TBS Report Online

Magazine Overview

Title: TBS Report Online
Issue: Vol. 9 - No. 3
Date: Winter 1996-97
Publisher: Tampa Bay Skeptics

This issue of TBS Report Online, a publication of the Tampa Bay Skeptics, a Special Interest Group of the Center for Inquiry, focuses on skeptical investigations into alleged paranormal and unexplained phenomena. The content includes detailed analyses of specific cases, historical perspectives on skepticism, and commentary on current events related to psychic claims and UFOs.

A&E's "The Unexplained" and the Renier/Williston Case

The lead story announces the upcoming debut of the A&E Network series "The Unexplained," with its first episode focusing on "Psychic Detectives," featuring Noreen Renier and the Williston case. The article highlights that TBS's Gary Posner will appear on the program to offer a skeptical counterpoint to the notion that psychic powers were responsible for Renier's success in helping police find the body of Norman Lewis. The magazine also reports that it has received an official police file on the Williston missing-person case. This file includes a report from Investigator Brian Hewitt and notes on Renier's "psychic" reading. The article scrutinizes the evidence, particularly an edited audio tape of Renier's session, suggesting that her "success" might be explained by deductive reasoning or information fed to her by police, rather than genuine psychic ability. The police file also contains a map of Williston with a marked "Noreen's quadrant," which the author suggests may have been drawn after the fact.

Florida Councilwoman's UFO Experience

Another significant article details the experience of Volusia County Council member Lynne Plaskett, who appeared on the Maury Povich Show to discuss alien abductions. Plaskett recounts being diagnosed with metastatic T-cell lymphoma in 1975 and given only three months to live. She describes an encounter in her bedroom involving a buzzing noise, fog, levitation, and a disc-like object that examined her. Within four months of this experience, she claims to have gone into complete remission, a recovery her doctors attributed to her "mental attitude." The article notes that Plaskett later connected this healing to UFOs after hearing a recording from a "mother ship."

Chairman's Corner: Historical Skepticism

In the "Chairman's Corner," Terry A. Smiljanich reflects on the enduring nature of skepticism and the battle against pseudoscientific claims. He draws parallels between modern-day exposure of psychic fraud and the efforts of magicians like Harry Houdini (Erich Weiss) a century ago, who exposed spiritualists and mediums. Smiljanich also references earlier controversies in the 1870s involving Charles Darwin and Edwin Ray Lankester in debunking the spiritualist Henry Slade. The author laments that despite progress, the public remains susceptible to claims of psychic phenomena, channellers, and alien abductions, concluding that the fight for reason is ongoing and requires constant vigilance.

Spontaneous Human Combustion Case Remains Open

The issue revisits the case of Mary Reeser, who died in a fire 45 years prior in St. Petersburg, leaving behind a pile of ash and a "shrunken skull." The case is often cited as an example of Spontaneous Human Combustion (SHC). The article presents the skeptical analysis by Joe Nickell and John Fischer, who concluded that Reeser likely died from a cigarette igniting the chair's stuffing, exacerbated by body fat. Despite this explanation, the St. Petersburg Police Department has not officially closed the case, awaiting further scientific proof of SHC, as suggested by a new book by Larry E. Arnold.

Snippets and Dionne Warwick's Psychics

Briefly mentioned are the third annual Tampa UFO Conference and its speakers, including Budd Hopkins and Roger Leir. The "Snippets" section also touches upon Dionne Warwick's belief in O.J. Simpson's innocence and questions whether her "Psychic Friends Network" could identify the real killer, implying a potential disconnect between her belief and her psychics' abilities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards psychic claims, UFO phenomena, and purported paranormal events. The editorial stance is clearly that of critical inquiry, aiming to debunk or provide rational explanations for extraordinary claims. The publication emphasizes the importance of evidence, logical reasoning, and historical context in evaluating such phenomena. The underlying message is that while the forms of pseudoscientific claims may change over time, the need for critical thinking and skepticism remains constant.