Tampa Bay Skeptics Report - vol 05 no 2

Magazine Overview

Title: Tampa Bay Skeptics Report
Issue: Vol. 5 No. 2 Fall 1992
Publisher: Tampa Bay Skeptics
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the Tampa Bay Skeptics Report delves into various claims and phenomena through a skeptical lens, featuring a cover story investigating a purported miracle, discussions on the compatibility of skepticism and faith, and a collection of snippets on diverse topics.

"Holy Spirit" Dove on the Surgical Glove?

Wesley M. Johnson investigates a claim made by Roberto and Marlen Torres, who believe a miracle occurred during Roberto's triple bypass surgery on April 11, 1992. The claim centers on a photograph taken during the surgery that allegedly shows the "Holy Spirit" in the form of a dove on the surgeon's glove. Roberto Torres, a Cuban singer, suffered a heart attack and underwent the procedure at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital and later Kendall Regional Medical Center. His wife, Marlen, who is from a "very religious family," prayed for divine guidance during the operation. The surgery itself, performed by Dr. José Lamelas, was described as "normal in every respect."

Two days post-op, while viewing photos taken by Jesus Angulo (who was documenting the procedure for Roberto's reason of "You don't get a triple bypass every day"), Marlen identified a "dove" in one of the images. The camera's flash failed during this critical moment, leading to shadows in the photograph. The article analyzes the photograph, comparing its shape to various birds, suggesting it more closely resembles a nighthawk or whippoorwill than a dove, and points out that the "eye" might be a spot of blood or a fold in the cloth.

Dr. Lamelas reported no unusual occurrences during the surgery. Roberto Torres, facing his own mortality, began reading the Bible and stopped drinking and smoking, which his wife attributed to a spiritual change. The article notes that such changes are not uncommon in the face of life-threatening illness and suggests that Torres's behavior might be an example of what philosopher Paul Kurtz termed the "Transcendental Temptation."

The analysis, including inspection of the negative, print, and videotape by the author, another skeptic, and a professional photographer, concluded that the "dove" was a combination of shadows and cloth folds under the surgical glove, possibly with a spot of blood. The article dismisses the supernatural interpretation, comparing it to seeing shapes in clouds or the "face" on Mars, and suggests Marlen Torres's religious interpretation was influenced by her predisposition.

Chairman's Corner: A Skeptic and a Theist – Part II

Terry A. Smiljanich addresses reader comments on his previous column about science and religion. He argues that while religious claims about the material universe should be treated with skepticism and subjected to falsification tests, ultimate philosophical and metaphysical statements are not solely resolvable by rational means. Smiljanich posits that all belief systems are grounded in a form of faith, citing Immanuel Kant. He clarifies that being a "theist" means trusting in the concept of absolute truth, not necessarily a supernatural being. He asserts that science and religion are not inherently in conflict and that one can be both a skeptic and a theist, without living in "two mental compartments."

He also comments on a letter regarding evolution, agreeing with Stephen Jay Gould that Norman Macbeth's book "Darwin Retried" failed to disprove evolution, despite raising some points. Smiljanich maintains that "Darwinian" evolution, though modified, remains a valid scientific theory and is falsifiable, unlike creationism.

Local Seers Predict Giants' Fate

This section compiles predictions from various psychics regarding the potential relocation of the San Francisco Giants baseball team to Tampa Bay. The predictions, gathered by St. Petersburg Times writer Tom Zucco, range from specific dates in April, May, and October to vague notions of "leakage" and delays until after the November elections. Some psychics, like Rev. Richard Fox, saw "a lot of talking and no doing," while others, like Gary Spivey, had visions involving a "commode stopper." Janet Sciales, an astro-analyst, predicted events between August 25 and October 11, linking it to Jupiter in the 12th house.

UFO Abduction Claim of Local "Expert" Questioned

Greg Simpson investigates a claim made by local "colorologist" and UFO lecturer Caryl Dennis, who stated that "Scientists at MIT have studied actual 'implants' taken from abductees." Simpson contacted Philip Klass, a UFO skeptic, who suggested Dr. David Pritchard at MIT might have done such work. Simpson wrote to Pritchard, who responded that he was unaware of any alleged alien implants similar to those in the "Intruders" miniseries and that tests on alleged implants yielded results consistent with earthly origins. A subsequent letter to Pritchard for elaboration went unanswered. Simpson notes that Pritchard is associated with Budd Hopkins and David Jacobs, prominent figures in UFO abduction research, and that his letterhead indicated an "Abduction Study Conference." Simpson concludes that a critical inquiry into such claims has yielded no good evidence to support them.

