AI Magazine Summary
Shadow of a Doubt - 2002 11
AI-Generated Summary
This document is a newsletter from the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS), a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization promoting critical thinking and scientific understanding. The issue is dated November 2002 and includes information on upcoming lectures, events, and relevant news…
Magazine Overview
This document is a newsletter from the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS), a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization promoting critical thinking and scientific understanding. The issue is dated November 2002 and includes information on upcoming lectures, events, and relevant news items.
Public Lecture Series
November 2nd Lecture: Chris Mooney
The main event advertised is a public lecture by Chris Mooney, a journalist and former staff writer for Skeptical Inquirer. Mooney is currently writing for American Prospect magazine and has produced articles on alternative medicine for Washington Monthly and the Washington Post. His talk, titled "Conflicts of Interest in Alternative Medicine," will take place on Saturday, November 2, from 2-4 PM at the B-CC Services Center, located at 4805 Edgemoor Lane in Bethesda, Maryland. The lecture is free and open to everyone.
December 7th Lecture: Dr. Stuart Jordan
Announced for the following month is a lecture by Dr. Stuart Jordan, a NASA solar physicist. His talk, scheduled for December 7th, will focus on the role of the Sun in relation to global warming.
Location Details
The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Services Center is described as being located at 4805 Edgemoor Lane in downtown Bethesda, across from the Bethesda Metro Station. It is situated in a two-story County office building above a parking garage, with free parking available on weekends.
Other Events and News
Michael Shermer at St. Mary's College
Dr. Michael Shermer, an authority on the psychology of belief and author of books like "Why People Believe Weird Things," is giving a talk at St. Mary's College of Maryland on Tuesday, October 29, at 7 PM. The talk is titled "Why people believe weird things," and a book signing will follow. This event is part of the Division of Natural Science and Mathematics Colloquium series. Professor Charles Adler can be contacted for more information.
'Critical Eye' Discovery Channel Series
A new series on the Discovery Channel, produced in cooperation with CSICOP and Skeptical Inquirer magazine, is highlighted. Titled "Critical Eye" and hosted by William B. Davis (known for 'The X-Files'), the series investigates the science behind the paranormal, new age philosophies, and the unexplained. It will cover 34 topics, including subliminal messaging, alien abduction, astrology, near-death experiences, and the lost city of Atlantis, featuring experts and scientists. The series premiered on Monday, October 28th, with subsequent episodes airing throughout November and early December, covering topics such as "Mind Games," "Alternative Medicine," and "Death Zone."
Ohio Evolution Debate
A news item from the Associated Press reports that a committee of the Ohio Board of Education recommended that science classes in the state emphasize both evolution and the debate over its validity. Individual school districts will decide whether to include the concept of "intelligent design" in this debate.
The Amazing Meeting
The James Randi Educational Foundation is planning a conference in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, from January 31 to February 2, 2003. The speaker list includes Michael Shermer, Jamy lan Swiss, and Jack Horkheimer. The registration fee is $130, and space is limited. Registration is encouraged by November 30th.
Membership and Contact Information
Membership Renewal
Readers are prompted to check their mailing labels for renewal dates. NCAS offers one-year renewals for $30 (individual) or $40 (household), with multi-year and lifetime membership options available. Contact Linda Shallenberger at JREF for questions regarding renewals.
NCAS Contact Details
Contact information for the National Capital Area Skeptics is provided, 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). A 24-hour NCAS Skeptics Line recording is also available at (301) 587-3827.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The newsletter consistently promotes skepticism, critical thinking, and scientific understanding. It actively debunks or questions paranormal phenomena, alternative medicine claims, and pseudoscientific concepts. The NCAS positions itself as an organization dedicated to providing evidence-based information and fostering rational discourse, as evidenced by its focus on lectures and news items that challenge unsubstantiated beliefs.