February, 1997
Difficult Conception:
The Confusing Story of Breast Cancer
Risk and Induced Abortion
Dr. David Wyndham Murray
Director of Research, Statistical Assessment Service (STATS)
Recent media accounts and science
journals alike have done more than one about-face -- from
"no risk" to "a definite health threat" to "finally-settled".
How is the public to assess these conflicting reports? Why has
this question of such personal and public importance proven so
challenging? The answer may lie at the intersection of science,
statistics, and politics.
Dr. David Murray is Director of
Research for the Statistical Assessment Service (STATS),
a non-profit organization dedicated to improving media coverage
of scientific and statistical information.
Saturday, February 15, 1997, 2:00pm -- 3:30pm
Bethesda Library,
7400 Arlington Road,
Bethesda, Maryland
Everyone Welcome -- Members and Non-members
No admission charge
Call the NCAS Skeptic
Line at 301-587-3827 for further info.
NCAS Movie Night
Once again, on Friday, February 21 at 8 p. m. Chip and Grace Denman
invite NCAS members and their guests to join them for movies that skeptics
can laugh at. They will supply the popcorn and sodas; bring anything else you
would like to share. Space is limited, so be sure to call the NCAS
line by Wednesday, February 19 to reserve a spot and to obtain
directions.
NCAS Elections
It is again that time of year when NCAS needs to start considering a new
Board of Directors. Elections are held in April and the new Board of 16
(8 elected each year for a 2 year term) takes over in June.
Want to help set direction for NCAS next year? If interested send a short
biography by March 1, 1997 to NCAS, 8006 Valley Street,
Silver Spring, MD 20910 or send email to ncas@ncas.org.
Space
Space --- no not the kind that Captain Kirk wanders around in
fighting Klingons, Romulans and assorted other alien life forms, but
the kind needed for NCAS meetings ...
NCAS has been using Montgomery County Library facilities for the past few
years. However, occasionally we have a speaker who attracts a large audience.
The library meeting rooms hold about 100. If anyone has access to a room
that can hold 200 to 300 people and is free or of nominal cost, please
let the NCAS Board know. Call us or send email. The room
should be within walking distance of a Metro station.
Last Change: February 3, 1997