Tampa Bay Skeptics Report - vol 04 no 4

Magazine Overview

Title: Tampa Bay Skeptics Report
Issue: Volume 4, Number 4
Date: Spring 1992
Publisher: Tampa Bay Skeptics
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the Tampa Bay Skeptics Report delves into various paranormal claims and skeptical investigations, with a prominent focus on "The Amazing Kreskin."

The Incredible Gall of "The Amazing Kreskin"

The lead article by Gary P. Posner critically examines the claims of mentalist "The Amazing Kreskin." Posner recounts Kreskin's appearance on WTVT-TV's "Eye on Tampa Bay," where Kreskin asserted, "It's not a magic act." However, Posner argues that if it's not a magic act, it's the closest imitation, drawing parallels to Uri Geller and the magician Dunninger. Kreskin's routine, including his claim that Johnny Carson's "Carnac" is a satire of him, is discussed. The article details Kreskin's appearance on the TV show, where he responded to accusations of his act being a "glorified magic act." Kreskin defended himself by offering $50,000 to anyone who could prove he employed paid assistants or confederates, stating that if his program were rigged, someone would have exposed it by now. He also noted that trust has diminished in modern culture.

The article highlights a specific trick where Kreskin seemingly divined a hidden word, "WATCH," after audience members selected five items. However, it's suggested that Kreskin may have known the items beforehand. The piece also references a past incident where Kreskin's handwriting was matched to a message he claimed to have divined, as published in the Winter 1990-91 Skeptical Eye.

Posner mentions his own "Letter to the Editor" in the St. Petersburg Times and a "Press Release" from TBS offering $10,000 for a successful demonstration of Kreskin's 'mentalism' feats under controlled conditions, to which no response was received.

Eye on Tampa Bay Follows-up on John Monti's Search for Tiffany Sessions

This section reports on a follow-up segment of "Eye on Tampa Bay" concerning psychic detective John Monti's attempt to locate Tiffany Sessions, who disappeared three years prior. Host Kathy Fountain noted that media sometimes fails to report on the outcomes of such stories. Mrs. Sessions stated that Monti had not found her daughter and that while she holds onto hope, every psychic she consulted, including Monti, had told her that Tiffany is dead. Despite this, she expressed that her experiences with psychics have given her a "different perspective."

The segment also featured Ivana DiNova, Director of the Missing Children's Help Center, who recounted a distressing incident where psychics led Mrs. Sessions to believe her daughter's body was buried in a field, leading to a futile and emotionally taxing search. DiNova advised against consulting psychics but suggested that those with genuine abilities should contact law enforcement.

Merrell vs. Renier: Settlement Pending

John Merrell, a Tennessee skeptic, is reportedly negotiating a settlement with psychic Noreen Renier to resolve a longstanding litigation.

Snippets

This section provides brief news items and updates:

• ET Communication Protocol: The International Academy of Astronautics has established a protocol for releasing information about potential extraterrestrial signals, involving multiple scientific and international bodies before public announcement.
• Asteroid '1991 VG': Astronomer Brian Marsden suggested that the asteroid '1991 VG,' which passed close to Earth, might be an artificial object due to its unusual "winking" behavior, though Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientist Donald Yeomans believes it is likely a natural asteroid.
• Robert Tilton Lawsuit: Televangelist Robert Tilton is being sued by the state of Texas for alleged violations of trade practices and charitable solicitations related to his ministry.
• Robert Maxwell and Psychic Nella Jones: The late tycoon Robert Maxwell reportedly gave an exclusive interview to The Sun, with psychic Nella Jones claiming Maxwell stated he did not jump or fall accidentally from his yacht.
• Psychics and Scotland Yard: Scotland Yard concluded that psychics are not valuable to law enforcement in solving crimes, a statement disputed by psychic Nella Jones.
• Russian Astrologers: Russian astrologers Tamara Globa and Pavel predicted a dangerous period with potential for war, famine, and unemployment, but failed to predict the Soviet Union's self-destruction.
• Florida Acupuncture Board: The Florida State Board of Acupuncture endorsed Linda W. Chin, an acupuncturist who advocates sterilizing needles with saliva and reusing them, for board membership.

Ed Walters' Motives Questioned

Philip J. Klass examines claims made by Ed Walters regarding his Gulf Breeze UFO photographs. Klass questions Walters' motives, citing testimony from his neighbors, the Morrises, who stated that Walters never alerted them to any potential UFO threat despite their close proximity and the alleged UFO sightings.

CSICOP Workshop on Magic, Trickery and the Paranormal

A workshop sponsored by CSICOP will be held in Lexington, Kentucky, focusing on magic, trickery, and the paranormal, led by Drs. Joe Nickell and Robert Baker.

Randi Voices Optimism Over Geller Lawsuit

James Randi expressed optimism regarding the lawsuit against Uri Geller, noting contributions to his legal fund and stating that Geller must now prove his psychic powers under deposition.

Ch. 10 News Director Leaves Tampa Bay

Mel Martin, news director of WTSP-TV, who had a good working relationship with TBS and was supportive of their work, has left the area.

Hoagland Axed from For The People

Richard Hoagland has been removed as "Science Advisor" to Chuck Harder's "For The People" radio program, reportedly due to his "outlandishness" rather than scientific fastidiousness.

Letters & Readers' Forum

• A member requested their subscription be canceled due to illness and poverty.
• Mike Beedham attended Kreskin's performance and described it as a "dull evening" with no claims other than being a "mentalist."
• Jake Schmid congratulated TBS on its work.
• Lou Allsop submitted predictions for the future, including political events, the ozone layer, space travel, and the discovery of oil on Mars, which he predicted would not be published.
• A letter from R. René discusses calculations regarding the sun's gravitational force on the moon, suggesting it defies the laws of motion and gravity. Jack Robinson, an emeritus professor, responds, explaining orbital mechanics and Newton's laws, asserting that the moon does move in accordance with these laws.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Tampa Bay Skeptics Report consistently promotes critical thinking and the scientific examination of paranormal claims. The publication actively debunks hoaxes, questions the validity of psychic abilities, and provides factual information to counter fringe-science narratives. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims and rely on evidence-based reasoning. The report also highlights the efforts of organizations like CSICOP and individuals like James Randi in promoting skepticism and defending against lawsuits from proponents of the paranormal.