Tampa Bay Skeptics Report - vol 15 no 3 - INCOMPLETE

Magazine Overview

Title: TBS Report Online
Issue: Vol. 15 - No. 3
Date: Winter 2002-03
Publisher: Tampa Bay Skeptics (A Special Interest Group of CFI Tampa Bay)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of TBS Report Online delves into various phenomena often associated with pseudoscience and skepticism, including psychic hotlines, questionable predictions, UFO experiences, and religious apparitions.

"Miss Cleo" and Psychic Hotlines

The lead article details the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) successful nine-month battle against Steven Feder and Peter Stolz, owners of the "psychic hotline" companies fronted by "Miss Cleo." The companies, Access Resource Services and Psychic Readers Network, based in Fort Lauderdale, agreed to cancel $500 million in charges billed to callers, representing half of their total billings over three years. During this period, the FTC received 3,000 consumer complaints nationally. While consumers will not receive direct refunds under the federal agreement, uncollected bills will be forgiven, and undeposited checks returned. Florida victims may have a better outcome, as the Florida attorney general's office announced a separate settlement providing cash refunds to Florida callers who can provide proof of payment. The state's case against "Miss Cleo" herself, accused of deceptive advertising, remains open. "Miss Cleo" was revealed to be Youree Dell Harris, whose claimed Jamaican mystic persona was deemed inauthentic, as she was born in Los Angeles to American parents.

Sylvia Browne's Visit and Predictions

The issue announces the upcoming visit of television "psychic" Sylvia Browne to central Florida on May 21, 2003, at the Lakeland Center. Browne, a frequent guest on shows like Montel Williams and Larry King, claims the ability to predict futures and connect people with deceased loved ones. The article questions the timing of her website's assurance that she is a member of a national consumer protection agency and donates to charities, suggesting potential chicanery. An excerpt from James Randi's work highlights Browne's agreement to a definitive test for the JREF million-dollar challenge on Larry King Live in September 2001. After six months of no contact, Randi notes her unresponsiveness. Randi also points out three of Browne's public predictions: a serious hurricane on Florida's west coast that did not occur, and the 2000 election predictions that Democrat Bill Bradley would win and Al Gore would be in the White House, both of which were incorrect.

UFO Abductions and Numerology

A recent Roper Poll commissioned by the Sci-Fi Channel found that 2.9 million Americans claim to have experienced symptoms associated with UFO abductions. The editor humorously notes that he, too, might be an abductee, citing an unexplainable scar on his body and other common symptoms like paralysis, sensing a presence, seeing unusual lights, or experiencing "missing time." The article also touches on numerology related to the 9/11 attacks, noting that the winning New York Lottery number on 9/11 of the current year was "911." St. Petersburg "psychic and medium" Bob Linn interprets this as a divine confirmation, suggesting the universe decreed the events. The editor contrasts this with the view that terrorists planned the attack specifically because of the significance of "911" in the U.S.

"For the People" Radio Program

The issue references a previous report from Spring 1990 about Chuck Harder's Florida-based radio program, "For the People." At that time, Harder asserted that "UFOs are real and are indeed from another world" and featured UFO-related articles. His program's science advisor was Richard Hoagland, known for his "Face on Mars" claims. Despite being broadcast on over 350 stations, "For the People" had not been carried by a Tampa Bay radio station since 1996, though Harder, who is largely confined to a wheelchair, was hoping to return to the market.

Clearwater's "Virgin Mary" Apparition

An article by Gary P. Posner discusses the "Virgin Mary" apparition in Clearwater, Florida, noting that while it once attracted thousands, its appeal has waned. The image, located on a building at the corner of U.S. 19 and Drew St., drew half a million faithful worldwide in its heyday, many seeking miraculous cures. A pedestrian crossing was created, and local police directed traffic. The article, referencing a Spring 1997 report and a recent St. Petersburg Times article, explains the image as the result of a chemical reaction and corrosion in the glass window. The resemblance to the Virgin Mary is noted, though some saw the Grim Reaper. The image was not appreciated until a 30-foot palm tree obscuring it was removed in December 1996. A 1994 Florida Dept. of Transportation photograph showed the image present even then, partially obscured by the tree. Similar iridescent stains were found on other surfaces, and one stain, obscured by a palm tree, resembled the Buddha more than Mary.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently promotes a skeptical viewpoint, scrutinizing claims made by psychics, mediums, and those involved in alleged supernatural phenomena. The editorial stance is critical of deceptive practices, particularly in the psychic industry, as evidenced by the focus on the FTC's actions against "Miss Cleo." The magazine also examines UFO-related claims and religious apparitions through a rational and evidence-based lens, questioning the validity of anecdotal evidence and promoting scientific explanations. The Tampa Bay Skeptics, through its publication, aims to debunk pseudoscience and encourage critical thinking among its readers.