Shadow of a Doubt - 2005 12

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow Of A Doubt
Issue: December 2005
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "Shadow Of A Doubt" is the monthly calendar of the National Capital Area Skeptics, focusing on upcoming events and news relevant to the organization and its members.

Featured Lecture: The Great Moon Hoax of 1835, a New Take

The cover story highlights a public lecture by Richard Dengrove titled "The Great Moon Hoax of 1835, a New Take." The lecture is scheduled for Saturday, December 10, 2005, from 2 to 4 pm at the Montgomery County Library, Bethesda Branch, in Bethesda, Maryland. Dengrove, a librarian and long-time member of NCAS, aims to delve into the origins and impact of the 1835 Great Moon Hoax, which was announced by The New York Sun. He intends to answer critical questions such as who created the hoax, the cultural and societal context of its publication, and the reasons behind its widespread belief. Dengrove's research interests are broad, encompassing topics from explorers and the occult to skepticism and extraterrestrial beliefs.

NCAS Board Notes

The "NCAS Board Notes" section provides updates on recent activities and future plans for the organization:

• Intelligent Design (ID): NCAS members attended a public showing of the ID promotional video "Unlocking the Mysteries of Life" in Columbia, MD. During a discussion, NCAS representatives spoke out against ID, asserting that it is not science and should not be taught in public schools. A bibliography on ID compiled by NCAS is available for download from their website.
• Event Reporting: Members are encouraged to report any local events related to Intelligent Design.
• Newsletter: The latest issue of "The Skeptical Eye" newsletter has been mailed.
• Board Meeting: The NCAS Board met on November 12, following the monthly public forum. Discussions included suggestions for member involvement projects, pending the results of a member questionnaire.
• Volunteer Opportunities: NCAS is seeking members to help post general and program announcements in local libraries and on cable TV.
• Board Meeting Cancellation: There will be no NCAS Board meeting in December.

Upcoming Events and Announcements

• James Randi in Las Vegas: An announcement for "The Amaz!ng Meeting 4: Science in Politics and the Politics of Science," hosted by The James Randi Educational Foundation. This event will take place from January 26 to 29, 2006, at the Stardust Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The theme focuses on the intersection of science and politics, featuring a variety of speakers including James Randi, Murray Gell-Mann, Nadine Strossen, the Mythbusters, Penn & Teller, and others. Registration details and contact information are provided.
• Membership Renewal: Members are reminded to check their mailing labels and renew their memberships. Renewal fees are $30 for an individual or $40 for a household.

NCAS Information

The newsletter concludes with contact information for the National Capital Area Skeptics, including their mailing address (P.O. Box 8428, Silver Spring, Maryland 20907), telephone number (301-587-3827), email address ([email protected]), submission email for "The Skeptical Eye" ([email protected]), and website (www.ncas.org).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism, critical thinking, and the promotion of scientific understanding. The NCAS actively engages in debunking pseudoscience, such as Intelligent Design, and encourages public discourse on scientific topics through its lecture series. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and against the acceptance of unsubstantiated claims, as exemplified by their focus on the Great Moon Hoax and their opposition to Intelligent Design being presented as science.