Tampa Bay Skeptics Report - vol 21 no 2

Magazine Overview

Title: Tampa Bay Skeptics REPORT
Issue: VOL. 21 NO. 2
Date: Fall 2008
Publisher: Tampa Bay Skeptics
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the Tampa Bay Skeptics REPORT delves into various paranormal claims and skeptical investigations, featuring a critical examination of a revised psychic detective memoir, an analysis of the 'appeal to authority' fallacy in relation to UFO claims, and updates on skeptical organizations.

A Mind for Murdergate: "Psychic clues" audaciously altered in new edition of Renier memoir

This lengthy article by Gary P. Posner scrutinizes the "Expanded, Revised, and Updated Edition" of Noreen Renier's memoir, "A Mind for Murder." Posner, who had previously reviewed the book with skepticism regarding its psychic claims, notes that while the new edition appears similar, significant changes have been made. Notably, two chapters detailing Renier's legal battles with skeptic John Merrell have been removed. These chapters had accused Merrell of misconduct and violated a settlement agreement. The article highlights that the new publisher is Hampton Roads Publishing. Posner points out that the co-author, Naomi Lucks, and the original editor are no longer credited, suggesting a possible rift. He also notes that a paragraph in the acknowledgments thanking an attorney for a libel case against 'the skeptic' remains, despite no other mention of the case or skeptic in the book.

Posner details specific factual errors that remain uncorrected in the new edition, such as the date of a disappearance case in Houston and the date of a case in Williston, Florida, which he had previously pointed out. He also lists several other changes, including the alteration of terms like 'psychologist' to 'parapsychologist' and name changes for individuals and locations.

The most significant alteration discussed is in Chapter 16, concerning a small airplane that went missing in Massachusetts in January 1984. Renier's original account mentioned clues involving letters 'G, T, and O' and towns Gardner and Templeton. However, in the revised edition, these clues are presented as 'H, D, and A.' Posner, citing John Merrell, suggests that Renier may have confused this case with two other small-plane crashes that occurred nearby, and that 'H, D, and A' might correspond to towns associated with those crashes (Hubbardston, Dana Center, Amherst, and the Ashuelot River, Dublin, Hadley). The article implies this is a deliberate fabrication, comparing it to the Watergate scandal and Nixon's admission of providing a 'sword' for detractors. Posner concludes that Renier's credibility has been further impeached by this 'Watergate-worthy doctoring.' The article also mentions that the wreckage was ultimately located by Carl and Cheryl Wilber, who were following deer tracks and were not influenced by Renier's supposed psychic clues. The Wilbers themselves stated that Renier had gotten nothing right about the case.

Chairman's Corner: Astronauts, UFOs, and Logic

Terry A. Smiljanich addresses Edgar Mitchell's recent proclamation that UFOs are real and that aliens have visited Earth. Smiljanich identifies this as an 'appeal to authority' fallacy, arguing that while Mitchell is an authority on space, his expertise does not extend to UFO phenomena. He questions whether being a mid-level NASA employee makes Mitchell an expert on government secrets. Smiljanich points out Mitchell's history of belief in paranormal phenomena, including claims of psychic healing and endorsement of Uri Geller. He criticizes the idea that Mitchell's authority lends credibility to UFO beliefs, emphasizing the need for empirical evidence over claims from supposed authorities. Smiljanich concludes by stating that he would seek an authority with appropriate credentials on the subject, and even then, evidence would be paramount.

James Randi Educational Foundation Announces New President

This section announces that Dr. Philip Plait, an astronomer, author, and skeptic, has been appointed the new President of the James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF), effective August 4. Outgoing president James "The Amazing" Randi will focus on writing his next two books. Plait has a long-standing affiliation with JREF, having spoken at their events and provided support. His 'Bad Astronomy' website and blog are noted for humorously debunking astronomical myths. Plait credits Randi with opening his eyes to reality over fantasy and expresses excitement about continuing Randi's vision.

Bigfoot Found?

This short piece debunks a 'Bigfoot' hoax involving a frozen specimen presented by police officer Matthew Whitton and former prison guard Rick Dyer. The specimen, claimed to be a 7' 7" ape-man, was later revealed to be a smelly rubber suit, and Whitton was fired.

Snippets

This section presents brief news items and articles:

• Tampa Ghost Watchers: Representatives used divining rods at Dave's Aqua Lounge, detecting the spirit of a former bartender named "Margie." The ideomotor effect is cited as an explanation for the dowsing rod movement.
• Prince Charles on Genetic Modification: Britain's Prince Charles is quoted as accusing agro-companies of conducting a "gigantic experiment" with nature, linking it to climate change and other challenges.
• Rusi Taleyarkhan and Cold Fusion: The claims of Rusi Taleyarkhan regarding nuclear fusion in a beaker are cast into doubt. A Purdue University panel found that he falsely claimed independent replication of his work.
• Alternative Medicine and Radovan Karadzic: The article notes that Radovan Karadzic, accused of war crimes, was apprehended while hiding out as a practitioner of "human quantum energy" healing.
• Gary McKinnon and UFOs: Gary McKinnon, who hacked into government computers searching for UFO information, has lost his appeal against extradition to the U.S.
• Vatican Astronomer on Alien Life: The Vatican's chief astronomer, Rev. Jose Gabriel Funes, stated that there should be no conflict between belief in alien visitations and religious faith, suggesting the possibility of an "extraterrestrial brother."

Letters Readers' Forum

• Igor Simchanko: A letter from Igor Simchanko, who previously failed a TBS "$1,000 Challenge" involving Florida Lotto numbers, requests another attempt at experiments, mentioning a diagram with 'california' and 'synthesis.' The editor notes they did not reply.
• Sara Mitchell: Sara Mitchell writes about her belief in psychic communication and life after death, expressing disappointment in some TV psychics who get information wrong. She posits that humans are spiritual beings connected through 'Mind' and that all existence is energy. She believes everyone is psychic but some block it out.
• Editor's Reply to Sara Mitchell: The editor offers to test Mitchell's psychic abilities by having her communicate with a deceased relative of a person whose name is unknown to the testers. The editor notes that no psychic has ever been able to provide such information, which would be simpler than a full reading. Mitchell replies that names are difficult but sometimes come spontaneously, and expresses reservations about being tested by skeptics, suggesting it might not be the best way to prove her abilities.

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Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Tampa Bay Skeptics REPORT consistently promotes critical thinking and skepticism towards paranormal claims, pseudoscience, and extraordinary assertions. The publication actively debunks hoaxes, exposes alleged fraud, and educates its readers on logical fallacies and the scientific method. The editorial stance is one of rigorous inquiry, demanding evidence for claims and challenging unsubstantiated beliefs, particularly those presented by individuals claiming psychic abilities or knowledge of UFOs. The organization also engages in public outreach through meetings, website content, and challenges like the '$1,000 Challenge' to encourage verifiable proof of paranormal phenomena.