The Bent Spoon - Volume 1 No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: THE BENT SPOON
Issue: Vol. 01 Num. 01
Date: APR/MAY 2011
Publisher: The Bent Spoon
Tagline: Where extraordinary claims meet rational answers

This issue of The Bent Spoon magazine focuses on skepticism and critical analysis of paranormal claims, aiming to bridge the gap between believers and skeptics. The cover story, "THE COMING APOCALYPSE: COULD IT BE SOONER THAN YOU THINK?", highlights a prominent feature on Harold Camping's end-of-the-world prophecy.

Mission Statement

The magazine's mission statement, presented on page 2, articulates a desire to move beyond the traditional echo chambers of paranormal media. It seeks to create a middle ground where believers and skeptics can engage in constructive dialogue, offering Q&A sessions, interviews, and articles that provide in-depth analysis while also being critical of both sides. The goal is to foster an attitude of outreach and encourage learning from opposing viewpoints.

Key Articles and Features

Editorial: How Extraordinary!

Bobby Nelson, co-founder of The Bent Spoon, penned the editorial, emphasizing his skeptical stance and the importance of empirical evidence backed by science. He argues that paranormal enthusiasts often fail to grasp this concept, either through willful ignorance or misunderstanding of how science works. Nelson uses the analogy of Carl Sagan's invisible dragon to illustrate that extraordinary claims demand extraordinary evidence, not mere assertions or easily misinterpreted phenomena like EVPs or fuzzy photos. He criticizes the ghost hunting community for relying on outdated methods and calls for admitting when claims are unsubstantiated.

In The News

This section covers recent paranormal-related news. One article debunks a viral video claiming to show an alien body found in Buryatia, Russia. The video was exposed as a hoax, created with chicken skin and bread. Benjamin Radford is quoted, noting the amateurish filming as an early indicator. Another report details a video allegedly capturing Bigfoot in North Carolina. Thomas Byers claims to have filmed the creature, described as a seven-foot-tall, 300-pound Sasquatch with yellow teeth and a foul odor. The article notes the video's brevity and abrupt ending as common traits of hoaxes.

Yeti's are not Psychic: A Psychic Challenge to Eric "The Yeti" Risinger – Epic Fail

This feature by Bobby Nelson details a challenge he issued to Eric "The Yeti" Risinger, a self-proclaimed psychic who charges $2.26 per minute. Nelson posed three questions: for a private reading with specific, non-vague information; for an explanation of the mechanism behind psychic abilities that everyone supposedly possesses; and for the moral justification of charging for such abilities. Risinger initially responded defensively, claiming he was on the road. He later declined the challenge, citing that he knew Bobby personally and that their past conversations would bias any reading. He also compared his role to that of a psychiatrist, offering advice and helping people feel better, which Nelson found to be a poor and irresponsible analogy. Risinger also suggested that psychic abilities stem from caveman ancestors and sensory deprivation. The article includes responses from Kenny Biddle and Jason Korbus, who further question Risinger's claims and the lack of verifiable evidence.

Feature: Judgment Day May 21st, 2011

This article, also by Bobby Nelson, critically examines Harold Camping's prophecy that the world would end on May 21, 2011. Nelson breaks down Camping's calculations, which involve interpreting biblical verses like Matthew 24:26 and 2 Peter 3:8. Camping claimed that a day is like a thousand years to God, and used this to extrapolate a 7,000-year period from Genesis 7:4. By combining this with the alleged year of the flood (4990 B.C.), he arrived at the May 21, 2011 date. Nelson highlights the selective application of biblical interpretation and the questionable nature of Camping's 'proofs,' such as the crucifixion date calculation. The article concludes by questioning the validity of such prophecies, especially when they contradict explicit biblical statements about the unknowability of the day and hour of judgment.

Interview: Dr. Karen Stollznow

This section features a guest interview with Dr. Karen Stollznow, a linguist, writer, and paranormal investigator. She discusses what skepticism means to her and how her linguistics background informs her approach to paranormal claims.

