Shadow of a Doubt - 2003 12

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow Of A Doubt
Issue: DECEMBER 2003
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the National Capital Area Skeptics' monthly calendar, "Shadow Of A Doubt," focuses on an upcoming public lecture by Susan R. Paisner, a criminologist and freelance journalist. Paisner's lecture, titled "A Hard Look at the Sniper Investigation," is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2-4pm at the B-CC Services Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Her talk will delve into the 2002 sniper investigation, building upon her previous article in the Washington Post, "The Sniper Investigation? Hold the Applause." She aims to share insights gained from interviewing individuals close to the events and to address the "lessons learned" that were not adequately conducted at the time. Paisner's journalistic background includes extensive writing on criminal justice issues for publications such as the Washington Post and News Tribune.

Featured Articles and Content

Alternative Medicine Month

The issue highlights that December is being observed as Alternative Medicine Month. Readers are encouraged to look for Michael Shermer's SKEPTIC column in the December issue of Scientific American, titled "What's the Harm?" Shermer's piece is described as a reasoned response to the notion that alternative medicine offers only benefits. Additionally, the Discovery Channel's "Second Opinion" program with Dr. Oz is noted for exploring alternative medicine during the first week of December, though the series is not expected to offer rigorous skepticism.

Local Resources for Skeptics

This section provides valuable online resources for researchers and skeptics. The Library of Congress (LOC) website is recommended for its extensive online information. Specific references include:

• The Science Reference Services/Science Reference Guides: Offers bibliographies on various scientific topics, with particular interest to skeptics in lists such as "The Flat Earth and its Advocates: A List of References" and "Hollow-Earth Theories: A List of References."
• Everyday Mysteries site: This resource addresses common questions posed to LOC reference science librarians, providing comprehensive explanations with supporting graphics and references. Examples of questions answered include the cause of joint cracking noises, determining temperature by cricket chirps, and the effect of ultraviolet light on color pigments.
• Earth as Art: An exhibit at the LOC's Geography and Maps Division showcases artistic images of the Earth derived from Landsat satellite data. While chosen for their aesthetic merit, the exhibit serves to remind viewers that humans may ascribe meanings beyond the literal to images, drawing a parallel to phenomena like the "face" on Mars. This exhibit is also available online.

Membership Renewal

Readers are reminded to check their mailing labels for their membership renewal date with the National Capital Area Skeptics. Renewal fees are $30 for an individual membership and $40 for a two-member household, with a deadline to avoid being dropped from the membership.

National Capital Area Skeptics Information

Contact information for the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS) is provided, including their mailing address in Silver Spring, Maryland, a telephone number (301-587-3827), an email address ([email protected]), and a submission email for "Skeptical Eye" ([email protected]). Their website is also listed as www.ncas.org. The NCAS is identified as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting critical thinking and scientific understanding.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the promotion of critical thinking and skepticism, particularly in relation to popular culture, scientific claims, and the media. The NCAS actively engages its members and the public through lectures and by providing resources that encourage a rational and evidence-based approach to understanding the world. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific inquiry and a skeptical examination of phenomena, as evidenced by the focus on topics like alternative medicine and the debunking of pseudoscientific ideas. The organization also emphasizes the importance of accessible information and community engagement through its public lecture series and online resources.