MISSION STATEMENT

In the landscape of media, there are traditionally two unique, yet separate, brands. One geared toward the believers, and the other more skeptical in nature. The problem is that the true believers rarely, if ever, embrace a skeptical attitude or ask tough questions of their community; instead preferring to surround themselves with likeminded individuals that reinforce their own belief systems. And the skeptics, likewise, promote science and critical thinking largely to those already open to it, or who are active partici- pants in the skeptical community. This results in an echo chamber effect, wherein the same ideas are bounced back and forth, guru-student relationships are inadvertently cre- ated, and neither side ends up learning much about the other.

Enter: The Bent Spoon.

The Bent Spoon is a skeptical magazine for the true believer. Within its pages you will find Q&A between those with opposing viewpoints, interviews with leading investigators and thinkers, as well as articles which will not only provide in-depth analysis, but also be critical of both believers and skeptics alike. Along with reviews, comic strips, and other lighter fare, The Bent Spoon hopes to foster an attitude of outreach, forming a middle ground where believers and skeptics can come together and have a conversation about the issues and questions we’ve all given thought to.

The Bent Spoon. Where extraordinary claims meet ordinary explanations

Nicholas Callis- Founder, graphics, layout, contributor Bobby Nelson- Founder, contributor Jason Korbus- Contributor, Soupernatural Kenny Biddle- Contributor, Skeptical Investigation Speacial thanks: Dr. Blake Smith Bryan Bonner Mathew Baxter the Bent Spoon Vol. 01 Num. 01 APR/MAY 2011

CONTENTSWhere Extraordinary claims meet Rational Answers SOUPERNATURAL Feature Article Could animals be ? Jason Korbus investigates Redfern’s latest claims.

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Dr. Karen Stollznow Guest interview. Linguist, Writer and Paranormal Investigator, Dr. Stollznow gives us a quick interveiw on what means to her and how she applies her degree in linguistics to the paranormal Why wait for 2012? field. The Apocalypse is coming sooner than you think »interview, pg. 14 Bobby Nelson Will the world be Network. Camping obtained? What is the ending on claims to have secret code? All the May 21st, 2011? absolute proof that details to this this is the date, he revelation are inside It will be according “guarantees it”. the Harold Camping, So what is the » FEATURE, pg. 9 host of Open Forum amazing evidence on the Family Radio Harold claims to have Contents EDITORIAL------3 SKEPTICAL INVESTIGATION------17 IN THE NEWS------4 QUESTIONS & COMMENTS------24 ARE NOT PSYCHIC------5 BOOK REVIEW------26 FEATURE------9 PAREIDOLIA OF THE MONTH------27 SOUPERNATURAL------11 SKEPTIC VS BELIEVER------27 INTERVIEW------14 FBI MEMO------16 finds himself standing in a long line to finally meet the big guy to tell him what he wants for Christmas face to face. The child is placed on Santa’s lap and a picture is even taken of the How Extraordinary! by Bobby Nelson two. Does the child now have sufficient, -ex traordinary evidence that a real Santa Claus exists? If a child approached you and said they have proof of Santa’s existence and presented Often times when I am interviewed on radio and when the door is open the only laying on you with a picture would that be enough to shows about my skepticism, I will undoubt- the ground is an empty chain which is bolted sway you? Most likely not and again the rea- edly be asked one question, “what would I to the wall. After a couple seconds someone son is because you would require something take for you to believe in ghosts or the para- asks “well where is the dragon?” In which I more than just a picture and a story to support normal?” Without hesitation I will reply respond “he is laying right here, oh I forgot to substantial evidence for the existence of a real with “empirical evidence, something that is mention that he is invisible.” Santa Claus. Again you need extraordinary backed up by science.” evidence to support the extraordinary claim, I have no doubt in my mind anyone in this I can’t reiterate that enough. Personally I don’t think that is such a difficult scenario would get upset enough to storm off thing to ask, yet for some reason paranormal and leave. Wondering why someone could The biggest problem with the people in the enthusiasts can’t seem to grasp this concept. I believe they were so gullible to believe in such community is that they are at am often told that science can’t explain every- nonsense. The reason is, because you would a standstill. Using methods that will never thing; this concept frightens me because sci- require some extraordinary evidence for this advance and that frankly make no sense what- ence never makes the claim that it can. This claim, not just a chain bolted to the wall. soever. If we know that anomalous “voices” only means one of two things, people are be- Remember, extraordinary claims require ex- on tape recorders and fuzzy pictures or videos ing willfully ignorant or they just don’t under- traordinary evidence. will never equate ghosts scientifically, I think it stand how science works. Furthermore, I feel logically makes sense to move past these tech- that if someone who makes the claim “science So what exactly does this mean? The easiest niques and try to progress. Otherwise noth- can’t explain everything,” they really have no way to put it is that any claim that is outside ing will ever be accomplished. We also have to business appealing to science when they feel of everyday experiences requires proof, mean- be able to admit when we are wrong and when it supports their idea. This is something I see ing none of the evidence in support of that certain things just don’t make sense. For ex- on a regular basis in the paranormal, people claim should be left up to interpretation. For ample: an E.V.P. is captured on a recorder, at claiming to be doing science, praising it when example, if a scientist were to say I added 2 best you have an anomalous sound, but this they feel it backs up their claims and dismiss- parts hydrogen and 1 part oxygen and got is where the idea should stop, it logically can- ing it when they are shown that it doesn’t. You can’t have it both ways, you either adhere to the or you don’t. The biggest problem with the people in the ghost hunting community is that they are at a standstill. One of the first things I wish people in the paranormal field would understand is a quote water, this is an ordinary claim because we not go any further. Anomalous sound does by the late Carl Sagan, “extraordinary claims have a firm understanding of basic elements not equal a ghost voice, it is a logical require extraordinary evidence.” and chemistry. However if someone says they called the argument from ignorance. Saying have evidence of the afterlife or ghosts, this is “I hear a voice, I wasn’t speaking at the time To show how this works, I often recite the an extraordinary claim and it requires some- of the recording nor was anyone else present, dragon in the garage story (a quick recon- thing tangible. This is why pictures, videos therefore it is a ghost,” doesn’t hold credence. struction of Carl Sagan’s invisible dragon or E.V.P. (electronic voice phenomena) will Remember, not being able to explain some- scenario). never be sufficient evidence for the existence thing doesn’t mean paranormal. You have to of ghosts, if it were; they would have been be able to back your claim up with evidence recognized by science a long time ago. Say we met at some paranormal convention that can stand over scientific scrutiny, sure it and we were sharing our experiences to one may be hard, but isn’t that the point? another. After a short while I told you about Let me see if I can illustrate this with a better a fire breathing pet dragon that I owned. At analogy. It is Christmas time and your 5 year first you look at me like I am crazy but I as- old child is acting up. As most parents do, they threaten them that Santa Claus is watch- sure you I can prove he exists. We exchange Bobby Nelson is a skeptic, writer, co-founder ing and they better be good or they won’t get contact information and a couple weeks later of “The Bent Spoon” and co-host of Strange any presents this year. Almost instantly the I have you and a few of your friends over my Frequencies Radio house for a barbeque. After a while you nicely child will calm down, because to them, Santa inquire about the pet dragon I say I own. I Claus is a real person who delivers toys every His personal blog can be found at quickly explain that he is housed in the ga- year. rage and I would be glad to show him off. Quickly we all make our way to the garage One day while at the local mall the child www.PorkRhine.com 3 YOUTUBE EDITION

