Tampa Bay Skeptics Report

Magazine Overview

Tampa Bay Skeptics Report, Volume 3, Number 4, Spring 1991

This issue of the Tampa Bay Skeptics Report delves into various claims of the paranormal and fringe science, offering skeptical analysis and factual information. The publication is a quarterly newsletter from Tampa Bay Skeptics, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to critical examination of such claims.

Featured Articles and Columns

My Fleeting Role as an Expert Witness on Psychic Phenomena

Miles Hardy, TBS Vice Chairman and a psychologist from the University of South Florida, recounts his experience as an expert witness in a murder trial. The defendant, James Matevia, claimed self-defense against a woman he believed was planning a 'psychic attack' to 'neutralize his brain.' Hardy clarifies that he does not believe in psychic forces but testified to the defendant's 'strong belief system,' which he argued could be a plausible defense. He emphasizes that it is the belief in a psychic attack, not the attack itself, that can lead to extreme actions. Despite Hardy's skeptical stance, the defendant became agitated when he understood Hardy was not an advocate of psychic phenomena, leading to Hardy being dismissed as a witness. Matevia was subsequently found guilty of first-degree murder.

NCAHF Warns of Paralysis, Stroke from Chiropractic Neck Manipulations

This section reports on concerns raised by the National Council Against Health Fraud (NCAHF) regarding paralysis and stroke resulting from chiropractic neck manipulations. The NCAHF has been monitoring reports of serious complications and questions the justification for forceful neck manipulation, stating it is doubtful the procedure could survive an objective benefit-risk assessment.

Chairman's Corner: Technologically Superior, Scientifically Illiterate?

Terry A. Smiljanich, Chairman of Tampa Bay Skeptics, reflects on America's technological prowess, exemplified by 'smart bombs,' contrasted with a perceived scientific illiteracy among the general populace. He shares an experience attending a lecture by paleoanthropologist Dr. Richard Leakey, who was frequently sidetracked by creationist questions. Smiljanich notes Leakey's exasperation with creationism being a 'hot topic' and concludes that while society can create advanced technology, it often lacks basic scientific understanding.

South Florida Woman Sues Home Depot for Loss of "Psychic" Power

A brief report details the case of Penny Pellito, who claimed to have lost her future-seeing ability after being struck by falling lumber at a Home Depot. Despite medical evidence of no organic brain damage, a jury awarded her $1,200, though reportedly not believing her psychic claim. Her appeal is being handled by attorney Ellis Rubin.

Merrell vs. Renier Update

This update covers a legal dispute between 'psychic' Noreen Renier and skeptic John Merrell. Renier filed a countersuit against Merrell for allegedly publishing false and defamatory statements. The legal process of 'discovery' is underway, with Merrell seeking specifics of Renier's allegations. Renier's responses have been delayed and are described as evasive, leading Merrell to file a 'Motion to Compel.' The court has ordered that depositions proceed, and Renier must elaborate on her claims.

Hoagland's Mars Update

This section discusses Richard Hoagland's claims about a 'city' and a mathematical message on Mars, and his concerns that NASA might distort his presentation. Hoagland links his findings to an alternative energy source, the 'N Machine,' which he claims draws energy from 'space-time.' He urges listeners to question NASA about testing his data and hypothesis, warning that the airing of his findings could be a 'cruel hoax.'

Snippets

This section provides brief news items:

• Barbara Jett's Predictions: A psychic named Barbara Jett offered predictions for 1990 and 1991, including weather events, a hurricane, a monument in St. Petersburg, and a new baseball team, many of which did not materialize.
• Voodoo Murder: A man who practiced voodoo was murdered by his son, who feared his father would kill the family. A woman named Jean Kent was hired to exorcise the spirit from an urn believed to contain the father's evil essence.
• Child Murder: A Tampa man pleaded guilty to the second-degree murder of his 5-year-old stepson, whom he believed was possessed by the devil.
• UFO Sightings Decline: A Minnesota reporter notes a decrease in UFO reports, with experts suggesting the closing of Project Blue Book and a lack of official government sources contributed to the decline in public and media interest.
• Child Deaths from Measles: Five children from two fundamentalist families in Philadelphia died from measles, with parents believing prayer was sufficient treatment.
• Virgin Mary Apparition: A shimmering image resembling the Virgin Mary appeared on a church wall in Colfax, California, attracting large crowds. A physics professor suggested it was a natural reflection from light fixtures, but church officials were reluctant to test the theory.

Inquiring Minds Ought to Know Better: Feinstein Steps Up Mars Sheetlet Promotion

This article from Linn's Stamp News critiques Alan Shawn Feinstein's promotion of a Sierra Leone stamp sheetlet featuring the 'Face on Mars.' The author argues that Feinstein is targeting supermarket tabloid readers with inflated claims of the stamp set's future value, citing an interview with Richard Hoagland who calls the 'Face on Mars' a 'constructed monument made by intelligent life.' The article dismisses these claims as 'breathless nonsense' and predicts financial disappointment for those who invest in the overpriced stamp set.

Letters / Readers' Forum

• Barry Karr (CSICOP Executive Director) praises the newsletter, particularly the piece on Spook Hill.
• Ken McCarthy expresses appreciation for the newsletter.
• Charles R. Mathews, M.D., from the Department of Corrections, notes his inability to attend meetings due to his demanding job but wishes the skeptics well.
• Richard P. Manny, Pharm.D., R.Ph., shares an anecdote about politely deflecting a solicitor who was using the Gulf War to promote his religious pitch, highlighting the effectiveness of the Tampa Bay Skeptics logo T-shirts as a 'solicitor repellant.'
• George W. Earley from Mount Hood, Oregon, thanks the report for a courtesy copy and mentions a 'mystery hill' in his area, stating he is a skeptic but not dogmatic.

Announcements

• Quarterly Membership Meeting: Scheduled for Saturday, April 20, featuring videos on Earth's creation and human evolution.
• TBS $1,000 Challenge: An open invitation to provide verifiable proof of paranormal phenomena.
• TBS Logo T-shirts: Available for purchase.
• TBS Telephone Update Service: For information on events and news.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Tampa Bay Skeptics Report consistently adopts a skeptical and critical stance towards paranormal claims, pseudoscience, and unsubstantiated beliefs. The publication aims to provide factual information and encourage critical thinking. Recurring themes include the debunking of psychic phenomena, UFO sightings, creationism, and alleged miracles. The editorial stance emphasizes the importance of scientific evidence and rational inquiry, often highlighting the contrast between technological advancement and a lack of scientific literacy. The organization actively challenges claims through its publications, public appearances, and the $1,000 Challenge, inviting evidence-based scrutiny of extraordinary claims.