Tampa Bay Skeptics Report - vol 15 no 4 - INCOMPLETE

Magazine Overview

This issue of TBS Report Online, Volume 15, Number 4, from Spring 2003, published by Tampa Bay Skeptics, is primarily focused on critiquing the journalistic approach of Michael Guillen concerning the Raelian cult's cloning claims. The issue also covers the inaugural conference of CFI-Florida, addresses local astrologer Janet Sciales' new web presence, and touches upon other skeptical topics.

Journalist Guillen gulled by Raelian cult's cloning claims

The lead article by Gary P. Posner, M.D., details the controversy surrounding Dr. Michael Guillen, a former Emmy Award-winning ABC-TV science editor turned freelance journalist. Guillen was involved in verifying the Raelian cult's claims of having cloned a human, announced at a press conference in Fort Lauderdale on December 27. As proof failed to materialize, the claims began to be viewed with skepticism.

During a Fox News Channel interview with Gregg Jarrett, Guillen was confronted with criticism from physicist Robert Park and magician James Randi. Guillen dismissed their criticisms, characterizing them as belonging to an "extremist group" called CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal). He accused CSICOP of having a biased agenda, believing all religions to be dangerous superstitions and advocating for the removal of programs like "The X-Files" from the air.

The article highlights that media outlets, including the Miami Herald and Newhouse News Service, contacted Tampa Bay Skeptics for comment. Herald TV critic Glenn Garvin was quoted as saying, "For Guillen to call himself a scientist is really to besmirch the term. His approach to claims of the paranormal is extremely unscientific. He's willing to believe anything."

Guillen had previously responded to the author's complaints about a sympathetic ABC-TV story on distant prayer healing, stating he had done many science stories and usually included dissenting voices, but felt he only received "belly-aching and sniping" from CSICOP.

Posner explains that CSICOP's purpose is to "poke holes in such unlikely claims" and that scientific scrutiny requires assuming a null hypothesis until evidence compels otherwise, rather than giving equal deference to all claims.

Following Guillen's January 12 accusations on Fox News Channel, Randi and CSICOP sent letters to FNC. James Randi clarified that neither he nor Dr. Bob Park are connected with CSICOP, and that they never stated "The X-Files" was a menace or should be pulled off the air.

CSICOP responded to Guillen's claims, stating they are not an "extremist group" but a non-profit science organization publishing "Skeptical Inquirer." They listed prominent fellows like Neil deGrasse Tyson and Steven Weinberg, and found it "ironic and laughable" that Guillen, who worked with a UFO cult, would call them extremist. CSICOP denied advocating media censorship or characterizing all religions as superstitions.

Ken Frazier, editor of "Skeptical Inquirer" and a friend of Guillen's, wrote a personal letter to Guillen expressing dismay. Frazier noted that "The X-Files" creator had been a featured speaker at a CSICOP conference. Guillen reportedly responded warmly to Frazier's letter, expressing a desire to work with CSICOP, attributing his earlier tirade to feeling hurt by criticisms from Randi and Park, whom he believed represented CSICOP.

However, the article suggests Guillen's extreme views toward CSICOP predated the Raelian incident. Posner predicts that Guillen's disdain for CSICOP will likely return once his reputation recovers.

Comments on the CFI-Florida Inaugural Conference

Miriam Blake Basart reports on the inaugural conference of Center for Inquiry – Florida (CFI-Florida), held February 7-9 at the Radisson Hotel in St. Petersburg. The event featured speakers from various locations, including Australia and New Zealand, offering diverse perspectives. The conference aimed to foster camaraderie and new contacts among like-minded individuals.

Paul Kurtz, chairman of the parent CFI in Amherst, New York, spoke on current affairs and led a fundraising drive. Topics covered included sex education and flying saucers. Gary Posner presented on his early belief in UFOs and how psychics can beguile people. Richard Lead from Australia shared anecdotes about scam artists. Magician Bob Steiner, a founder of the Bay Area Skeptics, performed card illusions.

Don Addis, cartoonist for the St. Petersburg Times and TBS Report, had his works displayed. The new CFI-Florida, chaired by Jan Loeb Eisler, aims to operate as a community center promoting education, dialogue, and cooperation, rooted in scientific naturalism and secular humanism.

CFI-Florida's initiatives include "Families in Reason," supporting parents in nurturing critical thinking in children, and "Camp Inquiry," offering enrichment programs for children. The note indicates that CFI-Florida has since been renamed Center For Inquiry Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay's "Star Goddess" develops new web presence

This section discusses local astrologer Janet Sciales, known as the "Star Goddess" on FM 98.7. Her new web presence, launched in December, prompted Gary Posner to send her a letter on TBS letterhead on January 30, 2003. Posner raised two questions for publication:

1. Sciales had previously characterized sun-sign astrology as "bogus" in 1988, yet her new website features it prominently. Posner asked for an explanation, noting she was doing sun-sign astrology even back then.
2. Sciales had reportedly agreed with Posner that "psychic" power was not genuine and had joined TBS for a year. However, she is now described as a "psychic astrologer," and her website calls her sister "the best psychic on the planet." Posner requested an explanation.

Posner also reiterated TBS's interest in testing Sciales or her sister for their "$1,000 Challenge" prize to demonstrate genuine astrological or psychic abilities under proper observing conditions, possibly on Kathy Fountain's TV show.

Snippets

This section contains several brief news items:

• Apollo Hoax Theories: Rumors persist online that the U.S. Apollo program was a hoax and that no manned spacecraft landed on the moon. Buzz Aldrin was provoked by a provocateur regarding this. A video marketed as a documentary, "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Moon," promotes these ideas. NASA commissioned aerospace engineer James Oberg to write a book debunking these myths, but later cancelled the project, possibly fearing it would legitimize the claims. Oberg intends to publish it independently.

• Guillen and Clonaid: Ten days after the Raelian press conference and before his Fox News interview, Michael Guillen acknowledged the possibility that "Clonaid's announcement" might have been an elaborate hoax for publicity. An editor from "Nature" stated that the story was ignored because it was not scientifically valid, a stance Guillen apparently opposes.

• Traditional Chinese Medicine: A "St. Petersburg Times" article by Jackie Ripley focused on Dr. Yali Fan and "traditional Chinese medicine." While noting that alternative medicine is controversial, the article implied that modalities like acupuncture, Tui Na massage, and Qigong are effective for various ailments, including digestive, reproductive, and respiratory issues.

Randi coming to town for freethinkers convention

James "The Amazing" Randi is scheduled to be a featured speaker at the 2003 Atheist Alliance International convention in Tampa, April 18-20. The event is expected to draw 300-400 attendees from freethought groups worldwide. Randi is also booked to appear on "Your Turn with Kathy Fountain" on April 18.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards extraordinary claims, media criticism, and the importance of scientific scrutiny. The Tampa Bay Skeptics, through its publications and activities, consistently promotes critical thinking and challenges pseudoscience, whether it be related to alleged alien encounters, paranormal phenomena, cult claims, or alternative medicine. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and against unsubstantiated assertions, particularly when presented by figures in the media or by groups promoting fringe beliefs.