Alien body found in context of someone suddenly finding this alien alien was likely handmade with some clear creature ” Jello and animal or chicken skin. Buryatia? While this was keenly observed and is typically “You look at it and it’s not badly done -- it a very helpful clue, in this case, the observation took somebody probably a couple of hours The video of the alleged alien corpse found in may have been slightly presumptuois. Translation to make,” he said. “There’s probably a butcher Buryatia has turned out to be a fake. Posted shop somewhere missing some pieces. ...It’s no on April 17th, the video quickly went viral, alien.” scoring over three million views and sent the paranormal community into a flurry. Many postulated a connection to what was called a In a confession to the the police, the creators “UFO event of Roswell proportions” in the of the body confessed to it being comprised Irkutsk region of Siberia, in which A large craft, of chicken skin filled with bread. Originally according to some accounts, was witnessed by thought to be the body of an infant, specu- thousands of locals as it hurtled towards Earth. lated by the chief editor of the local Kabansk- This, of course, would be seen as corraborating Info newspaper, the police immediatley began evidence to the UFO proponents pushing the an investigation seeking the creators of the authenticity of the alien video. video.

Three days after it’s original upload While most of Radfords claims were estute, to , the video has been discovered to be they were made in the absence of any a fake, confirming many people’s assumptions, of the video reveals that the alien was not stum- evidence, before the confession was released. including skeptical auther and paranormal bled upon, but had been previously descovered, While any piece of alleged paranormal evi- investigator , quoted as say- within the context of the hoax. “We found him dence might seem fake or “just not feel right”, ing, “It’s clearly a hoax,The first “big red flag” is over there. ... We found him around two hours we as skeptics should not jump to conclusions the way the video was shot, he said. Instead of ago. ... It must have been lying here for days” or investigate with preconcieved notions. We just stumbling upon the alien, the camera man must examine the evidence and if there is gives the viewer a wide-angle so-called “estab- none, we must admit that we do not know While Radford’s presumption was, in fact, lishing shot” of the landscape before zoom- the answer for the time being. Typically, the correct, it serves as example of not jumping to ing right onto the alien as he and his friend answer eventually comes to light, but in some conclusions when investigating claims. His next find it.“This is film-making 101. We see this cases, they will be deemed unexplained and suggestion, though, was more on the mark, in sitcoms, we see this in virtually every film remain so. This does not infer a paranormal in order to establish a place and scene for the relation, nor is it a defeat. It is simply, straight- viewer,” he said. “It makes sense in the context “The video is fuzzy enough to be compelling, but of a fake film but it does not make sense in the that still doesn’t mask the reality that the video’s -NICHOLAS CALLIS

NORTH CAROLINA MAN cemetery to shoot some video when they saw something make. There is one large, screaming red flag, though. CAPTURES ON FILM climbing up a road bank. Byers stopped the truck and This five seconds is mid encounter. Why does the video got out the camera. Bigfoot looked at him. He threw stop so abruptly? This is the most common aspect of video Gigantopithecus americanus giant hoax? up his hands and snarled. Then he took off into the hoaxes, they are incomplete. The scene is established, the brush...” “... He described the Sasquatch was around creature runs across the frame, gesturing, and the cur- On March 22nd in North Carolina, Thomas Byers alleg- seven feet tall, 300 pounds, with yellow teeth. It left tains fall. With that in mind, I feel confident when I add edly captured five seconds of video containing the elusive behind six-toed footprints. It gave off the stench of de- this to the list of most poorly executed hoaxes of all time. Gigantopithecus Americanus, known to residents of cay, and it also had something that’s not found on most Cleveland County, Ben Knobby Knob. gorilla costumes. “It was very clear to both of us that it was a male,” Byers said, fumbling around for the most polite words. “I mean, you could see, I don’t want to say, Resident of Shelby, NC, Thomas Byers trying to think, uh, you could see its private parts.”” witnessed what he claimed to be a sasquatch crossing Golden Valley Church road that Tuesday evening. “It ran across the road and into the woods right in front While many have called this video a hoax, stating that of us and I was able to film it.” he stated in an email to “it looks like a guy in a gorilla suit” and “he waves at NewsChannel 36. the camera”, it’s unfortunately just speculation. I’d like to agree with the critics of this video and also point out that the growling sounds like a cheesy sound effect and In response, News anchor Jeremy Markovich had this it appears that the actor in the suit is trying to hold to say;” Byers and his friend Carolyn were driving to a his gorilla pants up, but a fair analysis that would not 4

