The Bent Spoon - Volume 1 No 03

Magazine Overview

Title: The Bent Spoon
Issue: Vol. 01 Num. 03
Date: July 2011

Mission Statement

The Bent Spoon positions itself as a unique publication within the paranormal media landscape, aiming to bridge the divide between staunch believers and skeptics. It critiques the prevalent echo chamber effect in both communities, where like-minded individuals reinforce their own beliefs without engaging with opposing viewpoints. The magazine's mission is to foster an attitude of outreach and create a middle ground for constructive conversation. It promises to feature Q&A sessions between opposing viewpoints, interviews with investigators and thinkers, and articles offering in-depth, critical analysis of paranormal claims, while also including lighter fare like reviews and comic strips. The tagline encapsulates this approach: "Where extraordinary claims meet ordinary explanations."

Key Personnel

The magazine is founded by Nicholas Callis (Founder, graphics, layout, contributor) and Bobby Nelson (Founder, contributor). Other contributors include Jason Korbus and Rachel Wolf. Special thanks are extended to Matthew Baxter, Ben Radford, Karen Stollznow, and Jamie Williams.

Cover Feature

The cover prominently displays the title "The Bent Spoon" with the subtitle "Spirit Communication." The imagery features hands interacting with a Ouija board, a classic tool associated with spirit communication.

Contents Overview

The issue covers a range of topics within the paranormal sphere, including:

• Special Feature: Spirit Communication Issue
• Interview: Matthew Baxter, described as a paranormal investigator, skeptic, singer, guitar player, and radio/TV personality.
• PLUS: Electronic Voice Phenomenon, Ouija Boards, Broken Radios, and more.

The table of contents lists articles such as "Editorial," "In The News," "Soupernatural," "Making Amends," "Paranormal Lie," "Voices of the Dead," "Ouija Boards," "Ghost Box," "Interview," "Reviews," "Questions and Comments," and "It All Started With Frank."

Articles and Features

"Come Together? Why Unity is a Bad Thing for Believers & Skeptics" by Rachel Wolf

Rachel Wolf argues that the concept of "Paranormal Unity," which encourages paranormal groups and skeptics to unite, is ultimately detrimental. She draws a parallel between such unity and "The Mob," suggesting that it can lead to conformity and punishment for dissenters. Wolf contends that this enforced unity does not lend legitimacy or scientific rigor to paranormal investigations. She extends this critique to the skeptical community, citing events like "The Amaz!ng Meeting" as examples of the same crowds engaging in the same discussions, creating an echo chamber. Citing Mike Rowe, Wolf suggests that comfort without adversity is dangerous and that making both communities uncomfortable is necessary for progress. She proposes a lighthearted idea of a "giant picnic" to force interaction.

"IN THE NEWS"

This section reports on two distinct events:

1. Bigfoot Sighting in Spokane: Samantha of Spokane, Washington, captured a blurry video of a dark figure running during a hike. While she claims it's Bigfoot, the article notes the lack of identifiable features and the fact that Bigfoot is the mascot of Spokane Community College. The author, Nicholas Callis, concludes that while it seems like a hoax, it must be considered unexplained due to a lack of further evidence.
2. Psychic's Epic Fail: On June 6, 2011, authorities in Hardin, Texas, responded to a psychic's tip about buried bodies. Despite a thorough search, no bodies or evidence of homicide were found. The psychic later claimed they had the wrong house. Authorities are investigating the source of the tip, with Liberty County Judge Craig McNair emphasizing the need to take such tips seriously, despite the lack of evidence. Bobby Nelson reports this piece.

"SOUPERNATURAL: THE PARANORMAL FLASHLIGHT EXPERIMENT" by Jason Korbus

Jason Korbus critically examines the popular "flashlight experiment" often seen on paranormal investigation shows. He explains that the experiment involves asking spirits to turn a flashlight on and off. Korbus argues that the effect can be easily explained by non-paranormal means. He details how flashlights can be made precarious by adjusting the switch or cap, requiring minimal interference to flicker or turn on/off. He also suggests that heat expansion of metal parts could contribute to the effect. Korbus cites the Northeast Arkansas Paranormal Society's conclusion that the phenomenon is "caused by thermodynamics - NOT ghosts." He challenges ghost hunters to provide scientific controls for their experiments, suggesting they test the method in non-haunted locations. He also proposes more complex methods for spirit communication, such as Morse Code or spelling out words, to demonstrate intelligent interaction.

