will speak on the proliferation of junk science in courtrooms, media, and American life. He is the author of the forthcoming book "Voodoo Science."
• Dave Thomas: Scheduled for Saturday, April 15, at 8 PM, with a $5 admission fee. Thomas, Consulting Editor for Skeptical Inquirer, is an Albuquerque-based physicist who has written on skeptical topics. His recent work in the Nov/Dec 1997 issue of Skeptical Inquirer demonstrated how mathematical techniques used to find "secret messages" in "The Bible Code" can also find similar messages in any random text. He will present an overview of his latest skeptical inquiries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Shadow of a Doubt" revolve around critical examination of pseudoscientific claims, the importance of science education, and the role of skepticism in evaluating information. The publication appears to advocate for scientific literacy and challenges claims that lack empirical evidence, as seen in the reports on "training psychics," alleged alien encounters in NASA missions, and the critique of "Intelligent Design."