Dear Abby: Skeptical Ghost Buster!  December 21, 2008  Venerable
advice columnist Dear Abby can usually be relied upon to
dispense "Dr. Phil" lite advice on myraid matters, though in a
recent column she showed a nice skeptical streak, suggesting a
mundane, rational reason for what a reader clearly believed was
a supernatural event:     When we reached our hotel - part of a
smoke-free chain - my husband and I opened the door to our room
and were greeted by a familiar odor. It smelled just like
Darrel’s apartment. And when I walked to the dresser to unpack,
two quarters were sitting on top. It was then that my husband
and I agreed that Darrel had stopped to say goodbye on his way
to heaven.   - Quarters From Heaven      Dear Quarters:   Please
accept my sympathy for the loss of your friend. I’m glad you
received some comfort in your time of need. However, it’s
entirely possible that the guest who occupied the room before
you broke the rules and puffed away in a room that was supposed
to be nonsmoking. I hope yo