Tampa Bay Skeptics Report - vol 01 no 2

Magazine Overview

This document is the Fall 1988 issue (Volume 1, Number 2) of the "Tampa Bay Skeptics Report," a quarterly publication from the Tampa Bay Skeptics organization. The magazine's objective is the critical examination of paranormal and fringe-science claims from a scientific viewpoint.

Inaugural Meeting and Media Interest

The issue highlights the successful inaugural meeting of the Tampa Bay Skeptics (TBS) held on June 29. The meeting drew about 40 enthusiastic attendees. Chairman Pat Strong opened the event with an address emphasizing that skepticism is a way of life applicable to everyday aspects beyond just the paranormal. Executive Council members were introduced, and a press release from TBS was circulated. WXFL-TV (Channel 8/Tampa) sent a cameraman to tape the proceedings. The meeting included a segment where Dr. Posner discussed a newspaper article about an alleged cancer cure by "psychic surgery," and TBS's response. A tape of James Randi performing "psychic surgery" on the Tonight Show was shown, eliciting laughter. The meeting concluded with an open exchange, though a lack of coffee was noted as a minor complaint, and the library's closing time limited the Q/A session.

"Psychic Surgery" Cancer Cure Questioned

An article details TBS's inquiry into a Sarasota Times story titled "Psychic surgeon cured my cancer, Siesta Key nurse says." The report concerns Edie Ingenlath, a registered nurse diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer in 1978. According to the article, she underwent a surgical treatment and chemotherapy, but later sought treatment from a Filipino "psychic surgeon" named Orbito after developing a lung tumor. Ingenlath claims Orbito's hands "burned my chest cavity" and removed a tumor. TBS wrote to the Sarasota Times expressing skepticism, noting that past investigations by Randi and others found psychic surgery to be a "clever sleight-of hand exercise" with no documented cures. TBS offered to assist in verifying the claims by obtaining medical release forms, but received no response. The article also mentions that Sarasota H-T reporter Judy Ciarcia attempted to interview Ingenlath, who became unavailable.

The Chairman's Corner

Pat Strong, Ph.D., expresses pleasure at the success of the inaugural meeting and outlines plans for future activities. He emphasizes the importance of member initiative and participation for the group's continued success. Strong provides five ways members can help: 1) Make friends aware of the group to increase membership and resources. 2) Alert the Executive Council to local claims of paranormal experiences or powers used to exploit the gullible. 3) Volunteer expertise for investigations. 4) Contribute to the newsletter with articles, letters, or news items. 5) Offer suggestions for meeting programs and other activities. He stresses that TBS's success depends on its members.

Tampa Bay Skeptics Statement of Purpose

This section outlines the organization's objective: the critical examination of paranormal and fringe-science claims from a scientific viewpoint and the dissemination of factual information. TBS does not reject claims a priori but is committed to objective and critical inquiry, sharing the philosophy of CSICOP but operating autonomously. The TBS REPORT is published quarterly and welcomes submissions, including opposing viewpoints, with a request for self-addressed stamped envelopes for correspondence. Views expressed are those of the authors, not necessarily TBS.

'Bigpaw' Declawed

This article debunks the legend of 'Bigpaw' or the 'Clearwater Monster,' a Bigfoot-like creature reported in the 1940s and 50s. Ivan Sanderson had dubbed it "Florida Three-Toes." The creature has now been identified as Tony Signorini, a member of Homo sapiens. Signorini, with the help of Al Williams, created the hoax by wearing cast iron "monster" feet attached to sneakers, creating the illusion of large footprints and a long stride. A retired police officer confirmed suspicions of a hoax by Williams, who was known as a prankster.

Homeopathy Rallies, Then Fizzles

This piece discusses a paper published in the science journal Nature that purportedly offered scientific evidence for "homeopathy." The article notes that Nature commissioned a panel, including James Randi, to investigate the findings. Their report concluded that "'High-dilution' experiments a delusion," finding no substantial basis for the claims that water can be imprinted with the memory of past solutes.

"Assignment 10" Covers Gulf Breeze UFO Case

WTSP-TV's program "Assignment 10" featured the Gulf Breeze UFO case. The article notes the controversy surrounding photographs taken by an unnamed resident, with MUFON supporting them and CUFOS urging ufologists to focus on exposing hoaxes. The program's reporter, Marlene Schneider, interviewed only pro-UFO figures, but a photographic analyst interviewed expressed skepticism about the photos' authenticity, providing some balance.

