Tampa Bay Skeptics Report

Magazine Overview

Title: Tampa Bay Skeptics Report
Issue: Vol. 11 No. 3
Date: Winter 1998-99
Publisher: Tampa Bay Skeptics, Inc.
Country: USA
Language: English
ISSN: 1077-3118

Main Articles

"Psychic/Prophet" Fails the TBS "$1,000 Challenge"

This article by Gary P. Posner details the failed attempt by Virginia Levy, a self-styled "psychic/prophet," to win the Tampa Bay Skeptics' (TBS) $1,000 challenge. The challenge, held on September 19, involved Levy attempting to psychically identify a hidden object among ten boxes. Levy was required to succeed in all seven runs to win. The test, which involved "psychometry" (reading vibrations of objects), was conducted under a protocol signed by Levy and TBS. Witnesses included members of TBS, a reporter from the Tampa Tribune, and students from the University of South Florida. Levy's performance was a complete failure, as she selected the wrong box in all seven runs. The article explains that Levy's zero-for-seven performance was the second most likely outcome in the absence of psychic power, with a 1 in 10 chance of success per run. Following the failed challenge, Levy was videotaped attempting to locate a missing child, Amanda Brown, in Tampa. Her predictions, which included details about the location, the perpetrator's characteristics, and the child's condition, were largely inaccurate. The article notes that Willie Crain, the suspect in Amanda's murder, was found to have blood matching Amanda's in his home and bathroom, and his mobile home was located about 15 miles from the area Levy pinpointed, not near water as she predicted.

UFOs, Scientists and Stanford University

This two-part article by Terry A. Smiljanich (Part 2) critically examines the Stanford/Sturrock report on the "UFO problem." The report, sponsored by the Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE) and published in its Journal of Scientific Exploration (JSE), was presented by the media as scientific confirmation of UFO reality. Smiljanich points out that JSE has a history of publishing articles on fringe-science topics like cold fusion, astrology, and dowsing. The author argues that the SSE and its publications are committed to pseudoscientific topics, and this fact was omitted in media reports. The article quotes Dr. Bernhard Haisch, editor-in-chief of JSE, who criticizes the "skeptical community" and suggests that federal funding could advance the UFO question. Smiljanich questions whether scientists should be investigating claims of green lights chasing police cars or crashed aliens, rather than focusing on more tangible threats like Near Earth Objects (NEOs). The article references Richard Feynman's view that UFO reports are unimportant unless they "sharpen up" and provide clear evidence. The author concludes that the Stanford/Sturrock panel should have addressed the UFO community directly, not the Associated Press, and that media coverage of the report will likely increase belief in UFOs, regardless of the report's actual findings.

Skeptical Scientist Defends Against Lawsuit Brought by Controversial Clinic

This article by Robert H. Buesing details a libel lawsuit filed against Dr. Philip Filner, a biochemist with the Macular Degeneration Foundation (MDF), by RheoTherapy Centers of Tampa Bay. Filner made comments about RheoTherapy, a clinic offering a controversial therapy for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). MDF, a non-profit organization, provides information and support for AMD sufferers. The article explains that while various treatments exist, about 90% of AMD cases do not respond. RheoTherapy Centers claims to offer a miracle cure, using apheresis to remove high-molecular-weight proteins. However, MDF believes there is no peer-reviewed scientific support for this claim. Dr. Richard C. Davis, Jr., founder of RheoTherapy Centers, conducted some small studies at the University of Cologne, but MDF's review found no proof of significant improvement. Filner began replying to inquiries with MDF's conclusions. In January 1998, the clinic was temporarily shut down by the State of Florida for providing an unproven technique but was allowed to reopen under stricter supervision. The clinic subsequently sued MDF and Filner for defamation. The article emphasizes the importance of victims of AMD receiving full and honest information about unproven therapies.

Kepler: A Skeptical Mystic?

This piece by Jack Robinson explores the mystical side of Johannes Kepler, the renowned astronomer. It quotes Morris Kline's "Mathematics: A Cultural Approach" describing Kepler's belief in a God-designed mathematical plan for the universe. Kepler was also superstitious and practiced astrology, partly due to his employers' requests. He even wrote "On the More Certain Foundations of Astrology" (1602). However, in his later life, Kepler included disclaimers in his astrological reports, indicating a degree of skepticism. The author suggests Kepler may have practiced astrology for financial reasons, to support his scientific endeavors.

