Tampa Bay Skeptics Report - vol 04 no 3

Magazine Overview

Title: Tampa Bay Skeptics Report
Issue: Volume 4, Number 3
Date: Winter 1991-92
Publisher: Tampa Bay Skeptics, Inc.
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the Tampa Bay Skeptics Report delves into various paranormal claims and skeptical investigations, featuring articles on psychic detectives, mathematical geniuses, and alleged supernatural phenomena.

"Psychic Detective" John Monti Searches for Tiffany Sessions

The lead article by Gary P. Posner scrutinizes the claims of John Monti, a self-proclaimed "psychic detective" from New York. Monti announced his intention to solve the disappearance of Tiffany Sessions, a young woman who vanished while jogging in Gainesville. Posner recounts Monti's press conference and his subsequent appearance on local television, noting that Monti's "psychic" work yielded little tangible results. The article also references Monti's prior involvement in the disappearance of 5-year-old Timothy Wiltsey in Sayreville, New Jersey, where police investigated several locations suggested by Monti but found no evidence. Detective Sargent Ray Durski of the South Amboy Police Department stated that while they initially considered Monti's leads, he ultimately did not help solve the case, and his involvement diminished as publicity subsided.

Posner expresses skepticism about Monti's methods, particularly his claim that the mother of the missing child did not want her found, and notes that Monti's search for Tiffany Sessions also appeared unsuccessful. Posner concludes that Monti's "psychic power" failed him once again.

Book Review: Mysterious Wizard of Mathematics

Terry Smiljanich reviews Robert Kanigel's biography, "The Man Who Knew Infinity: A Life of the Genius Ramanujan." The review explores the mysterious allure of mathematics and its ability to connect abstract concepts to the real world. It highlights Srinivasa Ramanujan, an Indian mathematician with no formal training who produced a significant body of work. Ramanujan's story is described as romantic and tragic, detailing his move to England during World War I, his academic achievements, and his subsequent struggles with illness and culture shock, leading to his early death. The review touches upon Ramanujan's discoveries in analytic number theory and his exploration of infinity. It suggests that Ramanujan's intuitive flashes indicate that mathematics is "discovered" rather than invented, aligning with a Platonic interpretation.

Geller Kin Accuses Posner of "Defamation"

This section reports on a letter sent to the St. Petersburg Times by "S. Shtrang," identified as Uri Geller's brother-in-law, accusing Gary Posner of defamation for suggesting that Geller is an "acknowledged magician." Posner's comment was based on information from James Randi and Kendrick Frazier. The article notes that Shtrang's letter was not sent to the newspaper for publication but was cc'd to two law firms, indicating a pattern of intimidation by alleged psychics against skeptics. The Tampa Bay Skeptics Report and its editor reaffirm their commitment to accuracy and critical inquiry despite potential hazards.

"Crop Circle" Solution?

This piece discusses the crop circle phenomenon, noting its evolution from simple circles to intricate geometric patterns. It mentions Richard Hoagland's claim of finding mathematical proof linking Martian "monuments" and crop circles to a fourth-dimensional energy source. However, the article presents Doug Bower and David Chorley, two British men in their 60s, as claiming responsibility for originating the crop circle phenomenon, demonstrating their method using wooden boards. Their claim is contrasted with the skepticism of Colin Andrews, who questions their ability to account for the crystalline structure changes in plants and the presence of unusual objects seen in crop circles.

Ch. 10 News Anchor Fails to Produce "$1,000 Challenge" Faith-Healing Case

This report follows up on a claim made by WTSP-TV news anchor Al Ruechel, who allegedly witnessed numerous examples of levitation in Africa. Ruechel had also made a claim to TBS's Gary Posner about numerous local successful faith-healings. Despite a promise to provide a case for TBS's $1,000 Challenge, Ruechel has failed to do so. Posner sent a letter reminding Ruechel of their agreement, emphasizing that no such miraculous claims have withstood critical scrutiny. The report expresses regret that Ruechel has not responded and shown no intent to produce evidence.