"MAKING AMENDS: WHY I NO LONGER BELIEVE IN EVP" by Jason Korbus

In this article, Jason Korbus details his journey from fascination with Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP) to disbelief. He recounts his early experiences with ghost hunting shows and personal EVP sessions, where he struggled to hear or interpret the alleged voices. Korbus explains that his group often had to be told what the voices were saying, and even then, interpretations varied wildly. He conducted experiments where participants heard different things from the same EVP recordings without prior suggestion, leading him to conclude that the "Class system" of EVP is flawed. He also points out that the "yes" or "no" responses were often influenced by the investigator's questions and could be explained by background noise or shuffling feet. Korbus highlights the role of FCC regulations regarding device interference and automatic volume control, which can amplify stray signals and create apparent responses. Ultimately, he concludes that personal expectations and the desire to believe lead people to interpret normal sounds as paranormal voices.

"IS THE MODERN DAY PARANORMAL MOVEMENT BASED ON A LIE?" by Bobby Nelson

Bobby Nelson traces the history of spirit communication, starting with the Fox sisters of Hydesville, New York, in 1848. He describes how they claimed to communicate with a spirit named "Mr. Splitfoot" through rapping sounds. This spirit later evolved into the story of Charles B. Rosma, a peddler supposedly murdered and buried in the cellar. While a skeleton was found years later, no missing person report for Rosma existed. The Fox sisters gained notoriety through séances, and many people subsequently claimed to have the ability to communicate with spirits. Nelson recounts how, in 1888, the Fox sisters exposed their methods, with Margaret demonstrating how she could produce raps by cracking her joints. He suggests that the modern paranormal movement, particularly ghost hunting focused on spirit contact via EMF meters and digital recorders, may be built on a foundation of unreliability and deception.

Event Promotion

A flyer promotes "Reflections on a Decade of Paranormal Investigation" featuring Benjamin Radford, including a "Tracking El Chupacabra Tour." The event is presented by the Centre for Inquiry and lists dates and locations in Seattle, Vancouver, and Kelowna.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is a critical examination of paranormal claims and methodologies, particularly those related to spirit communication. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, aiming to debunk common paranormal investigation techniques like the "flashlight experiment" and EVP, and questioning the validity of the modern paranormal movement. The magazine actively seeks to challenge both believers and skeptics, encouraging a more rigorous and evidence-based approach to understanding unexplained phenomena. The emphasis is on providing rational explanations and highlighting the flaws in current paranormal investigation practices, rather than accepting claims at face value.

This issue of The Bent Spoon, titled "VOICES OF THE DEAD," features several articles that critically examine paranormal phenomena, focusing on the history of Spiritualism, Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP), and the Ouija board. The magazine presents a skeptical perspective, emphasizing scientific explanations and critical thinking.

The Spiritualist Movement and its Frauds

The issue begins by recounting the story of Margaret and Katie, who confessed in 1888 to perpetrating a fraud of Spiritualism. Margaret detailed how they produced "raps" using simple physical control of their feet and toes, and even used an apple tied to a string to create noises. She described how neighbors were convinced a murder had occurred, leading to the shunning of an innocent man named Bell. Despite a later recantation, the sisters died alcoholics and penniless. The article notes the correlation between the modern paranormal movement and the spiritualist movement started by the Fox sisters in 1848, questioning if the last 123 years are based on a lie.

Voices of the Dead: An Analysis of the EVP Phenomenon by Nicholas Callis

Nicholas Callis explores Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP), defined as anomalous sounds recorded during paranormal investigations, presumed to be disembodied voices. Callis argues that the investigator's inherent bias makes such investigations scientifically invalid. He proposes several natural causes for these anomalous noises, including radio frequency interference picked up by electronic circuits in recorders, similar to how a radio receiver works. Even digital recorders, popular among investigators, have amplifiers susceptible to noise. These signals, often distorted due to the inability of the circuit to tune, can mimic voices. Callis also touches upon the idea that EVPs might be ELF radio waves, but notes the need for large antennas, which simple circuit traces do not provide. He suggests that some EVPs might be inaudible frequencies that require manipulation to be heard, but this process itself can alter the audio, rendering the data inadmissible. The article criticizes the practice of "cleaning up" EVPs, arguing that editors shape the sound to fit their preconceived notions, thus confirming their bias. Callis concludes that reviewing audio after the fact limits observation and that the brain's tendency to seek patterns (pareidolia) can lead to misinterpreting random noises as voices.

