REALL News - Vol 05 No 01 - 1997

Magazine Overview

The REALL News, Volume 5, Issue 1, dated January 1997, is the official newsletter of the Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL). This issue features an update on the Williston missing-person case, critically examining the role of psychic Noreen Renier and the police investigation. It also includes columns on legal aspects of scientific evidence, a critique of columnist Jack Anderson's views on psychics, and a report on the sale of the Cult Awareness Network.

Update: TBS Receives Official Police File on Williston Missing-person Case

This article by Gary P. Posner of the Tampa Bay Skeptics (TBS) follows up on a previous report about psychic Noreen Renier's involvement in the case of a missing 76-year-old man in Williston, Florida, whose body was found in a limestone quarry. The case had received media attention, including an A&E Network program. A Tampa law firm, acting on behalf of TBS, made a Public Records Request for the Williston police department's file on the case.

Two key documents from the file are highlighted: an investigator's May 12, 1995, report and notes from a July 17, 1995, psychic reading by Renier. Investigator Brian Hewitt's report, based on conversations with a handyman, revealed that the missing person, Norman Lewis, had previously spoken of finding a "river or pit" rather than going to a retirement home if his health failed. Lewis had also expressed dissatisfaction with his life and girlfriend, and made reference to knowing "every rock pit in the county." The article suggests that this information, known to the police prior to their session with Renier, could explain her success in locating the body through simple deductive reasoning rather than psychic ability.

The article also discusses an audiotape of Renier's reading, which was found to be heavily edited, with cuts and edits occurring after nearly every sentence. The tape, lasting only five minutes and forty-three seconds, contains utterances such as "A lot of rocks," "river/pit," and references to speedometers and vehicles, which the article contrasts with the actual location where Lewis was found. The police provided a map marking a "Noreen's quadrant" that appears to have been drawn after the session, rather than during it, raising further questions about the authenticity of her psychic claims.

Science in the Courtroom

David Bloomberg reports on a federal judge in Oregon, Robert E. Jones, who ruled that evidence linking autoimmune disorders to silicone breast implants was too weak to be presented to a jury. The judge utilized an independent panel of scientists to assess the evidence, citing the Daubert v. Merrell Dow Supreme Court decision on "gatekeepers" for scientific testimony. The panel concluded that claims of a general causal link were not supported by peer-reviewed data. The article questions whether juries, potentially lacking scientific literacy, should be the arbiters of scientific claims, suggesting that an independent panel is a better approach.

Anderson's Psychic Fixation

Columnist Jack Anderson is criticized for his repeated focus on "psychics" and his tendency to highlight alleged successes while downplaying failures. The article reviews three of Anderson's columns that discussed the CIA's use of psychic spies and a case involving a kidnapped U.S. Army general. The author argues that Anderson often presents information selectively, ignoring the lack of concrete results from psychic investigations and relying on hindsight to claim accuracy. The article questions the validity of claims made by "psychic detectives" who appear to predict events only after they have occurred.

Scientologist Buys Anti-Cult Network

In a surprising turn of events, the Cult Awareness Network (CAN), known for its anti-cult advocacy, has been purchased by a Scientologist. CAN, which faced numerous lawsuits from Scientologists claiming it falsely labeled Scientology a cult, was forced into bankruptcy. The buyer intends to reopen CAN and "disseminate the truth about all religions." The article expresses concern that confidential files held by CAN, containing information on cult members, may be acquired by those seeking to suppress criticism of Scientology.

Free Speech or Fraud?

This section discusses the trend of banning fortune-telling in Chicago suburbs, such as Alsip, Des Plaines, Schaumburg, and Waukegan, as a measure against fraud. Dorothy Oja of the Association for Astrological Networking argues that such bans infringe on free speech. However, the author contends that while the First Amendment protects speech, it does not protect fraud. The article distinguishes between truthful promotion of legal products and fraudulent claims made by psychics, suggesting that unless psychics can prove their claims, their activities constitute fraud and should not be shielded by free speech protections.

Letter to the Editor

Ron Larkin, Vice Chairperson of REALL, writes about the discussion of kites in previous issues and suggests consulting experts on balloons, kites, and lifting systems. He also points to resources for information on parafoils and kytoons and recommends studying boundary layer meteorology and local weather data for investigations into unexplained aerial phenomena.

From the Editor

The editor announces upcoming REALL meetings and events. February's meeting will feature a discussion of a John Stossel report on "junk science." March will host Detective Bruce Walstad, an expert on scams and psychics. The editor also notes that the newsletter's subject and author indices, which were to be published in January, are delayed due to their size and will likely be sent out separately. The upcoming April issue will be a Fourth Anniversary Special.

In Case You Missed It...

Bob Ladendorf provides brief summaries and ratings of recent news items. A Chicago Tribune article, "Can Faith Heal?", rated 4 (leaning paranormal/pseudoscientific), explores positive connections between religious beliefs and health. A Channel 20 News report on a "weeping painting" and a Virgin Mary sighting in Springfield, Illinois, received a rating of 3 (neutral). The items are rated on a scale from 1 (pro-skeptical) to 5 (pro-paranormal).

REALL Purpose and Membership

The final pages detail REALL's mission as a non-profit educational and scientific organization dedicated to rational thinking and the scientific method. REALL aims to research, convene meetings, and disseminate information on paranormal and fringe-science claims. It emphasizes objective, critical inquiry. Membership information and a list of patron members are also provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around skepticism towards paranormal claims, particularly those involving psychics and their alleged abilities. The REALL News consistently adopts a critical and analytical stance, using investigative journalism and scientific reasoning to question unsubstantiated claims. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of evidence-based inquiry, the scientific method, and the legal implications of scientific evidence. The publication also addresses issues related to fraud, free speech, and the potential for manipulation by organizations promoting pseudoscientific or cult-like beliefs. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rationalism and skepticism, while maintaining an open, albeit critical, approach to all claims.