that I am too skeptical? Or would it be believe they are the reason why you feel About two weeks ago I was told that an that my mind isn’t open enough to accept you should not go into places, or don’t old acquaintance of mine had officially the facts? I wasn’t quite sure what to like certain situations , even though joined the woo circuit. Eric “The ” expect. your “mechanical” sense cannot detect Risinger, host of PEMA TV, an internet a reason NOT to go into theses places. television show, claims to have become a After a few days of waiting, Eric finally Another example would be why does the psychic after participating in a sensory responded to my challenge. hair on your arm stand up when there deprivation experiment (the Ganzfeld is no mechanical reason for it to like a test). On his personal psychic profile, he temperature change? Could we be sensing Although he has since deleted his com- does seem a bit aware that the skills he electrical or magnetic fields much like ments, his response was a little hostile. claims to have obtained may not be fully many animals do? I do not know, I cannot He explained that he was on the road and developed, however, Eric does feel his state from medical journals why this hap- would be responding when he arrived skills are progressed enough to charge pens, or specific studies. These are simply home. Also he told me not to flatter my- $2.26 per minute. You can read the rest my theories as to an explanation. of his personal statement for yourself by self and that my little test didn’t scare or going to www.keen.com/Eric%20the%20 intimidate him in anyway. 4. Lastly, you asked what gave me a moral Yeti. right to charge? Who gives you the moral Now if we were playing poker, this is what right to question? I think bobby knows me is called a “tell.” I never accused Eric of After receiving this information I did the well enough to know that i am not an im- being scared or intimidated and actually only thing I felt appropriate to do, test moral or evil person, but i also dont have came at him respectfully and honestly. Eric by offering him a challenge. to answer to bobby for what i do in my What he did was try to switch it up by life. Once again this is one of those things putting the guilt on me, the accuser. This The Psychic Challenge that could be taken as an attack, bobby is something people typically do when has my skype and could very easily have they are lying. The challenge was easy really; the only gotten a hold of me and asked me about thing Eric had to do was exactly what all this in private, but he choose not to, he Anyway after a few hours, Eric finally he claims he can do. I came up with 3 choose his own forum. responded in full to my challenge. parts of the challenge, which I felt was fair being that he claimed so much in his personal profile. If Eric were to accept Eric: “Well first let me apologize to bobby for a face book post this morning, my challenge these were the 3 things I So to conclude, No bobby I will not do a Myself and my wife where returning from asked of him. reading for you because no matter what a trip to the Shanley Hotel in New York. I I say or how i say it to you I am already replied considering this an attack and it is A public or private reading, where I a “wooster”. This was a no win situation not exactly that, so I do apologize bobby. am told specific information and not for me from the get go and I will respond Lets take this point by point : asked questions such as: “does this to it and then forget about it because in make sense,” or “tell me about the older the big picture this means very little to me woman that has passed away.” No vague 1. When you start off by saying ” by join- and much more to bobby. Hug the gang information that can be applied to the ing the woo circuit” puts any thought of for me bobby , and yes i still consider you masses; I want specific information that this being an open minded helpful experi- a frieind. only relates to me. ence out the door, and that is probably why I responded the way I did. The Yeti” Eric, since you claim that we all possess 2. The very close friends I have that are the ability to achieve psychic powers, this I would like to respond to a few things will also never read for family or means you have been able to identify the in Eric’s response. First we see that I am close friends simply because they become mechanism that allows this. I want to accused of not having an open mind. I jaded by all the information they have know what this mechanism is. It can’t be would like to say although I don’t believe about that person, the experience be- an unknown, unquantifiable or uniden- in psychics I am very open to the possibil- comes more about personal opinion than tifiable otherwise you cannot say this is ity that they exist, if positive evidence can a true . Now given that me something everyone possesses. be shown. The fact no positive evidence and bobby for an extended period of time exists is not my fault and if Eric could have talked, and I do know things about If this is something that everyone does simply do what he claims, I would be him I could not give him an accurate indeed possess, what moral right do you open enough, based on positive evidence, reading, and even if I did i already know have to charge for it? to reevaluate my conclusion. that whatever I did see or was told would be twisted and discounted because of this. I was anxious to see what Eric would say. The next reason given was that Eric didn’t I knew he would deny my challenge, but want to read for me because we have had 3. In my personal opinion, the abilities what would be the reason? Would it be conversations in the past and I would just come from our caveman ancestors, I 6 chalk it up to talks we have had before. I will ask another question, how could how Eric avoids providing proof, but has Fine I will grant that to Eric; however this be taken as an attack? It is a simple the nerve to ask for proof. Also he is ac- there were other folks who offered to question, what moral right does anyone cusing someone on making assumptions, volunteer, who know nothing of Eric, have to charge someone for something when that is all his argument on being however the challenge was still declined. that they already possess? psychic is based off of. I wonder why? Now one thing I did find humorous in this Kenny: “During sleep (specifically REM Next Eric said he believes these power whole thing, is that a good friend of mine, sleep) the brain is without outside stimuli, come from our caveman ancestors… Kenny Biddle, gave a reply about the random neurons fire producing random what? This explanation made no sense Ganzfeld method. sensory stimuli – which is why dreams whatsoever. What Eric describes is some- are sometimes a bit…off. In this test, thing simple and it has nothing to do with Kenny: “So, he takes a test designed to you’re effectively numbing the senses of spirit guides or our caveman ancestors, test , which puts you in a state sight and sound. Touch and smell will go it’s called gut instinct. much like when dreaming, causing ran- numb from lack of changing stimuli. Taste dom stimuli to be produced internally…. sense is irrelevant. Depriving the senses Also, how do we even know gut instinct and he now believes he can talk to spirits as such is putting you in a trance-like is right? We only hear the negative sto- an guide people in their lives. state. I would expect random stimuli to be ries when people say “I should have lis- produce internally. The brain is always active. tened to my gut instinct.” But in order to And we all have this ability? Then why test this properly we would have to take would anyone need him? Hmmm…I did all the cases when someone went against know, when I read the title of this article, How to prove it’s random? Have the same their gut instinct and nothing happened. that Bobby was going to list criteria for person undergo the test several times, So I think a fair question to ask, if we go the challenge. Maybe I am psychic? Or recording the results. You still haven’t against our gut instinct and nothing nega- perhaps I relied on my experience and related the experience which convinces tive happens was our psychic intuition knowledge of Bobby, and anticipated you that you have any psychic ability. And wrong? Also if our caveman spirit guides what he would write. A much more logi- again, is it repeatable? Have you done the are the ones helping us am I to assume cal conclussion. test again? Multiple times to verify the re- that they have the same moral values as sults? Or is this a one-time “ok, I believe we do today? it” kind of thing? I would like Eric to at least explain/de- scribe the experience he claims convinced As for Goosebumps, this is a pretty easy him of his psychic ability, so that may be You’re making an assumption that you explanation and again it has nothing to a chance to find a rational explanation… have some ability to communicate with do with psychic intuition. Goosebumps as well as to see if it is repeatable. spirits that will give you information on occur when the tiny muscles on each hair how to guide people’s lives…while charg- contract. Though this is not a psychic ing for it. Is there a money back guaran- As for specific information, it’s not going mechanism we did inherit this trait from tee when you’re wrong? Or when you give to happen. Most likely, “that’s not how it our ancestors. Goosebumps in humans is bad advice and someone loses everything, works” or “it doesn’t work thy way” will a useless trait because we don’t have a fur based on your “coaching”? My assump- be quotes given (or a variation there of) coat like other animals do. In animals the tions are based on science, research and to ward off the attack of simply want- coat will rise to act as insulation to help common sense. Your assumption has the ing a straightforward answer. If specific keep them warm. potential to cause false hope, pain and information could be obtained by him, or needless suffering.” “more experienced” gifted people…mur- However when we release adrenaline in derers would be prevented from killing, our body it also causes goosebumps. This bodies would be found within minutes of Sadly Eric never sent a response to is why when we are watching a scary a reading, missing or lost children would Kenny’s last statement and I thought all movie or listening to a song we love or be found easily and quickly (like that was over until the next day, when my best just excited we get the chills or goose- same day), thousands of lives would be friend Jason Korbus chimed in. bumps. saved from, say….an earthquake off the coast of Japan.” Jason: “Eric (and other psychics), I have When I asked Eric to explain what moral a question about this that will maybe help right he had to charge someone for some- Eric: “kenny?…..can you prove they are with my overall understanding. thing he claims everyone has, he wea- random? and if so how? that is making seled out of it by asking me what right I an assumption. Get a light source, a red Now, I know that it is considered un- had to question him. I like to think this bulb, and a ping pong ball, and white ethical in the paranormal community to question hit him so hard; there was no noise to listen to through earphones, try charge for ghost investigations. We can’t way for him to answer it and be right. It the experiment yourself” prove conclusively that a house is haunt- is why I felt he took offense to it, by ask- ed, we can’t guarantee removal of any ing me the questions instead and telling Before I give Kenny’s response, notice ghosts present, and we have no specific me this could be taken as an attack. Well 7 certified training to offer the clients we he have to undergo? I felt this was an deal with. We honestly have admitted we insanely poor and irresponsible analogy have no hardcore proof ghosts even exist and when I criticized him about it, this is at all. I’ve never charged for an investi- what he said. gation for these reasons and others, and it’s rare to find a ghost hunter who feels it is acceptable to charge. Why, then, should someone be able to charge for a psychic Eric: “no i did not claim to be either one, reading? simply stating that they offer no TANGI- BLE physical evidence, they help people feel better about themselves and their situations.People seek advice where they To me, similar reasons could be given. may bobby. This will also be my last post For instance, no psychic can prove on this, keep in touch bobby.” conclusively that they are obtaining information in any type of paranormal manner (or, at least…none have been able to perform their professed abilities Though Eric said he wouldn’t respond under controlled conditions as of this anymore I still had a few things to say. writing). And, again, we have to admit First of all I didn’t claim Eric said he was there is no hardcore proof that psi exists. a psychiatrist, I criticized his irrespon- All evidence for ghosts, psychic abilities, sible comparison. I simply let him know etc is anecdotal and has thus far been that what he was saying was this, since unconfirmed by peer reviewed controlled psychiatry doesn’t offer tangible evidence scientific experimentation. So, why is it and I don’t offer tangible evidence, this is okay to charge for one and not the other? ok for me to do. I also found it disturbing Am interested in your thoughts on this. that someone who can’t even distinguish Thanks for your time.” between criticism on a comparison and me saying things I didn’t say is offering life experience advice.