The Ouija Board: One of the Most Controversial Tools Used in Spirit Communication by Bobby Nelson

Bobby Nelson examines the history and controversy surrounding the Ouija board. Contrary to popular belief, the Ouija board is a relatively recent invention, patented in 1890 by Elijah Bond, Charles W. Kennard, and William H. A. Maupin, and developed by The Kennard Novelty Company. Kennard named it Ouija, claiming it meant "good luck" in an Egyptian word, though the word "scarab" means good luck in Egyptian and Arabic. William Fuld later revolutionized its history, claiming to have invented it and that Ouija meant "yes-yes." The board's association with evil is largely attributed to the 1973 movie "The Exorcist," which was based on a case where a boy admitted to playing with a Ouija board. Nelson argues that religious groups, automatically assuming the board was the cause of possession, played a significant role in this association. He notes that most negative reports stem from the 1970s onwards, correlating with the movie's release. Nelson also discusses the "ideomotor effect," coined by William B. Carpenter, which explains how unconscious muscle movements influenced by suggestion can cause the planchette to move, leading people to believe spirits are communicating. He recounts experiments, including those by James Randi, where blindfolding operators resulted in nonsensical outputs, suggesting the effect is subconscious. Nelson concludes that the Ouija board is a board game and a children's toy, not a portal to hell or a conjurer of demons. He also debunks the common story of Ouija boards being fire-resistant, stating that they do burn.

The Ghost Box by Bobby Nelson

Bobby Nelson discusses the ghost box, a modified radio that continuously sweeps through channels, used by paranormal investigators to supposedly communicate with spirits. He expresses skepticism, stating that despite years of research and testing, he has found no positive results. Nelson highlights the "Steve Hill challenge," where Steve Hill, an "electronic medium," claimed clear voices of his name could be heard on his recordings. Nelson debunked this by deleting Hill's confirmation and asking 50 random people to identify the sounds, none of whom heard "Steve Hill." He suggests this is "priming" or "front loading," where the investigator leads the listener to hear what they expect. Nelson also recounts the "Jeff Rezman challenge," where Rezman asked the ghost box questions about things already known to the participants, such as the color of a jacket, leading to predictable answers. Nelson concludes that the brain's tendency to seek patterns (pareidolia) makes people interpret random noises as meaningful, and that ghost boxes are essentially broken radios.

Reviews

Paranormality: Why We See What Isn't There by Richard Wiseman

This review praises Professor Richard Wiseman's book "Paranormality" as a significant contribution to skeptical literature, alongside works by Martin Gardner, Carl Sagan, and James Randi. Wiseman explains "why people see what isn't there" using evidence from psychology and his own investigations. The book is interactive, with QR codes linking to online content, including videos of his investigations. It offers simple experiments for readers to understand paranormal experiences, such as inducing out-of-body experiences or learning "psychic" abilities. The reviewer recommends the book for those on the fence about paranormal claims or seeking an informative read on the scientific study of the supernatural.

The Ghost Hunter's Guidebook by Troy Taylor

This review critiques Troy Taylor's "The Ghost Hunter's Guidebook," stating that it reflects the pseudoscientific clichés common among amateur ghost hunting groups. The reviewer argues that methods like taking EMF readings, recording EVPs, and taking photos are not effective investigative procedures, as they have not led to solving mysteries. The book is described as a guidebook that sends users in circles, using methods that do not lead to the truth. The reviewer advises readers interested in the science and psychology of haunting experiences to avoid this book and seek authors with a background in science and investigation.

Matthew Baxter: Paranormal Claims Investigator and Host of Warning Radio

Matthew Baxter discusses common mistakes made by paranormal believers and skeptics. He notes that believers often decide something is paranormal without valid proof, while skeptics may rely too heavily on Occam's Razor. Baxter emphasizes that the "mystery" of the paranormal is constantly reborn with new claims. He advises skeptics to communicate with believers by speaking their language and living skepticism as an example, rather than trying to convert them directly. Baxter criticizes ghost hunting groups for jumping to paranormal conclusions too quickly, citing confirmation bias. He strongly refutes the "what's the harm?" argument, stating that lying to people about ghosts from a position of authority is harmful, potentially leading them to ignore real dangers like gas leaks or faulty wiring. Baxter's own skepticism stemmed from realizing he couldn't distinguish between psychic impulse and imagination, and witnessing the misuse of evidence in UFO research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of paranormal claims through a skeptical lens. The magazine consistently promotes scientific reasoning, psychological explanations, and critical thinking as essential tools for understanding alleged paranormal phenomena. The editorial stance clearly favors evidence-based investigation over anecdotal accounts and pseudoscientific methods, advocating for a rational approach to claims of ghosts, spirits, and other supernatural events. The issue aims to debunk common myths and misconceptions surrounding topics like Spiritualism, EVP, and the Ouija board, encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims and seek verifiable evidence.

This issue of the Bent Spoon, dated June 1st, 2011, focuses on paranormal television shows and investigation techniques. It features reviews of SyFy's 'Haunted Collector' and Travel Channel's 'Paranormally Challenged', a detailed examination of the 'ghost box' technology, and a discussion on the chupacabra case.

