Shadow of a Doubt - 2004 05

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow Of A Doubt
Issue: May 2004
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "Shadow Of A Doubt" from the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS) features a prominent lecture announcement by Roger Bate, PhD., titled "Malaria & AIDS Countermeasures in the Developing World: Policies that work, policies that don't, and why." The publication also includes various news items and updates relevant to the skeptical community.

Featured Lecture: Malaria & AIDS Countermeasures

The main focus of the issue is the upcoming public lecture by Roger Bate, PhD., scheduled for Saturday, May 15, from 2-4pm at the B-CC Services Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Bate, with a background in economics and environmental management, challenges conventional wisdom regarding international programs for combating malaria and AIDS. He specifically contends that the banned pesticide DDT has a legitimate and environmentally responsible use in fighting malaria. His affiliations include being a Visiting Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, studying water policy, health policy, and endemic diseases in developing countries, as well as international environmental and health agreements, GMOs, pesticide use, and the role of aid agencies and NGOs. He is also a Fellow of the International Policy Network and the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), and was the founder and former director of the IEA Environmental Unit. Furthermore, he co-founded the European Science and Environment Forum and serves on the board of Africa Fighting Malaria. In the private sector, he worked as a Research Analyst for Warburg Securities and Charles Stanley & Co.

The lecture venue, the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Services Center, is located at 4805 Edgemoor Lane, downtown Bethesda, across from the Bethesda Metro station. It is situated on the plaza level of a two-story County office building within the Metropolitan complex, above a County parking garage. Free parking is available in the garage on weekends.

NCAS Board Elections and Announcements

The issue reminds members that NCAS board elections are approaching, with ballots to be mailed soon. Board members serve two-year terms, and members are encouraged to vote and participate. Those interested in helping out can email [email protected].

Randi's Pigasus Awards

James Randi announces the 2003 Pigasus Awards, given annually on April 1st for accomplishments in the previous year. Readers are directed to Randi's website (http://www.randi.org/) to find out the winners.

Penn & Teller's "Bullshit!"

An article highlights the second season of the Showtime series "Bullshit!" by Penn & Teller. It describes the show as a platform for the hosts to "tear down these myths in the most jaw-dropping fashion possible with their trademark wit and off-center comic sensibilities." A URL for the show's website is provided: http://www.sho.com/site/ptbs/home.do.

Swedish Mythical Serpent

Under the heading "One Less Worry for Skeptics," the magazine reports on a Swedish legend similar to the Loch Ness Monster. A giant serpent, said to have lived for centuries in Sweden's Lake Storsjoen, has been seen but never photographed. A man who wanted to search for and hatch the serpent's eggs was denied due to a 1986 decision that placed the monster under protection. An ombudsman has requested documents related to this 1986 decision from the Jaemtland county administrative board. More details are available via a Scotsman URL.

TLC's "Alien Invasion" Website

The issue notes that TLC (The Learning Channel) features mini-articles and presentations on its website related to "Alien Invasion." The site is described as containing both credulous and skeptical material, skewed towards the credulous. A quiz game called "Spot the UFO" is highlighted, where users try to identify unidentified flying objects from nine photos. The article suggests that while the site claims two photos are unexplained, the mundane explanations for the other seven undermine the claims of the unexplained ones. A URL for the photo game is provided: http://tlc.discovery.com/convergence/aliens/photos/game.html.

Membership Renewal

Readers are prompted to check their mailing labels for their NCAS membership renewal date. Renewal costs are $30 for an individual membership and $40 for a two-member household for a one-year term. Failure to renew will result in the member being dropped.

NCAS Contact Information

Contact information for the National Capital Area Skeptics is provided, including their mailing address (P.O. Box 8428, Silver Spring, Maryland 20907), telephone number (301-587-3827), email ([email protected]), Skeptical Eye submission email ([email protected]), and website (http://www.ncas.org/).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Shadow Of A Doubt" clearly aligns with the NCAS's mission of promoting critical thinking and scientific understanding. The content ranges from serious public health policy analysis (Roger Bate's lecture) to debunking pseudoscience (Penn & Teller, Randi's awards) and examining paranormal claims with a skeptical eye (Swedish serpent, TLC's alien invasion site). The editorial stance is one of encouraging informed skepticism, questioning popular beliefs, and promoting evidence-based reasoning. The inclusion of NCAS board elections and membership renewal information also emphasizes the organization's community-building efforts.