The Bent Spoon - Volume 1 No 06

Magazine Overview

Title: THE BENT SPOON
Issue: 1
Volume: 1
Date: January 3, 2006 (inferred from article date)
Publisher: The Bent Spoon
Country: USA
Language: English

Editorial Stance

The Bent Spoon magazine positions itself as a unique publication in the paranormal media landscape, aiming to serve as a 'skeptical magazine for the true believer.' It seeks to create a middle ground where both believers and skeptics can engage in constructive dialogue, avoiding the echo chamber effect often found in polarized communities. The magazine promises in-depth analysis, interviews with investigators and thinkers, and critical examination of both paranormal claims and skeptical viewpoints, alongside lighter fare like reviews and comic strips.

Article: PSYCHIC OR CLEVER TRICKS? BY BOBBY NELSON

This article critically examines the practices of television psychics, questioning whether their abilities are genuine or merely the result of 'cold reading' techniques. The author, Bobby Nelson, points to popular figures like Ms. Cleo, Dionne Warwick's Psychic Friends Network, John Edward ('Crossing Over'), and James Van Praagh ('Beyond') as examples of individuals who employ these methods.

Cold reading is described as a technique involving the study of body language and the asking of vague questions to elicit information from a sitter. The author explains how psychics can use seemingly accurate statements, such as 'I am seeing a male right now,' to statistically narrow down possibilities and create the illusion of psychic connection. The article highlights how a 'hit' can be achieved by making a general statement and allowing the sitter to connect it to their own experiences, a process referred to as 'fishing.'

Examples are given of how seemingly specific statements can be interpreted broadly. For instance, 'I am seeing water, lots of water' could relate to a father who loved fishing or died by drowning. The article notes that the reader always has the advantage, and that audiences often remember the few 'hits' while ignoring numerous 'misses.'

'Hot reading,' a related technique involving the use of foreknowledge, is also mentioned, with an example from the HBO show 'Bullshit' featuring psychic Rosemary Altea, who allegedly obtained information about her subject's deceased mother beforehand.

Sylvia Browne: A Case Study in Inaccuracy

The article then focuses on Sylvia Browne, another psychic criticized for her lack of accuracy. Despite her claims of helping thousands, the author argues her predictions are often vague enough to apply to many situations. Two notable instances of Browne's alleged failures are detailed:

1. The Shawn Hornbeck Case: In February 2003, Browne told the parents of kidnapped 11-year-old Shawn Hornbeck that he was dead and provided a description of his abductor that did not match. Months later, Shawn was found alive, and the description and location provided by Browne were incorrect.
2. West Virginia Mining Incident: On January 3, 2006, Browne predicted that 13 miners involved in an incident in West Virginia would be found alive. Sadly, 12 of the 13 miners were dead.

Browne's refusal to participate in James Randi's Million Dollar Challenge is also mentioned, with her management citing various excuses, including Randi not being a 'godly man.'

Article: THE MILLION DOLLAR CHALLENGE BY BOBBY NELSON

This section details the James Randi Educational Foundation's (JREF) Million Dollar Challenge, an offer of $1 million to anyone who can demonstrate paranormal abilities under controlled conditions. The challenge originated in 1964 when a parapsychologist challenged James Randi to put his money where his mouth was.

Between 1964 and 1982, Randi states that over 650 people attempted the challenge, but none have progressed beyond the preliminary stage. The testing process involves two parts: a preliminary test and an official test. Crucially, the applicant designs the test in agreement with the JREF protocol, ensuring the claim is testable and specific.

The article outlines key JREF protocols:

• 2.1 Protocols: Tests must be mutually agreed upon by both the claimant and the JREF. If a deadlock occurs, the application is terminated.
• 2.2 Definition of Paranormal: Defined by Webster's as 'not scientifically explainable; supernatural.' The JREF considers a claim paranormal for the duration of the test if it has agreed to test it.
• 2.3 Does my claim count as paranormal?: Applicants are encouraged to review the JREF forum for examples of previous claims.
• 2.4 Why do you reject claims that might cause injury?: The JREF will not test claims that could lead to harm or death, for legal and humanitarian reasons.
• 2.5 Why can't I submit a religious or spiritual claim?: Such claims are generally untestable, relying on anecdotal evidence rather than objective proof.
• 2.6 Changing a Rule: The JREF's rules are fixed, and applicants enter into a contract.
• 2.7 Media Presence: A recent rule requires claimants to have a media presence. This is to ensure that only those who can make an impact on society are tested, and to avoid encouraging individuals with mental ailments. Excuses for not having media presence are listed, including not wanting publicity, not being featured in news stories, and claiming the rule is new.