SyFy's Haunted Collector

The review of 'Haunted Collector' criticizes the show's title as nonsensical and its format as unoriginal, following the typical two-segment-per-hour structure common to paranormal shows. The star, John Zaffis, is described as a collector of haunted items but not an entertaining television personality, with his team also lacking charisma. While not considered the worst paranormal show, it is deemed to be mediocre. The show involves investigating locations for EVPs, EMF fluctuations, and thermal imaging hits, with Zaffis finding a 'haunted' relic at the end of each segment that he takes to his museum.

Paranormally Challenged

This section reviews 'Paranormally Challenged,' hosted by Zak Bagans of 'Ghost Adventures.' The show's premise involves sending two paranormal investigation groups into a haunted location to gather evidence, which is then judged by a panel of 'experts': Gary Galka (inventor of the Mel Meter), Patrick Burns (from 'Haunting Evidence'), and Dave Schrader (host of 'Darkness Radio'). The reviewer expresses skepticism about the 'experts,' particularly Gary Galka's invention of the Mel Meter, which is essentially an EMF meter with a flashlight and thermometer. The reviewer also notes that Zak Bagans overstates the capabilities of the tools used, such as EMF meters and thermal cameras, claiming they can detect paranormal phenomena, which the reviewer asserts is false.

The evidence presented by the teams is described as subpar, including poor EVPs, orbs (dust), and a questionable silhouette photo. The reviewer is particularly critical of Patrick Burns, a photography expert, for not offering rational explanations for the visual evidence and instead validating questionable phenomena. The article questions the integrity of the 'experts' for promoting the idea of ghost detection devices, which they have previously stated do not exist, turning paranormal research into a 'game show.' The reviewer concludes that 'Paranormally Challenged' is the worst paranormal-themed television show they have ever watched.

Questions & Comments

This section addresses comments regarding Benjamin Radford's book 'Tracking the Chupacabra.' The author defends his work, clarifying that the eyewitness, Ms. Tolentino, stated the chupacabra resembled the movie monster, and that his drawing was more accurate than another cited drawing. He asserts that mysteries involving eyewitness accounts can be solved, citing his own work on cases like the KiMo theater ghost case and Pokemon Panic. He argues that his explanation for the chupacabra sighting is the simplest and best fit for the facts.

Paranormal Conjectures

This section features a brief exchange between a blogger named 'hlgllc' and Nicholas Callis. 'hlgllc' speculates about viruses and bacteria acting as entities that 'possess' hosts, and whether water vapor can retain memories. Nicholas Callis responds with skepticism, noting the lack of repeatable trials for such concepts and likening them to fringe ideas that are often wrong, despite historical examples like Joseph Lister's work.

It All Started With Frank: The Origin of the Ghost Box

This article by Bobby Nelson explores the history and use of the 'ghost box,' a device that sweeps radio bands to produce fragmented audio that proponents believe can be used for spirit communication. The author traces its origin to Frank Sumption, who invented the 'Frank's Box' in 2002. Nelson expresses skepticism, suggesting that users hear what they want to hear, a phenomenon known as audio pareidolia or 'mind matrixing.' He contrasts this with other methods like EVP and foreign language recordings, which he finds more reliable. The article also touches upon the comparison of Frank Sumption's work to Thomas Edison's alleged interest in a 'trans-dimensional telephone,' dismissing it as a myth. The author criticizes the commercialization of ghost boxes, with prices ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, and the focus on selling fear rather than genuine research.

Frank Sumption himself is quoted stating that the paranormal field has been taken over by 'con men, scammers, liars, cheats, thieves' who sell fear for profit. He acknowledges that while he gets messages through his box, others often don't hear the same things, suggesting pareidolia. He also notes that his wife, referred to as the 'Purple Princess,' has received messages from his device.

Pareidolia of the Month

This feature highlights James Henderson from the UK, who spotted what he believed to be the face of Jesus on a bleached spot on his sock. The author humorously suggests it looks more like Tommy Chong but concludes it's an example of the mind making sense out of nonsense.

Believer vs. Skeptic

A comic strip illustrates the contrast between a believer who hears messages from a modified radio (ghost box) and a skeptic who questions the modification and the scanning of channels.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of paranormal claims, particularly those presented in popular media. The magazine adopts a skeptical stance, questioning the validity of paranormal investigation tools and techniques, and highlighting the potential for misinterpretation, pareidolia, and commercial exploitation within the paranormal field. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine phenomena and manufactured entertainment or scams. The editorial stance appears to favor rational explanations and critical thinking over unverified claims, while still acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena and the desire for real communication with other realms.