The Bent Spoon - Volume 1 No 07.5

Magazine Overview

Title: THE BENT SPOON
Issue: SUPPLEMENTAL ISSUE 7.5
Publisher: SKEPTIC MAGAZINE
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of The Bent Spoon, a skeptical magazine for the true believer, delves into the world of ghost hunting and the broader landscape of paranormal media. It aims to bridge the gap between believers and skeptics by fostering critical thinking and open discussion, rather than reinforcing existing belief systems within echo chambers.

The Bent Spoon's Mission

The magazine positions itself as a skeptical publication for those who believe, offering Q&A sessions between opposing viewpoints, interviews with investigators and thinkers, and in-depth analyses. It also includes reviews, comic strips, and other lighter content, all with the goal of creating a middle ground for conversation about paranormal issues.

Editorial Staff and Contributors

The magazine was created by Bobby Nelson and Nicholas Callis. Contributing writers include Bobby Nelson, Nicholas Callis, Jason Korbus, Rachel Wolf, Ben Radford, Kenny Biddle, Sharon Hill, and Patrick H T Doyle. Editing was handled by Jason Korbus and Stephanie Bohn. Cover design and illustrations were by Nicholas Callis. Thanks were extended to Ben Radford, Kenny Biddle, Patrick Doyle, and Sharon Hill.

15 Things Ghost Hunting Groups May Do That They Shouldn't

This extensive article by an unnamed author (though Patrick H. T. Doyle is mentioned as a guest contributor on a related topic) outlines 15 questionable or unethical practices common among ghost hunting groups:

1. Charging for Investigations: The author argues that charging for a service that cannot be proven to exist is unethical.
2. Labeling Locations/Items as Haunted: Certifying places or objects as haunted without proof is criticized.
3. Blaming Family Members for Hauntings: This is deemed disturbing, dangerous, and unethical.
4. Classifying Haunting Styles: The author finds it humorous that groups claim ghosts aren't proven, yet classify hauntings into types like intelligent, residual, poltergeist, and demonic.
5. Claiming EMFs Cause Haunting-like Phenomena: The article states that electromagnetic fields have no correlation with feelings of being watched or hallucinations.
6. Claiming Individuals are EMF Hypersensitive: This is presented as a non-existent disorder not recognized by medical science, making it unethical for ghost hunters to diagnose.
7. Suggesting Electricians for High EMF: Ghost hunters are not qualified to make such assertions, potentially leading to unnecessary costs for homeowners.
8. Being Discreet While Wearing Branded Uniforms: The author finds it ironic that groups claim secrecy but wear matching t-shirts with their logos.
9. Passing Off Anomalous Voices as the Dead: Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) are often misinterpreted; the brain may find patterns in white noise, and an anomalous voice does not equate to a ghost.
10. Misusing Terms: The misuse of words like 'scientific,' 'theory,' and 'energy' is a major pet peeve. The article contrasts the ghost hunters' definitions with actual scientific definitions.
* Scientific: Ghost hunters: Not using psychics; using equipment. Real definition: Conforming to science or its principles.
* Theory: Ghost hunters: Any idea. Real definition: Concepts of observable phenomena stated as measurable properties, with rules or laws.
* Energy: Ghost hunters: Magical elements including spirituality, life force. Real definition: Measurable work capability.
11. Misuse of Equipment: Tools like EMF meters, DVRs, and thermal cameras are used for purposes they were not designed for, such as finding evidence of ghosts.
12. Using Psychics and Divination Tools: The author questions confirming the paranormal by using the paranormal.
13. Explaining Why Spirits Linger: Theorizing about why spirits linger when the existence of ghosts or hauntings is unproven is illogical.
14. Claiming to Cleanse Houses of Spirits: If ghosts are unproven, cleansing a house of them is presented as a nonsensical claim.
15. Invoking the Paranormal When Something is Unexplained: This is a logical fallacy known as 'argument from ignorance.' An unexplained phenomenon does not automatically mean it is paranormal.

The article concludes this section by quoting Jason Korbus: "If you think you went through all of the logical explanations, learn more.”

Monster Talk: The Science Show About Monsters

A promotional piece for "Monster Talk," presented by Skeptic Magazine. This is a science show about monsters, hosted by Blake Smith, Benjamin Radford, and Dr. Karen Stollznow. They explore the facts behind mysterious creatures said to inhabit the world. The show is available through iTunes or podcast aggregators.

