Shadow Of A Doubt

Magazine Overview

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

Featured Lecture: Junk Science & Junk Justice

The cover of this issue prominently features a lecture by Roberta Shaffer titled "Junk Science & Junk Justice: How Does Our Legal System Litigate With Science?" Shaffer, who became the Executive Director of the Federal Library and Information Center/Federal Library and Information Network at the Library of Congress in August 2005, will address the use of scientific evidence and expert testimony in American courtrooms. The lecture aims to explore the standards judges employ when dealing with scientific matters, how these standards have evolved, and the critical question of whether "junk science" inevitably results in "junk justice."

Shaffer's background includes a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Vassar College, a law degree from Tulane, and a master's in librarianship from Emory. She is admitted to practice law in the District of Columbia, Texas, and the United States Supreme Court. Prior to her role at the Library of Congress, she was the Director of External Relations and Program Development at the College of Information Studies, University of Maryland-College Park, where she taught courses related to information use, legal information, management, and strategic planning.

The lecture is scheduled for Saturday, May 13, 2006, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Montgomery County Library, Bethesda Branch, located at 7400 Arlington Road in Bethesda, Maryland. It is noted as being a short walk from the Bethesda Metro station.

NCAS Board Notes and Upcoming Events

The issue also provides updates on the National Capital Area Skeptics' activities. The 2005-2006 NCAS Lecture season is concluding in May, with a social event planned for NCAS members in June. The Board has decided to resume holding monthly NCAS events in Virginia, expanding their reach within the "Capital Area." For the upcoming 2006-2007 lecture season, talks are planned at the Tysons-Pimmit Library in Virginia on September 9, November 11, December 9, and January 13. Dates are also being reserved for talks at the Bethesda Library in February, March, April, and May. The NCAS annual program is slated for October at a yet-to-be-determined venue.

A popular April 8 lecture on "Psi Perceptions" ran long, and social time was held afterward in lieu of a Board meeting. Attendees are reminded to check the NCAS hotline at (301) 587-3827 for any last-minute program changes. Contact information for the NCAS Board is provided via email to [email protected] or by phone at (301) 587-3827.

Related Program: The Brain: Structure, Function, and Abilities

Under the heading "Learn about the single most important tool of a skeptic," the issue highlights a program presented by the Smithsonian Residents Associate Program. Titled "The Brain: Structure, Function, and Abilities," this basic course is led by neurologist Richard Restak and runs from Tuesday, April 18, to May 23, at 6:30 PM. The course offers an illustrated overview of the human brain, examining its structure, components, conscious and unconscious operations, and the communicative abilities of brain cells. It emphasizes new evidence that the brain is malleable and can be modified by life experiences, suggesting it is "never too late to improve brain function."

This program includes six sessions covering various aspects of brain science:

• April 18: Introduction to the Science of the Brain: Traces the history of brain science from ancient Greek philosophers to modern neuroscience, including the "neuron doctrine" and the discovery of electrical and chemical transmission.
• April 25: The Organization of the Brain: Explores the contributions of each of the brain's main areas.
• May 2: The Functions of the Brain: Delves into brain functions at the microscopic level.
• May 9: Technology and the Brain: Discusses culture as a driving force in brain evolution and new insights into perceptions, emotions, and social interactions.
• May 16: Cognitive Enhancement: Examines contributions of meditation, drugs, and exercise for brain functions, along with the social and ethical implications of using brain science to enhance mood, productivity, and intelligence.
• May 23: New and Novel Applications of Brain Research: Focuses on how brain-based treatment strategies might address obesity and how understanding the brain's pleasure pathways could help heal behavioral addictions like shopping, gambling, and sex.

Tickets for the Smithsonian program are priced at $130 for General Admission, $84 for RAP Members, and $75 for Senior Members. More information can be obtained by calling (202) 252-0012 or visiting http://residentassociates.org/start.asp.

NCAS Mission and Contact Information

The National Capital Area Skeptics is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting critical thinking and scientific understanding. The issue concludes with the tagline "NCAS...for good reason."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of scientific claims within legal and societal contexts, and the exploration of the human brain from a scientific and skeptical perspective. The NCAS, as indicated by its name and mission statement, promotes a stance of critical thinking, scientific literacy, and skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims. The featured lecture on "Junk Science" and the detailed program on brain science both align with this mission by encouraging a rigorous, evidence-based approach to understanding complex topics.