Shadow of a Doubt - 2005 04

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow Of A Doubt
Issue Date: April 2005 (with a specific event date of Saturday, April 30)
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Document Type: Monthly Calendar / Newsletter

This issue of the National Capital Area Skeptics' (NCAS) newsletter, 'Shadow Of A Doubt,' primarily details their 'April Anti-Fools' event scheduled for Saturday, April 30th. The publication also includes information on other relevant events and NCAS activities.

April Anti-Fools Event

The 'April Anti-Fools' event is presented as a day dedicated to exploring scams, cons, fakes, and frauds, alongside performances that mimic the inexplicable. The event is divided into two parts:

The TALKS (1:00 pm - 5:30 pm, $5 admission)

This afternoon symposium focuses on critical examination of deception and illusion. The lineup includes:

• Spotting Bogus Information on the Web: Dr. Eileen Abels, a Professor of Information Studies at the University of Maryland, will discuss how to identify false information online.
• Journalism Gone Bad - Fakes and Frauds in the Media: Brian Morton, a columnist for the Baltimore City Paper, will address fraudulent practices within journalism.
• Sideshow Humbuggery: James Taylor, author of 'Shocked & Amazed On and Off the Midway,' will explore the nature of sideshow attractions.
• Pros of the Cons – A History of Professional Confidence Games, Swindles and Cheats: Todd Robbins, a performer known for sword swallowing, fire and glass eating, and other extreme acts, will delve into the history of professional cons.
• Street Scams – Three Card Monte & the Shell Game: Jamy lan Swiss, a magician and author, will demonstrate and discuss common street scams.

The SHOW (7:30 pm, $20 admission)

The evening performance offers a blend of entertainment and the uncanny:

• The ULTIMATE FAKE: Jamy lan Swiss - Sleight of Mind: Jamy lan Swiss presents an evening of "mind reading" and "inexplicable mystery" achieved through "sleight of mind," challenging the audience to question the nature of perception and extraordinary abilities.
• And the ULTIMATE REAL DEAL: Todd Robbins: Todd Robbins showcases an "oddly beautiful mixture of real-life human marvels and classic carnival magic," representing a practitioner of the "quintessentially American art form" of the sideshow.

Tickets for both the afternoon and evening sessions are available separately, with a special combined price for NCAS members. The event is open to both members and non-members. The venue is the NOAA Auditorium in Silver Spring, Maryland, with information on parking and public transport provided.

Smithsonian Seminar: Truth and Fiction in The Da Vinci Code

This issue also promotes a Smithsonian Resident Associates program seminar on Saturday, April 16th, titled "Truth and Fiction in The Da Vinci Code." The seminar features historian Bart D. Ehrman, an authority on the early Church and the life of Jesus. Ehrman aims to separate historical fact from fiction in Dan Brown's novel, addressing claims about Jesus, Mary Magdalene, the Gospels, and Emperor Constantine's role in shaping the New Testament canon. The seminar will explore how scholars establish historical proof from conflicting sources and will be held at the S. Dillon Ripley Center in Washington, D.C. The book 'Truth and Fiction in The Da Vinci Code' by Bart D. Ehrman will be available for signing.

NCAS Elections

The newsletter announces that NCAS elections are approaching, with eight board positions available for a two-year term. As an all-volunteer organization, NCAS seeks interested individuals to contribute to tasks such as speaker coordination, newsletter production, and event organization. Interested parties are encouraged to contact NCAS via email, mail, or phone.

NCAS Information and Contact

Contact details for the National Capital Area Skeptics are provided, including a P.O. Box in Silver Spring, Maryland, a phone number (301-587-3827), an email address ([email protected]), a submission email for 'Skeptical Eye' ([email protected]), and their website (www.ncas.org).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism, critical thinking, the examination of deception (both intentional and perceived), and the promotion of scientific understanding. The NCAS positions itself as an organization dedicated to promoting critical thinking and scientific understanding, as evidenced by their event programming and their focus on debunking misinformation and exploring the nature of reality versus illusion. The "April Anti-Fools" theme underscores a playful yet serious approach to questioning claims and understanding how people can be misled.