Programmed by Programming

This guest contribution by Patrick H. T. Doyle discusses a new phobia: the fear of the world caused by paranormal reality television. He argues that these shows manipulate viewers' perceptions, conditioning them to interpret everything through a paranormal lens. Producers create entertaining narratives using scripted lines, staged situations, and attractive cast members to ensure high ratings. The author explains that his own show, "Haunted Hoax," which started as a web series, had to be "sweetened" for television with elements like a larger cast and fabricated backstories to increase viewership. He emphasizes that the 'evidence' shown on these programs is often manufactured or exaggerated, and that viewers who accept the show's premise are essentially allowing themselves to be programmed, altering their perception of reality and silencing their rational thinking.

Doyle notes that while his show "Haunted Hoax" was a fresh concept, it needed to be made into a business, which involved creating a narrative. He explains that his cast members, Kevin and Alison, were chosen for their appearance and personality rather than their paranormal expertise, and their backstories were fabricated to create a more engaging storyline. He states that the focus on entertainment means that "the only thing real about reality shows is the money." He advises viewers to stop watching if they want these shows to vanish or to accept them as entertainment.

Patrick H.T. Doyle is the author of several books, including the "Edgar Font's Hunt for a House to Haunt" series and "Next Rest Stop: Earth." His book "Pub Paranormal" was due out in early 2012.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The central theme of this issue is skepticism towards paranormal claims, particularly those made by ghost hunting groups and perpetuated by paranormal reality television. The Bent Spoon advocates for critical thinking, empirical evidence, and the scientific method. The editorial stance is clearly against pseudoscience and the uncritical acceptance of unproven phenomena. The magazine aims to educate its audience by deconstructing common paranormal tropes and exposing the manipulative techniques used in media, encouraging a more rational and evidence-based approach to understanding the unexplained.

This issue focuses on the book "Scientific Paranormal Investigation" by Benjamin Radford, promoting a rigorous, evidence-based approach to studying paranormal phenomena. The cover boldly asks, "WANT REAL SCIENCE IN YOUR GHOST AND PARANORMAL INVESTIGATIONS?" and highlights Radford's credibility as a science writer who has investigated numerous paranormal mysteries.

Key Articles and Interviews

Interview with Loyd Auerbach

The core of the magazine features an extensive interview with Loyd Auerbach, a parapsychologist and author. Auerbach clarifies the distinction between parapsychology and ghost hunting, emphasizing that parapsychology is a scientific field that has been studying psychic phenomena for over 130 years, while many ghost hunters are unaware of this research.

He explains that 'paranormal' refers to phenomena that could potentially be understood by science, unlike 'supernatural' phenomena. Auerbach expresses a personal belief in ghosts but stresses the scientific approach of trying to understand the underlying processes and experiences.

Auerbach critiques the common ghost hunting practice of conducting investigations in the dark ("lights out"), citing psychological studies that show humans are poor observers in darkness and that suggestions can easily influence perceptions. He notes that most reported paranormal experiences occur when lights are on or during the daytime.

Regarding EMF (Electromagnetic Field) sensitivity, Auerbach states that while Michael Persinger's research suggested a link between geomagnetic fields and psychic experiences, there is no scientific evidence that EMF sensitivity causes hauntings. He points out that many ghost hunters use EMF detectors without understanding their purpose, and often, the findings are due to faulty wiring rather than anomalous activity.

Auerbach addresses the skepticism surrounding psychic phenomena, criticizing the "incredibly unscientific perspective" of some academics who dismiss research like Darryl Bem's precognition study. He argues that the reluctance to acknowledge evidence is often driven by a fear of academic suicide, rather than a genuine scientific assessment.

He discusses the concept of a "communications anomaly," suggesting that humans have ways of processing information beyond the five senses, a concept being explored in physics.

On the topic of ghost hunting, Auerbach believes it has reached a stalemate, with recycled techniques yielding no advancements. He calls for better funding for controlled studies and, crucially, for data sharing among ghost hunters, which he finds lacking.

He also touches upon the misuse of quantum mechanics in explaining psi phenomena, acknowledging that while there's a push to relate consciousness to quantum physics, the mechanism for information transfer from the quantum to macro level remains a significant question.

Addressing the claims of psychic detectives, Auerbach notes that while the FBI and other organizations deny psychics have solved cases, he has seen evidence of psychics providing crucial information that aided investigations. He clarifies that psychics typically contribute a piece of the puzzle, acting as part of a team, rather than single-handedly solving cases like depicted on television.

Finally, Auerbach describes his parapsychology courses offered through Atlantic University and the HCH Institute, detailing their online and mp3-based formats and the emphasis on individual attention.

