The Bent Spoon - Volume 2 No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: THE BENT SPOON
Issue Identifier: DENVER UFO
Publisher: SKEPTIC MAGAZINE
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Editorial Stance and Mission

The Bent Spoon positions itself as a skeptical magazine for the 'true believer,' aiming to bridge the gap between paranormal believers and skeptics. It seeks to foster a constructive dialogue by presenting Q&As between opposing viewpoints, interviews with investigators and thinkers, and articles offering in-depth analysis that is critical of both sides. The magazine's tagline encapsulates its mission: "Where extraordinary claims meet ordinary explanations."

Key Articles and Content

"A ghost box prediction? Not so much." by Bobby Nelson

This article critically examines the use of ghost boxes, devices described as broken radios that users claim can receive messages from spirits. Bobby Nelson recounts an experience with his friend Steve Hill, who believed a ghost box transmitted a "doomsday" prediction related to the fall of Israel. Nelson details how he tested this claim by having 30 people listen to the audio clip. The results showed significant variation in what people heard, with the word "event" being the only consistently recognized word. Nelson concludes that while he cannot definitively prove a broken radio cannot make predictions, the test demonstrates that the "clear" voices people hear are often subjective interpretations and not necessarily definitive messages from the other side. He provides a link to the audio file for readers to judge for themselves and cites sources related to Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel to contextualize the 'doomsday' claim.

"The Cost of Not Being Skeptical" by Jason Korbus

Jason Korbus discusses the phenomenon of amateur paranormal investigators and the potential for hoaxes. He highlights the case of Aron Houdini, who claimed to have proof that Poasttown Elementary, a location considered haunted, was actually a hoax orchestrated by its caretaker, Darrell Whisman, and Jay Lynch. Houdini alleged that Whisman and Lynch used methods like slamming doors, flashlights for shadow figures, cell phones for noises, and night vision cameras to deceive investigators. Korbus points out that the lack of any documented deaths at Poasttown Elementary contradicts the 'haunted' narrative. He criticizes the unscientific methods employed by many ghost hunters, arguing that their eagerness to find evidence leads them to misinterpret natural phenomena and perpetuate false hauntings. Korbus suggests that these teams are often responsible for their own deception by working backward from a conclusion that ghosts are present. He also notes that even when exposed, such as TAPS being caught faking evidence on live television, their popularity often remains unaffected.

"Dead End Dialogue" by Nick Callis

Nick Callis addresses common, unconstructive responses encountered in discussions about the paranormal, which he labels "cop-out compilations." He lists five frequently used phrases that shut down debate:
1. "Science can't explain everything": Callis argues that science is a process, not a static entity, and is the method by which we learn about the world.
2. "We're not trying to prove anything to anyone": He questions this statement, given that paranormal groups often present evidence online.
3. "Skeptics are just closed minded": Callis counters that believers are often equally, if not more, steadfast in their beliefs, making them close-minded.
4. "We're just collecting data": He asks what purpose this data serves if it's not used for reasoning or calculation, questioning the correlation between EMF spikes and paranormal phenomena.
5. "These are all just theories": Callis explains that scientific theories are well-tested hypotheses, not baseless guesses.
He encourages readers to create their own lists of frustrating responses and to move forward towards more productive conversations.

"Investigative or Indifferent: The FOX Denver UFO Video" by Bryan Bonner

Bryan Bonner investigates a FOX 31 News story from November 11 that claimed UFOs were video recorded landing, taking off, and flying around downtown Denver. The report featured "expert testimony" from an aviation expert who stated the objects were not planes or helicopters and suggested they were not bugs. The Bent Spoon team contacted the reporter, Heidi Hemmat, to offer their investigative services. Hemmat's response was dismissive, focusing on whether the objects were bugs. Bonner's team conducted their own investigation, noting the area's wildlife, including various birds and insects active during the time the video was recorded. Their analysis of the video concluded that the objects appeared to be small objects close to the lens or birds at a distance, criticizing the news report for sensationalism over facts and irresponsible journalism.

