Magazine Summary
Shadow of a Doubt
Ever wanted to host your own late-night paranormal radio show?
Across the Airwaves
You’re on the air. Callers bring Mothman, Fresno Nightcrawlers, UFO sightings, reptilian autopsies, and whispers about AATIP and Project Blue Book. Every reply shapes how the night goes.
Summary
This issue of Shadow of a Doubt commemorates the passing of Philip J. Klass, a prominent UFO investigator and skeptic. It announces a public lecture by NCAS board member Scott Snell to highlight Klass's achievements. The issue also includes NCAS Board Notes detailing recent election results, executive officer appointments, and plans for a cable TV program and website redesign.
Magazine Overview
Title: Shadow of a Doubt
Issue: September 2005
Volume: 2005/6 NCAS Season
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Country: USA
Language: English
This issue of the Shadow of a Doubt, the monthly calendar of the National Capital Area Skeptics, leads with the announcement of the passing of Philip J. Klass, a renowned UFO investigator and co-founder of NCAS. The publication details Klass's background as an electrical engineer and his extensive work in investigating UFO sightings with the aim of finding prosaic explanations, earning him recognition as a UFO "debunker." It highlights his role as a founding member of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP) alongside notable figures like Carl Sagan and Isaac Asimov. Klass also co-founded the National Capital Area Skeptics in 1987 and authored seven books on UFOs, in addition to producing the Skeptics UFO Newsletter from 1989 to 2003.
NCAS Public Lecture: Remembering Philip J. Klass
To honor Philip J. Klass's achievements, NCAS board member Scott Snell will lead a presentation. The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 10, from 2-4pm at the Montgomery County Library, Bethesda Branch, located at 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, Maryland. This location is noted as being a short walk from the Bethesda Metro station. Admission to this public lecture series is free and open to everyone, including members and non-members.
NCAS Board Notes and Activities
The "Shadow of a Doubt" format has undergone changes for the 2005/6 season, with the introduction of a "NCAS Board Notes" section to keep members informed about board activities. Board meetings are public, and members are encouraged to attend. The next board meeting is scheduled for September 10, immediately following the lecture remembering Philip J. Klass.
NCAS Election Results (Spring 2005)
- The following individuals were elected to the NCAS board:
- Gary Stone
- Jim Giglio
- Marv Zelkowitz
- Grace Denman
- Chip Denman
- Neil Inglis
- Brian Morton (new)
- Eugene W. Ossa
- Meredith Rode (new—1 year term)
NCAS Board Notes (Recent Meeting)
1. New Board Members: Meredith Rode and Brian Morton were elected as new board members. The continuing board members include Chip Denman, Grace Denman, Sharlene Deskins, Herb Federhen, Jim Giglio, Curtis Haymore, Neil Inglis, Eugene Ossa, Walter Rowe, Tim Scanlon, Scott Snell, Gary Stone, Jamy Ian Swiss, and Marv Zelkowitz. Helen Hester-Ossa is noted as a non-voting member (Skeptical Eye Staff).
2. Executive Officers: The new NCAS Board elected the following Executive Officers: Gary Stone (president), Jim Giglio (vice president), Marv Zelkowitz (secretary), Grace Denman (treasurer), and Chip Denman (spokesperson). Further details are available at http://ncas.org/board.shtml.
3. Public Access Cable TV Program: Plans for an NCAS public access cable TV program are in development.
4. Website Redesign: The NCAS website is scheduled for a redesign.
5. Comments and Suggestions: The NCAS Board welcomes comments and suggestions via email at [email protected].
Next Board Meeting
The next board meeting is tentatively scheduled for 3:00 pm after the September 10 meeting in the Library, and all are invited to attend.
NCAS Information and Contact
- National Capital Area Skeptics is located at P.O. Box 8428, Silver Spring, Maryland 20907. Contact information includes:
- Telephone: 301-587-3827
- Email: [email protected]
- Skeptical Eye submission: [email protected]
- Website: http://www.ncas.org/
NCAS is identified as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting critical thinking and scientific understanding.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring theme in this issue is the commemoration of Philip J. Klass and his contributions to skepticism and UFO investigation. The editorial stance is clearly one of promoting critical thinking and scientific understanding, as evidenced by NCAS's mission statement and its focus on investigating claims with a goal of finding prosaic explanations. The organization actively engages its members through public lectures and board meetings, fostering a community around skeptical inquiry.
In a continuing effort to involve all members in our activities, we will be publishing a section called “NCAS Board Notes” consisting of notes of the last NCAS board meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Philip J. Klass?
Philip J. Klass was a famed UFO investigator, NCAS co-founder, an electrical engineer, and senior editor for Aviation Week and Space Technology. He investigated UFO sightings to find credible prosaic explanations and was a recognized UFO 'debunker'.
What is the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)?
NCAS is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that promotes critical thinking and scientific understanding. It is a group that organizes public lectures and publishes a monthly calendar called 'Shadow of a Doubt'.
When and where is the lecture remembering Philip J. Klass?
The lecture is on Saturday, September 10, from 2-4pm at the Montgomery County Library, Bethesda Branch, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, Maryland.
What are some of the recent NCAS board activities?
Recent activities include the election of new board members, the election of executive officers, plans for a public access cable TV program, and a redesign of the NCAS website.
In This Issue
People Mentioned
- Philip J. KlassUFO investigator and NCAS co-founder
- Scott SnellNCAS board member
- Carl SaganFounding member of CSICOP
- Isaac AsimovFounding member of CSICOP
- Paul KurtzFounding member of CSICOP
- Ray HymanFounding member of CSICOP
- James RandiFounding member of CSICOP
- Martin GardnerFounding member of CSICOP
- Sidney HookFounding member of CSICOP
- Meredith RodeNCAS Board member
- Brian MortonNCAS Board member
- Chip DenmanNCAS Board member
- +8 more
Organisations
- National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
- Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP)
- Skeptical Eye
Locations
- Washington, DC, USA
- Montgomery County Library, USA
- Bethesda Branch, USA
- Bethesda, USA
- Silver Spring, USA