Tampa Bay Skeptics Report - vol 20 no 1 - INCOMPLETE

Magazine Overview

Title: TBS Report Online
Issue: Vol. 20 - No. 1
Date: Summer 2007
Publisher: Tampa Bay Skeptics (A Special Interest Group of CFI Tampa Bay)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of TBS Report Online focuses on the intersection of skepticism, legal disputes involving paranormal claims, and differing views on what constitutes skepticism.

Merrell Prevails Over Renier in Federal Court

This article by Gary P. Posner details the conclusion of a two-decade legal battle between psychic Noreen Renier and skeptic John Merrell. The dispute stemmed from Renier's memoir, "A Mind for Murder," published in 2005, which contained chapters discussing her history with Merrell. This publication violated a 1992 settlement agreement between the two parties that prohibited either from publicly disparaging the other. Merrell sued Renier for breach of contract.

The U.S. District Court in Washington state found Renier to be in breach. A key point of contention was Renier's attempt to blame her publisher's attorney for overlooking the violation, despite being warned to be careful. The court's final ruling on April 5, 2007, by Judge James L. Robart, reaffirmed that Renier had breached the agreement and that Merrell was the prevailing party. Renier was ordered to reimburse Merrell for his attorney's fees and other legal costs, totaling $39,558. Her counterclaims were denied, her book was not reinstated, and her own legal fees were estimated to exceed $35,000.

Merrell has proposed two ideas for Renier: co-authoring a book exposing how international psychics have fooled the public, or proving her psychic claims under a sanctioned test for a $10,000 donation in her name and the erasure of her debt. The article notes that Merrell's website was later revamped, possibly indicating a cease-fire.

Another View of Skepticism

By James W. Moseley, publisher of the UFO-related newsletter "Saucer Smear," this piece offers a different perspective on skepticism. Moseley explains that while he receives TBS Report in exchange for his newsletter, he believes his publication offers a more reasonable approach to anomalies. He contrasts the TBS Report's definition of skeptic ('a person who searches for truth through questioning and reasoning') with his dictionary's definition ('a person disposed to skepticism, especially regarding religion or religious principles').

Moseley argues that while science is the most reliable road to knowledge, its conclusions can be counter-intuitive (e.g., the nature of atoms, dimensions). He notes that Darwinian evolution aligns with common sense, unlike some scientific theories. He criticizes the tendency for some 'skeptics' to dismiss phenomena not yet proven by science, suggesting a need to explore areas science has overlooked. He acknowledges the difficulty in balancing skepticism and credulity, especially with the abundance of misinformation online.

Moseley states he doesn't believe psychic powers are reliable for crime-solving or prediction, and considers TBS to be "beating a dead horse" on the topic. However, he believes there is evidence for a psychic realm and that many people, including himself, have had unexplainable personal experiences. He also believes flying saucers exist, though not necessarily originating from other planets, and that while most UFOs are explainable, some are not.

He promotes "Saucer Smear" and asks for "Love Offerings" to support its continued publication.

Gary Posner Replies for TBS

Gary Posner responds to Moseley's points. He clarifies that while the Center For Inquiry (CFI) deals with ethics and religion, TBS focuses on scientifically testable claims, though they have investigated religious phenomena like a "weeping icon" and "Virgin Mary" images. Posner addresses Moseley's analogy of scientific belief to religious dogma, stating that scientific theories are tentative and subject to revision with new evidence, unlike religious dogma.

TBS is dedicated to the "open-minded consideration" of paranormal phenomena and offers $1,000 for evidence. Posner emphasizes the difficulty in moving from "open-minded consideration" to "belief" without extraordinary evidence. He reiterates that TBS will pay $1,000 for a successful demonstration of paranormal claims or convincing evidence. He also mentions the James Randi Educational Foundation's $1,000,000 offer, acknowledging Moseley's skepticism about Randi ever paying out.

Posner expresses openness to Moseley's "unexplainable personal experiences" but notes the prevalence of prosaic explanations in psychological literature. He agrees that "Saucer Smear" is worth checking out.

Snippets

This section contains various short news items:

• Rev. Janet Reynolds: A minister and self-proclaimed "clairvoyant" from Tampa offered predictions for 2007, foreseeing a "wonderful change in society" and "a lot of coming events." (St. Pete. Times, Dec. 31)
• Fife Symington and the Phoenix Lights: Former Arizona Governor Fife Symington now claims to have seen the 1997 "Phoenix Lights" UFO, describing it as "enormous" and "otherworldly." This contradicts his earlier ridicule of the event, where he presented his chief of staff in an alien costume. Tucson astronomer James McGaha offers the A-10 aircraft flare explanation and dismisses Symington's "gut feeling."
• The Quadro Tracker and Sniffex: The article recalls the "Quadro Tracker," a device marketed in 1996 to find items like drugs and golf balls, which James Randi exposed as a hoax. It then introduces "Sniffex," a device allegedly capable of pinpointing explosives. Despite a Defense Dept. purchase and positive testimonials, it failed a U.S. Navy test. Randi offered $1,000,000 for a successful demonstration, leading to a libel suit against him by the CEO, which was later dropped.

TBS "$1,000 Challenge" Follow-up

This section provides an update on negotiations with Carl David Ritchie, who claims the ability to detect water with a dowsing rod. TBS has sent its draft protocol, including input from James Randi, to CFI-West for their "$50,000 Paranormal Challenge." The test will involve PVC pipes filled with water and sand. The article notes that Ritchie has not yet demonstrated his rod's ability to differentiate the ocean from the beach.

TBS in the Media

• Gary Posner was interviewed by "Creative Loafing" for a cover story titled "The ghost whisperer," discussing paranormal investigators Laurie Champion and her daughter.
• An interview with Terry Smiljanich on "Ch. 8's Daytime" discussed "chupacabras," blood-sucking animals reported in Puerto Rico. Smiljanich compared the evidence for chupacabras to that for the tooth fairy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of paranormal claims, the importance of scientific evidence, and the definition and practice of skepticism. The Tampa Bay Skeptics, as represented by Gary Posner and TBS Report, maintain a stance of "open-minded consideration" for paranormal phenomena but require rigorous, scientifically testable evidence before accepting claims. They distinguish their approach from religious dogma and from what they perceive as less rigorous or more credulous stances on anomalies. The issue also highlights the legal and ethical dimensions of making and promoting paranormal claims, as seen in the Renier-Merrell case.