Tampa Bay Skeptics Report - vol 08 no 3

Magazine Overview

Title: Tampa Bay Skeptics Report
Issue: Vol. 8 No. 3
Date: Winter 1995-96
Publisher: Tampa Bay Skeptics, Inc.
Editor and Publisher: Gary P. Posner

This issue of the Tampa Bay Skeptics Report focuses on the ongoing efforts of skeptics to critically examine paranormal claims and promote scientific literacy. It features articles on a large monetary challenge for proof of psychic abilities, a local battle to preserve dark skies for astronomical observation, and various "snippets" of news related to pseudoscience and skepticism.

Skeptics Pledge Over $500,000 for Proof of "Psychic" Power

By Gary P. Posner

This article details the significant response to James "The Amazing" Randi's initiative to raise funds for an award to anyone who can demonstrate psychic power under controlled conditions. As of December 15, 1995, over $446,500 of a total of $507,000 pledged had been accounted for, making the prize available just under $450,000. Randi's "Hotline" service and e-mail messages are cited, explaining the concept of a "2000 Club" where pledgers contribute to a larger prize. The article notes the widespread international response and the excuses "psychics" are reportedly making to avoid the challenge. Penn Jillette is mentioned for agreeing to match the largest single pledge.

Fighting to Save the Night Skies

By Terry A. Smiljanich

This piece recounts the efforts of the St. Petersburg Astronomy Club (SPAC) in Hernando County, Florida, to oppose the construction of a 400-foot radio tower near their Hickory Hill Observatory. The tower, proposed by WGUL-FM, Inc., would have significantly impacted the dark skies essential for amateur astronomy. While the club's formal objections were ultimately unsuccessful, leading to the commission approving the tower, the effort heightened public awareness of amateur science and scientific literacy. The article details the club's history, their observatory, and the arguments presented during the county commission hearing. The outcome was a mixed success, with the club unable to stop the tower but able to initiate discussions about regulating light pollution.

Editorial: Burden of Proof

By Gary P. Posner

The editorial draws a parallel between the O.J. Simpson trial verdict and the scientific principle of placing the burden of proof on proponents of extraordinary claims. Posner argues that while the legal system is designed to err on the side of caution (preferring 100 criminals go free than one innocent person be wrongly convicted), the scientific arena should not similarly grant the benefit of the doubt to unsubstantiated paranormal claims. He criticizes the notion of updating scientific textbooks with unsubstantiated claims and suggests that the legal system's "lofty standards" are not always applied ethically by attorneys. The piece concludes by questioning whether the scientific community should adopt a more lenient approach, or conversely, if the justice system could benefit from a more scientific approach to determining truth.

Waxing Skeptical

By Kenneth D. Hackmeyer

This personal essay reflects on the author's journey to becoming a skeptic. He attributes his skepticism to a growing frustration with what he perceives as the "dumbing of America" and the prevalence of irrational beliefs and pseudoscience in society. Hackmeyer expresses weariness with the constant stream of "stupidity," from sensationalized TV shows to political "voodoo theories." He argues that believing in the government's ability to solve problems is akin to believing in the paranormal. For Hackmeyer, skepticism is a form of "self-defense" and the only way to maintain sanity in a world filled with "boneheads, crackpots, quacks, cretins and goofs."

Hole-in-the-Head Update

This brief update reports on ongoing negotiations between Tampa Bay Skeptics (Gary Posner) and Louay Fatoohi of Paramann Programme Labs (PPL) regarding a challenge of PPL's claims of paranormal wound-healing. The stakes have increased, with PPL now interested in testing against James Randi's "2000 Club" challenge. A proposed test involves a skewer passing through the abdomen or daggers in the skull, with minimal pain, bleeding, and rapid healing.

Chuck Harder Update

This section provides an update on Chuck Harder, whose claims of a perpetual energy generator were previously investigated by TBS. Harder's "For the People" foundation is described as a "mini-empire" fueled by anti-government conspiracy theories, and a CNN report is mentioned that highlighted this aspect.