I felt this was a very good question and I felt was similar to my “what moral right do you have” question I had asked previ- But the one thing I find most entertain- ously. Eric’s response shocked me more ing about this whole ordeal is that I than I thought it could. was accused of not being open minded. Basically saying that I am a person who would overlook evidence just so I can say how wrong someone is or that anything Eric: “Almost anything involving the the opposing side said wouldn’t be good brain applies to this jason, a psychia- enough. However if Eric would have just trist or therapist can offer no tangible executed his claims, we could have gone evidence they have done anything, simply from there, but he declined. One of the advice. Neither of those are questioned reasons Eric claims to have refused the for charging. I make no claim of being challenge was because he didn’t want to either one i am simply offering advice to give me a reading, being that he knew people.” a little personal information about me; however he also rejected when others he Even rereading that response still gives didn’t know stepped in to be tested. Is me goosebumps (JOKE). The fact that Eric afraid of being proven wrong? One he compared himself with a psychiatrist also has to ask if Eric was shown that he is absolutely asinine. Psychiatrists go to was not a psychic, would he remain close school for 7-8 years and they are called minded and still proclaim that he had su- hmmm doctors. Psychiatrists can also pernatural powers? Or would he be open prescribe medication and can perform minded enough to admit he was wrong? medical procedures on patients. Also psychiatrists can be sued for malpractice, Bobby Nelson if Eric is wrong, what repercussions does 8 Now we have to jump back another 5,000 years to Genesis, not that we haven’t been confused enough already. by Bobby Nelson Genesis 7:4 says: “For yet seven days, Judgment Day May 21st, 2011 and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth.”

So now that we know one day is 1000 years to God, we know that the seven days in the passage from Genesis 7:4 re- ally means 7,000 years (notice Harold doesn’t apply this rule to the 40 days and nights). So when God told Noah he had 7 days to escape the destruction of the flood and get onto the ark, according to Camping, God was also saying that in 7,000 years he will destroy the world on Judgment Day. This all makes per- fect sense right? Just wait, it gets better.

