Tampa Bay Skeptics Report - vol 02 no 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Tampa Bay Skeptics Report, Volume 2, Number 2, from Fall 1989, focuses on skepticism and the critical examination of extraordinary claims. The cover story, "'Weeping Icon' fiasco in Tarpon," by Gary P. Posner, M.D., details an investigation into a reported miracle at a Greek Orthodox Shrine.

"Weeping Icon" Fiasco in Tarpon

Gary P. Posner, M.D., recounts his investigation into alleged miracles at the Greek Orthodox Shrine of St. Michael in Tarpon Springs, Florida, beginning on July 18, 1989. The shrine reported that tears were flowing from the eyes of the Virgin Mary on an icon, and within hours, five other icons were also reportedly weeping. The event attracted thousands of visitors and significant donations. Rev. Christos Matos of St. George's Greek Orthodox Church suggested it was a sign from God, while Rev. Tryfon Theophilopoulos of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral speculated it was a sign of happiness.

Posner was invited by Channel 10 (WTSP-TV) to accompany a reporter to the shrine on July 24. He brought a photograph of the icon taken on July 19, which had appeared in the St. Petersburg Times. Upon examination, Posner discovered that the 'tear' pattern on the icon in the shrine was an exact match to the newspaper photograph, which had been taken five days earlier. Rev. Matos claimed the tears had continued to flow daily and required dabbing away, but Posner observed that the pattern remained undisturbed. When confronted, Matos suggested the 'tears' had 'crystallized' and would resume their flow. Posner's examination revealed the 'tear' pattern was a flat photographic paper with no depth, and contrary to Matos' assertion, no visible moisture or 'crystals' were present.

Further investigation revealed that the photograph was of a painting from Chicago, taken on December 6, 1986, at St. Nicholas Albanian Orthodox Church. The original painting had reportedly attracted national attention two years prior for weeping. However, the souvenir photograph mass-produced and sold in Tarpon Springs differed from the Chicago icon and the AP newspaper photo of December 12, 1986. The souvenir photo's tear pattern consisted of dark linear streaks, unlike the white dots seen in earlier images.

By August 8, when Rev. Matos announced the icons were weeping again, reporters began to show skepticism. Channel 44 noted no sign of weeping, and the St. Pete. Times' request for a scientific test was denied. A contradiction emerged in Matos' story: he initially claimed continuous weeping from July 18, but later stated it had only resumed recently. While some witnesses reported 'moisture' due to the building's humidity, dissension grew between Matos and Theophilopoulos. Theophilopoulos eventually stated, "We cannot bill them as tears. I'm not here to deceive the people. I'm here to say the truth." Matos was reportedly transferred and no longer permitted to operate at the shrine.

Posner notes that Matos belatedly acknowledged the streaks had been there all along, fatally weakening the miracle claim. Unanswered questions remain regarding the origin of the photograph, the nature of the 'tears,' and whether they were the result of condensation or deliberate application of water or salt.

"$1,000 Challenge" Update: Test of "psychic" produces chance results

This section details the Tampa Bay Skeptics' $1,000 Challenge, designed to test psychic claims. Joan Morin, a self-proclaimed psychic from Pinellas Park, participated in a test where she attempted to identify which of 23 sealed boxes contained a dollar bill, guided by her 'spirit saint.' The test was designed to have odds against success of approximately 8,000,000 to 1 by chance alone. Morin declared 10 boxes 'empty' and 11 'filled.' Of the 10 declared 'empty,' 6 contained a bill. Of the 11 declared 'filled,' only 4 contained a bill. Her performance of 10 out of 23 correct was well within the +/- 50% range expected from chance, providing no evidence of psychic ability. Morin later attempted to explain her results by suggesting the artificial nature of the test, but the skeptics maintained that the test was successfully accomplished and the results were due to chance.

Perspectives on "Scientific Creationism"

Jerry L. Touchton, a mathematics and science teacher, discusses the creationist movement and its attempts to mandate the teaching of "scientific creationism" alongside evolution in public schools. He recounts his experiences in Louisiana, where a law requiring equal time for creationism was struck down by a federal judge. Touchton describes the creationist movement's prolific output of material, often characterized by deceptive or incompetent arguments, and highlights Henry Morris and Duane Gish of the Institute for Creation Research (ICR) as key figures. He critiques the book "Scientific Creationism," which he states uses selective facts and faulty premises to argue for a young Earth and other claims. Touchton emphasizes that while the movement poses a threat to science education, its claims can be responded to by scientists who clarify complex topics and elementary logic for the public.

