Shadow of a Doubt - 2002 09

Magazine Overview

This document is a flyer and a newsletter from the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS). The flyer announces the Fall 2002 Public Lecture Series, detailing the speakers and their topics. The newsletter, titled "Shadow of a Doubt," is the monthly calendar for September 2002 and includes updates on the NCAS board, discussions on current events related to skepticism, and practical information for members.

Fall 2002 Public Lecture Series

The NCAS is pleased to announce its Fall 2002 Public Lecture Series, beginning Saturday, October 5th. The series aims to attract interesting speakers by ensuring good crowds at current events.

Saturday, October 5

• Speaker: Chris Mooney, journalist.
• Background: Former staff writer for Skeptical Inquirer, currently writing for American Prospect magazine. Has produced articles on alternative medicine for Washington Monthly and the Washington Post.
• Topic: His current assignments, likely focusing on his work related to alternative medicine and skepticism.

Saturday, November 2

• Speaker: Walter Rowe, forensic scientist, George Washington University, and long-time NCAS board member.
• Topic: "How TV sometimes gets it right and sometimes gets it wrong in its portrayals of forensic investigators at work." This talk addresses the public's perception of forensic science, influenced by media.

Saturday, December 7

• Speaker: Stuart Jordan, NASA solar physicist.
• Topic: "The current state of knowledge on the role of the Sun in relationship to the 'hot topic' of global warming." This lecture will explore the scientific understanding of climate change and the Sun's influence.

Locations for these events will be announced shortly. Attendees are encouraged to bring a friend.

NCAS 15th Anniversary Celebration

In addition to the lecture series, Chip and Grace Denman invited NCAS members and their guests to celebrate the organization's 15th superstition-free year on Friday evening, September 13th, from 7-10 pm in Silver Spring. Light fare and beverages were provided.

Members were asked to leave a message on the NCAS line (301-587-3827) by Tuesday, September 10th, to confirm attendance. Directions would be provided upon RSVP.

Newsletter: Shadow of a Doubt (September 2002)

NCAS Board

The newsletter lists the NCAS Board of Directors for the year, following elections in the spring. The Executive Committee includes Gary Stone (Vice President), Marv Zelkowitz (Secretary), Chip Denman (President), and Grace Denman (Treasurer). The Board members are Jonathan Boswell, Herb Federhen, Stephen Goodson, Walter Rowe, Scott Snell, Paul Jaffe, Doris Bloch, Sharlene Deskins, Eugene Ossa, Jim Giglio, Tim Scanlon, and Jamy lan Swiss.

Georgia's Second-Largest School District to Consider Teaching About Different Origin of Life Theories

This article reports on a policy being considered by Georgia's second-largest school district (Cobb County) that could allow the teaching of different theories on the origin of life, including biblical creationism. The school board voted to review the proposal for 30 days, which states that "discussion of disputed views of academic subjects is a necessary element of providing a balanced education." The American Civil Liberties Union had previously sued to remove disclaimers on biological evolution in textbooks.

Psychic Website

A website, http://sprott.physics.wisc.edu/pickover/esp.html, is recommended for an "amusing psychic trick," with the explanations for how it works also noted as amusing.

Crop Circles

Due to the popularity of the Mel Gibson movie "Signs," there is renewed interest in crop circles. The article humorously suggests that the creators of "Crop Circle Cereal" might be serious about a marketing plan for a new breakfast cereal, referencing creative ideas from the movie's marketing.

Time to Renew?

Members are prompted to check their mailing labels for their renewal date. Renewal fees are $30 for a one-year membership for one person, or $40 for two members/households. Failure to renew will result in being dropped as a member.

More Psychic Results

An anecdote is shared from a Comparative Religions course where an instructor told a story about a woman who contacted police working on a missing-persons case. She provided "eerily detailed instructions on where to find the body," which were accurate. When asked what to call such a person, a sheriff's officer in the class replied, "A suspect."

Contact Information and Membership

National Capital Area Skeptics
P.O. Box 8428
Silver Spring, Maryland 20907

• NCAS Information:
• Telephone: 301-587-3827
• Email: [email protected]
• Skeptical Eye submission: [email protected]
• Website: www.ncas.org

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The NCAS consistently promotes critical thinking and scientific understanding, as evidenced by its "superstition-free" anniversary celebration and the topics chosen for its lecture series. The organization actively debunks pseudoscience and highlights the importance of evidence-based reasoning. The newsletter features articles that question unsubstantiated claims, such as those related to psychic phenomena and the interpretation of scientific concepts in popular culture (e.g., forensic science on TV, crop circles, global warming). The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, encouraging members to question and analyze information critically, as demonstrated by the anecdote about the "suspect" and the discussion on creationism versus evolution. The organization also emphasizes its role as a non-profit educational entity.