The Bent Spoon - Volume 1 No 12

Magazine Overview

Title: THE BENT SPOON
Issue: 12
Date: 2012

This issue of The Bent Spoon positions itself as a skeptical magazine aimed at fostering dialogue between believers and skeptics, seeking to bridge the gap often created by echo chambers within both communities. It aims to provide in-depth analysis, interviews, and critical perspectives on paranormal claims, while also including lighter fare like reviews and comic strips.

Articles and Content

"A PICTURE OF PARANORMAL FRAUD" (Cover Headline)

The cover highlights key articles including "PROJECT PHILLIP PART 1" by Bobby Nelson, "JEFF WAMSLEY", and "A PICTURE OF PARANORMAL FRAUD".

"SOUPERNATURAL" by Jason Korbus

Korbus critiques the common definition of "paranormal" as phenomena outside of science's ability to explain or measure. He argues this definition is unhelpful and incorrect, as science is constantly working to explain mysteries, and morality, for instance, is not a scientific question. He points out the contradiction in paranormal investigation teams claiming the paranormal is unexplainable by science, yet using scientific methods to find evidence. Korbus references Benjamin Radford's definition of paranormal as "something that appears to be supernatural or seems to violate natural laws," noting that such phenomena are still subject to investigation and potential explanation.

Korbus also discusses the "APER" (Akron Paranormal & Entity Research) group, which claims to use a scientific approach to investigate paranormal claims but defines the paranormal as outside scientific explanation. He notes similar contradictions with "SEOPI" (Southeastern Ohio Paranormal Investigators). Korbus attempted to contact these groups for clarification but received no response.

"PROGRESSION" by Nicholas Callis

Callis advocates for a more scientific approach to paranormal investigation, suggesting that current tools and techniques used by many ghost hunting teams are lacking. He proposes employing a "Null Hypothesis," where investigators assume claims are due to natural causes and then design tests to disprove this. He criticizes the reliance on equipment like K2 meters and digital thermometers, suggesting they should be discarded if not empirically supported. Callis emphasizes that "unexplained" does not mean "unexplainable" and that it's acceptable to say "I don't know" when faced with unknown phenomena. He encourages investigators to publish their data and methods for peer review and replication, advocating for a progression from ritualistic practices to rational investigation.

"BRYAN & BAXTER: Investigating the investigators..."

This section profiles Bryan and Baxter, who investigate and expose unprofessional paranormal groups that mistreat the public and spread dangerous beliefs. They aim to debunk fake claims of aliens, abductions, demonic possession, and communication with the dead. Despite their skepticism, Bryan and Baxter have encountered unexplained phenomena themselves, such as moving chairs and disembodied voices.

"PROJECT PHILLIP PART ONE" by Bobby Nelson

Nelson recounts the story of "Philip," an alleged spirit contacted by the Toronto Society of Psychical Research (TSPR) in the 1970s. Philip was presented as a 17th-century man who committed suicide due to guilt over his mistress. The TSPR used table tipping to communicate with him, claiming he could move objects and turn lights on and off. Nelson initially found the case amazing but now believes it was a fabricated experiment. He and Jason Korbus devised a plan to demonstrate how easily ghost hunters might confirm findings for a non-existent entity by providing a backstory and "haunted" location.

They placed an ad and contacted local groups, eventually meeting with the Northwest Ohio Paranormal Society (NWOPS). To avoid influencing the investigation, they did not reveal their skeptical stance. During the investigation at Nelson's house, which was presented as his cousin's haunted home, NWOPS members showed a lack of understanding of their equipment. The investigation involved splitting into groups, using EMF meters, infrared thermometers, and attempting EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) and ghost box sessions. Nelson noted that the lead investigator frequently interpreted ambiguous sounds as paranormal evidence, such as claiming to hear "go" in an EVP or receiving messages like "hello" and "Paul" from the ghost box, with justifications like FCC regulations preventing the word "fuck" from being broadcast.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards paranormal claims, the importance of rigorous scientific methodology in investigations, and the exposure of potential fraud or misinterpretation within the paranormal community. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of critical thinking, evidence-based research, and a scientific approach to understanding unexplained phenomena, encouraging a move away from ritualistic or unsubstantiated practices towards a more rational and transparent investigative process.

