Tampa Bay Skeptics Report - vol 06 no 2

Magazine Overview

Title: Tampa Bay Skeptics Report
Issue: Volume 6, No. 2, Fall 1993
Publisher: Tampa Bay Skeptics
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the Tampa Bay Skeptics Report delves into the nature of evidence, skepticism, and paranormal claims, featuring a practical guide to "psychic photography" illusions and a philosophical exploration of the UFO controversy.

Psychic Photography: A "How-To" (aka Low-Light Instant Photogramography)

By James Conrad, this article provides a step-by-step guide to creating "psychic" images using Polaroid instant photography. Conrad, while acknowledging a personal belief in "psychokinesis" (PK) as a potential human ability, clarifies that the technique described is purely a photographic effect, not evidence of paranormal activity. The process involves using a Polaroid Spectra camera with high-definition film in a dimly lit room. The user is instructed to disable the flash, open the film door, place a prop (like a stencil, key, or crucifix) on the exposing film for 10-20 seconds, then reinsert the film pack and close the door. The resulting photograph typically shows a silhouette or shadow of the prop against a colored background, often yellow or greenish. Conrad emphasizes that this effect is achievable with minimal effort and can be used to mislead observers into believing in paranormal phenomena. He notes that the radiation involved can even pass through ordinary paper. Conrad suggests that such techniques could be used by religious leaders to mislead followers for financial gain or to achieve cult status. He also briefly touches upon his research into PK, concluding that any positive findings should be announced cautiously by the skeptical community.

A Philosopher Looks At The UFO Controversy

By John Bryant, this guest column presents a philosophical argument for the existence of UFOs and the extraterrestrial hypothesis. Bryant contends that the question of UFO existence should be framed in terms of probability rather than a simple "believe" or "disbelieve" dichotomy. He argues that the widespread, persistent, and numerous reports of UFOs, often from reliable witnesses with no ulterior motive and consistent in crucial details, make the extraterrestrial hypothesis the simplest and most scientifically acceptable explanation, invoking Occam's Razor. Bryant asserts that this reasoning provides "extraordinary" scientific proof. He uses probability theory to illustrate how the likelihood of multiple independent reports sharing crucial details being false is vanishingly small, thus making the probability of their truth approach certainty.

Bryant also critiques the skeptical stance, suggesting that the "need to believe" argument against UFO proponents might reflect a "need to disbelieve" among skeptics, whose worldview is threatened by the implications of UFO reality. He posits that some skeptics might even be government agents trying to delay public acceptance of UFOs. Furthermore, he argues that the establishment scientific worldview is in disarray in other areas (e.g., cosmology, medicine), and that scientists are resistant to ideas challenging the "old paradigm." He concludes that the UFO debate highlights the power of establishment ideas and the ease with which they can manipulate public opinion, even when conflicting with popular belief.

Gary Posner's Rebuttal

Gary Posner responds to Bryant's column, agreeing that UFO reports are widespread and persistent but asserting that anecdotal evidence does not equate to scientific proof. He likens the argument for UFOs to arguments for ghosts, stating that the reliability of human perception in unusual circumstances is overrated. Posner argues that while the universe may be teeming with life, this does not support the ET hypothesis for UFOs. He contends that alternative, prosaic explanations are more rational until extraordinary scientific proof is available. Posner criticizes Bryant's claim that debunking individual cases is irrelevant, stating that a rational hypothesis must be falsifiable. He clarifies that skeptics do not brand believers as "kooks" and would welcome proof of UFOs, citing Carl Sagan and Philip Klass as examples. Posner asserts that science is not in disarray but is actively pursuing novel hypotheses.