Other Sections

The magazine also includes a "Soupernatural" section investigating claims about psychic animals, a "Skeptical Investigation" section, "Questions & Comments," a "Book Review," and a "Pareidolia of the Month."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is the rigorous application of skepticism and critical thinking to paranormal and supernatural claims. The Bent Spoon positions itself as a platform for rational inquiry, challenging both believers and those who promote unsubstantiated phenomena. The editorial stance consistently advocates for evidence-based reasoning, scientific methodology, and a healthy dose of doubt when confronted with extraordinary claims. The magazine actively debunks hoaxes and questions the validity of psychic abilities and prophecies, promoting a more grounded and evidence-based understanding of the world.

This issue of Supernatural magazine, published by Skeptic Magazine, features a cover story titled "Monster Talk: The Science Show About Monsters," hosted by Blake Smith, Benjamin Radford, and Dr. Karen Stollznow. The issue delves into various paranormal and skeptical topics, including apocalyptic predictions, psychic phenomena, and the scientific investigation of alleged supernatural events.

Harold Camping's Apocalyptic Numerology

The first article scrutinizes the numerological basis of Harold Camping's end-of-the-world predictions, particularly his focus on May 21st, 2011. The author breaks down Camping's interpretation of numbers 3 (God's purpose), 5 (atonement), 10 (completeness), 17 (Heaven), and 23 (destruction), citing biblical passages like Exodus 30:15, Numbers 3:47-48, Jeremiah, and Numbers 25:9. Camping's calculation of 5x10x17 x 5x10x17 = 722,500 is presented as central to his theory that Christ's atonement on April 1, 33 A.D., was completed on May 21st, 2011, with the rapture of believers. The article also draws parallels to Jesus' own 'vague predictions' of the end times, as recorded in Matthew 16:28, Mark 9:1, and Luke 9:27, questioning the accuracy of even divine predictions and suggesting Camping's mathematical approach is flawed. The author concludes that Camping's prediction, like his previous ones in 1988 and 1994, will likely fail.

Psychic Animals and the Ideomotor Effect

This section explores the concept of psychic animals, referencing an article by Fortean writer Nick Redfern about an early 1950s experiment involving the U.S. Army and psychic researcher J.B. Rhine. The experiment aimed to determine if two dogs, Tessie and Binnie, could use ESP to locate buried mines. Redfern reported that the dogs alerted to the mines before touching them, with an 86% success rate on the first day. The article also discusses the horse Lady Wonder, who J.B. Rhine deemed telepathic in 1927, capable of performing feats like telling the date on a coin or spelling names. A similar case involves William Von Osten's horse, Clever Hans, who appeared to perform mathematical calculations. The author, however, attributes these apparent psychic abilities to the ideomotor effect, a psychological phenomenon where unconscious bodily motions mimic intentional actions. The article cites Oskar Pfungst's investigation of Clever Hans, which revealed the horse was responding to subtle visual cues from its owner. The author questions whether the experiments with Tessie and Binnie were double-blinded and whether the dogs could have simply used their sense of smell. The piece concludes by suggesting that biases may have influenced Rhine's interpretations and that a lack of adequate controls might have led to mistaken conclusions.

Interview with Dr. Karen Stollznow

Dr. Karen Stollznow, an associate researcher at UC Berkeley and director of the San Francisco Bay Area Skeptics, is interviewed about skepticism. She defines skepticism as common sense, discovery, solving mysteries, understanding the world better, and seeking truth. Regarding women in skepticism, she believes there are no unique issues beyond general challenges faced in any group, though sexism or stereotypes might exist. Stollznow identifies 'outreach' as the biggest challenge for the skeptic community, emphasizing the need to take skepticism beyond its existing circles. She views skepticism as a community or movement, comprising various organizations and individuals with shared interests. While acknowledging that 'skeptic' can be a marketing scheme, she argues it's a useful label, preferring it over alternatives like 'critical thinker' or 'bright,' and stresses the importance of defining the term to avoid confusion with other uses. She suggests that paranormal researchers sometimes misuse scientific terms or claim skepticism without justification, possibly due to misunderstanding or a desire to enhance credibility. Stollznow, who holds a PhD in linguistics, explains how her background helps her critically analyze language, bias, and subjectivity, applying these skills to topics like graphology, automatic writing, and Bigfoot languages. She also touches upon her article on Foreign Accent Syndrome, clarifying it as a linguistic illusion resulting from brain trauma, distinct from the pseudoscientific concept of xenoglossia. She discusses glossolalia ('speaking in tongues') as an emotional response rather than a language, and advises aspiring skeptics to join the community, consume skeptical media, and actively participate.

