Tampa Bay Skeptics Report - vol 17 no 1 - INCOMPLETE

Magazine Overview

Title: TBS Report Online
Issue: Vol. 17 - No. 1
Date: Summer 2004
Publisher: Tampa Bay Skeptics and Center For Inquiry Tampa Bay
Country: USA
Language: English

Noreen Renier on Court TV

The lead article, "Noreen Renier doubly featured on Court TV documentary series" by Gary P. Posner, critically examines the portrayal of psychic detective Noreen Renier on Court TV's "Psychic Detectives." Posner details two cases featured on the program. The first, a double homicide in Colonie, N.Y., in 1986, involved an elderly couple. After two years with no arrests, police consulted Renier. The article recounts how Renier identified suspects, including the grandson and his acquaintance, Robert Skinner. However, Posner highlights contradictions and questions the extent of Renier's psychic abilities, suggesting she may have relied on publicly available information. He contrasts the Court TV narrative with testimony from former FBI agent Robert Ressler, who stated that Renier's claims of FBI involvement were untrue and that the FBI does not use psychics.

Posner also scrutinizes Renier's appearance on other television programs, such as "Geraldo" and "48 Hours." He points out discrepancies in how Renier's role in identifying the grandson as a suspect was presented, particularly noting the grandson's mother's denial on "Geraldo" that Renier had fingered her son. Posner suggests that Renier may have learned about the suspects through newspaper accounts rather than psychic means.

The article includes an exchange of emails between Posner and Detective Ray Krolak, who initially consulted Renier. Krolak questions Posner's reporting and accuses him of not dealing in facts, while Posner defends his work and seeks clarification on Krolak's role in providing information to television programs.

Media Misinformation: The 'Virgin Mary' Image

Another significant piece addresses the media's erroneous reporting of a "Virgin Mary" image appearing on window panes in Clearwater, Florida. Following the opening of Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ," local news outlets widely reported that the image first appeared in December 1996. Posner corrects this, citing his own previous reporting and a 1994 Florida Department of Transportation photograph that showed the stain was present much earlier, obscured by palm trees that were later removed. He criticizes the media for ignoring their own past reporting and for perpetuating a sensationalized narrative.

Snippets and Other Features

• The "Snippets" section covers various topics:
• Penn & Teller: Bullshit! The newspaper was too timid to print the full title of Penn & Teller's TV series due to profanity, but a school district requested a version for classrooms. The show debunks paranormal claims.
• Deborah Dienstbier: A practitioner in Largo offers "Shusta" card readings, a hybrid of astrology and Tarot, for clients seeking spiritual guidance.
• Cara Thornton's Baby Pacifier: Thornton invented a novelty pacifier that changes color based on a baby's mood, earning her a finalist spot in the "Invent Now America" contest.
• "Pet Psychics" Beware: The article notes the emergence of a baby pacifier that indicates a baby's state, suggesting a potential for similar "multi-species" inventions in the future.

TBS in the Media

This section highlights Gary Posner's media appearances and mentions. He was quoted in articles in "The Record" and "Charlottesville Daily Progress" regarding prayer, healing, and Noreen Renier. Posner was also a guest on Kathy Fountain's "Your Turn" radio show.

Letter to the Editor

Bruce Martin, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Chemistry at the University of Virginia, writes a letter praising Gary Posner's extensive research and compelling analyses of Noreen Renier's claims, expressing gratitude for his investigative efforts.

A Creepy Coincidence

Terry A. Smiljanich, TBS Chairman, shares a personal anecdote about a striking coincidence involving a dream about an old high school friend, followed by an email from a classmate informing him of the friend's death. He references John Allen Paulos' writings on coincidences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The TBS Report Online consistently adopts a skeptical stance, critically examining claims of the paranormal, psychic abilities, and media sensationalism. The publication prioritizes factual reporting, investigative journalism, and the debunking of unsubstantiated phenomena. The editorial stance is one of rational inquiry and a commitment to presenting evidence-based perspectives, as demonstrated by the detailed analysis of Noreen Renier's case and the correction of media errors regarding the "Virgin Mary" image. The publication aims to inform its readers about the prevalence of pseudoscientific claims and the importance of critical thinking.