Shadow of a Doubt

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow of a Doubt
Issue Date: February 2001
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Document Type: Newsletter/Calendar

This issue of 'Shadow of a Doubt' from February 2001, published by the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS), serves as a monthly calendar and informational bulletin. It prominently features an upcoming public lecture by Professor Steve Frantzich, a political science professor from the U.S. Naval Academy. The lecture, scheduled for Saturday, February 17, 2001, at the Bethesda Branch of the Montgomery County Library, focuses on Frantzich's book, 'Citizen Democracy: Political Participants in a Cynical Age'. The event is free and open to all, with a book signing to follow.

Featured Event: Professor Steve Frantzich on Citizen Democracy

Professor Steve Frantzich will discuss and sign his book, 'Citizen Democracy: Political Participants in a Cynical Age'. The book is described by the publisher as showcasing "ordinary people engaged in extraordinary civic activity," spanning causes from civil rights to flag burning, and utilizing the internet and international platforms to influence national public policy and "made a difference."

• The event details are as follows:
• Date: Saturday, February 17, 2001
• Time: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
• Location: Bethesda Branch of the Montgomery County Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, Maryland.
• Accessibility: A short walk from the Bethesda Metro station.

NCAS Public Lecture Series and Information

The National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS) hosts this public lecture series, offering free admission to members and non-members alike. For further information, attendees are encouraged to call the 24-hour NCAS Skeptic Line at (301) 587-3827, email [email protected], or visit their website at www.ncas.org. The NCAS is identified as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting critical thinking and scientific understanding.

Other Content and Resources

Young Skeptics Program

The newsletter mentions the 'Young Skeptics Program' recently unveiled by CSICOP. This is described as a web-based project aimed at providing useful, thought-provoking, and fun content for students, parents, and educators. Interested individuals can find the project at http://www.csicop.org/youngskeptics/ and are invited to contact Amanda Chesworth at [email protected] if they wish to help develop resources.

The Fallacy Zoo

A resource called 'The Fallacy Zoo' is highlighted. While not strictly skeptical in orientation, it is presented as a categorization of dodges used by the credulous to avoid defending their ideas on their merits. The URL provided is http://www.primenet.com/~byoder/fallazoo.htm.

Skeptical Medicine

• Several medical and health-based websites are recommended for their skeptical approach:
• http://www.quackwatch.com
• http://www.chirobase.org
• http://www.nutriwatch.org
• http://www.mlmwatch.org
• http://www.ncahf.org

Additionally, the newsletter references the "Editor, Consumer Health Digest" at http://www.ncahf.org/digest/chd.html and a weekly column at http://www.canoe.ca/HealthAlternative/home.html.

Worst Science of the Century

The Statistical Assessment Service (www.stats.org) has awarded the "Worst Science of the Century." The Grand Prize Winner is "The Evil of Scientific Racism," attributed to Houston Chamberlain's theories on "Nordic" superiority. The First Runner-Up is "Stalin's Scientist - The Folly of Lysenkoism," which details Trofim Lysenko's rejection of orthodox genetics in favor of the belief that plants could be trained to produce different species, a theory purportedly influenced by dialectical materialism. The Second Runner-Up is "Sex Mad - Kinsey's Theories of Sexual Behavior." The complete list is available on the Statistical Assessment Service website.

Membership Renewal

Subscribers are reminded to check their mailing labels for renewal dates. Renewal costs are $20 for a one-person membership and $30 for a two-member household for one year. Renewals should be sent to the NCAS address listed at the top of the page to avoid being dropped from the membership.

NCAS Contact Information

• Address: National Capital Area Skeptics, P.O. Box 8428, Silver Spring, Maryland 20907
• Telephone: 301-587-3827
• Email: [email protected]
• Skeptical Eye Submission: [email protected]
• Website: http://www.ncas.org/

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism, critical thinking, and the examination of pseudoscientific or flawed scientific claims. The NCAS, as a not-for-profit organization, clearly promotes critical thinking and scientific understanding. The content ranges from academic discussions on political participation and citizenship to practical resources for identifying fallacies and evaluating health claims, as well as historical critiques of harmful or discredited scientific theories. The editorial stance is one of promoting rational inquiry and debunking misinformation.