The article also lists common reasons people refuse the challenge, ranging from financial excuses ('I can't afford it,' 'I'm already rich') to more outlandish ones ('It's a trap by the CIA,' 'God told me not to'). The author dismisses these excuses, urging people to 'put your money where your mouth is' or admit they cannot prove their claims.

A picture of a bank statement for the Million Dollar Challenge is included to counter the myth that Randi does not have the funds.

Article: THE PALM READER OF NEW ORLEANS / JERIK OF JACKSON SQUARE BY DR. KAREN STOLLZNOW

This article explores the unique atmosphere of Jackson Square in New Orleans, focusing on its history as a hub for artists, musicians, and mystics. The author, Dr. Karen Stollznow, notes that a 2003 Parish Ordinance forced many psychics and palm readers out of the square, ostensibly for beautification, but possibly for fiscal reasons.

Despite the ordinance, a few mystics have returned, including Jerik Daenarson, who operates under the name 'Jerik – House of Scorpio.' Jerik is described as a patriarch mystic with over 35 years of experience as a palm reader, working seven days a week from dusk till midnight. His services are offered 'by donation,' with an expected payment of $20 or more.

The author recounts her experience visiting Jerik's stall on a Saturday night amidst the lively crowds of the French Quarter. She describes the ambiance of Bourbon Street and the renowned Café du Monde, known for its beignets and chicory coffee. Arriving at Jerik's psychic promenade at 11 pm, she finds him operating his stall as expected.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Bent Spoon revolve around the critical examination of paranormal claims and the methods used to support them. The magazine champions skepticism and evidence-based reasoning, as exemplified by the detailed analysis of cold reading techniques and the presentation of James Randi's Million Dollar Challenge. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rational inquiry and debunking pseudoscience, while still acknowledging the existence of belief and seeking to engage with believers in a non-confrontational manner. The inclusion of articles on psychics and palm readers, while critical, aims to inform rather than simply dismiss, fostering a space for discussion and education on the boundaries between belief and verifiable fact.

This issue of SOUPERNATURAL delves into various paranormal claims and investigations, critically examining their validity through scientific inquiry, historical analysis, and skeptical perspectives. The magazine features articles on palmistry, energy healing, dowsing, and psychic mediumship, often exposing fraud and debunking purported supernatural abilities.

Palmistry: A Cold Reading?

The article "Jerik's psychic powers" details an encounter with a psychic named Jerik in New Orleans. The author describes Jerik's hurricane tale and his practice of palmistry, which he claims is backed by "good science." The author undergoes a palm reading, receiving generally positive predictions about personality, health, relationships, and career success. However, the article questions the scientific basis of palmistry, suggesting it often relies on "cold reading" techniques, which involve making generalized statements and observing the subject's reactions to deduce information. The author notes that Jerik's reading contradicted previous readings they had received, highlighting the subjective nature of palmistry.

Debunking Energy Healing

"HOW A 9 YEAR OLD GIRL DEBUNKED 'ENERGY HEALING'" by Jason Korbus recounts the experiment conducted by Emily Rosa. At nine years old, Emily designed a science fair project to test the validity of Therapeutic Touch (TT), an energy therapy. She tested 15 practitioners, asking them to identify which of her hands was emitting an "energy field." The results showed that the practitioners could only guess correctly, on average, 4.4 times out of ten, a success rate less than chance. The article highlights Emily's subsequent recognition within the scientific community for her work, including awards and publications in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Dowsing Demonstrations

"ANOTHER POOR YET ACCURATE DOWSING DEMONSTRATION" by Bobby Nelson describes the author's experience at the Mothman Festival. He observes a woman demonstrating dowsing rods, which she claimed worked on "energies produced by the earth and from the spirit world." The author intervenes, explaining that the rods' movement is likely due to the "ideomotor effect," a phenomenon where unconscious muscle movements influenced by suggestion cause the rods to move. He argues that dowsing rods cannot reveal information that the user does not already know, illustrating this with examples of trying to find lost keys. The woman's inability to perform simple tests further undermines her claims.

