Tampa Bay Skeptics Report - vol 01 no 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Tampa Bay Skeptics Report (TBS REPORT), Volume 1, Number 3, from Winter 1988-89, is a quarterly publication dedicated to the critical examination of paranormal and fringe-science claims. The publisher is Tampa Bay Skeptics, Inc., based in the USA, and the original language is English.

Astrologer Presses Case to TBS

The lead article details a presentation by Janet Sciales, a prominent Tampa Bay astrologer, to the Tampa Bay Skeptics on October 4. Sciales presented astrology as "the world's oldest science," tracing its historical roots and arguing that it is observable and measurable, though difficult to measure. She clarified that modern astrology is not tied to constellations but to the Earth's shifting position relative to the stars since the zodiac was defined. Sciales proposed her own hypothesis: that solar energy, transformed by Earth's magnetosphere into a specific frequency, is further altered by planetary force fields and reflects back to Earth. She suggested this energy activates DNA at conception and irradiates the endocrine system at birth, explaining individual uniqueness. She noted that while astrology is a "soft science" and "an art" with no absolutes, its aim is to help clients understand available energy and advise on its positive application.

The Chairman's Corner

Pat Strong, Ph.D., Chairman of TBS, critically reviewed Janet Sciales' presentation. While acknowledging her sincerity, Strong questioned the persuasiveness of her case. He argued that customer satisfaction is not a validation of scientific standing, citing examples like psychics and faith healers. He challenged Sciales' reliance on "electromagnetic" energy, noting that magnetic fields are fixed and do not inherently transform energy. Strong also raised issues regarding the attenuation of such hypothesized forces through solid objects and the relative strength of solar energy compared to stellar energy at night. He questioned the timing of astrological effects on DNA mutations, suggesting conception might be more critical than birth, and noted the difficulty in obtaining accurate birth data, which he called "notoriously unreliable."

Strong also highlighted that astrology has not historically followed the scientific method, lacking statistically significant results, critical peer review, and replicability studies. He pointed out that astrology, like other paranormal disciplines, has not established clear professional criteria, including educational standards, testing methods, or a policing professional organization.

How I Spent My UFO Encounter Weekend

John Doherty recounts his experience attending a UFO Encounter Weekend. He describes watching a film about the Bermuda Triangle and UFOs, including a story about an F-51 Mustang pursuing flying saucers in 1952. The event featured literature on UFOs, news clippings, and gold-plated wire pyramids claimed to balance magnetic fields. Doherty noted that attendees largely believed in a massive U.S. government cover-up of UFO information, fearing that revealing the truth would cause global economic disaster and loss of traditional religious faith. He mentioned the belief that dozens of UFOs have crashed in the U.S. and expressed discomfort with the attendees' thought processes, finding them "alien to my own."

Snippets

This section presents a collection of brief news items:

• Psychological Association Conference: Papers endorsed the idea that people with better mental health have distorted views of the world, suggesting "rose-colored glasses" can improve physical health.
• Christian Science and Meningitis: A Sacramento woman's conviction for her daughter's death due to withholding medical care, based on Christian Science beliefs, was upheld by the California Supreme Court.
• Viktor Korchnoi: The Soviet chess star claims to be playing a match against a Hungarian grandmaster who died 37 years ago, believing in life after death.
• Jackie Gleason's Estate: His collection of 3,700 books, including many on UFOs and the occult, was donated to the University of Miami library.
• "The Science Report Card": Issued by the Educational Testing Service, it noted that American schoolchildren's science proficiency is "alarming and depressing," with over half unable to perform tasks requiring basic technical understanding.
• Sir Alfred J. Ayer: The English philosopher reported a near-death experience where he encountered a "red light" and beings he believed were ministers of the universe.
• National Science Foundation Survey: Only 79% of Americans correctly answered that the Earth revolves around the sun, and of those, only 45% knew the orbit takes a year.
• Acupuncture Treatment: A Colorado man convicted of drunken driving was ordered by a judge to undergo acupuncture treatment.
• Shirley MacLaine: The actress believes her views on past lives are becoming more accepted, stating the word "kook" no longer applies.

