Tampa Bay Skeptics Report - vol 11 no 2

Magazine Overview

Title: Tampa Bay Skeptics REPORT
Issue: VOL. 11 NO. 2
Date: Fall 1998

This issue of the Tampa Bay Skeptics REPORT, published quarterly by Tampa Bay Skeptics, Inc., focuses on critical examination of paranormal claims and media coverage thereof. The publication is dedicated to objective and critical inquiry, sharing the philosophy of the international Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP).

Articles and Features

UFOs, Scientists and Stanford University

This article by Terry A. Smiljanich investigates a press release from Stanford University that suggested a scientific panel's review of UFO phenomena concluded that some sightings are accompanied by physical evidence deserving scientific study. The panel, chaired by Professor Peter Sturrock and sponsored by Laurance S. Rockefeller, published its findings in the Journal of Scientific Exploration (JSE), an organ of the Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE). The author questions the credibility of the JSE and SSE, noting that SSE includes proponents of various fringe sciences. The article reveals that the Sturrock panel's report, a 48-page summary, was based on UFO investigators' 'best' cases, including photographs, radar returns, strange lights, and plant damage. However, the author points out that the report failed to mention that many of these cases had already been examined and questioned by UFO skeptics like Philip Klass. The panel concluded that the UFO problem remains unsolved and urged the scientific community to study it more closely. The article questions the objectivity of the study due to its apparent disregard for skeptical viewpoints.

The Day The Earth Stood Still: A "Repressed Memory" Story From Hell

Written by Robert V. McKelvey, this personal account details the devastating impact of 'repressed memory' therapy on his family. The author describes how his daughter, after undergoing therapy, accused him of sexual abuse from decades prior, attributing these memories to 'dreams and flashbacks.' The author and his wife were blindsided by these accusations, which were supported by the daughter's therapist. The article highlights the work of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation (FMSF), which has been contacted by thousands of individuals falsely accused through such therapies. McKelvey contrasts the courts' rejection of paranormal claims with their acceptance of 'expert' testimony in 'repressed memory' cases, recommending books by Margaret Hagen and Tana Dineen that criticize the profession. He expresses hope that the hysteria surrounding such therapies is waning.

Editorial: S.O.P. at CNN

Gary P. Posner's editorial criticizes CNN's handling of a news story, allegedly involving U.S. troops dropping deadly sarin nerve gas on defecting G.I.s during the Vietnam War. An internal review by media attorney Floyd Abrams concluded that the evidence was insufficient to justify the story's premise. CNN News chairman Tom Johnson apologized and retracted the story, firing or reprimanding those involved. Posner argues that CNN followed standard operating procedure (S.O.P.) by producing a publicity-generating premise, using ambiguous testimony, and disregarding denials. He compares this to CBS's earlier reporting on the Roswell crashed-saucer case, which he claims fudged facts to fit a government-coverup scenario. Posner notes that CNN has created an editorial 'watchdog' position but suspects it will be short-lived, lamenting the lack of reliable news reporting.

Paranormal Ancestries: The Value of History

Hugh H. Trotti's article explores historical precedents for modern paranormal beliefs. He discusses 'bleeding statues' as an example, noting that ancient pagan cultures also had wonders and miracles. He references historical accounts of statues of Athena and Mark Antony appearing to bleed. The article also touches on the SSE's broad scope, including studies on dowsing, reincarnation, remote viewing, cold fusion, and the Loch Ness Monster, suggesting that the SSE potentially funds and studies fringe claims without sufficient skepticism.

Snippets

This section provides brief summaries of various news items:

• Muhammad Ali is undergoing treatment with Jerry Jacobson's 'resonance machine' for Parkinson's syndrome.
• A mortgage company received a letter from a psychic reader's employer stating he is a subcontractor and his future earnings cannot be predicted.
• A convention of the American Federation of Astrologers in Orlando had lower attendance than a similar event in Atlanta.
• Lisa Maxam Goodnight, who works at a New Age store, was charged with grand theft for defrauding a woman.
• A building in Clearwater, originally a finance company and car dealership, is being leased by Shepherds of Christ Ministries to convert into a spiritual center.
• James Van Praagh claims to facilitate communication between Sonny and Cher.
• A writer to 'Dear Abby' recounts negative experiences with 'psychic' TV shows, receiving junk mail and phone calls.
• A rumor about an internet website involving a couple losing their virginity on camera was revealed to be a hoax involving actors.

Letters & Readers' Forum

• Kurt Denke thanks TBS for providing scientific worldview resources on the web.
• Valerie Grey thanks the organization for gifts received at their 10th Anniversary meeting.
• Hugh Trotti comments on the debate surrounding hypnosis, citing differing opinions from a psychologist and a psychiatrist.
• Gary Posner shares a veterinary surgeon's concerns about the dangers of 'alternative veterinary medicine,' specifically chiropractic manipulation in dogs, which can lead to ruptured cervical disks.
• The section also includes a continuation of the "UFOs, Scientists and Stanford" article, discussing the SSE's broad mandate and its inclusion of fringe science topics.

TBS in the Media

This section details TBS's media appearances and mentions:

• Miles Hardy appeared on a news report about graphology.
• Gary Posner was quoted in an article about a woman claiming her deceased husband talks to her.
• Posner was interviewed about the Sturrock/SSE UFO report and Muhammad Ali's 'magnetic therapy'.
• TBS referred ABC-TV to the Denton, Texas, police department for information on 'psychic detective' John Monti.

Financial Report

A Statement of Income and Expenditures for fiscal year 1997-98 is provided, showing a net balance of $920.13.

Other Skeptical Sources

This section lists various skeptical organizations and publications, including Prometheus Books, Skeptical Inquirer, Skeptic magazine, Skeptics UFO Newsletter, and the James Randi Educational Foundation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Tampa Bay Skeptics REPORT consistently promotes a skeptical and critical approach to paranormal claims, fringe science, and pseudoscientific theories. The publication actively debunks unsubstantiated claims, critiques media coverage that sensationalizes or uncritically accepts paranormal phenomena, and provides resources for those seeking objective information. The editorial stance is one of rigorous inquiry, demanding evidence and questioning authority, particularly when it comes to claims that lack scientific validation. The organization offers a monetary challenge for proof of paranormal abilities, underscoring its commitment to empirical evidence over belief.