Tampa Bay Skeptics Report - vol 09 no 1

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Tampa Bay Skeptics Report, Volume 9, Number 1, from Summer 1996, is published by Tampa Bay Skeptics, Inc. It features a cover story titled "'Psychic Detective' Noreen Renier 'Put to the Test' - Hollywood style" by Gary P. Posner, and an update on the "2000 Club" Challenge concerning a Japanese puppet show by James Randi. The magazine is dedicated to the critical examination of paranormal and fringe-science claims.

'Psychic Detective' Noreen Renier "Put to the Test" - Hollywood style

Gary P. Posner critically reviews a segment from the ABC-TV program "Put to the Test" featuring psychic detective Noreen Renier. Renier claims she can identify a killer given a victim's name and an item from the crime scene. Her test involved three previously solved homicides in Glendale, California. Posner notes that Renier's "results were split" on day one, though she claimed 75% accuracy. On day two, a case involving an 89-year-old woman named Josephine was presented. Renier described the killer with vague details about the mouth and overbite, which Posner found inaccurate. Her description of the murder scene included "a lot of white in it" and a "screen door creak," which Posner suggests could apply to many homes. The article details Renier's "psychic" reading of the crime, including her simulation of stabbing motions and "puffing faces/sounds," which Posner dismisses as absurd acting. The test concluded with Renier identifying a hidden weapon, a fact that was not previously publicized. Posner questions whether Renier's "success" was due to intuition, prior knowledge, or genuine psychic power, noting that magicians can simulate such abilities. He points out that Renier declined a formal test for TBS's "$1,000 Challenge" and James Randi's "2000 Club" jackpot.

"2000 Club" Challenge Update: A Japanese puppet show on TV

James Randi reports on a modern adaptation of Bunraku puppetry by the Tokyo Broadcasting System (ToBrSys). In this television format, the puppet operators are the producers and directors, and the audience at home are the 'doll figures'. The program "Friday TV Star" featured an encounter with a "psychic" from Taiwan named Mai Takahashi. Takahashi claimed ESP abilities, but Randi, through a Japanese skeptic named Kubota Hiroshi, learned that ToBrSys edited the broadcast to conceal Takahashi's cheating. The hidden camera footage showed Takahashi peeking at target drawings. Randi challenges ToBrSys to release the full videotape, expressing a loss of trust in the producers and directors.

Chairman's Corner: Life After Death

Terry A. Smiljanich reflects on the pervasive human desire for the perpetuation of self and the common theme of an afterlife in religions. He references Carl Sagan's personal "near-death" experience and his unwavering belief that death is an end, quoting Albert Einstein's view that he cannot conceive of a god who rewards or punishes or of an individual surviving physical death. Smiljanich contrasts this with the comfort sought in afterlife beliefs, suggesting that the religious impetus is stronger than rational thinking. He emphasizes that for skeptics, the challenge lies in finding meaning and beauty in an indifferent universe, and that time here is precious if there is no life after death.

Snippets

This section contains various short news items:

• A three-day training session in hypnosis and parapsychology was held in April at the Boca Raton Sheraton for licensed therapists.
• Al Ruechel, formerly of Ch. 10 news, will become program director and host a talk show for Ch. 22, the local Christian Television Network.
• Colorado "graphologist" Polly Cady taught a class in Tampa on changing one's life through penmanship, emphasizing self-empowerment.
• A National Science Foundation survey found that 47% of American adults are aware that it takes one year for the Earth to orbit the sun.
• A letter writer complained about harassment from a psychic astrology network.
• Puerto Rico's "chupacabras" sightings are spreading to south Florida, but Miami zoologist Ron Magill explained the phenomenon as likely due to dogs.
• A "giant bat-like creature" was reported terrorizing a Mexican village, with goats found drained of blood.
• Thomas Passmore of Norfolk, Virginia, cut off his own hand after seeing the number 666, then sued the hospital.

USF / St. Pete. sponsors "Psychic Fair"

Jack Robinson expresses disappointment at missing a "Psychic Fair" sponsored by the University of South Florida (USF) on April 12. He contacted Steve Ritch, Director of Student Affairs, suggesting that USF should represent the skeptical point of view at future events. Ritch expressed interest in presenting both sides of the psychic phenomena question and requested TBS newsletters.

Randi honored with asteroid

The International Astronomical Union renamed asteroid (3163) Randi in honor of James Randi for his efforts in debunking paranormal claims. Randi humorously comments on the responsibility and power this honor confers.

TBS Statement of Income and Expenditures

Financial records for fiscal year 1994 (June 1, 1994 - May 31, 1995) show a net balance of $914.09.

TBS in the Media

Miles Hardy appeared on Ch. 13 discussing science and skeptics, alongside Carl Sagan. Gary Posner was quoted in articles about "Prescription for Prayer" and Dr. Larry Dossey. TBS and its "$1,000 Challenge" were featured in a report on "psychics" on Ch. 10.

Letters • Readers' Forum

• Rev. Bob Edwards from Port Charlotte requests information on the Roswell incident, "Area 51," and the Branch Davidians.
• Rev. Tom Leckrone has moved to Venice and recommends Carl Sagan's book "The Demon-Haunted World."
• Mike Smolik comments that conspiracy theorists would be the first to disappear if secret societies existed.
• Harold Blake has moved to New York's Adirondack Park and describes his experiences with extreme weather and health challenges.

Tampa Bay Skeptics Membership/Subscription/Donation/Back Order Form

A form is provided for readers to join TBS, subscribe to the report, or make donations.

Announcing... Tampa Bay Skeptics Quarterly Meeting

A meeting is scheduled for Saturday, June 29, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, at the Carmen Manis Room (2nd Floor) of the Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa, featuring an open forum and video coverage of paranormal media.

James Randi Educational Foundation

This newly formed non-profit foundation, funded by an anonymous sponsor, is preparing a facility for a book and video library, computer access, and research. It aims to conduct research, offer classes, and provide scholarships, seeking cooperation from other organizations and individuals involved in parapsychology.

TBS "$1,000 Challenge" and 2000 Club "$500,000 Challenge"

Details are reiterated for the challenges offering monetary rewards for verifiable proof of paranormal phenomena.

The James Randi Fund and The CSICOP Legal Defense Foundation

Information is provided on these funds, which assist in defending against lawsuits and supporting skeptics in need.

30% Discount on all Prometheus Books

A discount offer for books ordered through TBS is mentioned.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Tampa Bay Skeptics Report consistently promotes critical thinking and skepticism towards paranormal and fringe-science claims. The publication debunks alleged psychic abilities, UFO phenomena, and other pseudoscientific assertions through detailed analysis, investigative reporting, and the dissemination of factual information. The editorial stance is one of objective inquiry, encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims and to rely on scientific evidence. The magazine also highlights the importance of skepticism in understanding the world and advocates for rational explanations over unsubstantiated beliefs. The "$1,000 Challenge" and James Randi's "2000 Club" are central to their mission of seeking verifiable proof of the paranormal.