Tampa Bay Skeptics Report - vol 21 no 4

Magazine Overview

The Tampa Bay Skeptics Report, Volume 21, Number 4, Spring 2009, is a quarterly publication from Tampa Bay Skeptics, Inc., a Special Interest Group of the Center For Inquiry/Tampa. The magazine is dedicated to the critical examination of paranormal and fringe-science claims through objective and critical inquiry. It publishes news clippings, articles, and letters, soliciting opposing points of view. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the organization.

Article: Psychic in Caylee Anthony case skewered on national TV

This article by Gary P. Posner discusses the controversy surrounding psychic Ginnette Lucas, who claimed to have guided an investigator to the area where Caylee Anthony's bones were discovered. Posner notes that while the area was generally correct, common knowledge suggested the location was already known. He highlights a segment on Nancy Grace's show where reporter Kathi Belich shared an account of Lucas allegedly providing useless information for $5,000 to a woman whose niece was murdered. Psychologist Dr. Caryn Stark commented on the fallibility of psychics, and victims' rights advocate Mark Klaas strongly criticized the practice, likening psychic predictions to random guesses and stating that psychics never solve cases and are not wanted by police. Posner concludes by wishing for such rationality to be the norm.

Chairman's Report: Global Warming and the “Confirmation Bias"

Terry A. Smiljanich, Chairman, introduces an extended piece by founder Gary Posner, who admits to skepticism regarding the adverse effects of human activities on the global climate. Smiljanich notes that while many predict imminent doom, there are qualified climate experts who question man-made global warming (MMGW). He emphasizes the importance of avoiding the "confirmation bias," the tendency to favor information that confirms existing beliefs. Smiljanich acknowledges that he himself tends to credit reports of global warming and that mankind is a suspect, but stresses the need for open-mindedness and skepticism, especially when dealing with extraordinary claims. He contrasts this with the mindset of a 9/11 conspiracist and urges readers to remain skeptical without selectively seeking evidence.

Article: Confessions of a "Holocaust Denier"

Gary P. Posner confesses his doubts about the existence of God and UFOs, which he believes are largely shared by the Skeptical See. His main confession, however, is his doubt about the existence of a man-made global warming (MMGW) crisis. Posner contrasts the certainty demanded by proponents of MMGW, exemplified by Al Gore, with the views of thousands of scientists who question the human causation of global warming. He cites a study questioning the link between global warming and hurricanes and mentions that some scientists believe the earth's warming trend may have plateaued. Posner also discusses the role of water vapor as a more potent greenhouse gas than CO2 and notes that temperature rise may have preceded CO2 rise, as indicated by Antarctic ice core samples. He concludes by questioning the comparison of MMGW skepticism to Holocaust denial, arguing that the scientific dissent on climate change is far more substantial than any historical revisionism regarding the Holocaust.

Snippets

This section provides brief summaries of various news items:

• Vivica A. Fox and Psychic Friends Network: Vivica A. Fox denies being a friend of the Psychic Friends Network, claiming her likeness was used without authorization, possibly due to a monetary dispute.
• Methane Gas on Mars: NASA scientists detected substantial methane gas on Mars, increasing the prospects for finding life there.
• Cloaking Device: Duke University developed a material using fiberglass that can cloak an item from detection by various wavelengths, including microwaves.
• Harrison J. Schmitt Resigns: Geologist-astronaut Harrison J. Schmitt resigned from the Planetary Society, criticizing its stance on global warming as a political tool that colors scientific objectivity.
• Cosmic Rays and Astronauts: A decrease in solar flares increases cosmic rays, posing a risk of cancer and infertility to astronauts, though it also reduces exposure to solar flare radiation.
• Cometary Impact Hypothesis: A new hypothesis suggests that the extinction of the Clovis people and megafauna 12,900 years ago may have been caused by a cometary impact, supported by the discovery of nanodiamonds.
• Global Cooling Concerns: Some scientists are concerned about global cooling due to the low level of solar flare activity, which may lead to increased cloud formation and cooler temperatures.
• Glacier Growth: Contrary to global warming alarmism, a study shows consistent recent growth in Himalayan glaciers due to cooler summers and more frequent winter snows.
• Antarctic Ice Growth: Studies indicate that Antarctic wintertime ice extent has increased, and the average year-round ice extent has also risen.

Letters • Readers' Forum

This section features correspondence between readers and the editor:

• Psychic Abilities Test: A claimant asserts having psychic abilities and offers to prove it, but Gary Posner requires a specific, testable claim, deeming the claimant's offer too vague and akin to 'cold reading.' The claimant insists it's a gift, not a practiced skill, and Posner reiterates the need for precise, scientific criteria.
• Richard Hoagland's Lunar Claims: Mike Breach, M.S., P.E., defends Richard Hoagland's claims about lunar structures (towers and castles), arguing that they cannot be dismissed simply because the messenger is considered a 'kook.' Posner counters that the human brain's propensity to see patterns in artifacts (like those caused by photographic enlargement) makes such claims suspect, and that no amount of instrumentation will convince Hoagland.

Other Skeptical Sources

The magazine lists several resources for those interested in skeptical inquiry, including Prometheus Books, Skeptical Inquirer, Skeptic, and the James Randi Educational Foundation.

TBS Membership / Subscription / Donation / Back-Order Form

A form is provided for readers to subscribe to the Tampa Bay Skeptics Report, become members of TBS or the Center For Inquiry/Tampa, or order back issues.

Announcing... Tampa Bay Skeptics Quarterly Meetings

Information is provided about the upcoming meeting on Saturday, March 28, featuring a discussion on 'Medical Quackery,' an Open Forum, and optional lunch. The next meeting is scheduled for the last Saturday of March, June, September, and December.

TBS's YouTube Video of Virginia Levy Elicits Confrontational Viewer Comments

This section discusses a two-hour TBS video of psychic Virginia Levy's unsuccessful '$1,000 Challenge' attempt. The video has generated confrontational comments from viewers, including Levy herself, who accuse her of being a 'spiritual huckster' and a 'malignant narcissist,' while Levy claims harassment and falsely states she threw the challenge.

TBS and James Randi "Psychic" Challenges

This section reiterates Tampa Bay Skeptics' standing '$1,000 Challenge' for scientific proof of paranormal phenomena and mentions the James Randi Educational Foundation's '$1,000,000 jackpot' for successful demonstrations of paranormal power.

Center For Inquiry / Tampa

This section describes CFI/Tampa as an organization that promotes rationalism and positive social change through social events and intellectual programming. It highlights a monthly lecture series on the third Saturday of each month.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Tampa Bay Skeptics Report consistently promotes critical thinking and skepticism towards paranormal claims, pseudoscientific theories, and unsubstantiated assertions. The publication actively engages with controversial topics, such as psychic abilities and climate change, by presenting skeptical viewpoints and encouraging rigorous scientific inquiry. The editorial stance is one of questioning extraordinary claims, demanding evidence, and challenging claims that lack empirical support. The magazine also serves as a platform for debate and discussion within the skeptical community, as evidenced by its 'Letters/Readers' Forum' and its commitment to publishing diverse viewpoints, provided they are subject to critical examination.