Shadow of a Doubt - 2006 04

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow Of A Doubt
Issue: April 2006
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Document Type: Monthly Calendar / Newsletter

PSI Perceptions and the Sensitive Personality by Michael Jawer

This section features Michael Jawer, an independent researcher, discussing his work on "sensitive personalities." Jawer posits that the term "sensitivity" is used by psi researchers to explain why certain individuals report anomalous influences more frequently than others. He argues that some people may be predisposed from birth to a range of sensitivities.

Jawer's original survey investigation, published in the *Journal of the Society for Psychical Research*, found connections between environmental sensitivities (such as allergies, migraine, chronic pain, and fatigue), various personality factors, and the experience of apparitions. These findings suggest that environmental sensitivity may run in families, leading to the question of whether psi perceptions also have a familial basis and if they could be a manifestation of an underlying neurobiological process.

The article invites readers to share their comments, personal experiences, and critical observations, noting that the research is in its early stages. Jawer, who has been examining sensitivity for ten years, became interested in environmental sensitivity through his investigation of indoor air quality and sick building issues in the 1990s. His current "day job" is unrelated to this project, and he works for the Federal government, living in Northern Virginia with his wife and two children.

The lecture by Michael Jawer was scheduled for Saturday, April 8, 2006, from 2-4 pm at the Montgomery County Library, Bethesda Branch, located at 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, Maryland.

National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS) News and Announcements

NCAS Elections: The organization is holding elections for eight board positions, each for a two-year term. As an all-volunteer organization, NCAS seeks individuals to assist with tasks such as lining up speakers, producing publications, and organizing events. Interested parties are encouraged to contact NCAS via email, snail mail, or phone.

• Contact Information for NCAS:
• Address: P.O. Box 8428, Silver Spring, Maryland 20907
• Telephone: 301-587-3827
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.ncas.org
• Skeptical Eye Submission: [email protected]

• NCAS Board Notes:
• The Board has designated October as the month for the 2006 annual program, with the theme "April Anti-Fools" (a play on April Fools' Day).
• Members are invited to serve as judges for local county school science fairs, with no special experience required. Walter F. Rowe ([email protected], 703-494-2916) is the contact person for this initiative.
• The April NCAS Board meeting is scheduled to take place immediately after the April 8 NCAS Speaker Forum, and members are welcome to attend.
• NCAS is seeking members to help augment its publicity efforts, which include posting announcements on local bulletin boards and confirming that notices submitted to the Montgomery County library administration have been posted.
• Members are advised to always check the NCAS hotline (301-587-3827) for any last-minute program changes.
• Contact with the NCAS Board can be made via email to [email protected] or by phone at 301-587-3827.

Smithsonian Resident Associates Program: Forensics at the National Library of Medicine

This section announces an event titled "Visible Proofs: Forensic Views of the Body," presented by the Smithsonian Resident Associates Program at the National Library of Medicine in Bethesda. The exhibition focuses on the development of scientific methods for forensic analysis, contrasting with typical television portrayals. It highlights cases such as President Zachary Taylor's death, the Boston Strangler, Confederate soldiers' remains from Gettysburg, and the Lindbergh kidnapping. Another speaker has been involved in a three-year effort to identify the remains of World Trade Center attack victims using DNA testing.

The event includes an opportunity to practice identifying a missing person using clues. Museum education consultant Sheila Pinsker will lead the tour. A catered buffet lunch is included.

• Ticket Information:
• General Admission: $140
• RAP Members: $94

Time: Friday, April 7, 2006, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., by bus departing from the Mayflower Hotel, Connecticut Ave. and DeSales St., N.W.

• Contact Information:
• Telephone: 202-252-0012
• Website: http://residentassociates.org/start.asp

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The *Shadow Of A Doubt* newsletter, published by the National Capital Area Skeptics, consistently promotes critical thinking and scientific understanding. The April 2006 issue exemplifies this by featuring a lecture on the scientific investigation of "sensitive personalities" and their potential links to psi phenomena, encouraging a skeptical yet open-minded approach. The inclusion of NCAS organizational news, such as election updates and calls for member participation in science fairs and publicity, reinforces the group's active community engagement. Furthermore, the promotion of the Smithsonian's forensic science exhibition highlights an interest in evidence-based investigation and the application of science to real-world problems. The overall stance is one of rational inquiry, encouraging members and the public to engage with topics from a critical and evidence-based perspective, while also providing practical information about upcoming events and organizational activities.