So we take the year of the flood, which Harold says is 4990 B.C. and the 7,000 from the Genesis 7:4 and 2 Peter 3:8 com- bo and we get 2011 A.D. So the Camp- ing formula looks something like this: Why worry about 2012? The timeline of careful Biblical study, Camp- 4990 (year of the flood) + 2011 (present end of the world is coming May 21, 2011. ing claims that in the year 4990 B.C. year) – 1 (this represents year 0) = 7,000 God destroyed the earth with a world- The kicker in the eyes of Campingites is At least that is what host of Family Ra- wide flood. It is said in the Bible that that May 21st, 2011 is the 17th day of the 2 dio, Harold Camping is prophesying. on the 17th day of the 2nd month of month of the Biblical calendar of our day, that year God shut the door of the Ark. the same day God shut the ark door. GASP! Though the Bible (which Camping claims is the authentic, absolute word Now let us jump 5,000 years to 2 Peter This is seriously what Harold Camp- of God) specifically states in Mat- chapter 3. In this chapter there is men- ing and Family Radio are claim- thew 24:26: “But of that day and hour tion of the worldwide destruction by the ing is proof positive that the end of knoweth no [man], no, not the angels of flood, but also there is a section in this the world is coming in May of this heaven, but my Father only.” Harold must chapter when God mentions the year. After all, the Bible guarantees it.

“This is seriously what Harold Camping and Family Radio are claiming is proof positive that the end of the world is coming in May of this year. After all, the Bible guarantees it”

have either overlooked this verse or he is destruction of the earth by fire. But the Some more “proofs” proclaimed by calling shenanigans, because this amaz- one verse Camping claims is important in Camping: He maintains that the date ing prophet has figured out the puzzle. the chapter is 2 Peter 3:8: “But, beloved, of the crucifixion happened precisely on be not ignorant of this one thing, that one April 1st, 33 A.D. on the modern day cal- So let us break down Harold’s science day is with the Lord as a thousand years, endar. With precise and amazing calcula- and look at how he came up with this and a thousand years as one day.” This in tions (sarcasm) we can see that there are date as the Judgment Day. Through a a sense is the key to the whole mystery. exactly 722,500 days from April 1st,

9 33A.D. until May 21st, 2011. Camping died in the plague were twenty and four true. In Matthew 16:28: Jesus is recorded claims that this again is irrefutable proof thousand.” Wait…I thought it was sup- as saying: “...there be some standing here, given by God. The way Camping concoct- posed to be 23, but this verse clearly which shall not taste of death, till they see ed this number was by taking 5x10x17 x states 24. Well Camping said that in the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” 5x10x17. Below we will find out why these the total of 24,000 people destroyed, Again we see a parallel verse in Mark 9:1: numbers are so amazingly important. 23,000 did die in one day (according “And he said unto them, Verily I say unto to 1 Corinthians 10:8), so this associ- you, That there be some of them that stand Harold Camping has stated he finds signif- ates the number 23 with destruction. here, which shall not taste of death, till icance in 5 numbers: 3, 5, 10, 17 and 23. they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.” Once more in Luke 9:27: According to Camping, the reason why Also in Daniel 8:13-14 13 “Then I “But I tell you of a truth, there be some the number 3 is so significant is because heard one saint speaking, and another standing here, which shall not taste of it represents God’s purpose. There were 3 saint said unto that certain saint which death, till they see the kingdom of God.” denials made by Peter, an apostle of Jesus; spake, How long shall be the vision there were 3 crosses, 3 nails, 3 cock crows, concerning the daily sacrifice, and the 3 apostles in the garden with Jesus, etc. transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be The number 5 represents atonement. trodden under foot?” Verse 14 contin- The reason Camping gives for this is be- ues: “And he said unto me, Unto two cause in Exodus 30:15 it says: “The rich thousand and three hundred days; then shall not give more, and the poor shall shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” Here, not give less than half a shekel, when Camping explains, we see that Satan [they] give an offering unto the LORD, will rule over all the churches of the to make an atonement for your souls.” world for 2,300 days while God brings They key word in this passage is half (.5). destruction down upon the churches.

Also in Numbers 3:47-48 it reads: “Thou So now quickly going back to the shalt even take five shekels apiece by the 5x10x17 x 5x10x17 = 722,500, this poll, after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt means, and I quote from Camping “The thou take them: (the shekel is twenty atonement or ¬redemption demon- gerahs:) And thou shalt give the money, strated by Christ’s suffering and death wherewith the odd number of them is to on April 1, 33 A.D. (the number 5) is Harold Camping be redeemed, unto Aaron and to his sons.” 100% completed on May 21st, 2011 (the number 10) when all true be- The number 10 supposedly signifies com- lievers are raptured into Heaven (the pleteness. Now it isn’t just the number number 17). Remarkably, this number Obviously these predictions made by Je- 10 that is important—Camping plays sequence is doubled to indicate that it sus (God) himself didn’t come true. So I this off by saying all multiples of 10 are has been established by God and will guess the easiest question to ask is, If God great, for example: 100 sheep, Satan be- shortly come to pass (Genesis 41:32).” can’t successfully predict his own second ing bound to hell for 1,000 years, 1 day coming, can Harold Camping? I find it is like 1000 years to God and so on. However, end-of-time predictions are highly humorous that an omniscient God nothing new. Camping has even made can’t get it right, but through elementary The number 17 represents Heaven. The previous predictions of the end in mathematics, Camping solved the puzzle. reason Camping sees this as significant 1988 and 1994, both of which obvi- I think it is a safe assumption that noth- is because in the book Jeremiah, God ously didn’t come true. Harold is what is ing is going to happen on May 21st of instructs Jeremiah to purchase a field called an apocalyptist, someone who ad- this year, the date will come and go just for 17 shekels of silver. This was done heres to the teachings of apocalyptic lit- as all the other end-of-times predictions as a guarantee by God, that there will erature concerning the signs and events have. Harold was wrong once before; be a time when Israel would again oc- preceding the end of the world. Another hopefully, this will end his number games cupy Jerusalem. Camping says this means apocalyptist in the Bible has a pretty big and he will hang up his mic for good. that people will again go to Heaven. name in the literature, and that is Jesus.

