Tampa Bay Skeptics Report - vol 22 no 2

Magazine Overview

Title: Tampa Bay Skeptics Report
Issue: Vol. 22 No. 2
Date: Fall 2009
Publisher: Tampa Bay Skeptics
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the Tampa Bay Skeptics Report delves into various skeptical investigations and critiques of paranormal claims, media portrayals, and pseudoscientific theories. It features articles on alleged alien sightings, the scientific basis of evolution, and the critical examination of psychic phenomena.

North Port Family Claims Alien "Devil" Sightings

By Gary P. Posner

This article investigates the claims of the Rowley family in southwest Florida, who reported sightings of alien creatures, dubbed "North Port Devils," lurking in the woods behind their home. Media outlets, including WBBH-TV, covered the story. The only physical evidence presented was a plaster cast of a footprint. An "Initial Field Investigation" by Morgan A. Bell of MUFON noted that the primary witness, 16-year-old Shane Rowley, described two entities: one tall, pale gray alien with large eyes and long arms, and another scaly, reptile-like humanoid. The report mentioned "missing time" and recommended a lie detection test, expert examination of the footprint and video evidence, and an examination by a Florida MUFON abduction specialist. However, a subsequent WBBH report revealed that the claimant, Michael Rowley, was exposed as a fraud by an investigator named Eric Patterson, who later apologized. Florida MUFON dropped the case due to Rowley's actions and unstable behaviors, deeming it a potential hoax motivated by financial gain, as Rowley was reportedly selling alien T-shirts and the footprint cast online.

Chairman's Corner: A World Without Darwin

By Terry A. Smiljanich

This piece reflects on the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth and the 150th anniversary of "The Origin of Species." The author visited Darwin's home in Downe, England, and contemplates the scientific impact of Darwin's theory. The article contrasts the pre-Darwinian view of creation with the overwhelming evidence of biodiversity discovered through global exploration in the 19th century. It poses rhetorical questions about the complexity and variety of species, suggesting that a divine explanation became increasingly difficult to sustain. The author posits that even without Darwin, the scientific evidence would have eventually led to the theory of evolution through natural selection, crediting Darwin and Wallace with providing a crucial "jump-start" for scientific understanding.

"Private" Tests of Psychic Phenomena

By Terry A. Smiljanich

This article recounts the author's personal experiences and reflections on psychic phenomena, prompted by an essay by ufologist James W. Moseley. Moseley described his own private tests with a supposed psychic named Dom Lucchesi, concluding that ESP is "extremely fragile and unpredictable." The author shares his own childhood experiment in psychokinesis, attempting to influence a six-sided die to land on a specific number. Initially, he perceived patterns suggesting success, but upon rigorous data collection, the results conformed to random chance (one in six). This experience taught him lessons about self-deception and the importance of a scientific approach. The author also discusses Professor Deborah Nolan's research showing that humans are poor generators of random lists, often creating patterns that can be mistaken for psychic influence. He concludes that while he is not close-minded, he remains skeptical, emphasizing the need for data-driven conclusions over personal feelings or anecdotal evidence.

Snippets

This section presents brief news items and observations:

• Astrology Advice: A St. Petersburg Times article titled "Advice for world's leading Leo" offered astrological advice for people born on August 4, covering areas like overview, embrace, avoid, traits, and outlook.
• Chiropractic Laser Treatment: A report on the BAX-3000 laser, used by some chiropractors to treat severe allergies, is presented. While one patient reported immediate relief, a professor of medicine stated there is no scientific evidence of its helpfulness.
• Don Addis Cartoon: The absence of the regular "Snippets" cartoonist, Don Addis, due to a health issue is noted, with well wishes extended.
• St. Petersburg Licensing: A change in a 1950s ordinance in St. Petersburg is mentioned, removing the requirement for five references for applicants seeking licenses to practice as soothsayers, fortune tellers, etc.
• RNA Synthesis: A scientific breakthrough is reported in the journal Nature, where chemists solved the conundrum of how the building blocks of RNA could have spontaneously assembled themselves under primitive Earth conditions.

Sins of Omission

By Valerie Grey

This article critiques mainstream media's reporting on paranormal claims, arguing that while outright lies (sins of commission) are rare, the omission of crucial context (sins of omission) distorts the truth. The author uses examples of media coverage of psychics like James van Praagh and John Monti. In the case of John Monti, a psychic detective, the article highlights how a 2005 Court TV episode of "Psychic Detectives" presented a predominantly favorable impression of Monti's work, selectively editing interviews. The author contrasts this with a 1991-92 broadcast where a former Massachusetts police chief, James Basile, expressed a disparaging verdict on Monti's effectiveness, calling his contributions worthless and a waste of time and money. The article suggests that documentary producers manipulate footage for ratings and greed, leading to a distorted portrayal of reality.

Michael Jackson Dies: Uri Geller Wrong Again

This brief item notes that psychic Uri Geller's 2005 prediction about Michael Jackson's comeback being the most dramatic ever seen in showbiz proved incorrect, especially in light of Jackson's death. It also mentions that Elvis is nowhere to be seen, implying Geller's precognitive abilities are poor.

TBS in the Media

Gary Posner was quoted in a St. Petersburg Times article about spirit-medium Maureen Hancock, cautioning that despite the appeal of such claims, there is no good scientific evidence that psychics are genuine.

Letters • Readers' Forum

• Paul Zalon from Trinity, FL, expresses admiration for the website's work in promoting rationality and plans to attend future meetings.
• Joel D. Fyvolent, M.D. from Tampa, while respecting Gary Posner's right to doubt, disagrees with his skepticism regarding man-made global warming (MMGW). He emphasizes the strong consensus among scientists and the need for action based on available evidence, cautioning against excessive skepticism that could lead to inaction.

"Chairman's Corner" (continued)

This continuation discusses the scientific evidence for evolution, including genetics and molecular biology, arguing that these fields consistently support evolutionary patterns and show no evidence of special creation. The author reiterates that evolutionary biology would have developed regardless of Darwin and Wallace, but they provided a significant "jump-start" to the world's understanding.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Tampa Bay Skeptics Report consistently promotes critical thinking, scientific evidence, and skepticism towards paranormal claims, pseudoscience, and media sensationalism. The publication actively debunks or questions claims of psychic abilities, UFOs, and other fringe topics, often by highlighting methodological flaws, lack of evidence, or potential for self-deception and fraud. The editorial stance clearly favors a scientific, evidence-based approach to understanding the world, as exemplified by its support for evolutionary theory and its critique of media coverage that prioritizes sensationalism over accuracy. The magazine also serves as a platform for promoting skeptical organizations and resources, such as the James Randi Educational Foundation and the Center for Inquiry.