Tampa Bay Skeptics Report - vol 01 no 4

Magazine Overview

Title: Tampa Bay Skeptics Report
Issue: Volume 1, Number 4
Date: Spring 1989
Publisher: Tampa Bay Skeptics
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Main Event: CSICOP Council Meeting

The primary focus of this issue is the upcoming semiannual Executive Council meeting of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP), hosted by the Tampa Bay Skeptics (TBS) on April 22-23, 1989. The meeting will be held at the Tampa Hilton at Metrocenter. In addition to the CSICOP Executive Council, members of local groups similar to TBS from the Southern U.S. will also convene. Activities include a closed-session council meeting, a private lunch, and a noon press conference. A key event will be a meeting chaired by CSICOP Executive Director Mark Plummer, focusing on group development and activities in the South. A banquet dinner is scheduled for 7:00 PM, with speakers including Paul Kurtz, James Alcock, Mark Plummer, and James Randi, discussing topics such as 'The New Skepticism,' 'Channeling,' and 'Psychic Surgery.' The function costs $25 per person, and subscribers to The Skeptical Inquirer are also invited.

An additional mini-conference for TBS members is planned for Sunday, April 23, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with a separate fee of $25 (or $12 for students/retired/unemployed). Speakers and topics for this session include Philip Klass on the Gulf Breeze UFO case, Joe Nickell on the Shroud of Turin, Lee Nisbet on the Animal Rights Movement, Ray Hyman on enhancing the skeptics' message, Ken Frazier on The Skeptical Inquirer, and Barry Karr leading an open forum on CSICOP and local group goals. TBS anticipates a productive meeting and encourages member support, with an RSVP deadline of April 8.

Editorial: The $1,000 Challenge

In his editorial, Gary P. Posner, Editor and Publisher, outlines his vision for TBS as more than just a club, aiming to educate the public about the dangers of uncritical acceptance of paranormal claims. He contrasts the multi-billion dollar paranormal industry with the state lotteries, noting how both prey on individuals with limited disposable income. Posner highlights the scientific method's constant flux and openness to new evidence, contrasting it with the rigid certainty of religious fundamentalists and paranormal devotees. He announces a personal challenge: he will pay $1,000 to anyone who can successfully demonstrate ESP, astrology, or other paranormal talents under controlled, scientific conditions. This offer is open to specific individuals and requires a written description of the proposed test, with a mutually agreed-upon protocol. Any funds received for this challenge will be used to pay TBS debts, with excess donated to CSICOP.

Tampa Tribune Features Series on UFOs, Abductions

This section reviews a recent four-part series in The Tampa Tribune that examined the UFO phenomenon, focusing on the Gulf Breeze photo case, reported abductions, and SETI. The series noted that Gulf Breeze, previously known for a 'flashing neon fish,' had become a focal point for UFO reports, with one local businessman, identified as 'Ed,' taking over 30 photographs. Eglin Air Force Base reported no unusual activity related to these sightings. The article highlighted eyewitnesses including a federal judge, a politician, and a physician. The controversy surrounding 'Ed's' photos is discussed, with CUFOS being skeptical while MUFON endorses them. An investigation into 'Ed's' personality revealed him to be a seemingly ordinary individual who claimed encounters with alien craft and creatures. The series also delved into UFO abductions, featuring accounts of women claiming to be taken aboard spacecraft for examinations. One case involved Leonard Farrell, who reported being taken aboard a craft in Canada. The article also touched upon psychologists' views on 'contactees,' quoting experts like Berthold Schwarz and Budd Hopkins' associate Elizabeth Slater. The final part of the series discussed SETI's efforts to detect alien life. The review includes a letter to the editor from G.P. (presumably Gary Posner) questioning 'Ed's' credibility and praising Philip Klass's book.

Snippets

This section presents a collection of brief news items:

• A Massachusetts astrologer's crystal ball ignited a fire, causing $1000 in damage to her shop, despite her claims of premonitions and precautions.
• Joan Kroc, owner of the San Diego Padres, offered a $100 reward for information about a missing dog's owner and expressed uncertainty about animal communication.
• The state of California barred the Institution for Creation Research from granting science master's degrees, deeming their curriculum unscientific.
• A 14-year-old Pennsylvania boy starved to death due to his father's belief that their money belonged to God.
• U.S. Representative Charlie Rose founded the Congressional Clearinghouse on the Future, a forum for psychics in Washington.
• A Gallup Poll indicated a decline in Americans' confidence in organized religion since the early 1970s.

