Shadow of a Doubt - 2003 03

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow of a Doubt
Issue: March 2003
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics
Date: March 2003

This issue of 'Shadow of a Doubt' is primarily dedicated to promoting an upcoming workshop titled 'The Psychology of "Psychic" Readings: Theory, Practice and Showbiz of Talking to the Dead,' presented by Ray Hyman, Ph.D. The publication also includes information regarding membership renewal for the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS).

Workshop Announcement: The Psychology of "Psychic" Readings

The main feature of this issue is the detailed announcement of a full-day workshop led by Ray Hyman, Ph.D., a Professor Emeritus of Psychology from the University of Oregon. The workshop is co-presented by the National Capital Area Skeptics and the University of Maryland Honors Program.

Date and Time: Saturday, March 1, 2003, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Location: University of Maryland, College Park.

Workshop Content:
Professor Hyman, described as a leading constructive critic of academic parapsychology research, will teach the "very non-psychic techniques" used by mediums, palm readers, and others who claim special "gifts." The workshop aims to reveal the ten secrets of "cold reading." Attendees are encouraged to use their newfound knowledge for good.

Target Audience:
The workshop is intended for anyone interested in the psychological and physical methods employed by individuals who claim psychic or mediumistic abilities.

Registration Details:

• Early Registration (Postmarked by February 18):
• University of Maryland students: $20
• NCAS members: $30
• General public: $40
• Late Registration (After February 18): Add $10 to the above fees.
• Included: All materials and a light lunch.
• Optional Post-Workshop Buffet Dinner: $30 (must be indicated at time of registration).

Contact Information for Registration:
Registration forms and location information are available on the back of the flyer (which is page 2 of the scanned document). The mailing address for the workshop is: March Workshop, NCAS, P.O. Box 8428, Silver Spring, MD 20907.

About Ray Hyman

Ray Hyman is highlighted as a respected figure in the field, known for his critical analysis of parapsychology experiments and his expertise in the psychology of belief and self-deception. He is also an amateur magician who has critiqued psychic experiments conducted by both private and government organizations. Despite controversies, he maintains respect from both parapsychologists and skeptics. His books include 'Water Witching USA' (with Evon Vogt) and 'The Elusive Quarry: A Scientific Appraisal of Psychical Research.'

National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS) Information

• Contact Details:
• Phone: (301) 587-3827
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.ncas.org
• Skeptical Eye Submission: [email protected]

NCAS is identified as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting critical thinking and scientific understanding.

Membership Renewal

The second page includes a section prompting readers to renew their NCAS membership. It explains that checking the mailing label will indicate renewal status. Renewal fees are $30 for an individual or $40 for a two-member household for a one-year membership. Multi-year discounts, including 2, 5, and lifetime memberships, are available and can be found on the website.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is skepticism towards paranormal claims, specifically psychic readings and mediumship. The editorial stance, as represented by NCAS and the featured workshop, is to promote critical thinking, scientific understanding, and the examination of psychological and behavioral techniques that may be mistaken for genuine psychic abilities. The focus is on debunking or explaining phenomena through rational and scientific means, rather than accepting supernatural explanations.