Skepticism Towards Psychic Mediums

"THE SKEPTICAL WORLD WAITS ON LEIGH-CATHERINE" by Jason Korbus discusses Leigh-Catherine, a self-proclaimed "sassy psychic medium," who agreed to take the James Randi Educational Foundation's Million Dollar Challenge. However, the author expresses skepticism, noting that many psychics who agree to such tests later back down with excuses, citing examples like Sylvia Browne and Allison DuBois. Leigh-Catherine's Twitter activity suggests she is avoiding the challenge, with the author concluding she is joining a legion of other mediums who make bold claims but fail to provide proof.

Historical Fraud in Psychical Research

"SEX & SPIRITUALISM" by Jason Korbus explores the history of psychical research, focusing on instances of fraud and questionable practices. The article mentions Dean Radin's books and the historical accounts of spiritualism, noting that sordid details are often omitted. It highlights poorly controlled experiments and statistical manipulation. The infamous Fox Sisters, who popularized spiritualism in 1848, confessed their "rappings" were a hoax. Another case involves the Creery Sisters who fooled Sir William Fletcher Barrett with a verbal code. The article also details the scandalous career of Mina Crandon (Margery), who performed nude seances and was accused of sexual misconduct with investigators, with Harry Houdini exposing her fraud. Florence Cook is also mentioned as a medium who fooled Sir William Crookes, with evidence suggesting their relationship was a cover for a love affair.

Another Psychic Fraud?

"ANOTHER PSYCHIC FRAUD? IT LOOKS LIKE IT." by Bobby Nelson reports on Sally Morgan, a British psychic accused of fraud during a live performance in Dublin. A caller named Sue reported hearing a male voice relaying information to Morgan, which she then repeated seconds later. Other audience members corroborated this account. A spokesperson for Sally Morgan Enterprises denied the accusations, stating it was Morgan's "gift." The article suggests that the incident, along with others, points to a pattern of deception in psychic performances.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of paranormal claims and the prevalence of skepticism. The magazine consistently questions the validity of psychic abilities, often providing scientific explanations or historical evidence of fraud. The editorial stance clearly favors a skeptical approach, highlighting the lack of empirical evidence for supernatural phenomena and exposing the methods used by fraudulent practitioners. The articles emphasize the importance of critical thinking and scientific rigor when evaluating claims of psychic powers, suggesting that many such claims are based on cold reading, ideomotor effects, or outright deception. The issue aims to educate readers about the history of psychical research, revealing its darker aspects of fraud, sexual misconduct, and the manipulation of belief.

This issue of The Bent Spoon is dedicated to exploring themes of skepticism, critical thinking, and the paranormal, aiming to promote rational thought and combat pseudoscience. The magazine features articles debunking common myths, an in-depth interview with a psychic, and reviews of books related to skepticism and parapsychology.

The 10% Myth

The article "the 10% MYTH" directly addresses and debunks the widespread misconception that humans only use 10 percent of their brain. The author explains that this idea is 100 percent false, with no scientific data to support it. In fact, humans utilize all 100 percent of their brain. The article references Ben Radford, who identifies the argument that psychic powers come from an untapped part of the brain as a logical fallacy known as the argument from ignorance. The author speculates on the origins of this myth, suggesting it might stem from the fact that less than 10 percent of brain cells are neurons, while the rest are glial cells that support neurons. Another possible origin is attributed to Albert Einstein, who allegedly told a reporter that his brilliance came from using more than 10 percent of his brain. The article encourages readers to respectfully correct those who perpetuate this myth.

Interview with Chip Coffey

The magazine features an extensive interview with Chip Coffey, who identifies himself as an internationally renowned psychic, medium, spiritual counselor, and television personality. Coffey explains his abilities, stating that as a psychic, he can access information and energies beyond the five human senses, and as a medium, he can communicate with disincarnate beings. When asked about skeptics and the idea of psychic abilities being mere tricks, Coffey asserts that no mentalist has fully proven that every facet of psychic ability is a trick. He believes there are varying degrees of psychic ability. While he admits he doesn't know precisely how psychic mechanisms work, he has seen convincing evidence of their efficacy. Coffey respects that psychics shouldn't have to defend their abilities but acknowledges the challenge of proving contact with the deceased in a way that would convince skeptics. He shares a detailed example of a reading where he provided specific, verifiable information to a client named Rebecca about a missing ring and a spirit named Ralph, which was later confirmed by Rebecca's father. Coffey declines the James Randi Educational Foundation's million-dollar challenge, stating he doesn't feel obligated to prove himself to anyone except his clients. Regarding charging for services, he likens it to earning a living through any other talent. He dismisses the common question about predicting lottery numbers as a frustrating unknown, stating psychics wish they could. Coffey expresses skepticism about self-proclaimed "skeptics," viewing many as total disbelievers who are aggressively critical. He states he doesn't believe in skeptics and is unconcerned about acceptance by the scientific community, considering debates with skeptics a waste of time.

