Tampa Bay Skeptics Report - vol 05 no 1

Magazine Overview

Title: Tampa Bay Skeptics Report
Issue: Volume 5, Number 1
Date: Summer 1992
Publisher: Tampa Bay Skeptics, Inc.
Country: USA
Language: English

A Skeptic's Odyssey: In search of a "real" psychic

The lead article details the author's personal quest to find a genuine psychic. Disguised in plain clothing, the author visited several psychics over several weeks, paying between $8 and $25 for readings. The psychics were described as reading tarot cards, runes, and astrology, often making generic statements about good and bad times, and money. None of the psychics were able to discern the author's hidden medical condition or that she was married, until she revealed it. The author found the readings to be repetitive and unimpressive, leading to a growing sense of concern about the potential impact on true believers. One psychic suggested the author should not follow the medical profession and could become "exemplary," while another mentioned a chiropractor friend for a friend who was told by a psychic that doctors were killing her with chemicals. The author concludes that the experience has been disappointing and even scary.

Noreen Renier on 48 Hours, settles lawsuits with Merrell

This section critically examines the appearance of self-proclaimed psychic Noreen Renier on the CBS-TV newsmagazine "48 Hours." The segment, titled "Hard Evidence," featured Renier assisting detectives in an unsolved murder case. The article questions the segment's credulity, suggesting that the choreography required to produce the TV spectacle might imply police contacts or a national media campaign. It highlights Renier's ability to describe the crime scene and victim's body, but notes her inability to discern her own name or identify the actual killer, instead fingering an alleged accomplice. The article also references a similar claim made by Geraldo Rivera and a dispute from the suspect's mother regarding Renier's involvement in a 1986 upstate New York murder case. The author expresses skepticism about the segment's claim that Renier had no advanced knowledge of the case. Additionally, it is reported that Noreen Renier has reached a settlement with skeptic John Merrell regarding their legal disputes, with the terms of the settlement remaining confidential.

Chairman's Corner: A skeptic and a theist

Terry A. Smiljanich, Chairman, addresses the apparent conflict between skepticism and theism. He begins by discussing the recent NASA COBE satellite findings about cosmic background radiation, which scientists have linked to the "seeds" of galaxies and interpreted by some as evidence of a divine creation. Smiljanich notes the unfortunate mixing of scientific and religious metaphors, which can reinforce the idea that science and religion are at war. He then recounts a talk show experience where callers questioned how one could be both a skeptic and a theist. Smiljanich clarifies that by "science" he means the general scientific approach to evidence, and by "religion" he refers to theological questions of God, morals, and values. He asserts his belief in an intrinsic absolute truth and that the universe is knowable and rational, not mysterious. He argues that skepticism is essential for scientific inquiry, as it is an attempt to organize and understand reality, and is always subject to revision. He differentiates between scientific theories, which are revisable and can be disproven by evidence, and religious beliefs, which are not susceptible to proof. He uses creationists as an example of those who confuse religion and science. Smiljanich concludes by quoting Stephen Jay Gould: "The enemy of knowledge is irrationalism, not religion."

Sparks (and cards) fly at March Tampa Bay Skeptics meeting

This article reports on the March 21st meeting of the Tampa Bay Skeptics, which featured Richard Bell, a subscriber who claimed to teach others how to recognize and develop psychic abilities. Bell offered a preview of his program, stating he could not demonstrate psychic abilities on demand. He was prompted to perform a demonstration using a deck of cards provided by an amateur magician, Jacques Musy. The demonstration became chaotic, with accusations of rule-changing and aggressive attempts to control the cards. The skeptics concluded that Bell was unable to correctly identify a named red card, and Bell maintained he was put in a defensive position. The psychic dialogue was discontinued.

Isaac Asimov - 1920-1992

A brief obituary notes the passing of author, scientist, and humanist Isaac Asimov on April 6th, due to heart and kidney failure. His extensive body of work spanned science fiction, biochemistry, and children's books. Carl Sagan is quoted as calling Asimov "one of the master explainers of the age."

Breast hypnotist sued, applies for police post

This snippet reports on Michael Stivers, who previously claimed a 75% success rate in enlarging women's breasts through hypnosis and offered a money-back guarantee. A 23-year-old student sued Stivers to recover her $1,000 payment after not receiving the promised results. The article mentions that Stivers had received significant publicity from local TV programs and that his wife allegedly used a tape measure to falsely convince clients of progress. Stivers reportedly faced a business decline and closed his St. Petersburg branch. The snippet also notes that Stivers, formerly a pro-wrestler and police officer, was applying for a position with the Indian Rocks Beach police force.

