Tampa Bay Skeptics Report - vol 16 no 1 - INCOMPLETE

Magazine Overview

Title: TBS Report Online
Issue: Vol. 16 - No. 1
Date: Summer 2003
Publisher: Tampa Bay Skeptics

This issue of TBS Report Online delves into the intersection of skepticism and paranormal claims, featuring articles on a psychic's involvement in a high-profile murder case, the activities of skeptics at a convention, and discussions on media portrayals of skepticism.

Noreen Renier and the Laci Peterson Case

The lead article, "Noreen Renier and the Laci Peterson Case" by Gary P. Posner, examines the claims of Florida "psychic detective" Noreen Renier concerning the Laci Peterson disappearance and murder. Renier gained media attention, appearing on Fox News Channel's *On The Record* with Greta Van Susteren and ABC-TV's *Good Morning America*.

Renier stated that in late February, two months after Laci's disappearance and before her body was found, she was hired by Laci's mother-in-law, Jackie, to find the missing woman. Describing herself as a "psychometrist," Renier held up a black Cal Poly sweatshirt allegedly belonging to Laci, explaining she couldn't read enough energy from it. She then requested and received a shoe, which Scott Peterson, Laci's husband and prime suspect, sent to her. Renier recounted a brief phone conversation with Scott, describing him as having a "protective shield" around him.

Renier claimed to have conducted "three sessions," two using the sweatshirt and shoe for Jackie, and one for herself, where she touched an envelope with handwriting (presumably Scott's). She reported sensing "the rocks, the park, the bridge, the bumpy road, a bunch of numbers," attempting to get map coordinates. Renier stated she "knew she was dead [as soon as] I started on the case."

Regarding the perpetrator, Renier stated she "didn't want to see who killed Laci" but it "just sort of popped up right in the beginning." She described seeing "someone, a male, hitting her on the head. And I could see a door there. And I knew that a rug was missing, and also whatever he hit her with on the head of course was missing as well." When asked by Van Susteren what she did with this information, Renier said she "didn't tell the Petersons [what I saw], but I did give the whole report to the police."

The article references a May 1 article by Rachel Harris in the *Stuart News* and *Fort Pierce Tribune*, which stated Renier "guessed" the man "might be" Scott but "pushed the thought out of her mind" because Scott's mother was paying her fee. The author questions how Renier could "in good conscience, deliberately fail to identify the killer."

An article in the May 1 *Gainesville Sun* by Douane D. James reported that Renier claimed she "may have had a role in the [police's] focus on Scott Peterson as a suspect," though Modesto Police declined to comment. The *Sun* also reported that Renier picked up the strongest sense from the Priority Mail envelope with Scott's handwriting, stating, "It was like having him there at the sessions." Renier told the *Sun* she discounted her fee from $650 to $450 because she "really wanted to work on the case."

The article mentions previous coverage of Renier in TBS Report and notes that Renier acknowledges having skeptics. It concludes by referencing a chapter on Renier in the book *Psychic Sleuths*, quoting editor Joe Nickel: "No psychic found Laci Peterson [she washed up on the shoreline]. . . . I find it astonishing that [Renier is] getting this kind of press coverage, and no one is bringing up her failures. . . . [Psychics] thrive on an uncritical media giving them attention."

TBS Booth Action at the Atheist Alliance International Convention

This section, by Rani Kottiath and Dana Smith, details the Tampa Bay Skeptics' (TBS) participation in the Atheist Alliance International Convention held in Tampa. Contrary to expectations of a confrontational group, the attendees were described as "quite the skeptical bunch."

With assistance from Jack Robinson and Gary Posner, TBS set up a booth and conducted three "Skep Tests."

1. Astrology Accuracy: Six subjects participated. Two horoscopes were read to each, one being their correct sign, with words that could give hints removed. Despite society's belief in astrology, most subjects furrowed an eyebrow. Surprisingly, the majority correctly guessed their horoscopes, which the authors attribute to random chance or lack of controls, or suggest skeptics might be "fuddy-duddies."

2. Psychic Challenge: This was the most popular test. Subjects guessed the suit of 10 cards from a shuffled deck. The expected result for a non-psychic is 2-1/2 "hits." Most participants guessed fewer than that. James "The Amazing" Randi, however, "remote viewed" 8 out of 10 cards correctly, a 1 in 2,400 chance. The authors humorously noted that Randi "possesses psychic powers" and considered offering him their $1,000 prize and his own $1,000,000 prize.

3. Dihydrogen Monoxide Hoax: Participants were presented with a petition to ban dihydrogen monoxide, described as a chemical causing billions in property damage, deaths, acid rain, and brain damage. This chemical is, in fact, water. The article notes that while 85% of the public might sign such a petition, under half of the convention-goers did. Furthermore, many who didn't sign were unaware of what dihydrogen monoxide was but wanted to inquire further before concluding.

The authors found the convention's tone to be one of "vitality and positive spirit," contrasting with a potential perception of skepticism as solely negative. They concluded that the convention captured the essence of skepticism as understanding the world more accurately to make it a better place.

Snippets

This section contains brief news items:

• Newton's Prediction: A BBC documentary producer claimed that Sir Isaac Newton predicted the world would end in 2060, based on biblical passages. A Canadian researcher reportedly found Newton's handwritten prediction in a Jerusalem archive. An upcoming documentary, *Newton: The Dark Heretic*, will explore this.
• James Randi Profile: A *Tampa Tribune* article profiled James Randi, highlighting his $1 million offer to anyone who can prove a paranormal phenomenon. The profile timed with the Atheist Alliance International Convention, where Randi was a speaker.

James Randi and Michael Shermer seen with Kathy Fountain

This short piece reports on James Randi, head of the James Randi Educational Foundation, and Michael Shermer, founder of the Skeptics Society, appearing on Kathy Fountain's TV program *Your Turn*. They were in town for the 2003 Atheist Alliance International Convention, hosted by Atheists of Florida. Topics discussed included why people believe in "weird things," faith healing, mediumship, the harm of false beliefs, UFOs, psychics, atheism, and Ouija boards.

The program's theme was "Skeptics Say It's Fraud." The article notes that while Shermer alleged "fraud" on one occasion, TBS generally avoids such direct accusations to prevent libel suits. It references Michael Shermer's chapter on Noreen Renier in *Psychic Sleuths*, where Renier won a lawsuit against a skeptic for alleging fraud. Randi preferred the term "investigator" over "debunker," stating his investigations have "always" found no evidence of paranormal phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards paranormal claims, the media's role in promoting or scrutinizing such claims, and the methods used by skeptics to investigate and debunk pseudoscientific phenomena. The editorial stance, as represented by the Tampa Bay Skeptics, is one of critical inquiry, evidence-based reasoning, and a commitment to promoting a rational understanding of the world. The publication highlights the importance of questioning extraordinary claims and points out the potential for media sensationalism to give undue attention to unsubstantiated assertions, as seen in the coverage of Noreen Renier.