The number 23 represents destruction. Even Jesus has made vague predictions In Numbers 25:9 it says: “And those that of the end of the world that didn’t come 10 that cannot be dismissed easily, and which de- serves a far more serious treatment.”

by Jason Korbus So, no, it is not my goal to put down anyone PSYCHIC ANIMALS in this article. But could it have been that the two dogs, Tessie and Binnie, referenced at the However, the horse, magnificent though she beginning of this story were being mistaken Could animals be psychic? That was, likely possessed no powers of the sort. It for having psychic powers, when really it was is the question posed by Fortean writer Nick took a magician by the name of Milbourne just another instance of being fooled by the Redfern in his latest “Lair of the Beasts” blog Christopher to prove otherwise. He was able ideomotor reaction? Were the experimenters, post for Mania.com In the article, Redfern to show that Lady Wonder was picking up or the trainer, perhaps, unknowingly alerting discusses at length an event that transpired in on inadvertent visual clues by her owner and the dogs to the mine’s locations? The article the early 1950s between the U.S. Army and that, when a question was posed to the horse by Redfern is not specific, but it does not renowned psychic researcher J.B. Rhine, in that no one present knew the answer to, her sound as if the experiment was double blind- which the latter was tasked with determining results dropped to zero. ed. A more proper method would have been whether two dogs could use ESP to deter- to ensure that NO ONE who knew the loca- mine the location of buried mines. The process, known as the ideomotor effect, tions of the “dummy mines” was present at the is a well known psychological phenomenon time the dogs were led in. Similarly, how do Redfern reports that, “On repeated occa- which occurs when our bodies make motions we know that the dogs couldn’t simply smell sions, dummy mines were carefully buried be- unconsciously. It is completely responsible them out? Dogs are used to sniff out bombs neath the sands, and Tessie and Binnie were for such seemingly paranormal occurrences as as it is now. So, was this even a proper test of brought in by their handler, as the experiment Board planchette action, and dowsing. psychic ability at all? “As is too often the case, we are blinded by our own desires. We ignore evidence which

challenges our beliefs, and accept evidence which confirms them.” to locate the mines began.” Rhine himself is Stated bluntly, we are moving the planchette The information is lacking. quoted in the article saying, “The success was or dowsing rods ourselves and not realizing high enough that it was soon evident that the it. As is too often the case, we are blinded by our dogs were alerting the mines before they set own desires. We ignore evidence which chal- foot on the surface above them.” The Army A similar instance occurred in 1891 when lenges our beliefs, and accept evidence which itself remarked that the first day’s trials were William Von Osten began publicly showing confirms them. It is clear that Rhine wanted successful 86% of the time. his horse, known as Clever Hans, performing desperately to prove that psychic phenomena mathematical tricks by tapping his hoof the was real, and that this desire likely led to him Now, there is no way to determine conclusive- correct number of times to signal an answer. occasionally using less than adequate controls ly if these two dogs were displaying psychic Again, the ideomotor reaction was found to in his experimentation. Had he taken the nec- abilities merely from reading Mr. Redfern’s be the cause when a research assistant in a essary steps to blind his experiment, perhaps blog. But I can say that this was familiar ter- psychology lab named Oskar Pfungst inves- we would have never heard of Lady Wonder. ritory for Mr. Rhine, as he had found himself tigated the case. And if the veritable avalanche of Ouija board duped on another occasion by an animal he practitioners, dowsers, Ghost Box aficiona- considered to be psychic. It must be said that none of this is being writ- dos, and psychic animal trainers alike knew ten to put down Mr. Redfern’s article or the more about controlling and testing their own Now, a horse is a horse, of course, of course. work of J.B. Rhine. Sadly, it is often said by claims and perceived abilities, well, wouldn’t Unless, of course, it’s a psychic horse. And both skeptics and cynics that Rhine was a we all be a little closer to the truth and a lot this horse in question was Lady Wonder, a fool for thinking a horse could be psychic better off, too? mare said to be able to perform a variety of to begin with, or that he was woefully un- psychic feats. Among them, telling the date aware of how the scientific method worked. on a coin she couldn’t see by knocking over I disagree. Rhine was a thoughtful, intelli- corresponding numbered blocks with her gent man as well as being a trained scientist. http://www.mania.com/lair-beasts-creatures-psychic- kind_article_129428.html nose, as well as spelling out the names of peo- However, it is my opinion that he simply had http://richmondthenandnow.com/Newspaper-Articles/ ple she hadn’t met - again, all with lettered biases, and perhaps let those get in the way Lady-Wonder.html blocks. from time to time throughout the course of http://www.randi.org/encyclopedia/Lady%20Wonder. his studies. What scientist, at some point or html Several doctors, writers, and townspeople another, hasn’t? Martin Gardner, often called http://www.skepdic.com/cleverhans.html the father of the modern skepticism move- were flummoxed. They simply couldn’t -un http://www.stacyhorn.com/unbelievable/?p=257 derstand how the horse was accomplishing ment, was quoted as saying about Rhine, “He these tricks. Rhine himself investigated and, is an intensely sincere man, whose work has http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oskar_Pfungst in 1927, deemed the horse to be telepathic. been undertaken with a care and competence 11 BIGFOOT LOCH NESS 11-04-21 9:08 PM OGOPOGO CHUPACABRA favorite podcast aggregator favorite