Leaked FBI Memo: UFO Cover-Up?

This article examines the 'Guy Hottel memo,' a document that gained attention as alleged proof of a UFO cover-up. The author clarifies that the memo was not newly released and was never classified, likely being confused with the FBI's 'The Vault' website. The memo, dated March 22, 1950, details an Air Force investigator's account of three recovered flying saucers in New Mexico, described as circular with raised centers, approximately 50 feet in diameter, and occupied by three-foot-tall beings in metallic suits. The memo suggests the saucers were found due to government radar interference. The article traces the origin of this story to a hoax perpetrated by 'Doodlebug' peddlers Leo Gebaur and Silas Newton, whose account was broadcast by George Koehler, then passed through several individuals before reaching the Wyandotte Echo newspaper, from which Guy Hottel copied it. The author argues that the idea of a massive, sixty-year cover-up is absurd, as it would require the government to simultaneously keep information secret while also allowing 'secret documents' to leak online, demonstrating a lack of capacity for maintaining such a conspiracy.

Skeptical Investigation: The K2 EMF Meter

This investigative piece by Kenny Biddle examines the K2 EMF meter, a device popular among ghost hunters. The author notes that the device is often misused, purchased not as an Electromagnetic Field (EMF) meter but as a tool for ghost communication. The K2 meter, officially the Safe Range EMF meter, is a simple, single-axis device that runs on a 9-volt battery and displays readings on five LEDs indicating different mG levels. It operates on 50/60 Hz frequencies and detects Extremely Low Frequencies (ELF) and Very Low Frequency (VLF) ranges. The article highlights that the meter requires rotation on three axes for accurate readings and that its purpose is to measure electromagnetic fields, not spirits. The author details several experiments conducted with the K2 meter, comparing it to a Gauss Master EMF meter. These experiments involved testing the meter's response to powering on a video camera, a camera flash, and a two-way radio. The results showed that the K2 meter often registered spikes, particularly when near a two-way radio, suggesting that the device can be easily manipulated. The author also conducted an EVP session where the meter showed no fluctuations in response to questions. The experiments indicated that the K2 meter's readings are highly susceptible to external influences, including the proximity of two-way radios and even the operator's body conductivity, casting doubt on its reliability for paranormal investigations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently promotes a skeptical viewpoint, emphasizing critical thinking, scientific methodology, and the debunking of paranormal claims. The articles on Harold Camping, psychic animals, and the K2 EMF meter all highlight the importance of evidence-based reasoning and the dangers of confirmation bias and misinterpretation. The interview with Dr. Karen Stollznow directly addresses the principles of skepticism and its community. The debunking of the 'Guy Hottel memo' further reinforces the magazine's stance against sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. The overall editorial stance is one of encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims and seek rational explanations, often grounded in psychology, physics, or known scientific principles.

Title: The Bent Spoon
Issue Date: June 2011
Cover Headline: WE'RE STILL HERE LIFE AFTER THE ANTICLIMAX OF MAY 21ST

This issue of The Bent Spoon delves into the critical examination of paranormal investigation tools and claims, with a strong emphasis on skepticism and scientific methodology. It features experimental tests, a book review, reader contributions, and discussions on common paranormal phenomena and beliefs.

