Tampa Bay Skeptics Report - vol 23 no 1

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Tampa Bay Skeptics REPORT, Volume 23, Number 1, from Summer 2010, focuses on the future of human space exploration and the skepticism surrounding paranormal claims. The cover story, "Human Space Exploration: Our History or Our Future?" by Terry A. Smiljanich, delves into the decline of American manned spaceflight and the potential rise of other nations, particularly China, in space endeavors. The issue also features a personal account from James Carrion, former director of MUFON, detailing his disillusionment with Ufology and his shift towards scientific truth. Other articles include "Locals Reveals the Truth About 'Area 51'" which debunks alien sightings, and "Snippets" which offers brief reports on various paranormal and skeptical topics.

Human Space Exploration: Our History or Our Future?

Terry A. Smiljanich's lead article examines the trajectory of human space exploration, noting that the entire history of manned spaceflight beyond low-earth orbit spanned only three-and-a-half years. He recalls the ambitious plans of past administrations, such as Reagan's Space Shuttle and International Space Station initiatives, George H.W. Bush's "Mission to Planet Earth," and President Bush's Constellation program for a Mars mission by 2020. However, these plans often faltered due to high costs and shifting political priorities. President Obama's cancellation of the Constellation program and his administration's pivot towards private industry for space access has drawn criticism from some, including former astronauts like Gene Cernan, who called the new plan "a blueprint for a mission to nowhere." The article highlights the potential for China to take the lead in space exploration, with plans for a manned moon landing by 2020 and a Mars mission thereafter. The author suggests that international rivalry, similar to the Cold War Space Race, might be necessary to rekindle public support for expensive space programs. He argues that while innovations from space programs benefit society, taxpayers often demand more immediate returns, posing the question: "Why should I pay for a bunch of people to bounce around the moon when we have problems enough of our own right here on earth?"

Goodbye Ufology, Hello Truth

James Carrion, former International Director of MUFON, shares his journey from UFO believer to skeptic. He recounts his initial involvement with MUFON, his efforts to digitize their archives, and his growing realization that the field of Ufology was plagued by inconsistent investigation, a lack of evidentiary standards, disinformation, and manipulation. Carrion details his personal investigations into several high-profile cases, including the Kinross UFO, the Portage County UFO Chase, the California Drones story, and the Stan Romanek claims, finding them to be based on half-truths and outright manipulation. He criticizes investigators who become emotionally involved with subjects and ignore professional standards. Carrion concludes that Ufology is a "sad state" of "humans deceiving humans," and that he has yet to see any evidence of a real phenomenon that would stand up under scientific scrutiny. He has left Ufology to pursue truth through original research and verifiable documentation, aiming to peel away layers of human deception.

Snippets

This section provides brief, often humorous, reports on various topics:

• Stephen Hawking's View on Aliens: Physicist Stephen Hawking suggests that while the sheer number of stars makes alien life probable, an alien visit could be detrimental to humanity, drawing a parallel to Christopher Columbus's arrival in America.
• Kirsan Ilyumzhinov's Abduction Claim: The governor of Kalmykia, Russia, claims to have been abducted by aliens in 1997, prompting a Russian parliamentarian to request a debriefing.
• Jordanian UFO Incident: A Jordanian newspaper reported a UFO landing and the appearance of 10-foot-tall aliens, which turned out to be a prank by the newspaper's managing editor.
• Shroud of Turin: The Shroud of Turin is on display, with its authenticity to be decided by science, which has determined it to be from the 13th or 14th century.
• Ghost Vials: A woman in New Zealand claims to have captured two ghosts in glass vials, selling them for $2,000.
• Mark Stone Scam: The article recalls the exposure of "psychic" stock broker Mark Stone in Baltimore.
• Sean David Morton's Scam: Sean David Morton, who claimed to be "America's Prophet," allegedly scammed investors out of over $6 million.
• Voyager 2 Anomaly: German academic Hartwig Hausdorf suggests that Voyager 2's signals may have been reprogrammed or hijacked, though NASA attributes it to a software glitch.

Locals Reveals the Truth About "Area 51"

This article, based on a Tampa Tribune report, debunks common UFO myths associated with Area 51. Three former employees who worked at the Groom Lake facility (part of Nellis Air Force Base) stated they never saw aliens or flying saucers. Lewis Nelson, a welder, explained that the "UFOs" witnesses saw were likely the U-2 spy aircraft, which had a unique design and was flown in high-altitude, top-secret missions. James Janowski, an engineer, described the A-12 Archangel aircraft as appearing "unreal" and "something out of the future." Alva McMillion confirmed that the suits worn by pilots resembled those of space travelers. The article concludes with Nelson urging conspiracy theorists to leave Area 51 alone.

Psi and Slots

Ufologist James W. Moseley recounts an anecdote where a "psychic" and "UFO abductee" named Rick Butler advised him to play a specific slot machine in an Atlantic City hotel, leading to an almost immediate jackpot. Moseley questions whether this was mere coincidence or evidence of psi.

Letters Readers' Forum

Melinda Cross writes a letter expressing anger and concern about a "psychic medium" named George Anderson who provided a false sense of comfort to parents grieving the accidental death of their son. Cross criticizes Anderson for preying on vulnerability and providing a "false reality" that prevents the parents from accepting their son's death and moving on.

Center for Inquiry Board Statement: Board to accept Paul Kurtz resignation

This statement from the Board of Directors of the Center for Inquiry announces their acceptance of Dr. Paul Kurtz's resignation as chairman emeritus and board member. The Board expresses gratitude for his decades of service, acknowledging his foundational role in establishing and leading the organization. The statement also notes that CFI's success is a collective effort involving staff, volunteers, and supporters, and that a leadership transition had been in progress since 2008, with Dr. Ronald A. Lindsay appointed president and CEO, and Richard Schroeder elected chairman.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Tampa Bay Skeptics REPORT consistently promotes critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and the debunking of paranormal claims and pseudoscience. The magazine's stance is clearly skeptical, as evidenced by its focus on examining evidence, questioning extraordinary claims, and exposing scams and misinformation. The articles advocate for a rational approach to understanding phenomena, whether it be space exploration, UFOs, or psychic abilities. The editorial stance emphasizes the importance of verifiable evidence and objective investigation over anecdotal accounts, faith-based beliefs, or sensationalism. The publication also highlights the role of organizations like the Center for Inquiry and the James Randi Educational Foundation in promoting skepticism and offering challenges for those who claim paranormal abilities.