Reviews

"Unbelievable" by Stacy Horn

This section reviews Stacy Horn's 2009 book, "Unbelievable," which examines the work of the Duke Parapsychology Lab founded by J.B. Rhine from 1930 to 1980. The reviewer, Rachel Wolf, praises Horn's dedication in researching old case files and archives, and speaking with involved individuals. The book is described as written in a clear and exciting style. However, the reviewer wishes Horn had been more skeptical, feeling that her eagerness to believe occasionally clouded the truth about the lab's work. Specific criticisms include the handling of incidents involving an allegedly psychic horse named Lady Wonder and criticisms from psychologist B.F. Skinner, which the reviewer felt were not given fair hearing. Despite these reservations, "Unbelievable" is recommended for those interested in the scientific study of perceived psychic phenomena and is considered a noteworthy biography of J.B. Rhine.

"How to Become a Really Good Pain in the Ass" by Christopher DiCarlo

Another review by Rachel Wolf covers Christopher W. DiCarlo's book, "How to Become a Really Good Pain in the Ass: A Critical Thinker's Guide to Asking the Right Questions." The reviewer notes the book's length (350 pages) and criticizes its "tacky" illustrations. The book's premise is to discuss philosophy and argumentation concerning fundamental questions like "What can I know?" and "How should I behave?" It outlines arguments, biases, context, and fallacies, making it relevant for educated skeptical thinkers and serving as a refresher course. The reviewer appreciates the book's "snarkiness" and finds it easy to read, though it prompts further discussion. The book is recommended for both advanced skeptics and believers seeking to understand skeptical arguments.

Psychic vs Magician

A visual comparison, "PSYCHIC VS MAGICIAN," presented by Project Barnum, highlights the similarities and differences between psychics and magicians. Both are depicted as being able to tell what kind of person you are, about your dead relatives, read your mind, and make predictions. They are also both described as having sightless vision and similar unnatural abilities, able to conduct psychic surgery, and bend spoons or mend watches. The key distinction is that psychics "claim to have supernatural abilities," while magicians "Doesn't claim to have supernatural abilities." The section concludes with "SEE THEM COMING" and a website address.

Editorial Stance and Call to Action

The magazine concludes with a message to "Fellow Bent Spooners," emphasizing the importance of promoting healthy skepticism, rational thought, and critical thinking. The Bent Spoon is written to combat pseudoscience and irrationality. Readers are asked to help by sharing the magazine's free online links with family and friends who would benefit from reading it. The message is signed "-THE BENT SPOON.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism, critical thinking, and the debunking of paranormal myths. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rational thought and scientific inquiry, actively promoting skepticism as a tool against pseudoscience and irrationality. The magazine aims to foster open dialogue between believers and skeptics, as evidenced by the introduction of "The Open Forum" section, while maintaining a critical perspective on unsubstantiated claims.

This issue of "The Bent Spoon" (implied by the editor's note) focuses on the topic of psychic frauds and the efforts to combat them, alongside interviews with individuals who claim psychic abilities and a segment on UFOlogy.

Project Barnum: Combating Psychic Frauds

The lead article introduces Project Barnum, an initiative spearheaded by UK skeptic Hayley Stevens. The project aims to expose the deceptive practices of self-proclaimed psychics and educate the public on how to identify these frauds. The article highlights that psychics have been largely unchallenged at a grassroots level, defrauding people, sometimes of thousands of dollars, particularly those grieving the loss of loved ones. Project Barnum seeks to alert theater owners currently hosting psychic shows in 2011 & 2012. The initiative is driven by the belief that educating the public and informing theater owners will lead to a decline in such fraudulent shows. The article provides website addresses for Project Barnum and Hayley Stevens' personal website.

Editor's Note from Bobby Nelson

Editor Bobby Nelson shares his thoughts on the interviews conducted for this issue. He notes that many individuals claiming psychic abilities were reluctant to be interviewed when questioned about their "ability," with several backing out after receiving the questions. Despite this, he managed to secure interviews with two individuals: David Baker, a psychic medium, and Janel Eaton, an animal psychic. Nelson also addresses two points: the myth that humans only use 10% of their brain (which he states is a myth he wrote about in this issue) and clarifies that James Randi's Million Dollar Challenge is a fair test, mutually agreed upon by both parties, and not set up to be impossible to win.

