Tampa Bay Skeptics Report

Magazine Overview

Title: Tampa Bay Skeptics Report
Issue: VOL. 10 NO. 3
Date: Winter 1997-98
Publisher: Tampa Bay Skeptics, Inc.
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the Tampa Bay Skeptics Report delves into various aspects of skepticism, paranormal claims, and critical thinking. It features a prominent article detailing the unsolved murder of Janice Nugent, a woman who had previously sought help for alleged paranormal experiences and had invited numerous people to her home.

Lead Article: Woman Found Murdered Following Visit by TBS Members

The cover story, written by Glenn Thompson, recounts the case of Janice Nugent, who was found murdered in her Tampa home in February 1997. Thompson details a visit by TBS members Michael Kleineschay and himself in March 1995 to Nugent's home, where she reported seeing 'faces' in her fireplace, experiencing cold spots, hearing voices, and other phenomena. Despite the lack of objective evidence, Nugent attributed these to the spirit of an eccentric old lady. Thompson notes that even children with Nugent showed skepticism. The article draws a parallel between Nugent's belief in paranormal demons and her tragic death at the hands of a human perpetrator, suggesting her concerns might have been better placed.

The case gained renewed attention when Nugent's name appeared in an article about the murder of Leanne Coryell, leading investigators to consider the possibility of a serial killer. The suspect in Coryell's murder, Ray Johnston, was known to frequent a bar where Nugent was last seen alive. The Tampa Police Department has stated that Nugent's murder is still under investigation and no information can be released.

Chairman's Corner: Why Do Some People Not Believe "Weird" Things?

Terry A. Smiljanich, Chairman, reflects on Michael Shermer's book "Why People Believe Weird Things." Shermer identifies strong human desires—the need to feel better, immediate gratification, simple explanations, and a moral framework—as drivers for belief in pseudoscience and the paranormal. Smiljanich contrasts this with the skeptic's perspective, questioning whether it's a psychological predisposition or a result of life experiences. He shares his own journey from childhood belief in psychokinesis and UFOs to skepticism, influenced by his early fascination with astronomy and the rigor of the scientific method. He also touches upon his eventual abandonment of religious dogma in favor of scientific understanding.

Psychology Club Learns About TBS and Skepticism

William W. Hall describes his experience teaching skeptical thinking to college students. He uses magic tricks, particularly mentalism, as a tool to engage students in discussions about paranormal phenomena and critical thinking. Hall recounts being invited to speak to the campus Psychology Club about ESP, astrology, and UFOs. He notes the club's history of inviting speakers on paranormal topics and his aim to balance the discourse with a rational perspective. During the Q&A, a UFO believer challenged the skepticism of CSICOP members, leading to a discussion about the Gulf Breeze sightings, which Hall identified as a hoax. He hopes to have recruited new members for TBS.

"Malcolm the Magnificent" Hosts Tampa Bay Skeptics

Jack Robinson recounts an appearance with Gary Posner on a Tampa public access TV show hosted by "Malcolm the Magnificent." The discussion focused on UFOs and other paranormal topics, with Robinson feeling frustrated by the host's dominance. He highlights the challenge of distinguishing credible anecdotal evidence from unreliable claims, using the example of deputies chasing what turned out to be the planet Venus. Robinson emphasizes the need for background checks on witnesses and references Philip Klass's debunking of Sergeant Robert Dean's claims about his UFO-related clearance and training. The segment concludes with Carl Sagan's principle: "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof."

Snippets

This section provides brief summaries of various news items and articles related to paranormal claims and skepticism:

• Princess Diana and Psychics: The article questions whether Princess Diana's psychic should be sued for malpractice, given her alleged reliance on psychic advice and the tragic outcome of her death. It argues that psychics often claim credit after events but offer weak excuses for failures.
• Trance Channeling Lawsuit: J.Z. Knight, who channels 'Ramtha,' successfully sued a German woman for interfering with her psychic channel, leading to a copyright award for Knight.
• Financial Astrology: Rebecca Nolan's Financial Astrology newsletter accurately predicted the October 27 market crash, attributing it to Mars being in retrograde.
• Superstition Survey: A Gallup Poll revealed that over half of American adults admit to being superstitious, with experts suggesting it can serve a mental health purpose under pressure.
• Florida's "Skunk Ape": A report on the search for the elusive "Skunk Ape" in southwest Florida, comparing it to Bigfoot, with sightings and smells reported in remote areas.
• "Zohnerism": The term "Zohnerism" is introduced, describing the deceptive use of facts to mislead the public, exemplified by a science fair project on "dihydrogen monoxide" (water) that caused 43 out of 50 classmates to vote for a ban.