Article: Experiment 7 - Two-Way Radio Distance Test

This experiment investigated the effect of a two-way radio on a K2 Meter. The setup involved placing the K2 meter against a bedroom door and extending a measuring tape to 12 feet. The radio was set to Channel 1, Sub-channel 1. When the 'Call' button was pressed, the K2 meter consistently showed a spike of three LEDs, even when the button was not actively depressed. This effect decreased with distance. At sixteen feet, the meter could no longer be manipulated. At fifteen feet, two to two LEDs would still illuminate. Changing the radio channel to 22 resulted in a decreased effect on the K2 meter's manipulation.

Article: Experiment 8 - Call on a Blackberry Cell Phone Test

This experiment explored the impact of a Blackberry Storm cell phone on the K2 meter. The method involved playing with the phone's functions to observe any effect on the meter's scale. The results were described as 'Hit or Miss.' Sometimes, the meter would pick up a Facebook update from about 5 inches away, while other times it wouldn't. When making or receiving a call, the K2 meter would spike from approximately 7 to 10 inches away. This occurred whether the call was being made or received. The experiment noted that this did not happen every time; out of 63 calls made to the house and 64 from the house to the phone, the results were inconsistent. However, the average distance for a spike was 7 to 10 inches when holding the meter in a relaxed position, which is common during investigations. The article warns that constantly updating phones can interfere with EMF scanning, potentially causing spikes that are mistaken for paranormal activity.

Article: Experiment 9 - Computer Mouse Test

This experiment was an accidental discovery. While working on another experiment, the author noticed that the K2 meter's flashing LEDs caught his attention when he was moving the computer mouse. The meter showed three to four lights flashing, or pulsing, when the mouse was nearby. The meter was moved from six inches to 26 inches away from the mouse, and the EM field emission depended on the meter's orientation.

Article: Experiment 10 - Three Meters with Two-Way Radio

This experiment revisited the use of two-way radios with EMF meters, this time using three different meters: an E.L.F.-Zone Electro-Magnetic Field Detector from ENZONE, and two others commonly used by ghost hunting teams (Lutron EMF 822-A and Sper Scientific Digital EMF, along with AlphaLab TriField Natural and General Tools Tri-Axial Datalogging Digital EMF Meter mentioned later). The meters were set up in a row, and test intervals were established at 2, 5, 7, 10, 15, 18, and 20 feet. The results were displayed in a chart. Two notable reactions were observed: at distances up to 5 feet, the K2 Meter would rapidly and continuously flash four LED lights as long as the 'Talk' button was held. This was dependent on the radio's orientation; facing the meters produced this effect, while facing away resulted in a weak pulsing of the 2nd LED. Shaking the radio side-to-side caused the K2 meter to flash up to all five LEDs from a distance of 12 feet, though results varied based on how the radio was held and angled. The meter was described as unpredictable but consistently easy to manipulate.

Discussion: The Reliability of the K2 Meter

The article strongly argues that the K2 meter should not be used for paranormal investigations. The author points out that the power switch can be easily manipulated, causing the first LED to go out, which can be mistaken for a spirit communication. This manipulation, along with the use of two-way radios, has led to the device being used to create false readings and outright fraud. The article criticizes 'science' based teams that claim the K2 meter consistently communicates with spirits, noting that video segments often show only the device lighting up without full context. It references a test from the GhostMart website that found the K-II's readings inconsistent compared to higher-end EMF meters, despite being responsive to EMF fluctuations. The author's own testing confirmed this inconsistency, particularly in Experiment 10, where readings varied based on how the meter was held. The article suggests that everyday devices like cell phones, video cameras, and camera flashes can affect the K2 meter. It concludes that the K2 meter is not designed for paranormal research but for measuring general electromagnetic fields from household devices. Endorsements from para-celebrities are dismissed, and the lack of scientific testing and data to support claims of ghosts affecting the electromagnetic field is highlighted.

Pareidolia of the Month

This section features Roisin McCourt, who found what she believes is a miraculous sign of God on a towel removed from her dryer, resembling Jesus's face. The author humorously dismisses this as a coincidence and suggests McCourt should feel silly for believing it.