Snippets

This section features brief news items and commentary:

• Angels and Nature Spirits Conference: Over 50 people attended a conference in Angel Fire, New Mexico, featuring discussions on nature spirits and aromatherapy.
• Larry Horne: A local "psychic" in Safety Harbor, Florida, who has suffered health issues, offers free lectures and private readings.
• Bruce Greyson and Joe Nickell: Psychiatrist Bruce Greyson and investigative writer Joe Nickell discuss the human need for mysteries and the resistance to scientific explanations for phenomena like the Shroud of Turin and crop circles.
• "Operation Right to Know" Picket: Protesters demanded "full disclosure of government UFO secrets" in front of the White House.
• Russell Baker Column: A syndicated column humorously discusses the government suppression of facts and the possibility of UFO cover-ups, while also expressing skepticism about UFOs themselves.
• Marilyn vos Savant: In response to a question about palmistry, vos Savant suggests that palm readers find interest in a person's palm to encourage them to provide something of interest in return.
• Spirit Mediums in Thailand: Rescue workers used Chinese spirit mediums to help locate bodies after a hotel collapse.
• Religion and Health Study: A study found that individuals who derive comfort from religion have a lower risk of death after cardiac surgery, and that participation in organized group activities is also protective.

Tampa Bay Skeptics Report - Other Sections

• Looking for Mr. GoodBook: Greg Simpson suggests that Pinellas County residents utilize the Public Library Cooperative Program to access a wide range of skeptical titles, listing several recommended books.
• "Psychic photography" (continued from page 1): This continuation discusses the potential for government and corporate national security implications of demonstrable PK and invented detection devices, referring to proprietary information and the Invention Secrecy Act.
• "The UFO Controversy" (continued from page 3): This continuation of Bryant's column discusses alternative explanations for "contactee" reports, such as scripts from books and movies, and the influence of hypnotists. Posner's rebuttal continues, emphasizing the need for falsifiable hypotheses and refuting the idea that science is in disarray.
• "Psychic" Ruth Rogers Dead at 60: A brief obituary for Ruth Rogers, a local "psychic" who was a regular on Tampa Bay radio and cable TV.
• Randi / Geller Update: James Randi provides updates on his work, including an upcoming NOVA documentary titled "Secrets of the Psychics," a potential book on "Uri Geller Redux," and legal matters involving Uri Geller's appeal against a court ruling. He also humorously comments on "Riley G" and Uri Geller's offer to help NASA with the Mars Observer problem.
• Skeptic magazine: This section announces the emergence of a new national organization, the Skeptics Society, and its glossy magazine, "Skeptic," which includes James Randi on its editorial board. It notes that the Skeptics Society has requested membership lists from other skeptical groups.
• Letters • Readers' Forum:
• Lou Allsopp renews his membership but questions the focus on paranormal and UFO fantasies, suggesting articles on the ozone myth, global warming, and the Rodney King trial. He offers an article on "The Ozone Scam" based on pure logic.
• The editor responds to Allsopp, stating that the Rodney King matter is outside TBS's purview and that the "Ozone Scam" article would need to be appropriately researched.
• Alexander Mebane is working on a skeptical treatment of Darwinism and notes that many critics base their views on the Book of Genesis. He discusses a splintering within the International Fortean Organization over an essay labeling the UFO-abduction epidemic as a myth created by misogyny.
• Wesley M. Johnson renews his membership and expresses hope that TBS will regain its "fire," lamenting the prevalence of pseudoscience, the occult, and the paranormal in the Denver/Boulder area.
• Announcing... Tampa Bay Skeptics Quarterly Meeting: Details of an upcoming meeting featuring speaker David Ring, an open forum, and executive council elections.
• James Randi on PBS's NOVA: Announcement of the "Secrets of the Psychics" documentary.
• Richard Hoagland re: Mars Observer: A brief mention of Richard Hoagland's claims that the Mars Observer mission failure was intentional sabotage by a "rogue group" within NASA to prevent detailed photographs of Mars from being obtained.
• TBS "$1,000 Challenge": A reminder of the ongoing challenge for verifiable scientific proof of paranormal phenomena.
• The James Randi Fund / CSICOP Legal Defense Foundation: Information on these funds assisting in defending against lawsuits and supporting other skeptics.
• Electro-Skeptic Bulletin Board: Information on joining a world-wide skeptics' computer network.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Tampa Bay Skeptics Report consistently promotes a skeptical and evidence-based approach to paranormal and fringe-science claims. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, emphasizing scientific methodology, logical reasoning, and the debunking of pseudoscience. The magazine actively seeks to educate its readers about the flaws in paranormal claims and to provide resources for further skeptical investigation. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of rigorous scientific proof and a rejection of anecdotal evidence as sufficient grounds for belief. The publication also highlights the activities and efforts of skeptical organizations and individuals in combating the spread of misinformation.