Tampa Bay Skeptics Report - vol 25 no 4 - INCOMPLETE

Magazine Overview

This issue of TBS Report Online, Vol. 25, No. 4, from Spring 2013, is a retrospective titled "TBS's First 25 Years: A Highlight Retrospective" by Gary P. Posner. It marks the 100th issue of the publication and celebrates a quarter-century of the Tampa Bay Skeptics (TBS).

A Quarter Century of Skepticism

The article begins by reflecting on the 10th anniversary of TBS, marked by congratulatory notes and gifts, and expresses surprise at still being active 15 years later. The author, Gary P. Posner, recounts the early days of TBS, including a lecture by astrologer Janet Sciales, who initially joined TBS but later advertised herself as a 'psychic' astrologer. The first year also saw a seminar hosted by the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI, formerly CSICOP) with prominent skeptics like Paul Kurtz, James Randi, Philip Klass, Joe Nickell, Ray Hyman, and Ken Frazier.

Subsequent years saw TBS cover significant events and phenomena. Year two included the "Weeping Icon" fiasco in Tarpon Springs, the first "$1,000 Challenge," and an exposé of conspiracy theories promoted by Chuck Harder on his radio show and magazine. Year three highlighted the Gulf Breeze UFO case and Richard Hoagland's "Face on Mars" claims. Year four involved reporting on "psychic detective" John Monti and the disappearance of Tiffany Sessions, as well as an exposé of "The Amazing Kreskin." The issue also mentions a joint appearance by the TBS Executive Council on Kathy Fountain's show in 1993, featuring another "$1,000 Challenge." Year five covered the "Barney Hoax" and a second appearance by Posner on an SPJ panel with the hoax's creator.

In the Summer 1994 issue, Posner critiqued Dr. Larry Dossey's book "Healing Words," which aired on NBC's "Now." His critique was later published in Skeptical Inquirer. Posner also appeared on "Oprah" in 1995, directing the producer to Joe Nickell for a segment on miracles. In 1996, he was invited to appear on A&E's "The Unexplained" to discuss Noreen Renier and her involvement in a missing person case.

Continued Investigations and Media Engagements

The retrospective continues with TBS's coverage of the "Mary" stain in St. Petersburg, which was investigated for its connection to the Virgin Mary. The article details the September 1998 "$1,000 Challenge" involving "psychic/prophet" Virginia Levy, who failed the test and later made defamatory accusations. Posner also debunked a supernatural acupuncture claim by Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld in 1999. The publication also reported on another "$1,000 Challenge" failure related to dowsing and Posner's debate on MSNBC with "psychic medium" George Anderson and Linda Ellerbee.

Further reporting on Richard Hoagland led to a cover story in Skeptical Inquirer in 2000, which generated a strong response online. Posner also recounted an interview for NBC's "20/20" in May 2000 regarding the healing power of prayer, though his comments were largely overshadowed by Deepak Chopra. In 2003, TBS's reporting on the "Realian cult" and Dr. Michael Guillen's involvement garnered attention from media outlets.

TBS also criticized Court TV for hyping "psychic detectives" and reviewed Noreen Renier's memoir. The organization took Tampa General Hospital to task for incorporating practices like "Reiki" and "theurapeutic touch." The issue notes the forced cessation of publication of Renier's book due to legal settlements.

Debates on Climate Change and Skepticism

The publication has also engaged with the topic of global warming. An essay by Posner, "Confessions of a 'Holocaust Denier,'" explained why applying critical scrutiny to global warming alarmism is a "principled [scientific] position." TBS also critiqued the Center for Inquiry's Office of Public Policy for its stance on scientists skeptical of global warming alarmism. The article references data from the U.N.'s IPCC report and notes the passing of cartoonist Don Addis, whose work had appeared in TBSR.

The issue includes a letter from Valerie Grey commenting on an article about global warming and referencing bush fires in Australia. Another letter from Jim Peterson, President of the Tampabay PostCarbon Council, discusses the article "Revisiting Global Warming" by Gary Posner, which suggested a plateau in the earth's warming trend. Peterson argues that climate change is a long-term phenomenon and short-term data can be misleading, presenting graphs of global temperature anomalies from 1970 to 2011. He acknowledges that year-to-year variations are influenced by factors like El Niño and volcanic eruptions but asserts that man-made temperature increases have continued over the past 16 years, consistent with man-made climate change.

Paul Clifford contributes an article titled "Use Long-term Trends to Evaluate Climate Change," arguing against skepticism based on short-term plateaus. He presents graphs showing temperature anomalies from 1970 to 2011 and emphasizes that longer-term trends, viewed over decades and centuries, indicate a significant warming trend. Clifford also discusses the influence of El Niño, La Niña, and volcanic eruptions on short-term temperature variations.

Another letter from Jim Peterson expresses uncertainty about the global warming article but stands by his previous writings. He acknowledges the complexity of climate measurement and the potential peril to humanity, urging intensified study. Peterson highlights the importance of contextual time in climatology and the use of historical data to establish climatic parameters. He notes that while certainty remains elusive, evidence suggests compelling reasons for concern.

Peterson, an amateur interested in climate science since the mid-seventies, bases his confidence on articles in institutional science periodicals. He observes that the popular media often misrepresent the issue as political football rather than presenting an objective picture. He suggests that the skeptical, rationalist, humanist movement can play a role in informing the public without provoking destructive responses, emphasizing responsibility for self-preservation in the face of natural limits.

In his editor's reply, Jim Peterson acknowledges that his view on global warming causes and effects is more certain than his own. He notes that the graph titled "Land-Ocean Surface Temperature: Running Means" confirms a plateau by early 2005, aligning with the "London tabloid" report of no net global warming since 2000. He agrees with Dr. Clifford that the plateau does not negate the longer-term warming trend and references IPCC chairman Rajendra Pachauri's prediction that the plateau could last "30-40 years at least."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The TBS Report Online consistently champions skepticism and critical thinking, debunking pseudoscience and paranormal claims. The publication actively engages with media narratives, offering counterpoints to sensationalism and misinformation. A significant recurring theme is the rigorous examination of evidence, particularly in the context of climate change, where the magazine advocates for long-term data analysis over short-term fluctuations and critiques the politicization of scientific issues. The editorial stance emphasizes the importance of rational inquiry, scientific literacy, and the responsibility of humanity to address potential crises based on scientific understanding.