"Monster Talk" Advertisement

An advertisement promotes "Monster Talk," a science show about monsters presented by Skeptic Magazine, featuring Blake Smith, Benjamin Radford, and Dr. Karen Stollznow. The show aims to explore the facts behind mysterious creatures and is available through iTunes or podcast aggregators.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around skepticism, critical thinking, and the debunking of paranormal claims. The editorial stance is consistently that of a critical investigator, aiming to expose hoaxes, question unsubstantiated evidence, and promote scientific methodology. The magazine actively challenges sensationalism in media reporting and encourages a more rational approach to phenomena that are often attributed to the supernatural. The Bent Spoon advocates for open dialogue but insists on evidence-based reasoning and a willingness to consider natural explanations before resorting to extraordinary ones. The publication appears to be a platform for reasoned skepticism within the paranormal community.

This issue of The Bent Spoon features several articles delving into paranormal phenomena, media portrayals, and skepticism. The publication appears to be a magazine focused on these topics, with a critical and investigative approach.

Investigation into FOX News UFO Report

The lead article details an investigation into a FOX News report that featured video footage of alleged UFOs. The investigators initially analyzed the video, noting that the objects' apparent size and speed could be due to their proximity to the camera and the short distance they traveled across the frame. They also observed what appeared to be bird wings flapping and a "fire" effect caused by sunlight reflecting off the objects, overexposing the camera.

To further investigate, the team visited the site where the original video was recorded. They found a crowd of 30-50 people with cameras and binoculars, gathered because of the FOX News report. The crowd dispersed around 1:30 PM, the time the report stated the videos were recorded.

The investigators set up three cameras and documented about 45 minutes of footage. During this time, they collected and identified several flying insects: Green Peach Aphid (Myzus perinea), Damsel bug (Nabis americoferus), Dung beetle (Aphodius districts), Blow fly (Calliphoridae dipera), Black fly (Simulium), and Green tree hopper (Atymna inrnata). These insects were presented as possible explanations for the objects seen in the original video.

Further analysis of their own video footage revealed birds that looked similar to the objects in the FOX News video. A subsequent onsite visit involved placing a green card in front of a camera to measure distance. They captured a one-second clip of an insect flying between the camera and the card, visible only at slow speed, demonstrating that an insect could replicate the original FOX News video's appearance.

When FOX News brought in an entomologist to examine their footage, the entomologist stated she did not believe the video was of an insect, describing it as an out-of-focus blob. The article notes the oddity of an expert in butterflies and arachnids examining a blurry image.

To further replicate the original video, the team mounted a fly on glass in front of a video camera. The resulting video showed similar results, with the fly moving near the lens, not visible when played normally but discernible when slowed down.

The original FOX News video had gained viral attention on CNN, MSNBC, YAHOO News, and YouTube. The Bent Spoon contacted FOX News with their findings, but they reportedly showed no interest in discussing the inaccuracy of their original report. The article points out that this story aired during a crucial Nielsen ratings period.

The investigation concluded by applying Occam's Razor, suggesting that a native bird or insect is a simpler explanation than an extraterrestrial visitor. The article criticizes the media for prioritizing ratings over critical thinking and common sense.

Guest Submission: Ghosts and Pop Culture

Carolyn Dougherty contributes an article exploring the intersection of ghosts, folklore, and pop culture. She likens ghost stories to fish stories, becoming more embellished over time. Dougherty notes that common beliefs about ghosts—such as lingering due to unfinished business or sensitivity in children—are often ingrained in cultural consciousness, influenced by movies and TV shows rather than direct experience.

She cites examples like "The Shining," "Ghostbusters," and "Poltergeist" as influential films that have shaped popular perceptions of the paranormal. The article includes dialogue excerpts from "The Shining" between Dick Halloran and Danny Torrance, discussing the "shine" and the haunted nature of the Overlook Hotel. It also references the idea of places retaining traces of past events.

"Poltergeist" is discussed as a film that mirrored parapsychological practices, featuring scientists working with psychics. Dialogue between Diane and Dr. Lesh explores the nature of poltergeists and hauntings. The article also quotes Tangina, a psychic, explaining the concept of consciousness transition and a "terrible presence" associated with a haunting.

"Ghostbusters" is mentioned as another successful film that contributed to the popularization of paranormal themes.