This issue of "Mothman Rising" features an interview with Jeff Wamsley, the driving force behind the annual Mothman Festival in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, and a detailed account of a paranormal investigation at the "Whispers Estate". The magazine explores local legends, paranormal investigation techniques, and the critical analysis of evidence.

Mothman Festival and Legend

The Mothman Festival is highlighted as an annual event in Point Pleasant, WV, celebrating the local paranormal legend. Jeff Wamsley, who grew up in the area and was present when sightings began at age 5, discusses the origins of the Mothman legend, which first gained attention on November 15th, 1966, with reports of a 7-foot-tall entity with glowing red eyes. Wamsley notes that over 100 reported sightings have been filed, including UFOs. He also mentions that many witnesses were approached by men in black who threatened them into silence. The festival, now in its 11th year, aims to draw visitors to Main Street and has grown significantly. Wamsley emphasizes that the festival is a family reunion for those interested in Mothman. The article also mentions that the founders of "The Bent Spoon" and the author plan to attend the festival and conduct their own investigation in the TNT area.

Whispers Estate Investigation

The "Whispers Estate Investigation" by Kenny Biddle details a three-day investigation from July 2-4, 2010, with a team including Donna, Shaun, Nathan, and Stacy. The history of the estate is presented, noting it was built around 1894 and later purchased by Dr. John Gibbons and his wife Jessie in 1899. They used the first floor for a medical practice and reportedly adopted orphaned children, two of whom allegedly died in the house: Rachael, aged 10, who died from burns after starting a fire, and Elizabeth, aged 10 months, who died of unknown causes. Jessie Gibbons also reportedly died of pneumonia. The article points out that there is no documentation to support these specific claims of death, suggesting they are merely stories.

Paranormal Claims at Whispers Estate

The primary paranormal claims at Whispers Estate include:

• Rachael: The voice of a 10-year-old girl who died in a fire, reportedly singing "Ring Around the Rosie" and other phrases audibly in the main parlor.
• Elizabeth: The audible crying of a baby, also heard loudest by the main staircase.
• Tremors: Visitors report feeling shaking in the "Doctor's Bathroom" and seeing beds and couches shake violently.
• Big Black: A "shadow" figure sighted throughout the house, described by the current owner as an alien being, but also suggested by psychics to be a demon, or by attendees as a dog-like entity or even Dr. John Gibbons' mother.
• Dr. John: Whispers heard in the ears of young women, and alleged grabbing or fondling.

Investigation Methodology and Findings

Kenny Biddle set up eight DVR cameras and audio recorders throughout the house to monitor activity, especially when no one was present. Shaun Burris, leading the investigation, attempted to contact the spirits. During the investigation, a "ticking" noise was heard, which was traced to a ceiling fan in the front bedroom still spinning.

On Saturday, the team removed a panel under the main staircase, revealing a child's boot (deemed too modern to be relevant) and a large, gaping hole (approximately 36 inches wide) connected to an aluminum vent shaft leading to the basement/crawl space. This hole, along with another vent grate in the main hallway, led to the basement. In the crawl space, a Pioneer Bookshelf 25-watt speaker was discovered. Several more speakers were found buried in the basement, along with a disassembled CD player. The previous owner's brother reportedly had experience repairing audio equipment.

Debunking the Claims

Biddle theorizes that the voices of Rachael and Elizabeth were pre-recorded audio clips played through a hidden speaker system. He notes the similar echo effect in recordings from Whispers Estate and his own test recording. The fact that the voices have reportedly been absent since the current owner took over further supports the hoax theory. While the speaker was found, it did not work, likely due to age and exposure.

Biddle suggests that the "crying baby" sound could be attributed to a neighborhood cat, citing personal experience and online videos. The "tremors" and shaking furniture were explained by the large Air Conditioning unit in the basement, which caused vibrations when it kicked on. The "Big Black" shadow figure is attributed to natural shadows cast by cars, motorcycles, and other light sources in the small town of Mitchell, amplified by reflective surfaces in the house.

Financial Motivation

The article suggests a financial motive for maintaining the "haunted" status of the house, which previously operated as a Bed & Breakfast. The owner reportedly posts experiences from other ghost hunting groups on the website, and rates for investigations range from $10 for "Flashlight Tours" to $560 for "Private Investigations." The author concludes that the house's ghosts are the main source of income, providing a reason to keep the stories going.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the Mothman legend and its connection to Point Pleasant, WV, and the critical examination of paranormal claims through investigation and debunking. The editorial stance appears to be skeptical, emphasizing the importance of scientific investigation, evidence-based conclusions, and the potential for hoaxes and natural explanations in paranormal phenomena. The author expresses disgust with the lack of resolution and substandard evidence provided by NWOPS in a previous, unrelated investigation, highlighting the difference between genuine research and sensationalism.