Snippets

This section provides brief news items:

• Skunk Ape: CBS-TV's "Unsolved Mysteries" is investigating the "Skunk Ape" (Bigfoot of the Everglades) in southwest Florida. The report suggests it is a hoax.
• Vampire Legend: A study in the journal "Neurology" suggests that vampire legends may have originated from a major European rabies epidemic in the 1700s, citing similarities in aggressiveness and hypersexuality.
• Loch Ness Monster: A South Carolinian plans to spend $1 million building a submarine to search for the Loch Ness Monster.
• Art Bell: Radio host Art Bell abruptly ended his broadcast due to a family emergency but soon returned to the air.
• Alternative Medicine in Schools: A JAMA survey found that "alternative medicine" is being taught in nearly two-thirds of U.S. medical schools.
• Andrew Skolnick Fired: Andrew Skolnick, an associate editor of JAMA, was fired for articles critical of "alternative" medicine, attracting lawsuits from practitioners.
• Chiropractic Treatment: Two studies in the "New England Journal of Medicine" concluded that chiropractic treatment may be no better than reading a pamphlet for back pain and is worthless for childhood asthma.

Several Extraordinary Medical Claims with (so far) Unextraordinary Evidence

This section by Gary P. Posner, M.D., discusses several medical claims:

• Open-Heart Surgery in China: Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld reported observing open-heart surgery performed with acupuncture anesthesia in China.
• Dr. Judah Folkman's Findings: The National Cancer Institute's efforts to replicate Dr. Folkman's findings on cancer-fighting drugs endostatin and angiostatin have been fruitless.
• Acupuncture for Breech Presentation: An article in JAMA suggests that stimulating "acupoint BL 67" with burning herbs may help treat breech presentations in pregnancy, but the article does not address whether simple stimulation might have a similar effect.

Randi Speaks in St. Pete.

James Randi was the featured speaker at the Dr. Carl Edward Sagan Memorial Dinner, discussing Dr. Sagan's contributions to human progress and the importance of critical thinking. Randi expressed concern about a potential "second Dark Ages" and encouraged listeners to continue Sagan's work.

Posner and "psychic" on Kathy Fountain's show

Gary Posner and psychic Donna Jean Guerrera appeared on Kathy Fountain's show to discuss how not to get ripped off by phony psychics. Posner offered a $1,000 prize for anyone who could "psychically" determine the contents of a box, but no one took the challenge. Fountain expressed interest in setting up a formal challenge.

TBS gets credit on Stossel show

Tampa Bay Skeptics (TBS) received a "Special Thanks" on John Stossel's ABC-TV special "The Power of Belief" for their assistance regarding "psychic detective" John Monti.

"Scientist sued" (from p. 2)

This continuation discusses the lawsuit against Dr. Philip Filner, emphasizing the right of non-profit foundations to comment on medical procedures and the clinic's attempt to silence critics. It highlights the need for honest information for AMD victims.

Letters & Readers' Forum

• Alan McBride compliments the TBS website.
• Alan L. Soli praises the TBS meeting with Virginia Levy but expresses annoyance with humanists/atheists taking over the meeting, advocating for more productive future meetings.
• Joseph King finds the TBS website great and plans to attend future meetings.
• Allen Downard suggests Gary Posner should have formally challenged the psychic Donna Jean Guerrera on Kathy Fountain's show.

The "Psychic/Prophet fails TBS Challenge" results are reiterated, showing Levy's selections and the actual results for each run.

Announcements

• Tampa Bay Skeptics Quarterly Meetings: Scheduled for the 3rd Saturday of March, June, September, and December. The next meeting was scheduled for Saturday, December 19, 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM, at the Martin Luther King Room, Public Library, Tampa.
• Warning: ET probe to land on Dec. 7! An e-mail from Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS) warned of an alien craft landing near Phoenix, AZ, based on information from Richard Hoagland and an "EQ Pegasi signal."
• Visit TBS's Award-Winning Website: http://members.aol.com/tbayskept/tbs.html is promoted for articles, links, and updates.
• TBS and James Randi "Psychic" Challenges: TBS offers a $1,000 reward for verifiable proof of paranormal phenomena, with James Randi also securing over $1,000,000 for successful candidates.
• 30% Discount on all Prometheus Books: Available through TBS.
• UFO Abduction Insurance: TBS members are covered by a $10-million UFO Abduction Insurance policy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Tampa Bay Skeptics Report consistently promotes skepticism and critical examination of paranormal claims, fringe science, and alternative medicine. The publication actively debunks purported psychic abilities, UFO phenomena, and unsubstantiated medical treatments. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and scientific inquiry, often highlighting the lack of credible evidence for extraordinary claims and the potential for deception or self-delusion. The organization provides a platform for skeptical viewpoints and challenges those who make extraordinary claims to provide verifiable proof. The report also serves as a community hub for like-minded individuals, announcing meetings and promoting skeptical resources.