Snippets

This section presents a collection of brief news items:

• A survey of college students reveals concerns about science education in the U.S., with many holding creationist beliefs.
• A Gallup survey indicates that 12% of American adults express belief in astrology, with 29% expressing belief in a 1978 poll.
• Sailors on the USS Forrestal reported a ghost dubbed "George" and various unexplained events.
• A British team's search for the Abominable Snowman in the Himalayas was unsuccessful.
• Former Florida Governor LeRoy Collins changed his name from Thomas LeRoy Collins on the advice of a numerologist.
• Peter Hurkos, known for his claims regarding the Tate-LaBianca murders, died of a heart attack.
• The mayor of Florala, Alabama, declared "National Voodoo Week."
• A Lubbock, Texas church event where thousands witnessed visions of Jesus in the sky is discussed, with a local skeptical group questioning the claims.

Astrology Subcommittee

The TBS is forming an Astrology Subcommittee to conduct objective scientific studies of astrological claims. Janet Sciales, a Bay-area astrologer, has agreed to participate in testing her own claims. The subcommittee aims to ensure that astrologers agree to testing protocols in advance.

More on Astrology

Following the "Reagan astrology flap," CSICOP has suggested to U.S. newspapers that they include disclaimers with astrology columns. An article by Paul Kurtz and Andrew Fraknoi, "BELIEF IN THE STARS IS NOT A GOOD SIGN: Scientific Tests Fail to Support Astrology," is mentioned.

1988 CSICOP Conference

An invitation is extended to the 1988 CSICOP Conference in Chicago, November 4-6, with the theme "The New Age: A Scientific Evaluation." The conference schedule includes sessions on various New Age topics, cryptozoology, graphology, media responsibility, UFO abductions, and enhancing the skeptics' message.

Directions to TBS meeting

Detailed directions and parking information are provided for TBS meetings held at the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg Campus.

Readers' Forum

This section features letters from readers:

• A. Mebane of Venice challenges the strict definition of skepticism, arguing that some "quasi-real" phenomena require a more radical acceptance of the paranormal. He also questions the assumption that Mensa's Special Interest Groups are not considered truthful by intelligent people.
• Mike Smolik of St. Petersburg expresses his satisfaction with the TBS inaugural meeting and his decision to join the group.
• L. J. of Largo criticizes religious promises of an afterlife as "swindles" and questions if TBS will expose them. The editor clarifies that TBS considers claims of paranormal healings, spirit contacts, and other testable religious claims to be within their purview, but not religious tenets taken strictly on faith.

Tampa Bay Skeptics Membership/Subscription/Back Order Form

A form is provided for readers to support TBS, enroll as an Associate Member, or subscribe to the TBS REPORT. Information on obtaining a complementary copy of Volume 1, Number 1 is also included.

Announcing... Tampa Bay Skeptics General Meeting

An announcement for a general meeting on Tuesday, October 4, featuring guest Janet Sciales, described as "Tampa Bay's Most Mediagenic Astrologer." The meeting is scheduled for 7:30 PM in Room 130 of Bayborough Hall at the USF, St. Pete. Campus.

Media Appearances and Coverage

This section details various media interactions involving TBS members:

• The WXFL cameraman interviewed Jim Lett, with a brief segment appearing on the 11 PM newscast.
• Gary Posner was interviewed by phone on WFLA Radio and by a UPI reporter in Miami regarding a Lotto winner's use of dream interpretation.
• Charles Mathews was a studio guest on "Breakfast with the Dolans" and interviewed by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
• Posner and Strong were featured guests on Tampa's Jones Intercable TV program "Options for Change," where they were the only representatives willing to appear with psychics and astrologers.
• The Tampa Tribune and Sarasota Herald-Tribune published articles on TBS and its members.
• St. Petersburg Times columnist Jacquin Sanders wrote a profile of Posner and TBS, though some quotes were reportedly inaccurate.

TBS Update Service

An offer for a "TBS Update Service" is provided for those who wish to be kept more closely informed of TBS activities and media events than the quarterly newsletter allows. Interested parties are asked to send a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the promotion of skepticism, the critical examination of paranormal and pseudoscientific claims, and the debunking of specific cases. The editorial stance is clearly one of scientific rationalism, advocating for evidence-based inquiry and challenging unsubstantiated claims. The organization actively engages with the media to disseminate its message and encourages member participation in its activities and investigations. There is a strong emphasis on distinguishing between demonstrable evidence and faith-based beliefs, particularly in areas like psychic phenomena, astrology, and religious claims.