"The Chairman's Corner" (Continued)

Strong continued his critique by discussing the issue of twins. He noted that fraternal twins often do not share behavioral characteristics more than siblings born at different times. He acknowledged that astrology might be effective for some clients by providing a medium for self-exploration, even if not scientifically real. He reiterated his attempts to arrange objective testing of Janet Sciales' abilities, which were repeatedly cancelled.

Humanistic Judaism Leader to Visit Tampa

Sherwin Wine, founder of the humanistic Judaism movement, was scheduled to speak in Tampa on January 15.

TBS Media Requests

TBS has assisted Florida television stations with features on UFOs, abduction reports, and local ghost stories. Executive Council member Jim Lett has also been interviewed by local newspapers regarding his course on "Anthropology and the Paranormal."

Graphology Information Requested

TBS is seeking information on the use of graphology for employer screening of job applicants, as this practice is apparently replacing voice stress analyzers and polygraphs.

Follow-up

Jack Robinson, a Tampa astronomy professor and TBS member, is investigating the Gulf Breeze UFO photo case.

Lost to Follow-up

Judy Ciarcia, a reporter investigating psychic surgery claims with TBS, has married and left the Sarasota area. Rhody Parker's Tampa cable TV program, which was to feature TBS members, has been cancelled.

Look Ma! No Pimples!

This section notes that the TBS REPORT is now published on a laser printer, improving its appearance, and thanks Mike Street and Gabriel Begue for their assistance.

CSICOP is Coming to Town (Maybe)

The Executive Council of CSICOP tentatively planned to visit Tampa for its April meeting, which would include a press conference and dinner for TBS members. Details about CSICOP, The Skeptical Inquirer, Free Inquiry, and Prometheus Books are provided for those unfamiliar with these skeptical organizations.

Readers' Forum

This section contains letters from readers:

• Jim Ogden (St. Petersburg): Found the enclosed material about the UFO Encounter Weekend and Janet Sciales' lecture to be fodder for TBS. He appreciated the work of the publication.
• Lou Allsopp (Hudson): Shared a personal anecdote about buying swampland in Florida, emphasizing the importance of skepticism when purchasing property, especially in Florida, and warning about developers selling filled-in swampland.
• Mike Smolik (St. Petersburg): Expressed interest from his dentist in TBS and the "psychic dentist" article. He requested a newsletter be sent to his dentist and is trying to get friends to attend upcoming meetings.
• Jean Eaton (Tampa): Wrote about her belief in "unknown laws" beyond orthodox science, including out-of-body travel, telepathy, and communication with the dead. She suggested that science and mysticism might merge in the future and mentioned Janet Sciales as a talented astrologer.

Editor's Reply: The editor responded to Jean Eaton, stating that TBS is concerned with testable claims and insists that such claims be proven, noting that her list contains easily testable claims that have not withstood critical scrutiny.

The editor also noted that meetings will attempt to vary days of the week to accommodate member schedules and provided directions to the TBS meeting at the Tampa Central Library.

"Chairman's Corner" (Continued)

Strong continued his discussion on twins, reiterating that while astrology might be effective for some clients, it has not been scientifically proven. He pointed out that astrology has not historically followed the scientific path of rigorous testing and validation. He also noted that Janet Sciales had been unsuccessful in enlisting scientists to help her prove her theory, and that astrology, as a profession, lacks established criteria for knowledge, testing, and professional organization.

TBS Update Service

Information is provided on how to subscribe to a "TBS Update Service" for timely information on TBS activities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Tampa Bay Skeptics Report consistently promotes a skeptical and critical approach to paranormal and fringe-science claims. The publication emphasizes the importance of scientific methodology, testable evidence, and peer review. While open to examining claims, the organization's stance is to demand rigorous proof and to debunk pseudoscience. The issue highlights the tension between belief systems (like astrology and UFOlogy) and scientific inquiry, often presenting critiques of claims that lack empirical support. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and against unsubstantiated beliefs.