Believer vs. Skeptic!

A comic strip featuring two characters, one a believer looking for "shadows darker than the dark," and the other questioning why they are sitting in the dark. This illustrates a common dynamic between believers and skeptics in paranormal investigations.

Questions & Comments Section

This section includes several reader submissions and responses:

• Pam describes experiencing a 'shadow person' while in bed, which her daughter later also experienced. She notes her credibility as a teacher who doesn't drink or smoke, suggesting it wasn't a hallucination. The editor responds that such experiences occurring in bed are often hypnagogic hallucinations, a transitional state between wakefulness and sleep, which can cause scary visual, auditory, and tactile sensations.
• Bobby Nelson shares experiences of chronic sleep paralysis and witnessing 'creepy things' like shadow people and 'alien gremlins,' stating he has learned to control them.
• Ben asks if paranormal teams truly use a skeptical point of view. The editor explains that while many teams claim skepticism, their method of 'trying to debunk the claims and whatever is left is paranormal' is not truly scientific. It assumes all explanations are known and within the team's understanding, which is often not the case with uncontrolled phenomena. The editor suggests that investigators often give up prematurely, labeling phenomena as 'unexplainable' rather than unexplained.
• Nicholas Callis discusses the concept of 'whatever is leftover is paranormal,' stating that without measurable and repeatable parameters defining paranormal factors, occurrences cannot be deemed paranormal. He believes paranormal teams have good intentions but need to improve their methods by applying science.
• M. Whittman asks if using more of the brain could lead to psychic abilities. The editor clarifies that humans use 100% of their brain and that the idea of unlocking more potential for psychic powers is a myth. He also addresses the misconception about neurons versus glial cells.
• Bobby Nelson asks how our eyes, brains, and senses can fool us during investigations. The editor, Mark, explains that our brains and senses are frequently tricked by common occurrences like phantom smells or misinterpreting visual illusions. He emphasizes that in dark environments, common during ghost hunts, our senses are further impaired, leading to misinterpretations of length, depth, and even mistaking real objects for something else. He also mentions the role of bias and expectation in paranormal investigations.
• Ben Radford is quoted on the 'argument from ignorance' fallacy, stating that even if 90-95% of the brain is untapped, it doesn't grant psychic powers. He also notes that understanding how the brain functions is different from using its full capacity.

Book Review: Tracking the Chupacabra: the Vampire Beast in Fact, Fiction, and Folklore by Benjamin Radford

Written by Jason Korbus, this review praises Benjamin Radford's book for its thorough investigation into the mystery of the Chupacabra. The reviewer recounts a childhood experience with a 'Chupacabra' and expresses admiration for Radford's ability to equip readers with critical thinking skills. The book details the history of the Chupacabra, its folklore, and Radford's own expeditions to Puerto Rico. It examines eyewitness accounts, the evolution of descriptions, and the anti-American sentiment in Puerto Rico that may have influenced perceptions. The review highlights Radford's scientific refutation of claims, particularly regarding 'Texas Chupacabra' cases involving mangy dogs. The reviewer states that Radford's conclusion, which applies psychology and scientific techniques, provides a definitive and satisfying end to the mystery, answering questions about what the Chupacabra really is. The book is recommended for its blend of legend, lore, case studies, science, and psychology.

Next Issue

The next issue, scheduled for the first week of June 2011, is titled "THE BENT SPOON JUNE 2011 WE'RE STILL HERE LIFE AFTER THE ANTICLIMAX OF MAY 21ST."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical evaluation of paranormal investigation methods and tools, particularly the K2 meter. There is a strong emphasis on scientific skepticism, the importance of critical thinking, and the debunking of pseudoscientific claims within the paranormal community. The editorial stance is clearly that of a skeptic, advocating for rigorous scientific methodology and warning against the manipulation of evidence and the acceptance of unsubstantiated claims. The magazine aims to educate its readers about the potential for misinterpretation and fraud in paranormal investigations, encouraging a more evidence-based approach.