The article further examines how pop culture, including movies and TV shows like "The Uninvited," "Carnival of Souls," "The Haunting," "In Search of..." (hosted by Leonard Nimoy), and "Unsolved Mysteries," has shaped beliefs about ghosts and hauntings. It highlights the work of parapsychologists like Hans Holzer, Dr. William Roll, Dr. Barry Taft, and Dr. Andrew Nichols.

Dougherty criticizes the lack of thorough fact-checking in some paranormal TV shows, citing an example from "Unsolved Mysteries" about The Myrtles Plantation where historical records contradicted the show's narrative about Chloe and Yellow Fever.

The article concludes by discussing Michael Shermer's concept of "The Believing Brain," explaining how humans are wired to find patterns, which can lead to believing in paranormal phenomena even without evidence. It emphasizes that skeptics' explanations are often dismissed, and that critical thinking, rather than pop culture, is essential for finding the truth.

TAPS and Trickery at the Pasadena Playhouse

This article by Jason Korbus reports on an event featuring Britt Griffith, a star from Syfy's "Ghost Hunters" and "Ghost Hunter International," at the Pasadena Playhouse. The event, which had low ticket sales, included a lecture and Q&A.

Griffith began by unequivocally stating that he and his colleagues never faked evidence on "Ghost Hunters." However, about 35 minutes into his presentation, an incident occurred that raised questions.

Lou Castillo, an independent paranormal investigator and "West Coast Correspondent" for Strange Frequencies Radio, reported that a light fixture on stage began to flicker and then moved about three inches on its own. The audience reacted with gasps and excitement, with some attempting to capture the event on camera.

Griffith, seemingly unfazed, asked witnesses for details and joked about the fixture moving towards him. After the presentation, Castillo examined the fixture and noticed that its electrical cord was stretched taut, leading back towards the stage's left side, behind a curtain. He concluded that the movement was likely staged, with someone pulling the cord from behind the curtain to simulate a paranormal event.

Castillo observed that while he saw evidence of fakery, others in the audience were convinced they had witnessed a genuine paranormal occurrence. He even had a suspect in mind for who might have pulled off the stunt.

A Chip off the old block

This article by Bobby Nelson discusses the disappearance of Brian Harnois, a cast member from "Ghost Hunters" and "Ghost Hunter International," who posted a suicide note on Facebook. Harnois was later found and is reportedly receiving treatment.

The author expresses his gripe not with Brian, but with "psychic" Chip Coffey. Coffey, known for his appearances on shows like "Paranormal State" and "Psychic Kids," posted on Facebook and Twitter about Brian Harnois's disappearance, asking for prayers.

Nelson questions why Coffey, a self-proclaimed psychic, was asking for prayers and not using his alleged powers to help find Brian or contact the police. When people asked Coffey directly why he wasn't using his psychic abilities, he reportedly blocked them.

Nelson sent an email to Coffey, asking for a "Chip style response" to the question of why a psychic would ask for help instead of providing it. He notes that Coffey subscribes to Google Alerts and hopes this article will prompt a response from him regarding his claims of psychic abilities.

The Bent Spoon - Open Forum

The final page is a submission call for "The Open Forum," a new section in The Bent Spoon magazine. It encourages readers, both believers and skeptics, to submit articles to foster dialogue. Inquiries and submissions can be sent to [email protected].

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of alleged paranormal phenomena, particularly UFO sightings, and the critical examination of how these events are reported and perceived by the media and the public. There is a strong emphasis on skepticism, critical thinking, and the application of logical explanations (like Occam's Razor) over sensationalism or unverified claims. The magazine appears to take a stance that popular culture and media often distort or sensationalize paranormal events, leading to widespread, but often unsubstantiated, beliefs. The editorial stance encourages a more rational and evidence-based approach to understanding unexplained phenomena, while also providing a platform for diverse viewpoints through "The Open Forum."

This issue of The Bent Spoon focuses on the intersection of paranormal belief, skepticism, and the psychology behind perceived supernatural experiences. It features articles that critically examine claims of paranormal activity and individuals who market themselves as psychics or mediums.