Title: The Bent Spoon
Issue: 12
Volume: 1
Date: Approximately 2014 (indicated by 'one year anniversary' on the cover image and content context).
Publisher: The Bent Spoon
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The Bent Spoon focuses on debunking paranormal claims and promoting critical thinking and scientific skepticism. It features articles that dissect fraudulent evidence, question common paranormal phenomena, and critique the methodologies and arguments used within the paranormal community.

A PICTURE OF PARANORMAL FRAUD

This main article, written by Jason Korbus, exposes the Ghosts of New England Research Society (G.O.N.E.R.S.) for publicizing a hoaxed ghost photo as authentic. The photo, claimed to be 'The Holy Grail of Paranormal Research,' was a superimposed image of the well-known 'Madonna of Bachelor's Grove' photo from 1991 onto a picture taken at Ryder's on Main in Meriden, CT. G.O.N.E.R.S. allegedly used this hoax to promote their appearance on the Discovery Channel series 'American Haunting.' Skeptical paranormal investigators were the first to spot the forgery. The article argues that while G.O.N.E.R.S. may have been duped, they are culpable for promoting the false evidence. Korbus questions whether fraud is the primary reason paranormal investigation isn't taken seriously by science, suggesting that the lack of scientific methodology and peer review within the paranormal field is a more significant issue. He points out that fraud exists in science too, but the scientific process has mechanisms to address it.

The Orb Debate: 'Those Odious Orbs'

Written by Carolyn Dougherty, a paranormal investigator and writer, this article addresses the persistent belief in 'spirit orbs' as paranormal evidence. Dougherty argues that the paranormal community has largely 'lost the orb debate' because many teams are now dismissing orbs as airborne particles. She criticizes the justifications used by believers, such as the absence of dust when a photo was taken or feeling a cold spot, stating these have rational explanations. Dougherty highlights that many paranormal teams fail to educate themselves on basic photography and equipment, presenting common false positives like lens flare as evidence. She notes that businesses exploit this for profit, leading to paranormal-themed TV shows that promote orbs as evidence. Dougherty advocates for informing and educating the public to counteract misinformation and holding paranormal investigators accountable for the evidence they promote. She remains skeptical until technology can objectively differentiate orbs from other known factors.

Open Forum: Rebuttals and Discussions

This section features reader contributions and editorial commentary.

Disclaimer – From Bobby Nelson

Bobby Nelson, likely the editor or publisher, introduces a rebuttal submitted anonymously to Professor Peter Boghossian. Nelson expresses his personal opposition to publishing anonymous submissions due to cowardice but agrees to publish it under the condition of adding this disclaimer. He states that The Bent Spoon will no longer accept anonymous submissions going forward.

A Response to Professor Boghossian

Authored by 'Dionysius Areopagiticus,' this piece is a rebuttal to an interview with Professor Peter Boghossian, a philosophy professor at Portland State University, who described faith as a delusion and cognitive sickness. The author, identifying as a skeptic, questions Boghossian's expertise in critical thinking and reasoning, despite his profession. The rebuttal focuses on critiquing Boghossian's logic, specifically his use of question-begging and straw man fallacies. Examples include Boghossian's definition of religion as superstition and his assertion that faith is 'pretending to know things you don't know.' The author argues that Boghossian uses uncharitable definitions and misrepresents the positions of religious intellectuals, suggesting his arguments are based on a flawed, unscientific methodology and confirmation bias. The piece concludes by commending Boghossian for his call to be honest and epistemically humble, urging him to apply this to himself.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is the critical examination of paranormal claims and the promotion of scientific skepticism. The Bent Spoon consistently advocates for evidence-based reasoning, rigorous methodology, and the application of critical thinking to paranormal phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly against unsubstantiated claims and highlights the importance of distinguishing between genuine phenomena and misinterpretations, hoaxes, or photographic artifacts. The magazine aims to educate its readers, encouraging them to question beliefs and demand credible evidence, particularly in fields like paranormal investigation where subjective experiences often overshadow objective data.