Interview with Janel Eaton, Animal Psychic

Janel Eaton defines a pet psychic as someone with ESP who can gather information from any living being. She discovered her ability at a young age, experiencing premonitions and seeing ghosts. She claims to be able to read people as well as animals. Regarding the accuracy of her animal readings, she states she can see, hear, feel, and smell what animals experience, emphasizing that animals do not lie. She explains that while animals don't speak human language, she transmits their feelings through images and feelings, which she then translates. Eaton expresses confidence in her ability to understand complex animal thoughts, despite the common belief about limited animal brain capacity. She enthusiastically accepts James Randi's Million Dollar Challenge. Eaton notes that people who own animals often seek her services because they want to communicate with their pets and believe in her abilities. She also touches upon the intelligence of animals and their differing behaviors regarding ingesting feces, contrasting it with human evolution. She states her ability has few limitations and rarely encounters animals she cannot read. When asked about animals' feelings regarding slaughterhouses, she asserts they have no concept of death.

Interview with David Baker, Psychic Medium

David Baker describes his ability as focusing on the energy field of another person to see their current situation or possible future. He uses techniques like meditation to raise his vibration and then receives information through pictures, video clips, signs, or symbols, a process he calls Clairvoyance. He also identifies as a medium, meaning he can communicate with deceased people. Baker explains that while not all psychics are mediums, all mediums are psychic. He uses Clairvoyance and Claircognizance (a form of telepathy) to communicate with spirits. He recounts an instance where he identified a deceased father by a gold heart-shaped locket with a Mickey Mouse on it, which the client later produced from her purse. Baker clarifies that spirit communication is telepathic, involving thoughts, feelings, signs, and symbols, rather than verbal conversation, and that there is no language barrier. He likens it to the movie "Avatar," where a consciousness is transferred to a biological copy. He believes the psychic sense is a natural, sixth sense that is dormant in most people but heightened in some. He estimates that psychics are accurate about 65-85% of the time, acknowledging human limitations and external factors like stress. Baker dismisses the idea that psychics tap into the unused 90% of the brain, stating that consciousness resides in the spiritual or energetic body (the soul) and is translated by the human brain. He believes that even if psychics were proven to be in contact with the deceased, it would not significantly sway hardcore disbelievers, as science is not the sole arbiter of truth and cannot explain everything. He also notes that psychic abilities cannot be replicated in a laboratory. Regarding James Randi's challenge, Baker states he has nothing to prove and finds the test structured in a way that is difficult to pass. He believes legitimate psychics charge for their time, not their gift, and criticizes the notion that such gifts should be free, drawing parallels to other professions like sports stars or entertainers who profit from their talents. He mentions doing free readings on the radio and through his website. Baker explains that predicting lottery numbers is a common, albeit foolish, question, and while he once tried and won a small amount, he does not pursue it. He believes the best average accuracy for psychics is around 85%. He also mentions a case where a medium helped a family win money for a horse race. Baker notes that psychics perform better in relaxed settings with open-minded individuals, as pressure from skeptics can hinder concentration.

Pareidolia of the Month

This segment is dedicated to the Cornwall UFO Research Group (CUFORG) for a UFO picture submitted by Dave Gillham. The photo, taken by someone who saw nothing at the time, shows a disc-shaped craft hovering above the sea, with two water trails beneath it, suggesting it may have emerged from the sea. The article critiques UFOlogy for often resorting to pseudoscience, where blurry images are interpreted as extraterrestrial spacecraft, even when they could be mundane objects like seagulls. The accompanying images show the alleged UFO and a seagull in flight, implying the latter might be the actual subject of the photo.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly advocates for skepticism and critical thinking regarding paranormal claims. It highlights the potential for financial and emotional harm caused by psychic fraud. While interviewing individuals who claim psychic abilities, the tone often questions their claims and emphasizes the importance of scientific scrutiny, particularly through initiatives like the James Randi Educational Foundation. The magazine appears to lean towards debunking or at least questioning extraordinary claims, promoting a rational approach to phenomena that lack empirical evidence. The "Pareidolia of the Month" segment directly addresses the tendency to misinterpret ambiguous stimuli, reinforcing the magazine's skeptical stance.