Shadow of a Doubt - 2004 03

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow Of A Doubt
Issue: March 2004
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Content Focus: Skepticism, critical thinking, science, and debunking pseudoscientific claims.

NCAS Yearly Workshop: "Art Becomes Reality"

The March 2004 issue of "Shadow Of A Doubt" prominently features the upcoming NCAS 2004 Weekend Workshop, titled "Art Becomes Reality," to be held in Leesburg, Virginia. The workshop is scheduled for Saturday, March 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, March 28, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. It promises presentations, attendee participation workshops, and surveys designed to test the audience's "common knowledge" and explore how art influences reality and truth.

• Topics covered in the presentations include:
• From Reel to Real: An examination of how media shapes our views of reality.
• The Miracle at Mons: An investigation into the historical event where the German advance was allegedly slowed, questioning the involvement of medieval English bowmen or St. George.
• The Lost City of El Dorado: A discussion on whether this legendary city was real.
• How the South Won the Civil War: A presentation exploring a counter-factual historical scenario.
• Why We Want to Believe: A panel discussion on the psychology behind belief.
• Fact or Fake? SOCK: A quiz designed as a "Survey of Common Knowledge."

The workshop will take place at historic Carradoc Hall, located at the Holiday Inn on East Market Street (Route 7) in Leesburg, Virginia. Pre-registration costs $45 per person, with a $50 fee at the door. Registration includes handouts, continental breakfast, and breaks. Saturday lunch and dinner are separate, though a buffet lunch is available for $10. A special NCAS rate of $79 per night is available for those staying at the Holiday Inn.

Registration information, including mailing address and contact details, is provided for the NCAS 2004 Workshop Registration, P.O. Box 8428, Silver Spring, Maryland 20907.

A "Science Safari" at the Library of Congress

On Friday, March 19, the Library of Congress Science, Technology and Business Division, in conjunction with the Department of Energy's Office of Science, is sponsoring a "Science Safari." This event, held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Mumford Room (6th floor of the Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave., Washington, D.C.), will feature science experiments and interactive activities suitable for various age groups, adaptable for classroom use.

Ian Rowland Show-Cancelled

The newsletter announces the unfortunate cancellation of Ian Rowland's entire U.S. East Coast April tour. Readers are directed to his website, http://www.ianrowland.com/NewsSchedule/News&Schedule.html, for his explanation. The cancellation is noted as a significant disappointment to NCAS.

Membership Renewal

Members are urged to check their mailing labels and renew their NCAS membership if their renewal date has passed. The cost for a 1-year renewal is $30 for an individual or $40 for a household membership. Failure to renew will result in membership being dropped.

NCAS Information and Contact

• Contact information for the National Capital Area Skeptics is provided:
• Telephone: (301) 587-3827 (24-hour Skeptic Line recording)
• Email: [email protected]
• Skeptical Eye submission: [email protected]
• Website: http://www.ncas.org/
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 8428, Silver Spring, Maryland 20907.

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 themes in this issue revolve around promoting scientific skepticism, critical thinking, and an evidence-based approach to understanding the world. The NCAS actively organizes events and provides resources to educate the public on these principles. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rational inquiry and the scientific method, as evidenced by the workshop topics and the organization's mission statement. The newsletter also serves as a platform for disseminating information about upcoming events, membership drives, and important announcements relevant to the skeptical community.