SNIPPETS

This section contains several brief news items:

• "New Age" Group and Bacon's Plans: A "new age" group called Ministry of the Children believes the world will end unless a vault containing Sir Francis Bacon's plans for a perfect society is found before the year 2000. They believe these writings, which allegedly prove Bacon wrote Shakespeare's plays, are buried in Bruton Parish Church, Williamsburg, Va. A judge has barred the group from digging.
• Kenyan Woman Sues Missionary: Caroline Mwicigi is suing an American missionary, Jonathan Hansen, in Nairobi for $18,275, claiming he defrauded her by promising to help save mankind from the end of the world.
• Demi Moore's Movie Psychic: The credits for Demi Moore's movie "The Butcher's Wife" include "Psychic Consultant" Maria Papapetros, who claims to be a "psychic to the stars." Papapetros, who previously worked on the movie "Ghost" without credit, stated she would only do the job if she could work openly and receive credit.
• Faith-Healing Couple Indicted: A Lake City couple, Guillermo and Luz Hernandez, members of the End Time Ministries sect, were indicted for manslaughter and child abuse in the death of their 4-year-old child from pneumonia.
• Mental Illness Defense: Dawn March was found not guilty by reason of mental illness in the drowning of her 5-month-old daughter, with the judge suggesting postpartum psychosis.
• "Magic Birth Stool": Kathy Singer traveled 5,000 miles to a pub in England to sit on a "magic birth stool" rumored to increase the town's birth rate, after trying various fertility treatments.
• UFO Abductions in Kansas: The small town of Russell experienced unexplained disappearances of four citizens, linked to UFO beliefs. The FBI located three of the missing individuals, including Donna Butts, co-author of a book on UFO visits to Russell.

Merrell vs. Renier Update

This update provides information on the ongoing lawsuit between Tennessee skeptic John Merrell and Orlando "psychic" Noreen Renier, who won a $25,000 libel judgment against Merrell in 1986. Merrell's new lawsuit has seen little progress due to extensions granted to Renier for providing information, including the names of police agencies that supplied her with "police evidence" for her "psychometry" performances. Renier, who works as a "psychic homicide detective," has until February to provide the material.

A correction is also issued regarding a previous article about Merrell. It clarifies that Merrell had first heard of Renier a month earlier than previously stated and had already begun an inquiry before receiving letters from "Nancy Uzdavinis" (later identified as Renier using an alias).

Posner Addresses Unitarian Universalist United Fellowship Group

Gary Posner, founder of TBS, was invited to address the St. Petersburg Unitarian Universalist United Fellowship group. He provided an update on TBS's activities and was joined by two members of the Rocky Mountain Skeptics.

LETTERS • READERS' FORUM

This section includes correspondence from readers:

• William Cooley renews his membership and expresses appreciation for TBS's work in maintaining a scientific perspective.
• Harold Blake of Zephyrhills writes about his "Rene' Two Leaf Electroscope" and his belief that science is closed-minded to his discoveries, which he claims threaten fundamental physics laws. He challenges TBS's $1,000 Challenge award.
• R. Rene' of Port Richey writes about "Spontaneous Human Combustion" (SHC), calculating the BTU required to reduce a human body to ashes and concluding that it is scientifically impossible with available fuel. He challenges TBS to "write the check" if they can prove otherwise.
• Fred Meeker is mentioned in a letter to the editor of The Skeptical Inquirer, claiming a high school student demonstrated metal bending using only the power of the mind. TBS has invited the student to demonstrate this ability for their $1,000 Challenge.

Announcing...

This section announces upcoming events and services:

• Tampa Bay Skeptics Quarterly Membership Meeting: Scheduled for Saturday, January 11, at 11:00 AM in Tampa, the meeting will cover John Monti's search for Tiffany Sessions, a "Crop Circle" solution, Non-spontaneous Human Combustion, and an Open Forum.
• Santa Claus Kreskin: The mentalist "Amazing" Kreskin is scheduled to perform in Clearwater. The report asks TBS members attending to inform TBS Report about how Kreskin represents his "mentalist" abilities.
• The James Randi Fund & CSICOP Legal Defense Foundation: These funds have been formed to assist James Randi and CSICOP in defending against lawsuits from paranormal proponents.
• TBS "$1,000 Challenge": TBS reiterates its offer of $1,000 for verifiable scientific proof of any paranormal phenomenon.
• TBS Update Service: A phone number is provided for recorded information about TBS events and updates.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Tampa Bay Skeptics Report consistently maintains a critical and evidence-based stance on paranormal claims. The publication actively debunks or scrutinizes claims of psychic abilities, faith healing, and unexplained phenomena, often through investigative reporting and challenges like the $1,000 Challenge. The editorial stance prioritizes scientific inquiry, accuracy, and the dissemination of factual information, while also highlighting the importance of skepticism in combating pseudoscience and protecting the public from fraudulent claims. The report also features a strong emphasis on the legal and personal risks faced by skeptics when confronting proponents of paranormal phenomena.