Magazine Summary
Shadow of a Doubt
Ever wanted to host your own late-night paranormal radio show?
Across the Airwaves
You’re on the air. Callers bring Mothman, Fresno Nightcrawlers, UFO sightings, reptilian autopsies, and whispers about AATIP and Project Blue Book. Every reply shapes how the night goes.
Summary
This issue of "Shadow of a Doubt" focuses on "Voodoo Science," featuring Bob Park discussing how speculative ideas can blur the lines between science and pseudoscience. It highlights a talk by Bob Park on May 20, 2000, at the Bethesda Public Library, and references his book and a Forbes article on the topic. The issue also delves into the use and misuse of statistics in critical thinking, recommending resources from Chip Denman, John Paulos, and the Statistical Assessment Service. Additionally, it mentions research on raising skeptics by Stephanie Hall and the return of James Randi's radio show.
Magazine Overview
Title: Shadow of a Doubt
Issue: May, 2000
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Focus: This issue of the NCAS monthly calendar delves into the topic of "Voodoo Science," examining the blurring lines between genuine scientific inquiry and pseudoscience. It also provides resources for understanding statistics in the media and highlights activities within the skeptical community.
Voodoo Science
The lead article, "Voodoo Science," is presented by Bob Park, a Professor of Physics at the University of Maryland, College Park. Park raises critical questions about how the public perceives science, particularly in light of popular beliefs in spiritual healing grounded in quantum theory, alien visitations, and the use of magnets for health. He questions whether the eagerness to explore speculative ideas has led to a message that "anything is possible," making it difficult for people to distinguish between science and pseudoscience. A talk on this topic by Bob Park was scheduled for Saturday, May 20, 2000, from 2pm to 3:30pm at the Bethesda Public Library in Maryland. The NCAS Skeptic Line is provided for further information. The issue also notes that the May 15th issue of Forbes magazine contains an article adapted from Dr. Robert L. Park's book, "Voodoo Science," with a web link provided for access.
Math and the News
This section addresses the use and misuse of statistics in critical thinking, referencing past talks by NCAS member Chip Denman. Two web resources are recommended for those interested in the topic. The first is a monthly web column by John Paulos, author of the book "Innumeracy," available at abcnews.go.com/sections/science/WhosCounting/whoscounting.html. The May column discusses the frequent changes in "top 10" lists, even when the underlying population surveyed remains consistent. The second resource is a monthly newsletter from the Statistical Assessment Service, which objectively analyzes the use and misuse of numbers in newspapers and television. This newsletter is available online at www.stats.org.
How to Raise a Skeptic
This brief section refers to research conducted by NCAS member Stephanie Hall. Two years prior, at an NCAS Weekend event, Hall surveyed attendees on their beliefs. This led to further study, a preliminary version of which is published in "IMPROMPTU JOURNAL ISSUE 4: MARCH, 2000." A web link to this research is provided: www.temple.edu/isllc/newfolk/skeptics.html.
Randi Back on the Radio
Professional skeptic James Randi has launched a weekly radio show airing on Saturdays at 7pm. In South Florida, the show is broadcast on WINZ/Supertalk 940 (AM) and can also be heard on the internet via www.supertalk940.com. An exception to the regular schedule is noted for specific dates: May 20th, July 1st, and September 9th.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The NCAS publication "Shadow of a Doubt" consistently promotes critical thinking, scientific literacy, and skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims and the misrepresentation of data in the media. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and a rigorous understanding of scientific principles, as evidenced by the featured topics on "Voodoo Science" and the analysis of statistical reporting.
In our eagerness to share speculative new ideas at the frontier of science, have we conveyed the message that the universe is so strange that anything is possible?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main topic of the May 2000 issue of Shadow of a Doubt?
The main topic is 'Voodoo Science,' exploring how speculative ideas can blur the lines between science and pseudoscience.
Who is giving the talk on Voodoo Science?
Bob Park, Professor of Physics at the University of Maryland, College Park, is giving the talk.
Where and when is the Voodoo Science talk?
The talk is on Saturday, May 20, 2000, from 2pm to 3:30pm at the Bethesda Public Library.
What resources are recommended for learning about statistics?
The issue recommends visiting the web column of John Paulos and the newsletter from the Statistical Assessment Service.
Is James Randi's radio show available on May 20th?
No, James Randi's radio show is an exception on May 20th.
In This Issue
People Mentioned
- Bob ParkProfessor of Physics
- Chip DenmanNCAS member
- John PaulosAuthor of Innumeracy
- Stephanie HallNCAS member
- James RandiProfessional skeptic
Organisations
- National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
- Forbes magazine
- Statistical Assessment Service
- WINZ/Supertalk 940 (AM)
Locations
- Bethesda, USA
- Maryland, USA
- South Florida, USA