Guest Contribution: "The Details Are in the Photographs" by Kenneth Biddle

Kenneth Biddle, a guest contributor and self-proclaimed "skeptic," offers a critical analysis of photographic "evidence" presented by paranormal investigators. He argues that many ghost hunters accept claims at face value without critical examination, leading to the proliferation of "bad evidence."

Biddle explains that by applying experience, critical thinking, and attention to detail, one can often find mundane explanations for apparent paranormal phenomena in photographs. He highlights common issues such as:

• Lens Flare: Light entering the lens at an angle can create "orbs" of various colors, often appearing in a line pointing towards the light source. This can occur even if the light source isn't visible in the frame.
• Background Details: Examining the context of a photo, such as snow, rain, or wet ground, can reveal natural explanations for anomalies. Reflections in glass also need careful consideration.
• Multiple Images: Comparing different views of a scene can often reveal the true cause of an anomaly, as demonstrated by an example where "golden orbs" were identified as street lamps in a clearer photograph.
• Flash vs. No Flash: The use or non-use of a flash significantly affects lighting. Flash photography produces a bright, white overall look, while indoor shots without flash often have a yellow tint from ambient incandescent lighting. Outdoor shots without flash might have a blue tint from moonlight.
• Camera Shake: In low light conditions, especially when not using a flash or on a "Night Scene" setting, camera shake can occur. This can result in a "buzz" effect where the entire scene appears shaken or blurred, with multiplied edges, rather than a clear image.

Biddle encourages ghost hunters to develop their observational skills to avoid misinterpreting natural phenomena as paranormal evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is the importance of applying scientific methodology and critical thinking to the study of paranormal phenomena. The magazine advocates for evidence-based investigation, challenging the uncritical acceptance of claims within the paranormal community. The editorial stance clearly favors a skeptical yet open-minded approach, distinguishing between genuine scientific inquiry and sensationalized or flawed investigations. The promotion of Benjamin Radford's book and the inclusion of Kenneth Biddle's critical analysis underscore this commitment to scientific rigor.

This issue of the magazine, titled "GHOST A HOBBY, A SCIENCE, OR A SYMPTOM OF A SERIOUS SOCIETAL DISEASE?", delves into various aspects of the paranormal, primarily from a skeptical and scientific perspective. It examines common photographic anomalies, alleged paranormal entities, and popular ghost hunting techniques, attributing them to natural explanations, psychological phenomena, or scientific misunderstandings.

Photographic Anomalies

The magazine begins by explaining phenomena like "Streaking Lights" and "Ghosting" in photography. Streaking lights are attributed to camera shake during long exposures in low-light conditions, causing stationary lights to appear to move. Ghosting occurs when a flash is used with a long exposure, resulting in sharp, illuminated details from the flash, but also capturing residual light reflected by moving objects, leading to 'extra' figures or body parts tinted by ambient light.

"Close Proximity" effects are discussed, where objects too close to the lens/flash can be bleached white, blurred, or appear transparent due to the camera's focus being set for the distant scene. These effects, combined, can create 'vortex' images or blobs.

"Pool Table Reflections" are explained as misinterpretations of reflections in window panes. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding the angle of reflection and how distorted glass in older buildings can cause ordinary reflections to appear as figures. The issue of "Type of Material" used in windows is also highlighted, noting how imperfect glass can distort images.

Paranormal Entities and Experiences

The phenomenon of "Shadow People" is explored, with reference to Paranormal Researcher Rosemary Ellen Guiley. These figures are often described as tall silhouettes appearing in bedrooms, blacker than black, and 3-D. However, the magazine strongly suggests that these experiences are often a manifestation of sleep paralysis, a common condition where individuals feel awake but unable to move, often accompanied by feelings of pressure or choking, and a sense of an evil presence.

Another variation, the "Hatman," is also discussed, described as a shadow figure wearing specific attire like a trench coat and hat. The article posits that some instances of shadow people might be misidentifications, possibly even stemming from cartoon characters (like 'Shadowman' from Dynomutt) or simply the brain making patterns out of low-quality peripheral vision.

Ghost Hunting Techniques and Scientific Literacy

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to critiquing ghost hunting practices and the broader issue of scientific illiteracy. The "Flashlight Trick," where investigators ask spirits to turn a flashlight off, is debunked as a scientific trick involving the manipulation of the flashlight's head to disrupt the electrical circuit. The author explains how the heat from the metallic components can cause expansion, leading to the contact tab losing connection and turning the light off, which is then misinterpreted as a paranormal response.

The article argues that ghost hunting often relies on flawed methodology and confirmation bias, with investigators repeating questions until they get a desired response, ignoring negative results. This is linked to a broader societal problem of low scientific literacy in America, which affects education, legal systems, and the public's understanding of science.