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Some think of “skeptic” as a nega- tive label, but the alternatives like “critical thinker” or “bright” don’t Dr. Karen Stollznow I don’t want to polarize the move- mean the same thing, and have ment, or marginalize any members. their own negative connotations Skeptics are skeptics. I’m not one and ambiguity. “Skeptic” can also be a positive label that enhances She is an associate researcher at the to bemoan the lack of any “type” University of California, Berkeley, and of skeptic in our movement; I want credibility and perceived scientific a director of the San Francisco Bay Area more skeptics and more skepticism, legitimacy. Skeptics. A prolific skeptical writer for regardless of gender, age, ethnic- many sites and publications, she is the ity or background, or whether new “Naked Skeptic” Web columnist for the The fact is there are several differ- skeptics even “join” the move- Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, the ent senses of the word. I think we “Bad Language” columnist for Skep- ment. need to define the term every time tic magazine, a frequent contributor to , and managing edi- we use it, to distinguish ourselves tor of CSI’s Scientific Review of Mental I’m interested in knowing what from “Global Warming skeptics” Health Practice. Dr. Stollznow is a host you would pinpoint as a particu- or those who appeal to the term for of the Monster Talk podcast and writer lar problem in the skeptic com- credibility. for the Skepbitch and Skepchick blogs, as well as for the Educa- munity. What do you feel that “the community” needs to be tional Foundation’s Swift. I don’t want to abandon the word. working on? I see the ubiquity of “skeptic” as a First, I would like to know what strength; it’s up to us to explain our skepticism means to you. I’d say our biggest problem is also usage of the word. our biggest goal: outreach. The community needs to work on tak- Paranormal researchers and in- Skepticism has many meanings to ing skepticism beyond the commu- vestigators tend to attach scien- me – it’s about common sense, dis- nity. covery, solving mysteries, under- tific terms to their work when standing the world better, and seek- it is not scientific, or claim to be ing truth. I’ve been talking about skeptics skeptical thinkers when that may as a community. Do you think not be the case. Why do you think this is an accurate description? that is? When it comes to women “in” skepticism”, are there any par- ticular issues that they Some object to the notion of skep- I think there are several things hap- ticism as a community or a move- pening here. It seems that some- face? Do you have any personal ment; I don’t. There are many skep- times the people who use these experiences where your gender tical organizations and groups and terms (e.g. “quantum”) simply may have been a factor events, but overall, we’re a group don’t understand the words and in your perceived credibility or (or a community or a movement) of concepts. Unfortunately, by using how you were treated? people with common interests and these words so prolifically, they are goals. also creating new, pseudoscientific, senses of the words. Also, they may I don’t think there are any particular use these words deceptively to en- issues that “women in skepticism” There is a prevailing sense by hance the reputation, credibility and face. There are always issues that others that the term “skeptic” legitimacy of their claims, devices, individuals face, as in any organiza- have become a bit of a marketing beliefs and theories. This last point tion or group, and for women, these scheme. Is this accurate? Is this also accounts for those who claim may involve sexism or stereotypes. a good thing or a bad thing for to be skeptical thinkers when they skepticism? are not. 14 Something I haven’t mentioned ent, unknown or alien language, or in this interview yet is that you develop a new accent. have a PhD. In linguistics. How, if at all, does this help you in your work as a skeptic? I am wondering if you have ever investigated claims of glossolalia (aka speaking in tongues). If so, The doctorate itself has led me to have you ever found a case that become a better researcher. I may didn’t appear to have an expla- not have the answer, but I know nation? where to look for the answer.

I have investigated claims of glos- As for the degree being in linguis- solalia, and I’ve been a subject. I tics specifically, this has taught me once underwent a ceremony con- to think critically about language, ducted by members of a charismat- to recognize bias and subjectivity ic church in Sydney. When people in thinking about language. There “speak in tongues” they are not are many applications for language speaking at all (...nor is the Holy in skepticism too – , au- Spirit). It’s not the language cen- tomatic writing, Bigfoot languages ters of the brain but the emotion and psychic readings, to name just parts that are activated during glos- a few topics. solalia.

In a recent issue of Skeptic One last question, what advice Magazine I read an article you do you have for people who are wrote about foreign accent syn- interested in becoming active in drome. For the benefit of the skepticism but have no idea how readers could you touch on this to start? subject a little? What it is, the science behind it and what really is going on? Read ’s (Ed.) What Do I Do Next? Leading skeptics discuss 105 practical ways to pro- This phenomenon is when a per- mote science and advance skepti- son appears to develop a new ac- cism which can be downloaded cent suddenly. This really happens, from ’s web- albeit rarely, but it’s a linguistic il- site - http://www.skeptic.com/ lusion; the patient merely sounds downloads/WhatDoIDoNext.pdf like they have adopted a new ac- cent. This is a type of brain trauma caused by accidents, tumors or My simple advice is: become a part strokes, that affects speech produc- of the community, both face-to- tion. Foreign Accent Syndrome is face and online. Listen to skeptical not an established name for this podcasts, read skeptical magazines, condition, which is more generally books, blogs and forums; but don’t known as aphasia. Xenoglossia is a just observe, participate. Create pseudoscientific slant on this phe- podcasts, write articles and blog nomenon; the belief that a person posts, and attend conferences, lec- can instantaneously speak a differ- tures and social events. You’ll end 15 by radio advertising manager George LEAKED FBI MEMO PROOF OF UFO COVER-UP? Koehler. It was then passed to used BY NICHOLAS CALLIS car dealer Rudy Fick by two other men who had heard the story from Shotty journalism sends mant, the saucers were found in a man named “Coulter” (Geaorge echos through the paranormal com- New Mexico due to the fact that the Koehler). Fick reported the tale to the munity with sensationalist, tabloid Government has a very high-pow- Wyandotte Echo, a Kansas City news- headlines claiming proof that aliens ered radar set-up in that area and paper, from which Guy Hottel mearly have indeed landed on Earth. The it is believed the radar interferes copied into the memo. “smoking gun” evidence of which with the controlling mechanism of Like with many conspiracy leans soley on the “newly released” the saucers. theories, the idea of there being a FBI document dubbed “the Guy No further evaluation was attempt- massive cover-up hiding the remains Hottel memo”. The memo, in fact, ed by SA [censored] concerning the of a crashed extraterrestrial saucer, was not newly released, but has been above. kept secret for over sixty years, while available for some time. More over, information pertaining to it is freely it was never classified to begin with. open to the public is absurd. If the The confusion is likely based on the This story, recounted several government is so apt at keeping the FBI’s updated website “the Vault”, times before appearing in this docu- information secret, then we wouldn’t created for the purpose of easier vei- ment, is though to have originated know about it. On the other hand, if wing of their public documents. The from a hoax perpatraited by two they are so lax that they let “secret memo in question had been added to “Doodlebug”( a dowsing instrument) documents” leak out onto the internet, the updated site on December 6th of peddlers, Leo Gebaur and Silas New- they clearly don’t have the capacity to 2010 and can be viewed here: http:// ton. Their account was broadcasted maintain a massive conspiracy. vault.fbi.gov/unexplained-phenome- non. Clearly if this document can be claimed as proof of alien life on Earth, it must be pretty substantial, one would assume. Unfortunately, it is only a retelling of an account passed on word of mouth, in a long game of telephone. Part of the his- tory of this tale can be deduced from the contents of the memo:

The following information was furnished to SA [censored] by [cen- sored] An investigator for the Air Forces stated that three so-called flying saucers had been recovered in New Mexico. They were described as being circular in shape with raised centers, approximately 50 feet in diameter. Each one was occupied by three bodies of human shape but only 3 feet tall, dressed in metallic cloth of a very fine texture. Each body was bandaged in a manner similar to the blackout suits used by speed flyers and test pilots. According to Mr. [censored] infor- 16 (facing the back of the device.

