Tampa Bay Skeptics Report - vol 22 no 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Tampa Bay Skeptics Report, dated Winter 2009-10, volume 22, number 3, is published by Tampa Bay Skeptics and focuses on critical examination of various claims, particularly in the realm of science and skepticism.

Assessing the Credibility of CFI's "Credibility Project" on MMGW

This lead article by Gary P. Posner critically analyzes an article by Dr. Stuart Jordan in the *Skeptical Inquirer* concerning the Center For Inquiry's (CFI) "Credibility Project." This project aimed to assess the credibility of scientists who dissent from the prevailing view on man-made global warming (MMGW). Jordan's article highlighted that 80 percent of scientists listed in a Senate minority report had not published peer-reviewed climate research. Posner questions this conclusion, arguing that it does not logically follow that these scientists lack credibility. He points out that the IPCC, described as a group of approximately 2,000 scientists, also has a significant percentage (estimated at 80%) who may not be climate scientists by strict academic definition, and that only a portion contributed to the IPCC-2007 science report. Robert Sheaffer is quoted as arguing that CFI's "Credibility Project" is logically flawed because it does not vet both groups (dissenting scientists and IPCC scientists) by the same criteria. The article suggests that CFI's project has credibility problems of its own and that the answer to who has the most credible scientific assessment is not as straightforward as initially presented.

Chairman's Corner

Terry A. Smiljanich, Chairman, comments on Gary Posner's article, initially expressing some skepticism about publishing another piece on MMGW but ultimately agreeing with its appropriateness. He notes the ideological divide in the MMGW debate, with liberals and conservatives often polarized. Smiljanich expresses his personal belief that human pollution is harming the planet and causing long-term damage, but he does not subscribe to extreme predictions. He also laments the attention paid to MMGW by skeptical groups, suggesting it detracts from paranormal issues, and questions why ideological leanings seem to predict opinions even among skeptics.

Human Lie Detectors (Part II)

Valerie Grey continues her discussion on the concept of human lie detection. She explores the difference between theatrical acting and genuine deception, and questions whether human "lie detectors" can discern unintentional falsehoods. Grey proposes that in its purest form, the truth or falsity of a statement lies in the words themselves, but acknowledges that many claim to determine truth through psychic ability. She discusses TBS's $1,000 Challenge, suggesting that a test involving multiplication equations could help assess such claims. Grey concludes by contrasting the willingness of claimants to accept low standards of evidence for spiritual certainty with their insistence on solid proof for financial matters like gold mines.

Snippets

This section includes an obituary for Don Addis, a long-time member and cartoonist for Tampa Bay Skeptics, who passed away in November 2009. It highlights his contributions to the "Snippets" page over two decades. The section also features a selection of his cartoons, which cover various skeptical and paranormal themes, including UFOs, psychic phenomena, and creationism.

Global Warming Debate Heats Up As Climate Cools

This article discusses the global warming debate in light of the "Climategate" e-mails. It references a BBC News report noting that global temperatures had not increased for 11 years and that climate models had not predicted this. It also mentions Mojib Latif, an IPCC member, suggesting a potential period of global cooling lasting 10-20 years. Excerpts from *Der Spiegel* are included, noting that climatologists are puzzled by the stagnation of global temperatures and that reduced solar activity is being considered as a cause.

Noreen Renier and the Tiffany Sessions Case

This piece revisits the case of Tiffany Sessions, who disappeared in 1989. It mentions the use of "psychic detective" John Monti and Noreen Renier by Sessions' mother. The article quotes Renier's confident claims of finding Tiffany and Tiffany's father's positive assessment of her initial information. It notes that despite these efforts, no trace of Tiffany has been found.

Letters & Readers' Forum

This section includes correspondence from readers. Kathy Fountain, a TV host who frequently featured Tampa Bay Skeptics, is retiring from television to pursue mental health counseling. Gillian Smith, a journalism student, requests an interview for a research paper on skepticism and supernatural abilities. Joseph Barron, a psychologist, expresses interest in the paranormal and "ghost hunter" groups. Carlos Barrera Garza submits a technical description related to an engine, challenging skeptics to analyze it using "psychic" power for the $1,000 Challenge.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Tampa Bay Skeptics Report consistently promotes scientific literacy, critical thinking, and the examination of paranormal and fringe-science claims. The publication maintains a skeptical stance, encouraging evidence-based reasoning and questioning unsubstantiated assertions. The magazine appears to be a platform for members to express their views and engage in debate, particularly on topics like climate change and the nature of evidence. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rigorous scientific methodology and against pseudoscience.