The author criticizes the reliance on tools like EMF meters and the misapplication of scientific concepts, such as quantum physics, in paranormal investigations. The piece advocates for a stronger emphasis on scientific education, critical thinking, and the scientific method, urging readers to seek information from credible scientific sources rather than paranormal television shows or websites.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The magazine concludes by urging readers to approach evidence critically, suggesting that most paranormal photos have natural explanations. It recommends taking photography courses or reading books on science to better understand natural phenomena. The author posits that ghost hunting is a symptom of a larger problem: a failing education system and a lack of scientific literacy, which needs to be addressed through improved curricula and public education.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards paranormal claims, the importance of scientific literacy, and the critical examination of evidence. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science and critical of pseudoscientific practices, advocating for empirical evidence and rational explanations over supernatural interpretations. The magazine aims to educate readers on how common paranormal experiences and photographic anomalies can be explained through scientific principles and psychological phenomena.

Title: SOUPERNATURAL
Publisher: The Bent Spoon
Date: Undetermined, but references to 2011 events indicate a publication around that time.
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Supernatural magazine delves into the critical evaluation of paranormal investigation groups and reviews a relevant book, while also including a tribute and a historical correction.

Picking a Paranormal Team

Jason Korbus opens the magazine with an article titled "Picking a Paranormal Team," prompted by a Facebook post from Kim Kowalczyk of the Ghost-Breakers Paranormal Research Organization. Kowalczyk asked how one would select a paranormal investigative group. Korbus shares his thoughts and responses from others.

One respondent emphasized experience, but Korbus questions the value of experience if it's based on pseudoscientific methods and hasn't led to solved cases, suggesting this describes the majority of amateur ghost hunting groups.

Another person sought a team that was "open minded to all possibilities" but not "to extremes." This individual was wary of Ouija boards but favored investigators carrying "smoky quartz" to "thin the veil," a preference Korbus dismisses as trading one pseudoscience for another.

Korbus's own straightforward response, which received a "like" from Larry DP of Debunk Paranormal in Michigan, was: "If a team claims to be following a scientific methodology, but claims to have evidence that ghosts exist...they're either fooling themselves or trying to fool you."

Korbus elaborates that many teams claiming to do science are actually basing conclusions on blinking lights and noise generators. He estimates that around 99% of teams would be eliminated using this criterion, but believes the remaining candidates would be more likely to investigate genuinely rather than "mystery-monger." He invites reader feedback on the topic.

Reviews: Tracking the Man-Beasts

The "REVIEWS" section features a review of Joe Nickell's latest book, "Tracking the Man-Beasts." Nickell, described as "the modern day Sherlock Holmes," has a long career as a paranormal investigator.

The book presents summaries of various monster and "manimal" lore, detailing Nickell's own investigations and those of others, highlighting pertinent facts. The reviewer notes that a potential criticism is the book's lack of depth on individual cases, with most chapters being brief. This brevity might disappoint well-read individuals in monster lore.

However, for new or intermediate readers interested in monster mysteries, the book is considered valuable. Despite the short case studies, the information provided is deemed solid, offering many interesting details that the reviewer had not encountered elsewhere. The reviewer concludes that the book will teach readers a few things.

Odds & Ends

This section begins with a tribute from The Bent Spoon to Christopher Hitchens, who passed away on December 16, 2011, from esophageal cancer. The publication expresses sorrow at the loss of a "true intellectual" and raises a glass of Johnnie Walker Black in his honor.

Corrections

Following the tribute, there is a "CORRECTIONS" section. In the "Ghost Hunting" issue of The Bent Spoon, an article by Ben Radford had briefly "debunked" Annie Palmer, the "White Witch of Rose Hall," stating she was completely made up. An astute reader, Ken Summers, pointed out that Annie Palmer did exist, although not in the way the fictional legend portrays her. The magazine apologizes for the error and directs curious readers to Ken's blog post for more information, providing a URL: http://whofortedblog.com/2011/12/09/jamaican-scared-rose-hall/

Jason Korbus is credited at the end of this section.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a skeptical and evidence-based approach to paranormal investigation. The editorial stance favors critical thinking and scientific methodology, actively questioning pseudoscientific claims and practices within the paranormal community. There is a clear emphasis on debunking unsubstantiated phenomena and distinguishing genuine investigation from sensationalism or deception. The inclusion of a correction also highlights a commitment to accuracy and accountability. The tribute to Christopher Hitchens suggests an appreciation for intellectual rigor and critical discourse.