Should Princess Diana's "Psychic" Be Sued for Malpractice?

This article, excerpted from the NCAHF Newsletter, criticizes Princess Diana's reliance on psychics. It argues that her psychic failed to warn her of her impending death, which could have saved lives. The author distinguishes between Type I psychics (con artists) and Type II psychics (delusional individuals), noting that both can engage in deception. The article emphasizes that true psychic ability has never been scientifically demonstrated, and the James Randi Educational Foundation offers a substantial reward for such proof.

Ben Bova Lectures in St. Petersburg

Valerie Grey reports on a lecture by author Ben Bova, who discussed his experiences editing science fiction magazines and his consulting work for NASA. Bova also made predictions about the future, including extended human lifespans, advanced medical treatments using "nano-machines," and lunar tourism. Grey notes that these predictions, while presented as scientific, bore an uncanny resemblance to paranormal promises of immortality and perfect health.

Tampa Bay Skeptics Consultants and Resources

The issue lists various consultants associated with Tampa Bay Skeptics, including academics and professionals in fields like psychology, medicine, and anthropology. It also provides a list of "Other skeptical sources on the paranormal," including Prometheus Books, Skeptical Inquirer, Skeptic magazine, the Skeptics UFO Newsletter, and the James Randi Educational Foundation, along with contact information.

Local Cable News Channel Has Remote 'Renier' Link

This piece mentions Elliot Wiser, general manager of a Tampa Bay-area cable TV news channel, in relation to Gary Posner's chapter on Noreen Renier. Wiser, initially a skeptic, reportedly became a believer after Renier accurately predicted aspects of the Reagan assassination attempt and personal details about him.

TBS Dues Increase

The Tampa Bay Skeptics Executive Council has voted to increase membership and subscription fees to $13, the first increase since the organization's founding in 1988.

TBS in the Media

Gary Posner was quoted in a Tampa Tribune article about a "7th Heaven Psychic Cafe" and appeared with Jack Robinson on local public access TV.

"Psychology Club" (Continued)

This section continues the report from William W. Hall's lecture, describing a Q&A session where a UFO believer became confrontational. Hall responded by pointing out the hoax nature of the Gulf Breeze sightings and encouraged the student to read skeptical literature.

CFI Institute Winter Session

Announces winter session courses on "History & Philosophy of Skepticism" and "Evolution vs. Creationism" in San Diego, CA.

Letters • Readers' Forum

• Valerie Grey expresses appreciation for the TBS Report and encloses a membership check, looking forward to meeting fellow skeptics.
• John Klaers from Orlando notes that Princess Diana's alleged psychic missed a significant prediction regarding her death.
• Cele Newman from Coconut Creek expresses anticipation for interfacing with fellow skeptics.

Membership/Subscription Form

A form is provided for readers to join Tampa Bay Skeptics, subscribe to the report, or make a donation.

Announcing... Tampa Bay Skeptics Quarterly Meetings

Details are provided for the upcoming quarterly meeting on Saturday, December 20, including the location, time, and scheduled activities such as video coverage of paranormal events and an open forum.

Possible Tampa Bay Center for Inquiry

Plans are announced for the potential establishment of a regional Center for Inquiry in the Tampa Bay area, similar to existing centers in other cities. The initiative is linked to CFI and CSICOP.

TBS and James Randi "Psychic" Challenges

This section reiterates TBS's $1,000 challenge to anyone who can provide verifiable scientific proof of paranormal phenomena. It also mentions James Randi's collective pledge of over $1,000,000 for successful demonstrations of paranormal power.

The James Randi Legal Fund and The CSICOP Legal Defense Foundation

These funds assist in defraying legal costs for skeptics facing lawsuits from paranormal proponents and provide financial aid to skeptics in need of legal counsel.

30% Discount on all Prometheus Books

An offer for a 30% discount on Prometheus Books ordered through TBS.

UFO Abduction Insurance

Tampa Bay Skeptics members are covered by a $10-million UFO Abduction Insurance policy through the St. Lawrence Agency.

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 editorial stance is clearly skeptical, aiming to debunk pseudoscience and expose quackery while encouraging rational explanations. The publication serves as a platform for disseminating information, fostering discussion among skeptics, and challenging unsubstantiated beliefs. Themes include the psychology of belief, the unreliability of anecdotal evidence, the importance of scientific methodology, and the media's role in reporting on paranormal phenomena. The organization actively engages in challenges and provides resources for those interested in skepticism.