Shadow of a Doubt

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow of a Doubt
Issue: March 2002
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of 'Shadow of a Doubt' serves as the monthly calendar for the National Capital Area Skeptics. While dated March 2002, its primary focus is to advertise the upcoming 'Skepticism 2002: Beyond the Basics' workshop scheduled for April 6-7, 2002, in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. The cover prominently features this event, highlighting James Randi as a special guest and listing other speakers such as Chip Denman, Jim Giglio, Paul Jaffe, Marv Zelkowitz, and Bob Park.

NCAS Events and Announcements

Skepticism 2002: Beyond the Basics Workshop

The main event advertised is the 'Skepticism 2002' workshop, which aims to explore advanced skeptical topics beyond introductory concepts. The workshop will cover subjects like the Mars Effect, 'Digital Biology,' and high-tech gizmos based on ideomotor action. It is scheduled for Saturday, April 6 (9:30 am - 5:00 pm) and Sunday, April 7 (9:00 am - noon). Advance registration is mandatory, with a fee of $40 per person, which includes the conference and handouts. Attendees are instructed to make hotel arrangements directly with the Hilltop House Hotel in Harpers Ferry. Details for sending registration fees and information to NCAS are provided, along with contact information for the hotel.

March NCAS Meeting

In addition to the April workshop, the newsletter announces a regular monthly meeting for NCAS on March 30th at 2 pm in the Silver Spring Library. Mr. Banash, who previously spoke on pseudoscience and the US patent process, is mentioned as a speaker. Further details about this meeting are promised for the April issue.

Other Paranormal Conferences

The issue also highlights several other events related to the paranormal and skeptical inquiry:

• April UFO, Bigfoot and Ghost Conference: Scheduled for April 13, 2002, in Marietta, Pennsylvania. This conference will feature lectures on UFOs, Bigfoot, and ghosts, with guest speakers including Stan Gordon, Eric Altman, Rick Fisher, and Karl Silvius. Registration is $85.00 per person and includes admission, lunch, and a walking ghost tour. Information is available via a provided URL.
• Gettysburg Ghost Conference: Voices from the Past: This is the Fifth Annual International Ghost Hunters Society Gettysburg Ghost Conference, taking place in May 2002. The theme focuses on the scientific approach to validating paranormal happenings, particularly Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP), and will demonstrate how to distinguish clear EVP from digital static. PayPal orders are accepted via the Gettysburg web page.

News and Features

FTC Shuts Down Miss Cleo's Psychic Hotline

A brief news item reports that the FTC has shut down Miss Cleo's psychic hotline due to fraud. Links are provided for more information on the legal issues surrounding Access Resource Services, Inc., the company behind the Miss Cleo enterprise, which is accused of defrauding callers.

Winner of Darwin Day Essay Contest

A mention of the winner of the Darwin Day Essay Contest is included, with a URL provided for further details.

Membership Renewal

Time to Renew?

Members are prompted to check their mailing labels for renewal dates. The renewal fee is $30 for an individual or $40 for a two-member household for a one-year renewal. Instructions are given to send the renewal fee to the NCAS address.

Contact Information

Contact details for the National Capital Area Skeptics are provided, including a mailing address (P.O. Box 8428, Silver Spring, Maryland 20907), a telephone number (301-587-3827), an email address ([email protected]), and a specific email for 'Skeptical Eye' submissions ([email protected]). The NCAS website is also listed as www.ncas.org.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around promoting skepticism, critical thinking, and scientific understanding. The NCAS positions itself as an organization that debunks pseudoscience and paranormal claims, as evidenced by the focus on the 'Skepticism 2002' workshop and the mention of other paranormal events with a critical lens. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rational inquiry and against fraudulent or unsubstantiated claims, as seen in the coverage of the Miss Cleo scandal and the promotion of scientific methods for investigating alleged paranormal phenomena.