Tampa Bay Skeptics REPORT

Magazine Overview

Title: Tampa Bay Skeptics REPORT

Issue: Vol. 11 No. 4

Date: Spring 1999

Publisher: Tampa Bay Skeptics, Inc.

Country: USA

Language: English

Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the Tampa Bay Skeptics REPORT delves into critical examinations of paranormal claims, alternative medicine, and anthropological perspectives on belief systems. It features in-depth articles, reader contributions, and news updates from the organization.

Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld's China Acupuncture Story Questioned

This article by Gary P. Posner, M.D., scrutinizes a story published in Parade magazine by Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld, a cardiologist and professor of medicine. Rosenfeld described an extraordinary Chinese operation in the 1970s where a patient's mitral valve was repaired using acupuncture for anesthesia, with an electrode attached to the earlobe. Posner questions the veracity of the story, particularly the accompanying photograph which appears to show the surgical field displaced to the patient's left, rather than centered on the breastbone. He also raises concerns about the medical feasibility of performing such surgery without artificial ventilation, as the chest cavity would collapse, leading to asphyxiation. Posner notes that Dr. Rosenfeld's own accounts in his book and in email communications contain inconsistencies, such as the number of needles used and their placement. He also mentions that Dr. Michael DeBakey, a renowned cardiac surgeon, was consulted. DeBakey recalled a similar procedure but noted it involved pre-operative medication and a different incision that spared one lung, and he expressed skepticism about a midline split-breastbone approach causing lung collapse. Dr. Wallace Sampson, an editor of The Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine, had previously contacted Parade's health editor about the incongruities but received no reply. Rosenfeld stated his motivation was to draw attention to acupuncture's potential for alleviating chronic pain, but Posner suggests the article could mislead readers into believing acupuncture offers mysterious anesthetic properties.

Chairman's Report: False Hopes or Hard Truths?

In this section, Terry A. Smiljanich discusses celebrity cases where psychic healing was pursued over conventional medical treatment. Actress Susan Strasberg, diagnosed with breast cancer, opted for daily psychic sessions with healer Nicolai Levashov instead of a double mastectomy. She claimed her cancer disappeared, but later died of the disease. Similarly, comedian Andy Kaufman sought psychic surgery for his cancer and also died. Smiljanich contrasts these instances with the approach of scientists like Carl Sagan, who faced death with realism. The author posits that skeptics often confront the allure of supernatural beliefs with the necessity of facing hard truths, questioning whether people would prefer a comforting lie over reality when faced with a terminal illness.

Anthropology and Shamanism: A Debate

This section presents a correspondence between Dr. William S. Lyon, a professor of anthropology, and Jim Lett, a published anthropology professor and member of the Tampa Bay Skeptics. Dr. Lyon asserts his anthropological credentials make him qualified to evaluate paranormal claims of Native American shamans, citing their ability to locate lost items as evidence of shamanic powers. He claims his book, the Encyclopedia of Native American Shamanism, documents such accounts. Jim Lett, in response, argues that anthropological training does not equate to accepting paranormal claims without scientific scrutiny. He contends that Dr. Lyon misrepresents anthropology's stance, which generally explains the persistence of paranormal beliefs within cultural contexts rather than endorsing their objective validity. Lett distinguishes between powers of observation and deduction versus telepathy or clairvoyance, stating the latter are not supported by anthropological evidence. He criticizes the idea of paranormal retribution from shamans and challenges Dr. Lyon to provide a testable demonstration of shamanic powers, suggesting such tests are unlikely to occur.

Snippets

This section provides brief summaries of various news items and articles:

• Homeopathy: Patric J. Byrd's column notes that shaking remedies is thought to impart homeopathic action, but these treatments lack scientific muster and may be placebo effects.
• TWA Flight 800 Investigation: The FBI initially investigated a claim by a psychic about a bomb on TWA Flight 800, but later determined no bomb was involved, costing $20 million.
• Rev. Ron Clark: The leader of Tampa's Living Water Church claims to have healed the blind, deaf, and lame in over 30 countries and plans a TV ministry.
• Joe Firmage: The 28-year-old founder of Serius Corporation left his tech career to pursue extraterrestrial beings, claiming a visit from a 'remarkable being' and spending $3 million on schooling.
• Diet and Personality: Research from the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation suggests preferences for ice cream flavors correlate with personality traits.
• Pet Psychic: Therapist Judie Herman, a 'pet psychic,' interpreted a dog's pillow-ripping habit as a sign of boredom and a desire for meaningful work.
• James Randi's Challenge: A column by Walt Belcher highlighted James Randi's million-dollar challenge for paranormal proof and TBS's $1,000 offer for similar demonstrations.

Letters / Readers' Forum

This section includes correspondence from readers:

• John Bancroft: Notifies TBS about an annotated link on "Tampa's Big List" website.
• Julie Fisher: Expresses appreciation for TBS's articles and website, finding them useful for educating a friend about the supernatural and criticizing misleading TV news shows.
• Joe Mustion: Questions the scientific investigation of paranormal claims, noting a lack of scientific method in some observations.
• Judith Becker Bryant, Ph.D.: Discusses the negative impact of eliminating laboratory experiments in Florida schools, arguing it limits students' scientific exploration and critical thinking due to fears of liability.
• Paul H. Smith III: Thanks TBS for a prompt response to an inquiry and encloses a membership form and check.

Announcements and Information

• Quarterly Meetings: Details are provided for the next Tampa Bay Skeptics meeting on Saturday, March 20, at 10:30 AM in the Martin Luther King Room at the Public Library, featuring video coverage of paranormal media, executive council elections, and other activities.
• TBS Website: Information on visiting the TBS award-winning website and joining the electronic TBS Update Service is provided.
• TBS and James Randi "Psychic" Challenges: The standing $1,000 offer for verifiable proof of paranormal phenomena is reiterated, along with James Randi's larger challenge.
• Prometheus Books Discount: A 30% discount on Prometheus Books ordered through TBS is offered.
• UFO Abduction Insurance: TBS members are covered by a $10-million UFO Abduction Insurance policy.
• Membership/Subscription/Donation: A form is included for supporting Tampa Bay Skeptics through membership, subscription, or donation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of extraordinary claims, particularly in the realms of alternative medicine and paranormal phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, emphasizing the importance of scientific evidence, critical thinking, and objective reasoning. The publication actively debunks pseudoscience and challenges claims that lack empirical support, advocating for a rational approach to understanding the world. The magazine also highlights the role of skepticism in combating misinformation and promoting intellectual honesty, as seen in the discussions on anthropology, psychic healing, and the scientific method.