Shadow Of A Doubt

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow Of A Doubt
Issue: November 2000
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, covers a range of topics from legal cases involving accusations of witchcraft to UFO sightings and a lecture on medical ethics.

Witch Trials Alive and Well in the Good-Old-USA

The lead story reports on a federal lawsuit filed in October by a 15-year-old Tulsa high school student, Brandi Blackbear. She was accused by school officials of casting a hex on her teacher and was subsequently suspended. The ACLU is defending the student, with Joann Bell of the ACLU stating that this is believed to be the first lawsuit of its kind in the country involving actual accusations of witchcraft. Timothy Blackbear, the father, expressed his disbelief at having to defend his daughter against such charges but is committed to clearing her record. The ACLU complaint was available online.

Adieu Steve Allen

The publication pays tribute to Steve Allen, who died on October 30 at the age of 78. Allen is remembered as a skeptic, humanist, free thinker, songwriter, comedian, author, scholar, and a "Renaissance man." He was known for his wit and humor in confronting nonsense and irrationalism. His books, such as "DUMBTH," focused on declining thinking skills, while his TV shows, like "MEETING OF THE MINDS," celebrated the human mind. Allen had been a keynote speaker at the Skeptics Society conference in 1997, served on the Editorial Advisory Board of "Skeptic" magazine, and recently submitted a letter honoring Stephen Jay Gould. The tribute was written by Michael Shermer of the Skeptics Society.

UFOs

WBFF, a Baltimore television station, obtained a tape of a "flying saucer" and interviewed Paul Jaffe, the NCAS president, along with other NCAS members for their opinions. The taped interview was scheduled to be aired on the 10 pm news on November 17th.

Ghosts and Goblins

• Following Halloween, the newsletter lists several ghost tours in the NCAS vicinity for entertainment purposes. These include:
• Capital Hauntings (Washington D.C.)
• DC Ghosts (members.aol.com/ht_a/Waniehol/DCGhosts.html)
• Alexandria Ghost and Graveyard tour (Alexandria, VA)
• Baltimore Ghost hunters (Timonium, MD)

Junk Science and the Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy Epidemic

A public lecture by Howard Fishman, M.Ed., M.S.W., is announced for Saturday, November 11, 2000, at the Bethesda Branch of the Montgomery County Library. Fishman, a former director of continuing medical education at Massachusetts Mental Health Center and the Menninger Clinic, will discuss the evolution of the Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSBP) diagnosis. He argues that MSBP is largely a myth and that medical ignorance, malpractice, and ideology are the driving forces behind accusations that lead to the termination of parental rights and criminal convictions. Fishman, an expert witness in MSBP cases, will share his experience and discuss defense strategies.

Membership and Contact Information

The issue includes a reminder to renew NCAS memberships, with fees of $20 for individuals and $30 for households. Contact information for the National Capital Area Skeptics is provided, including their P.O. Box in Silver Spring, Maryland, telephone number (301-587-3827), email ([email protected]), and website (www.ncas.org). Information for Skeptical Eye submissions is also listed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The National Capital Area Skeptics, as reflected in this publication, maintains a strong stance on promoting critical thinking, skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, and the examination of pseudoscience and irrational beliefs. The organization actively engages with the public through its calendar, news updates, and public lectures, aiming to educate and inform about topics ranging from legal challenges to alleged paranormal phenomena and controversial medical diagnoses. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific reasoning and evidence-based analysis.