Snippets

This section presents a collection of brief news items from various sources, highlighting skeptical perspectives on different phenomena:

• A Toledo physician filed a religious discrimination suit against a hospital for firing him due to allegedly distressing patients with prolonged prayer and acupuncture.
• A report from the California Department of Corporations documents how "false prophets" are bilking people out of millions of dollars through religion-oriented scams involving investments.
• The Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburg officially discounted reports of a life-sized statue of Christ closing its eyes during a Good Friday service, finding no convincing evidence.
• A Christian Science couple in Santa Rosa, California, was found guilty in the meningitis death of their 8-month-old daughter.
• Glasnost in the Soviet Union has brought the allure of the paranormal, with a healer named Alan Chumak featured on morning TV.
• Liberia's Defense Minister Gray D. Allison was arrested and charged with ordering the death of a policeman, whose blood and organs were allegedly used by a sorcerer to increase Allison's power.
• Archaeologists discovered what may be the world's oldest known beer brewery in Hierakonpolis, Egypt, dating back to ancient times.
• The community of spiritualists in Cassadaga, Florida, is experiencing internal conflict and lawsuits, with one inhabitant erecting a "Ghostbusters" movie logo on his property.

Tampa Bay Skeptics Executive Council and Board of Directors

This section lists the members of the Tampa Bay Skeptics' Executive Council and Board of Directors, including their names, affiliations, and roles.

Other Skeptical Sources on the Paranormal

This section provides a list of recommended skeptical resources, including The Skeptical Inquirer journal, Free Inquiry journal, Prometheus Books, and the CompuServe Skeptics Teleconference.

"Desperately Seeking Yous'n" Department

This section appeals to members and subscribers for immediate renewal of memberships and donations. It also seeks individuals interested in becoming actively involved in the organization, including candidates for the Executive Council and consultants. The department also inquires about interest in TBS logo T-shirts.

2nd Randi TV Special Planned for November

Announces the upcoming second installment of "Exploring Psychic Powers - Live!" starring James "The Amazing" Randi, which will feature alleged psychics undergoing testing for a $100,000 prize.

Monthly CompuServe Skeptics Teleconference

Provides information on the monthly CompuServe Skeptics Teleconference, including the date, time, and topics, with a special mention of Richard Hoagland discussing "The Monuments of Mars."

Directions to Nov. 13 TBS Meeting

Includes directions to a Tampa Bay Skeptics meeting at the University of South Florida (USF) campus.

Readers' Forum

This section contains letters from readers:

• Joan Morin responds to the $1,000 Challenge, suggesting a need for real-life situations for testing and requesting another test.
• William Cooley expresses his satisfaction with TBS and requests a T-shirt.
• Alexander Mebane discusses his search for anti-astrology books, recommending Robert Eisler's "Royal Art of Astrology" but lamenting its scholarly nature and wishing Isaac Asimov would address the topic.

Tampa Bay Skeptics Membership/Subscription/Donation/Back Order Form

Provides a form for readers to join the organization, subscribe to the report, make donations, or order back issues.

Announcing Tampa Bay Skeptics Quarterly Membership Meeting

Announces an upcoming membership meeting on Friday, October 20, including a board meeting and election of the Executive Council.

USF/Tampa Bay Skeptics Special Fall Presentation

Announces a special presentation featuring Henry Gordon, magician and author, on the topic of "ExtraSensory Deception."

July 24 TBS Meeting Attracts TV Coverage

Reports on the TV coverage of a TBS meeting on July 24, featuring Bob Steiner, a magician and investigator, demonstrating "psychic" feats.

New TBS Telephone Update Service

Introduces a new telephone service for information on TBS events and possible changes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Tampa Bay Skeptics Report consistently promotes a stance of critical inquiry and skepticism towards paranormal claims, pseudoscientific theories, and alleged miracles. The publication actively debunks purported supernatural events, such as the "Weeping Icon" in Tarpon Springs, and challenges the validity of psychic phenomena through controlled tests like the $1,000 Challenge. The magazine also engages with broader scientific and skeptical issues, as evidenced by the article on "Scientific Creationism," which advocates for evidence-based education and critiques pseudoscientific arguments. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rationalism, scientific methodology, and the dissemination of accurate information to counter misinformation and gullibility.