Shadow of a Doubt - 2004 04

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow Of A Doubt
Issue Date: April 2004
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Document Type: Magazine Issue (Monthly Calendar)

This issue of the National Capital Area Skeptics' monthly calendar, 'Shadow Of A Doubt,' for April 2004, features a prominent announcement about an upcoming lecture by Melissa Pollak of the National Science Foundation (NSF). The lecture, titled 'Good News & Bad News: What the public knows and believes about science,' will provide an overview of the NSF's findings from its long-running survey on public knowledge and attitudes towards science and science-related public policy. This survey, published every two years as the 'Science & Engineering Indicators' report, has become a benchmark for research in this area. Pollak, who has worked at NSF since 1980 and specifically on the Indicators staff since 1990, will discuss the results, which often highlight public misconceptions, such as only half the public knowing the Earth orbits the sun annually. The talk also aims to gather audience feedback for future editions of the Indicators report.

Local Events of Interest to Skeptics

The calendar also details several local events relevant to skeptics:

Logic Made Easy: How to Know When Language Deceives You

This lecture, part of the Smithsonian Resident Associate program, features author Deborah Bennett, who teaches mathematics at New Jersey City University. Her book, 'Logic Made Easy: How to Know When Language Deceives You,' is described as an excellent introduction to logic. The lecture aims to sharpen critical thinking skills by examining the relationship between language and logic, identifying common logical fallacies in everyday contexts like street signs and tax forms. The event is scheduled for Thursday, April 15, at 7:00 p.m. at the S. Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Drive, S.W., Washington, D.C. The cost is $20 for general admission and $15 for members. More information is available via a provided URL.

13.7 Billion Years: A History of the Cosmos

Dr. Yervant Terzian, a professor in the Physical Sciences at Cornell University, will deliver a lecture on cosmology. The event, titled 'Want to Hear About a Different Kind of Creationism?', is scheduled for Thursday, April 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the West Dining Room of The James Madison Memorial Building at the Library of Congress. This lecture is free and open to the public. Dr. Terzian is co-editor of 'Carl Sagan's Universe,' which includes an article by James Randi on 'Science and PseudoScience.'

A Scientific Look at Possible Extraterrestrials

As part of the 'Exploring Space Lecture Series,' astronomer Dr. William C. Danichi will present on the topic of extraterrestrials. The lecture, 'Microscope on the Sky,' will take place on Wednesday, April 14, from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Albert Einstein Planetarium within the National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall. Admission is free, but tickets are required. Interested individuals can call 202-633-2398 or visit a provided URL for more information.

NCAS Membership and Involvement

The 'We Want You!' section encourages members to get involved with the National Capital Area Skeptics. It highlights the upcoming annual NCAS board elections, where members are elected for a two-year term. The organization is described as active, with monthly presentations, an annual workshop, and social events. Interested individuals are invited to email [email protected] to express their interest in running for the board or contributing in other capacities.

Contact Information

The issue provides contact details for the National Capital Area Skeptics, including their P.O. Box in Silver Spring, Maryland, a telephone number (301-587-3827), an email address ([email protected]), a specific email for 'Skeptical Eye' submissions ([email protected]), and their website (www.ncas.org).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around promoting scientific literacy, critical thinking, and skepticism towards pseudoscience and illogical arguments. The NCAS positions itself as an organization dedicated to fostering scientific understanding and encouraging rational discourse. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and critical examination of claims, as evidenced by the selection of lectures on logic, cosmology, and the public's understanding of science. The organization also emphasizes community involvement and active participation from its members.