Shadow of a Doubt - 2002 05

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow Of A Doubt
Issue: May 2002
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of 'Shadow Of A Doubt,' the monthly calendar of the National Capital Area Skeptics, focuses on a variety of topics ranging from chiropractic and science to political activism related to UFOs, and skeptical analyses of current events and popular beliefs.

Featured Lecture: Science & Chiropractic

The cover and a prominent section detail an upcoming lecture by Fred Kourmadas, Doctor of Chiropractic. Kourmadas, a 1984 graduate of Texas Chiropractic College with an MS in Exercise, Fitness and Health Promotion from George Mason University, also teaches at Northern Virginia Community College and provides seminars on injury prevention for Protective Safety Systems. He will discuss two main topics: "De-Mystifying Back Pain- A Rational and Scientific Model" and the phenomenon of "Chiropractic Psychosis," questioning whether quackery represents a fringe element or a majority view within the chiropractic profession. The lecture is scheduled for Saturday, May 11, 2002, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Twinbrook Library in Rockville, Maryland.

Local Politics & UFO Lobbying

Stephen Bassett, described as the nation's only registered UFO lobbyist, is highlighted for his independent congressional campaign. Bassett aims to draw attention to his belief that the U.S. government has maintained a 50-year cover-up of alien incursions, dating back to the Roswell, N.M., incident in 1947. He is running against Representative Constance A. Morella (R-Dist. 8) of Bethesda.

9-11 Denial and Conspiracy Theories

The issue addresses the controversial claims made by French activist Thierry Meyssan in his book, "L'Effroyable Imposture" (The Frightening Fraud). Meyssan argues that the Pentagon was not hit by American Airlines Flight 77 on September 11th, but rather by a carefully planned truck bombing or missile strike designed to resemble a plane crash. The article notes that Meyssan's book has been a bestseller in France and that he bases his conclusions on an analysis of crash site images and eyewitness discrepancies.

Latest Astrological Forecast

In a section that contrasts with the skeptical tone of the publication, the issue includes a "Latest astrological forecast." It notes a rare alignment of five bright planets—Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn—along with the Moon and stars Aldebaran and Betelgeuse, visible from Earth. British astrologers reportedly believe this celestial event will lead to shorter supermarket queues, less road rage, and improved interpersonal relations.

Dowsing for Dollars

This article critically examines the Department of Energy's (DOE) past expenditures on testing high-tech dowsing devices. Specifically, it mentions the testing of a procedure called Passive Magnetic Resonance Anomaly Mapping (PMRAM), which claimed to map underground locations of groundwater, faults, and buried objects. The DOE's Office of Environmental Management had spent over $400,000 on testing PMRAM before the Office of Science and Technology deemed the technology "implausible."

National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS) Information

The National Capital Area Skeptics provides contact information for their organization, including a P.O. Box in Silver Spring, Maryland, a telephone number (301-587-3827), an email address ([email protected]), and a website (www.ncas.org). They also offer a 24-hour Skeptic Line recording. The NCAS is identified as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting critical thinking and scientific understanding. A notice is included for members to check their mailing labels for renewal, with options for single or household memberships.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims (astrology, dowsing), critical examination of conspiracy theories (UFO cover-ups, 9-11 alternative narratives), and the promotion of scientific reasoning, particularly in the context of health practices like chiropractic. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of critical thinking, scientific evidence, and debunking what the organization considers unfounded beliefs or fraudulent practices. The NCAS positions itself as a promoter of rational understanding and scientific literacy.