Snippets

This section contains a collection of short news items related to paranormal claims and skeptical investigations:

• Brent Yaciw's TV Report: Yaciw's article about being edited out of a WTVT-TV 13 report on "Angels" is mentioned, along with the reporter's nomination for an Emmy.
• Louis Farrakhan's ET Abduction Claim: Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan claimed his "March on Washington" was inspired by an ET abduction where he met Elijah Muhammad.
• CIA "Psychics" Study: A study co-authored by Ray Hyman for the CIA on the agency's use of psychics for intelligence gathering ("Stargate" program) is discussed. The program cost $20 million over 20 years, with Hyman stating there was no evidence of helpfulness, though co-author Jessica Utts claimed 15% accuracy.
• Gary Spivey's Radio Show: TV columnist Walt Belcher wonders if psychic Gary Spivey knew his radio show would be canceled.
• Astrologer Patric Walker's Death: The death of astrologer Patric Walker is noted, with a comment that his horoscopes did not predict his own demise.
• "Have You Ever Seen a Ghost?" Poll: A "900" number poll revealed that 92% of callers said they had seen a ghost, and 73% claimed to have actually seen one.
• Bulgarian UFO Gathering: Fifteen hundred people gathered in Bulgaria awaiting spaceships promised by mediums, who later offered excuses for the no-show.
• Prayer and Health Study: A headline about a "Health study touts power of prayer" is discussed, with the clarification that repeating prayers can trigger a "relaxation response," as noted by Harvard Medical School professor Herbert Benson.
• George Anderson's Grief Support: George Anderson, author of "We Don't Die," is mentioned for holding a grief-support program.

Letters • Readers' Forum

This section includes correspondence from readers:

• Michael Dennett praises an article in the Skeptical Inquirer about a "miraculous" cure and the "mystery" of "Unsolved Mysteries."
• Alexander Mebane thanks TBS for its skeptical investigation into a healing claim and notes the prevalence of "New Age" and "contactee" delusions.
• Judy Welsh expresses regret for missing a TBS meeting and interest in the organization.
• Warren Gammel, a new subscriber to the Skeptical Inquirer, expresses interest in Tampa Bay Skeptics, believing in strange flying objects but skeptical of alien abduction. He seeks truth based on facts.
• Victor Chapel praises an article on the CSICOP World Wide Web site and expresses interest in joining TBS.
• Penn Jillette provides a brief comment on the editorial's comparison to the O.J. Simpson verdict, disagreeing with the comparison but finding the verdict fine.

Announcements and Information

• Tampa Bay Skeptics Quarterly Meeting: Scheduled for January 20, featuring an open forum and video on media coverage of the paranormal.
• TBS "$1,000 Challenge": An open invitation to psychics, UFOlogists, etc., to provide verifiable scientific proof of paranormal phenomena.
• TBS in the Media: Mentions interviews with TBS chairman Terry Smiljanich about Roswell and vice chairman Miles Hardy about psychic Gary Spivey, as well as founder Gary Posner's call with a St. Pete. Times columnist.
• The James Randi Fund and CSICOP Legal Defense Foundation: Information on these funds assisting in defending against lawsuits from paranormal proponents.
• Electro-Skeptic Bulletin Board: Information on joining a worldwide skeptics' computer network.
• Prometheus Books Discount: A 30% discount on books ordered through TBS.
• Contact Information: E-mail address for editor Gary Posner and mailing address for Tampa Bay Skeptics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of paranormal claims, the promotion of scientific literacy, and the importance of skepticism as a tool for discerning truth. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and against unsubstantiated beliefs, as exemplified by the organization's name and the content of its articles and letters. The publication actively challenges pseudoscientific claims and encourages open inquiry, while also providing practical information for those interested in joining or supporting the skeptical movement.