Tampa Bay Skeptics Report - vol 05 no 3

Magazine Overview

Title: Tampa Bay Skeptics Report
Issue: Volume 5, Number 3
Date: Winter 1992-93
Publisher: Tampa Bay Skeptics, Inc.
Country: USA
Language: English

Articles and Features

The View from Miami

Wesley Martin Johnson explores the damage caused by Hurricane Andrew in Miami, questioning whether the damage to secular and sectarian structures differed. He found no evidence of non-randomness, concluding that the storm's fury was not selective and there was no indication of intelligent control or divine intervention. Johnson visited various churches, synagogues, and homes, comparing damage to both religious and secular buildings, finding them equally affected, with damage patterns determined solely by the direction of the storm.

One GIANT Conundrum

This section discusses the failure of Tampa Bay to land the San Francisco Giants baseball team and questions whether astrology is another 'power that be.' It highlights the inaccuracy of 'astro-analyst' Janet Sciales' predictions. The article also touches on the Tampa Bay Skeptics' efforts to test paranormal prognosticators, noting difficulties in getting panelists from a TV show to agree to scientific testing for their '$1,000 Challenge.'

Tampa Bay "Breast Hypnotist" no-shows for Illinois radio show

David Bloomberg reports on the planned appearance of Michael Stivers, a man claiming to be able to hypnotize women to enlarge their breasts, on a Springfield, Illinois radio show. Stivers, who previously wrestled under the name 'Pretty Boy Behning,' failed to show up for the interview. Bloomberg details inconsistencies in Stivers' claims regarding client response and success rates, citing previous articles from the Tampa Bay Skeptics Report and the St. Petersburg Times. Stivers' wife initially blamed the radio station and later claimed he had to return home.

Consultant's Comments

Casting out devils: The Rev. W. Thomas Leckrone comments on the Leslie Hale Ministry, questioning the ability to cast out devils. While acknowledging Hale's belief and charisma, Leckrone suggests he lacks knowledge of scripture and medicine, and that his ministry might be detrimental to followers.

Life after death: The Rev. W. Thomas Leckrone discusses George Anderson, who appeared on NBC's 'Unsolved Mysteries' claiming to receive messages from deceased persons. Leckrone, a member of Mensa and TBS, expresses a personal belief in the possibility of communication with the deceased, based on near-death experiences and religious studies, but remains skeptical of Anderson's specific claims until they are personally verified.

Snippets

• This section provides brief news items and observations:
• New Age Ministries International and the Center for Metaphysical Studies are headquartered in Clearwater, Florida.
• The Center for Paranormal Studies in Silver Springs, Florida, investigated a haunted home where a woman allegedly exhibited unnatural strength.
• A Weekly World News article claims 'SATAN'S FACE IN HURRICANE ANDREW!' was captured in a photograph.
• Imelda Marcos reportedly believes her deceased husband triggered Hurricane Andrew, seeking a proper burial.
• White House spokesman Marlin Fitzwater compared Ross Perot's theories to UFO theories.
• Followers of the Mission for the Coming Days church in Korea faced disillusionment when the predicted 'rapture' did not occur.
• The Vatican officially acknowledged that the Earth revolves around the sun, reversing its stance on Galileo.
• Barbara Norcross, Palm Beach's official psychic, incorrectly predicted President Bush's re-election.

Nat'l UFO Conference draws 100 in Tallahassee

The 29th annual convention of the National UFO Conference attracted about 100 attendees. Don Ware of MUFON suggested that the government and media are now cooperating to reveal the truth about UFOs, citing 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' as an example of covert educational programming.

TBS in the media

TBS founder Gary Posner was interviewed on radio, and he and chairman Terry Smiljanich are scheduled to appear on another program. Posner's investigation into a 'Weeping Icon' in Tarpon Springs was mentioned in a Washington D.C. publication. TBS's '$10,000 challenge' to 'The Amazing' Kreskin was also reprised in a magazine.

Chairman's Corner: Bring back "Effective Thinking"

Terry A. Smiljanich discusses the role of skeptics in educating the public, distinguishing between the 'converted' and 'believers.' He argues that the primary target should be those with open minds. Smiljanich laments the decline of 'effective thinking' and core knowledge requirements in university education, contrasting his own college experience in the sixties with the current 'smorgasbord' of courses. He emphasizes that the educational system has failed, leading to more uneducated graduates, and that skeptics should focus on influencing the listeners of debates rather than the believers themselves.

Letters • Readers' Forum

Jacques Musy expresses concern that the burden of TBS rests too heavily on one person and states he will no longer be active in the group, though he is renewing his membership.

Gary P. Posner (Editor) appeals for more participation from members to invigorate the group, stating he would gladly relinquish responsibilities if others came forward.

Wesley M. Johnson raises a question about the compatibility of being a skeptic and a theist. He argues that a skeptic accepts only proven facts or high probabilities, while a theist accepts beliefs without proof. Johnson critiques Mr. Smiljanich's position, suggesting that accepting a 'divine force' as a low probability is contrary to skepticism and that Smiljanich's stance exposes a dichotomy. He also discusses the terms 'committed evolutionist' and 'committed theist,' differentiating between factual laws and beliefs.

TBS $1,000 Challenge

This section reiterates the offer of $1,000 for verifiable scientific proof of any paranormal phenomenon, inviting UFOlogists, psychics, and astrologers to contact TBS.

The James Randi Fund & CSICOP Legal Defense Foundation

Information is provided about these organizations, formed to defend against lawsuits brought by proponents of the paranormal and to assist other skeptics.

Electro-Skeptic Bulletin Board

An announcement for a worldwide skeptics' computer network accessible via modem.

Announcing... Tampa Bay Skeptics Quarterly Meeting

Details are provided for an upcoming meeting featuring discussions on demons (Leslie Hale) and near-death experiences (George Anderson).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Tampa Bay Skeptics Report consistently promotes critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and skepticism towards paranormal and fringe-science claims. The publication aims to educate the public by examining evidence, debunking pseudoscience, and encouraging a rational approach to extraordinary claims. The editorial stance emphasizes the importance of education in fostering critical thinking skills and expresses concern over the perceived decline in these areas within academic institutions. The organization actively challenges those who make paranormal claims through its '$1,000 Challenge' and by providing a platform for skeptical viewpoints in its articles and letters section.