Psychics Fail 'TBS Typo Test'

The newsletter reports on the failure of any psychics to participate in the "TBS Typo Test," an initiative where psychics were invited to identify typographical errors in the newsletter. TBS received no correspondence from any psychics, leading them to conclude that the test was failed by default. The editor notes that while a new method for proofing is being implemented, the 'TBS Typo Test' may continue as an ongoing experiment.

Psychic Invited to Solve Museum Mystery

This article details an event where a Largo 'psychic,' Barbara Jett, performed readings on artifacts from the Safety Harbor Museum to help determine the origin of an old well. Four TBS members attended the event, which was an unofficial initiative by museum employees. Jett claimed to receive information through spirit guides and visual images. She suggested the well was formed by nature, possibly a geyser, and a place of worship. She also interpreted a piece of metal from an old safe as evidence of a stolen item and a plot to overthrow a government. The article notes that TBS informed Jett of their desire for her to submit to a controlled, scientific test of her abilities, to which she agreed.

Community Relations and Upcoming Events

• Chairman Pat Strong spoke to the Nativity Men's Club of Brandon and to students at Boca Ciega High and Riverview High.
• Consultant astronomer Jack Robinson addressed the Suncoast Physics Teachers Association, leading to new memberships.
• TBS founder Gary Posner is scheduled to speak at USF/St. Pete's 'Brown Bag Lecture Series' on March 29.
• A General Membership Meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 10, at the Central Library in Tampa, featuring an "Open Forum" and a "CSICOP in China" videotape. Public is welcome.
• Future speakers include Bob Steiner (July), Henry Gordon (Fall), and Dr. Wilse B. Webb (Winter).

Report on January TBS Meeting

The January 26th TBS general meeting featured an "Open Forum" with about two dozen attendees. Despite the chairman arriving late due to a flat tire, the meeting was deemed a success. Gary Posner presented a videotape of John Stossel's report on astrology. Hollywood astrologer Joyce Jillson prepared a horoscope for an unknown individual, which, when revealed to be mass murderer Ed Kemper III, was deemed uncannily accurate by adult education students, reinforcing Stossel's conclusion that astrology is 'total nonsense.' Pat Strong discussed a book on astrology from the library, resolving to review the literature. Astronomer Jack Robinson updated the group on his Gulf Breeze UFO investigation and sought volunteers. Plans for future meetings were also discussed.

Readers' Forum

This section includes letters from readers:

• Harold E. Blake writes about Janet Sciales' presentation on electromagnetic energy and astrology, proposing that astrology might be a refined art that has accidentally correlated celestial cycles with human cycles. He offers to help Sciales by outlining procedures to scientifically detect and identify astrological energy.
• Eric Solaski responds to the discussion of Janet Sciales, questioning the scientific basis of astrology and whether astrologers can perform their claimed feats under controlled conditions. He asks for references to Sciales' articles.
• Alexander Mebane writes about the lack of anti-astrology books in his local library and seeks recommendations for books that approach the topic in a non-offensive, educational manner.

Other Skeptical Sources

The newsletter lists several skeptical resources:

1. The Skeptical Inquirer (flagship journal of CSICOP)
2. Free Inquiry (secular humanist journal)
3. Prometheus Books (publisher of skeptical works)

Information on CSICOP's history and structure is also available for $5.00.

TBS Update Service

Interested parties can receive updates on TBS activities and events by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Tampa Bay Skeptics Report consistently promotes a stance of critical inquiry and scientific skepticism towards paranormal claims, pseudoscience, and unverified phenomena. The publication actively debunks popular beliefs such as astrology and psychic abilities, often through direct challenges like the 'TBS Typo Test' and the '$1,000 Challenge.' The editorial stance emphasizes the importance of evidence-based reasoning, the scientific method, and educating the public about the potential dangers of uncritical acceptance of extraordinary claims. The organization aims to be a resource for factual information and a platform for rational discussion, while also engaging with the broader skeptical community through events and publications like The Skeptical Inquirer.