March, 1996 March, 1996
In the last two years the controversy over introduction of Creationism into the public school science curriculum has again intensified. Although Supreme Court decisions hold that Creationism is a religious doctrine, proponents still argue that it is a scientific theory deserving of equal treatment in science classes, along with the theory of evolution. Ms. Deanna Duby, a former public school teacher, now an attorney and Director of Education Policy for the 300,000 member constitutional rights organization, People For the American Way, will present this talk. This will be followed by audience questions and discussion.
Ms. Duby directs PFAW's activities related to public schools, including the compilation of "Attacks on the Freedom to Learn," an annual report on attempts to censor programs and materials in classrooms and libraries. PFAW monitors Religious Right political groups and their efforts to control curriculum in public schools.
Free Admission; All Welcome - Members and Nonmembers
Walking under ladders is bad luck? --
Aside from the obvious danger
of being hit by a falling paint can, the ladder leaning against a wall forms
a triangle, and is thus symbolic of the Trinity. The ordinary layman would not
wish to pass through such a sacred arch.
Brides are carried across the threshold? --
The practice stems from Roman
days when a bride must be carried over the threshold to declare that she
loses her virginity unwillingly.
Thirteen is unlucky? --
Supposedly there were 13 at the Last Supper.
Lighting three cigarettes on one match is unlucky? --
During the Boer
War, several instances occurred of soldiers lighting up three cigarettes
on one match, and the third one to do so was shot by the enemy. Lighting
of the first two cigarettes apparently gave the enemy enough time to aim
at the light and shoot the third unfortunate soldier. (Editorial Comment:
Lighting even one cigarette on one match is unfortunate, but I'll stop
editorializing here.)
Rice is thrown at weddings? --
Another Roman tradition. When the bride
came home, wheat was scattered over her head as a token of plenty and
fruitfulness.
and some cures: for hiccups --
If you find a horseshoe, then whenever
you get hiccups, look at the horseshoe and remember where you found it. The
hiccups will disappear (Pliny in 77 AD).
and finally, a cure for toothaches --
Bite off a piece of wood from
a tree that has been struck by lightning (Pliny, again).
(Source: A Dictionary of Superstitions by I. Opie and M. Tatem (Eds.), Oxford University Press, 1989.)
Want to help set direction for NCAS next year? Elections for 8 new board members will occur in April. If interested send a short biography immediately (by March 10) to Marv Zelkowitz, NCAS Secretary, at 10058 Cotton Mill Lane, Columbia, MD 21046 or via e-mail to mvz@cs.umd.edu.
NCAS is always looking for submissions for its newsletter, The Skeptical Eye. If you would like to submit something, use the new email address S_Eye@cs.umd.edu.
Is your membership to NCAS due for a renewal? Check the date on your mailing label, and if so, send $20 for 1 person ($30 for 2 at same address) to NCAS, 8006 Valley St., Silver Spring, MD 20910.