Shadow of a Doubt - 2002 02

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow of a Doubt
Issue: February 2002
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Document Type: Monthly Calendar / Newsletter

This issue of Shadow of a Doubt, the monthly calendar of the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS), delves into the challenges of applying scientific rigor to claims that lack plausibility. The cover prominently features an article titled "The complexity of applying evidence-based principles in implausible domains," with Dr. Wayne Jonas, MD, as the featured speaker for an upcoming lecture.

Featured Article: The Complexity of Applying Evidence-Based Principles in Implausible Domains

The lead article, by Dr. Wayne Jonas, MD, explores the difficulties in evaluating claims that are not based on scientific evidence and are often dismissed from a conventional medicine perspective. Dr. Jonas, Director of the Samueli Institute for Information Biology and Associate Professor at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), questions how to approach such evidence. He poses critical questions: Should good data be dismissed if plausibility is low and mechanisms irrational? Do 'extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence,' necessitating more stringent standards? What are the requirements for such claims, what type and amount of evidence is adequate, who should set these requirements, and how can we determine when to invest in research at this level?

Homeopathy and digital biology are presented as examples of implausible claims that will be discussed in relation to these issues.

Upcoming Events and Announcements

Public Lecture Series:
An NCAS Public Lecture Series event is scheduled for Saturday, February 9, from 10:30 am to noon at the Silver Spring Library in Silver Spring, Maryland. The featured speaker is Dr. Wayne Jonas, MD, discussing the complexities of applying evidence-based principles to implausible domains. Attendees are reminded to verify the location and time due to ongoing reconstruction at their usual meeting place.

Penn and Teller:
The issue notes that Penn and Teller were performing in Baltimore at the Lyric Opera House from January 29 through February 3, describing their show as a blend of morbid spectacle and performance art.

School Science Fairs:
March is designated as the month for local school districts to hold science fairs. NCAS is seeking volunteers with experience in judging science projects to evaluate them for critical thinking. Judges are expected to spend a Saturday morning reviewing projects and interacting with student participants. It is noted that typically only a few projects align with NCAS's interests.

Speakers Bureau:
NCAS is initiating the development of a speakers bureau. The organization is seeking members who are interested in speaking on NCAS-related topics or who have expertise to offer. Guidelines are being developed to create a list of potential speakers.

Media Mentions:

• 'The Pet Psychic': On January 29th, the Animal Planet cable TV channel aired a new show, "The Pet Psychic," hosted by Brit Sonya Fitzpatrick.
• Psychic Services in Florida: An article from the January 6th Washington Post is referenced, describing the Cassadaga Spiritualist Psychic Therapy Center in Cassadaga, Florida, known as "Psychic City." The article notes an increase in visitors seeking guidance in the uncertain times following the September 11th terrorist attacks.

CSICOP International Conference:
Information is provided about the Fourth International Skeptics Convention, sponsored by the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP). The conference is scheduled to be held at the Hilton, Burbank Airport and Convention Center in Burbank, California, from June 20-23, 2002.

Membership Renewal:
Members are reminded to check their mailing labels for renewal dates and to send $30 for individual or $40 for household memberships to the NCAS address to maintain their subscription. Failure to renew will result in being dropped from membership.

Contact Information

The National Capital Area Skeptics provides contact information, including a P.O. Box address in Silver Spring, Maryland, a telephone number (301-587-3827), an email address ([email protected]), a submission email for the Skeptical Eye ([email protected]), and a website (www.ncas.org).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism, critical thinking, and the scientific evaluation of claims, particularly those that are implausible or fall outside conventional scientific understanding. The NCAS consistently promotes the importance of evidence-based reasoning and scientific inquiry. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rigorous scientific standards and a skeptical approach to extraordinary claims, as evidenced by the focus on Dr. Jonas's lecture and the promotion of events like the CSICOP conference.