Tampa Bay Skeptics Report - vol 19 no 2 - INCOMPLETE

Magazine Overview

Title: TBS Report Online
Issue: Vol. 19 - No. 2
Date: Fall 2006
Publisher: Tampa Bay Skeptics
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the TBS Report Online delves into skeptical investigations of paranormal and pseudoscientific claims, focusing on the purported abilities of psychic detectives and dubious medical practices.

Noreen Renier's "FBI" Cases

The lead article by Gary P. Posner critically examines the claims of Noreen Renier, a self-proclaimed psychic detective. Posner notes that Renier was featured on CNN Headline News and the pro-paranormal series 'Psychic Detectives,' which claimed she had cracked cases for law enforcement agencies, including the FBI. However, Posner presents evidence to the contrary.

FBI Supervisory Special Agent Robert Ressler, whom Renier considered a "good friend," testified in a 1986 deposition that Renier's claim of working with the FBI is "not true from the standpoint of being a paid employee and is not true from the standpoint of her being on a retainer or being used in any regular capacity. She does not work on FBI cases." Ressler also stated that the FBI does not use psychics in its investigations. He did mention that the Bureau had used Renier in an "academic setting" and had given her name to law enforcement people who wanted to try a psychic, some of whom claimed she solved cases.

Posner recounts Renier's predictions regarding President Reagan, which included a heart attack and/or gunshot to the chest, survival, and later assassination in a machine gun assault. When President Anwar Sadat was killed in such a manner, Renier was credited with mixing up presidents. Renier also predicted President Jimmy Carter's reelection in 1980 and his subsequent assassination, along with Vice President Walter Mondale's suicide, neither of which occurred.

Regarding a specific case where Renier claimed to have helped locate the body of a relative of an FBI agent, Posner cites John Merrell's investigation. Merrell interviewed the father and daughter who found the plane, Carl and Cheryl Wilber, who thoroughly debunked Renier's "psychic" visions. Carl Wilber stated Renier "hasn't a clue what happened" and accused her of making money from her claims. Cheryl Wilber added that Renier had "the wrong people in the wrong places and doesn't have a clue."

Renier also claimed in a 1986 deposition to have worked on two FBI cases: the Atlanta child murder case, where she read vibrations from a belt, and a missing California child case. In the former, she stated she was paid $350 by an FBI Academy agent/teacher named "Joe." In the latter, an unnamed agent interviewed her, and she did not charge for her services.

Posner also addresses Joe Uribe of the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, who credited Renier with helping solve a murder case. However, Posner suggests Uribe was likely referring to the Williston, Florida, case, which involved a man contemplating suicide, a fact known to police before consulting Renier.

Parade's Dr. Rosenfeld Reprises Dubious Acupuncture Claim

Another article by Gary P. Posner scrutinizes claims made by Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld, previously detailed in a Spring 1999 article. Rosenfeld had presented a photograph from a 1998 Parade magazine article depicting what he claimed was open-heart surgery in China in 1978, where a female patient remained "wide awake and smiling" with only an acupuncture needle in her earlobe as anesthesia. Posner and Dr. Wallace Sampson had previously raised concerns about the photographic evidence, including the absence of an endotracheal tube for ventilation and the position of the heart in the photograph. Rosenfeld reprised this claim in a July 9, 2006, Parade column, stating the patient remained awake and smiling throughout the procedure.

Posner notes that Rosenfeld referred his and Sampson's technical questions about ventilator support to cardiac surgeon Michael DeBakey, who confirmed that the described operative approach would likely cause lung collapse. Despite these concerns, Rosenfeld continued to insist he had not been a victim of a political-propaganda hoax.

Snippets

This section features brief items, including a cartoon and commentary on psychic claims.

Miami Psychic: Confessions of a Confidante

The first snippet discusses the book 'Miami Psychic: Confessions of a Confidante,' co-authored by Regina Milbourne (real name Gina Marie Marks) and Miami Herald reporter Yvonne Carey. Milbourne confesses to being seduced by the power and money of fortunetelling and admits to pocketing cash. The article reveals that Gina Marie Marks is allegedly part of a notorious Gypsy criminal family involved in fortunetelling scams, and police files suggest she is an "interstate predator" rather than a psychic. The book is noted for misidentifying the Disney character as "Mutton Mouse" instead of "Mickey Mouse."

JonBenet Ramsey Case and Psychic Claims

The second snippet reflects on the JonBenet Ramsey murder case and the confession of John Mark Karr. It notes that skepticism surrounded Karr's confession, yet some officials were impressed by his knowledge of private details, similar to how police departments are sometimes impressed by "psychic detectives." The article questions whether lessons will be learned about how psychics obtain their information, particularly if Karr's confession is fabricated, and asks if Court TV will reassess its 'Psychic Detectives' series.

"Solar Rotary" Sculpture

This short piece describes the "Solar Rotary" sculpture on the USF/Tampa campus, created by artist Nancy Holt. It mentions that TBS's Jack Robinson played a role in its creation by providing precise astronomical calculations for the location of the design's plaques.

Letters to the Editor

This section includes correspondence from readers and the editor's replies, primarily concerning challenges to psychic abilities and claims of miraculous healing.

Robert Tobolson's Challenge

Robert Tobolson, who claims to have worked as a healer for 31 years and experienced "hundreds of incredible miracles," expresses his desire to take the Tampa Bay Skeptics' "$1,000 Challenge." He offers to provide testimonial letters and public television appearances as proof. The editor explains that testimonials are not scientific evidence and suggests the placebo effect could explain perceived energy during prayer. The editor refers Tobolson to the challenge protocol on their website and suggests a specific protocol involving an orthopedist, a fractured limb, prayer, and rapid healing as verifiable proof.

Paul Barrier's Challenge

Paul Barrier proposes his own psychic test involving telepathy to millions of people, asking them to open bank accounts by a specific date, which the bank later confirmed. He also suggests a card-guessing test with an assistant in another room. The editor replies that a simpler test, such as correctly guessing a card four times in a row (a 1-in-6,250,000 feat) under controlled conditions, would suffice. However, like Tobolson, Barrier did not provide a reply to the editor's suggestions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards paranormal claims, particularly those involving psychic abilities in law enforcement and medicine. The Tampa Bay Skeptics, through articles and letters to the editor, consistently challenge individuals and organizations making extraordinary claims without rigorous scientific evidence. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, demanding verifiable proof and exposing potential fraud or self-deception in areas like psychic detection, alternative medicine, and faith healing. The issue highlights the importance of scientific methodology and critical thinking in evaluating such claims.