Snippets

This section contains various short news items:

• Television Ratings: A tongue-in-cheek column by Howard Rosenberg suggests that "ratings sweeps" are occasions for in-depth reporting on topics like UFOs.
• Stigmata Claim: The Rev. James Bruse claims to have developed stigmata, the wounds of Christ, and that statues at his church have begun to weep. He attributes this to a phenomenon, not a hoax.
• Robert Tilton Lawsuit: Televangelist Robert Tilton is being sued for $40 million by an Oklahoma woman whose late husband continued to receive solicitation letters promising health restoration.
• "Cold Fusion" Fiasco Comparison: St. Petersburg gynecologists Edward Zbella and Samuel Tarantino announced a pregnancy resulting from their insemination technique before publishing a scientific article, revealing only two successful cases out of fifty. Dr. John Ruckdeschel criticizes such premature press conferences.
• Classic Jokes Revisited: A humorous take on "Faith Healing" with a punchline about a husband thinking he's dead.
• Dental Resource Center Claim: The Princeton Dental Resource Center, funded by the M&M-Mars candy company, sent a newsletter claiming chocolate may fight tooth decay, a claim disputed by UCLA researcher Dr. Lawrence Wolinsky.

Letters • Readers' Forum

• CSICOP Invitation: Barry Karr, CSICOP Executive Director, invites Gary P. Posner to become a Scientific and Technical Consultant for CSICOP, citing his commitment to science and public education. Posner accepts.
• Mel Martin's Letter: Mel Martin, Station Manager at WINK-TV, expresses his enjoyment of working with the author and praises the "TBS Report" program, noting the public's interest in "JFK" and media misinformation.
• Robert Hazen and James Trefel's "Science Matters" Review: William Q. Parker reviews the book "Science Matters," highlighting its objective to eliminate scientific illiteracy and its discussion of natural laws, including entropy, which he suggests challenges creationism.
• Lou Allsopp's Interpretation of the Red Sea Crossing: Lou Allsopp offers a skeptical interpretation of the Red Sea crossing, suggesting Moses used "The Big Lie" to protect the fishermen who helped the Hebrews escape.
• Jim Moseley's "Saucer Smear": Jim Moseley, Editor and Supreme Commander of "Saucer Smear," is mentioned, and readers are invited to request a free non-subscription copy of his UFO newsletter.

TBS Statement of Income and Expenditures

The financial report for fiscal year 1991 (June 1, 1991 - May 31, 1992) shows a beginning balance of $363.58. Total income was $1,276.60, primarily from memberships, renewals, and donations. Total expenditures were $1,168.90, including costs for newsletters, postage, telephone, stationery, and videotapes. The net balance as of May 31, 1992, was $471.28. The estimated cost for printing and mailing the current issue was $225.00.

TBS in the Media

This section details TBS's media presence. Gary Posner was interviewed by Tom Zucco for a St. Petersburg Times article on UFOs. Posner and Terry Smiljanich were studio guests for three hours on the Lionel show on WFLA radio.

Upcoming CSICOP Conferences

Announcements for CSICOP's 1992 conference in Dallas (Oct. 16-18) and a "Skeptic's Toolbox" seminar at the University of Oregon (Aug. 20-24) are provided.

Bulletin Board Info

Information is provided about the Tampa Bay Skeptics' presence on the Electro-Skeptic Bulletin Board system (BBS). Users can leave messages, send and receive messages in the Fidonet Skeptics echo, upload/download files, and read messages in the Bitnet Skeptics echo. Definitions for FIDONET and BITNET are included. Michael Kleineschay is listed as the Sysop for the BBS.

Announcements

An announcement for the Tampa Bay Skeptics Quarterly Meeting on Saturday, July 11, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Public Library Auditorium in Tampa. The agenda includes Noreen Renier on "48 Hours," a Space Shuttle UFO tape, a Gulf Breeze "UFO" sighting tape, a demonstration of the TBS Bulletin Board, and annual Executive Council elections.

TBS "$1,000 Challenge"

This notice reiterates the TBS $1,000 Challenge, inviting anyone to provide verifiable scientific proof of any paranormal phenomenon.

The James Randi Fund and The CSICOP Legal Defense Foundation

Information is provided about these funds, formed to assist in defending against lawsuits brought by proponents of the paranormal and to provide assistance to other skeptics.

Electro-Skeptic Bulletin Board

Details for joining the world-wide skeptics' computer network via modem are given, including the BBS number and contact information for Sysop Michael Kleineschay.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Tampa Bay Skeptics Report consistently promotes a skeptical approach to paranormal claims, fringe science, and media portrayals of such phenomena. The organization emphasizes critical examination, objective inquiry, and the dissemination of factual information. The editorial stance is clearly against unsubstantiated claims and promotes scientific literacy. The publication also engages with broader philosophical discussions, such as the compatibility of skepticism and theism, and critiques media coverage that sensationalizes or uncritically accepts paranormal or pseudoscientific topics. The organization actively supports scientific endeavors and provides resources for those interested in skepticism, such as its $1,000 Challenge and its participation in online bulletin board systems.