Snippets

This section presents a collection of brief news items:

• Christian Scientists' Convictions Overturned: The Florida Supreme Court overturned the convictions of William and Christine Hermanson, who were convicted of third-degree murder for withholding medical care from their diabetic daughter. Justice Ben Overton stated that the Legislature must clearly indicate when a parent's conduct becomes criminal.
• Couple Convicted in Child's Death: A couple from Live Oak, Florida, members of End Time Ministries, were convicted in the death of their 4-year-old child from pneumonia, which was deemed by the jury to be the result of felony child abuse due to withheld medical treatment.
• Cold Fusion Claim: Dr. Nelson Ying, a nuclear physicist at the University of Central Florida, claims to have developed a reliable table-top cold fusion process and demonstrated it, stating he could get more heat than put in.
• Near-Death Experiences: Psychiatrist Bruce Greyson and psychologist Kenneth Ring discuss the importance of mysteries and the profound nature of near-death and alien abduction experiences, with Ring expressing certainty that these events are significant.
• Gulf Breeze Six Explanation: Vance Davis, one of the "Gulf Breeze Six" cryptographers who deserted their posts, explains their actions were not about the Second Coming via UFO, but rather a Ouija board message tipping them off about the impending 1990 Iran earthquake and Gulf War, guiding them to leave the service.
• "Mystery Well" in the Gulf War: Marine Maj. Gen. Charles Krulak claimed a "mystery well" appeared in the desert to supply troops with water, though a fellow officer suggested the Saudis placed it. Krulak described praying for water and then finding the well.
• Medjugorje Pilgrimages: Despite ongoing conflict in Yugoslavia, British tour operators are advertising pilgrimages to Medjugorje, where the Virgin Mary is claimed to have appeared.
• Loch Ness Expedition: A scientific expedition explored Loch Ness to study its biology and hydrography, and to search for evidence of the fabled Nessie.

Letters • Readers' Forum

This section features correspondence from readers:

• Wesley M. Johnson takes issue with Smiljanich's "Chairman's Corner," arguing that a skeptic and a theist are mutually exclusive and that Smiljanich compartmentalizes his beliefs. Johnson also questions Smiljanich's reference to moral values as "unknowable questions" and his belief in "absolute truth."
• Alexander Mebane also finds Smiljanich's "skeptical theism" oxymoronic and mentions Martin Gardner's similar stance. Mebane asserts that Darwinian evolution has been disproved and recommends Norman Macbeth's book "Darwin Retried," which he claims is supported by admissions from eminent evolutionists.
• A general reader questions whether doctors or lawyers consult psychics or astrologers, suggesting that people taught to believe in such things from childhood are easily influenced by promoters of psychic services.

Announcements and Other Sections

• Tampa Bay Skeptics Quarterly Meeting: Announced for October 3, featuring an open forum and recent TV coverage of UFO abductions, faith-healers, and life after death.
• CSICOP Workshop in Ft. Lauderdale: Scheduled for December 12, with topics including ESP, ETs, past-life regression, and faith-healing, featuring speakers like Paul Kurtz and James "The Amazing" Randi.
• TBS "$1,000 Challenge": Reiteration of the offer for verifiable scientific proof of any paranormal phenomenon.
• The James Randi Fund & CSICOP Legal Defense Foundation: Information on these funds established to assist in defending against lawsuits brought by proponents of the paranormal.
• Electro-Skeptic Bulletin Board: Invitation to join a worldwide skeptics' computer network via modem.
• TBS member liquidating MAGIC items: An advertisement for a TBS member selling magic items.
• Tampa Bay Skeptics Membership/Subscription/Donation Form: A form for readers to join, subscribe, or donate.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Tampa Bay Skeptics Report consistently promotes critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and the examination of paranormal and fringe-science claims. The publication actively debunks unsubstantiated claims, provides evidence-based analysis, and encourages readers to question extraordinary assertions. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, aiming to disseminate factual information and counter what it perceives as unscientific trends and beliefs. The magazine also highlights the work of organizations like CSICOP and individuals dedicated to skeptical investigation.