Pasadena Playhouse Investigation

The first article recounts an experience at the Pasadena Playhouse where attendees, including a woman named Britt, were convinced of paranormal activity. The author, however, suggests that the belief was driven by the expectation of a paranormal event and the influence of a TAPS team member, Britt Griffith, whom attendees looked up to. Despite evidence pointing towards a hoax or a simple trick, the attendees' minds were made up, and they felt their money was well spent. The author posits that the fame and respect factor for Britt Griffith played a significant role in the group's conviction, leading them to ignore contradictory evidence. The article questions whether Britt Griffith was involved in staging the event, suggesting it could have been a way to enhance the theater's paranormal legends and potentially increase ticket sales for future events. Ultimately, the author concludes that no paranormal activity occurred, attributing the experience to the psychology of expectation and the tendency to believe figures of authority.

A Paranormal Challenge

This section, authored by Nick Callis, introduces a new approach to paranormal investigation that deviates from current "cookie-cutter" methods. The proposed method involves a four-step process: recording the client's claims, examining each claim by asking specific questions about what is happening, potential causes, supporting evidence, and alternative explanations, then testing the hypothesis, and finally, recording and sharing the data. The author hopes that investigators will adopt this method and share their results with The Bent Spoon for compilation into a future feature.

"Psychic Mortician" Avoids Skeptical Questioning

Authored by Jason Korbus, this article details the author's attempt to interview Mariah de la Croix, a self-proclaimed psychic, medium, empath, and author of the book "Restless in Peace: A Psychic Mortician's Encounters with Those Who Refuse to Rest." Mariah claims to communicate with spirits and has worked in funeral homes as a mortician. The author and his co-host Bobby Nelson were initially interested in interviewing her for their show, Strange Frequencies Radio. However, after the author sent a polite email inquiring about the locations of the mortuaries she mentioned in her book, Mariah's publicist, Liz Donatelli, canceled the interview, stating that Mariah found the email inappropriate. The author expresses incredulity, noting that his email was straightforward and that he had never had a similar response in four years of hosting the show. He suspects Mariah canceled because she realized the show was skeptical and feared tough questioning, possibly after hearing an archived episode about a failed psychic investigation. The author further investigated Mariah de la Croix by checking the Arizona Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers, where he found no record of her being licensed as a funeral director, embalmer, or cremationist. This lack of verifiable credentials, coupled with her refusal to provide details about her work, leads the author to believe Mariah is hiding something and that her story may be built on lies.

Reader Mail

This section features correspondence from readers.

Tracy Muller's Question

Tracy Muller poses a question about the nature of electrical current in the human body and where it goes after death. If the brain can be mapped for electrical current, similar to a light bulb, Muller asks where this current resides once the body ceases to function. The author of this section explains that electricity is a transmitter of energy, not energy itself. In the case of the human body, electrical current comes from chemical processes like sodium/potassium pumps. When a person dies, they stop consuming calories and proteins, thus ceasing to power their bodies. Any remaining chemical energy dissipates as heat or is dispersed into the ground, becoming food for plants and insects.

Mike McKay's Question on Skepticism and Belief

Mike McKay asks how skeptics and believers can work together to understand paranormal experiences. The response emphasizes the importance of respecting science and asking questions. It suggests that both sides need to speak the same language, which is science, and avoid jumping to conclusions. The article highlights that there is a vast middle ground with many experienced individuals who can help uncover answers. It advocates for communication and sharing information, noting that many skeptics have knowledge of paranormal history and related scientific fields, and many believers are educated in electronics, engineering, and other areas relevant to paranormal research. The core message is that by stepping outside of one's comfort zone and engaging with those who hold different opinions, everyone can learn and be better informed.

The Bent Spoon Advertisements

Page 6 includes an advertisement for "The Bent Spoon" T-shirts available for purchase online.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of paranormal claims, the psychology of belief, and the importance of scientific inquiry in understanding unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims and to rely on evidence-based reasoning. The magazine promotes open dialogue between believers and skeptics but insists that this dialogue must be grounded in scientific principles and a willingness to challenge assumptions. The issue advocates for a rational approach to paranormal investigation, urging readers to avoid confirmation bias and to seek verifiable facts rather than accepting anecdotal evidence at face value.