Tampa Bay Skeptics Report

Magazine Overview

Title: Tampa Bay Skeptics Report
Issue: Volume 1, No. 1
Date: Summer 1988
Publisher: Tampa Bay Skeptics
Country: USA
Language: English

This inaugural issue of the Tampa Bay Skeptics Report serves as an introduction to the group's mission: the critical examination of paranormal and fringe-science claims through a scientific lens. The publication aims to disseminate factual information and counter the prevalence of pseudoscience.

Articles and Features

Physician, Heal Thy Group

Authored by Gary P. Posner, M.D., this article begins with a personal reflection on the author's experience with the short-lived Florida Skeptics (F.S.) group. Initially formed with high hopes, the F.S. group encountered significant organizational issues, leading to its dissolution and removal from The Skeptical Inquirer's listings. Posner then recounts a personal, seemingly implausible experience where he claims to have been awakened by a non-human, non-physical entity that teleported him to its craft. After a physical examination by an alien physician, he was instructed to organize another Florida group. The entities, described as having no mouths or bodies, allegedly conveyed their terror at the prospect of becoming 'real' through the 'wishful thinking' of Floridians, thus their only hope was the formation of a skeptical group to counter pseudoscience.

Reporter Drills "Psychic Dentist"

This piece, also attributed to G.P. (likely Gary Posner), investigates Reverend Willard Fuller, a "psychic dentist" from Palatka, Florida. Fuller, known for his claims of turning silver fillings to gold, held a traveling clinic in Port Charlotte. Sarasota Herald-Tribune health reporter Judy Ciarcia attended, and Fuller claimed to have performed a miracle in her mouth. However, Ciarcia's own dentist later examined her and explained that her silver amalgam filling contained copper, accounting for its yellowish hue, and did not resemble a true gold inlay. Ciarcia noted that the "gold" fillings she observed in others' mouths looked similar to hers. Fuller is reportedly under investigation by the state attorney's office in Putnam County due to persistence from James Randi and Mark Plummer of CSICOP. The article highlights Fuller's use of disposable dental mirrors during the event, aware of a skeptical reporter's presence, but notes his previous practice of using a single mirror without adequate sterilization, posing a risk of disease transmission. Fuller's practice continues to operate in various Florida locations.

Astrology Disclaimer

This section, signed by G.P., discusses the efforts by CSICOP to encourage newspapers to print disclaimers with their horoscope columns. Following a Gallup Poll on astrology belief in 1984, CSICOP requested newspapers to include a statement that astrological forecasts are for entertainment value only and lack scientific basis. While initially few papers complied, the St. Petersburg Times, through the efforts of Managing Editor Michael Foley, began printing such a disclaimer in November 1986. The article notes that recent revelations about Nancy Reagan's reliance on astrologers have reignited the debate about the dangers of uncritical acceptance of unproven beliefs, hoping to prompt more newspapers to adopt disclaimers or even eliminate astrology columns.

Mensa Skeptics Service

This brief item explains that Mensa, a high I.Q. society, includes various Special Interest Groups (SIGs), including one for UFOS. Dr. Gary Posner became the Coordinator of the SKEPTICS service within Mensa in September 1987, acting as a resource for members seeking information on skeptical research and paranormal topics. Posner provides information about CSICOP and The Skeptical Inquirer, and directs members to local skeptical groups. Several dozen Mensans had inquired about the service in its initial months.

The Open Mind of the Skeptic

Authored by G.P., this article addresses the common criticism that skeptics are "dogmatic disbelievers" and "closed-minded." The author argues that the skepticism championed by CSICOP and the Tampa Bay Skeptics is, in fact, the epitome of open-mindedness. Skeptics, despite their doubts about paranormal phenomena, dedicate significant free time to investigating such claims, searching for credible evidence and cases that withstand scrutiny under controlled conditions. The article contrasts this with the believer, who often resists proof and may react with hostility to demands for evidence. The skeptic, conversely, formulates scientifically-framed hypotheses and is willing to accept evidence that supports a paranormal claim if it can be rigorously tested and replicated, emphasizing that the burden of proof lies with the claimant.

Announcing... TAMPA BAY SKEPTICS GET-ACQUAINTED MEETING

This section announces an upcoming meeting for the Tampa Bay Skeptics, scheduled for Wednesday, June 29, at 7:30 PM in the Auditorium of the Central Library, 900 N. Ashley St., Tampa. The event is open to the general public and provides directions and parking information. It emphasizes the need for community support for the group's efforts in providing a forum for critical, skeptical inquiry. Associate Membership is available for $10 per year, which includes four issues of the TBS REPORT. A questionnaire is included for interested individuals to complete.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Tampa Bay Skeptics Report, in its inaugural issue, clearly establishes its editorial stance: a commitment to scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and the rigorous examination of paranormal and fringe-science claims. The publication actively promotes skepticism as a tool for discerning truth from pseudoscience and fraud. Recurring themes include the importance of evidence-based reasoning, the debunking of pseudoscientific practices (such as those attributed to "psychic dentists" and the uncritical acceptance of astrology), and the promotion of skeptical organizations like CSICOP and local groups such as the Tampa Bay Skeptics. The magazine advocates for an open-minded yet evidence-driven approach to extraordinary claims, placing the burden of proof on those making the claims. The overall tone is one of reasoned skepticism and a desire to educate the public about the scientific method and critical thinking.