Once you open the device up and take a peak in- Addressing The Safe Range hold to power up side, we see how simple this device is. As EMF Meter the device). There are modified versions available you can see in the photo here, there isn’t much to A K-II EMF Meter Experiment that add a toggle switch, allowing the power to it. Once you take the plastic case away, stay on without by Kenny Biddle you’re left with a circuit board and a 9-volt bat- the need to constantly hold the button down. tery. Once power is switched on, the device performs a Self-Test - it In the last few years, a simple device flashes the LEDs in succession…from the first It is produced by a company named K-II Enterpris- has become a phenomenon onto itself. light to the last, then back down to the first green es®. The company also produces three LED. It does this No, not the broken radio one (well, at least not other devices; The Dazer II® (an ultrasonic dog de- this time around)… I’m talking twice in a row (an important fact to remember terrent), the Pet-Agree® (Ultrasonic pet later on). This self-test is performed each time about the now-famous “K2 Meter”. Since it’s “de- trainer), and the Tattle Tale® (A vibration alarm power is applied but” on a popular “ParaVision” for training pets and security). The device to the device. show on the SyFy network, the K2 EMF Meter has weighs in at 3.8 oz., and measures 5.5 inches long, become a “must have” 2 inches wide and 1 inch in depth. While going through the company’s website device in every ghost hunter’s equipment box. In The display is made up of five LED lights; 2 Green, fact, it’s hard to find a team 1 Yellow, 2 Red. The LEDs divide the meter’s mea- (http://www.kiienterprises.com/index.html) , I surements into five levels; found no mention of it’s use as a paranormal de- or television series that isn’t using the K2 Meter, tection device…what-so-ever. sometimes as their main * 1st LED (Green) = Less than 1.5 mG source of “ghost detection”. * 2nd LED (Green) = 1.5 mG to 2.5 mG The Claim * 3rd LED (Yellow) = 2.5 mG to 10 mG After seeing the device in action on TV and well * 4th LED (Red) = 10 mG to 20 mG over a thousand YouTube videos, The K2 meter has gained a considerable reputa- * 5th LED (Red) = Over 20 mG tion after appearing in the third season of the many patterns began to come to light. The most ghost hunting TV show, Ghost Hunters. obvious is that no one is using the Introduced by Chris Fleming (of the TV show Dead device as it was originally designed - as an EMF Famous), it was claimed that the device allowed meter. The sole reason many communication from spirits by investigators and ghost hunters purchase an manipulation of the LED lights on the meter. In an Electromagnetic Field Detector is to episode covering an investigation of the Manson help them locate ghosts. Furthermore, the sole Murders, Grant Wilson states reason the majority of these ghost “The K2 meter measures magnetic fields, and it’s hunters purchase a K2 meter is to communicate been specially calibrated for paranormal investi- with spirits. Everyone should take careful note gators”. I have yet to uncover here; Neither of these reasons are what an EMF The device operates on a 50 & 60 Hz level - It can exactly how this is possible (but he’s on TV, so he detector does, nor was ever designed for these detect Extremely Low Frequencies* (50 to 1,000 must be right…right?). and in case you’re won- purposes. The purpose of any EMF meter is to lo- Hz) & Very Low Frequency range (1,000 dering if he really said that, feel free cate sources of electromagnetic radiation and to to 20,000 Hz). The response time of the K2 is al- to review the episode on the DVD or simply click offer a reading of the relative strength (and di- most instantaneous. As mentioned, it is a “Single- on over to YouTube and search for it. rection if you are a skilled and competent opera- Axis” meter, which means that it only reads tor) of the EM field. one axis (left to right). This means that in order Communication with the other side is achieved by to get an accurate reading, the meter needs to be asking questions, and the spirit or entity answer- rotated on all three axis (X, Y and Z) in order The K-II meter, which is actually called the Safe ing you would cause the LEDs to to obtain the most accurate reading. From my Range EMF, is a simple, single-axis Electromag- flash in one of two ways; 1 - the LEDs will light up own tests, the device best reads fields directly netic Field in rapid succession to the third, forth or fifth LED, meter. The device runs on a single 9 volt in front of it - holding the device so the LEDs are then just as rapidly back down facing you, and are at the top…and an battery. The case is made from a hard plastic, to the first green LED. 2- All of the LEDs would light with a pressure sensitive Power button (Push and EMF source is on the opposite side of the device up in rapid succession, then back down. 17 Those asking the questions would experiment going on at the same time, in con- approximately 3 to 4 feet away from K2 junction with the K2 testing. enforce a standard code - flash once flash for Meter #1 and the Gauss Master, and 5 to 6 from “No”, twice for “Yes”. K2 Meter #2. The “Talk” button was quickly Once the devices were in place, the three in- vestigators settled down. At no time were A quick search over the all-knowing internet any of the devices held by any of the investi- produces a plethora of websites and YouTube gators. videos showing how the K2 meter works, There was a recorded, steady measurement how to modify it, and how well individuals be- of just under 2 mG, which we used as our base lieve it detects spirit entities. Not surprisingly, line (verified by the Gauss Master). there are just as many videos and websites that also show how easy it is to manipulate the meter to produce the desired results of ghost Experiment 1 - Powering on a Video Camera hunter fans everywhere. Most notable of Test these is finding the “sweet spot” on the Power This test was unexpected, as one of the inves- Switch, will will allow the operator to cause the tigators simply turned it on to LEDs to dance like crazy and/or flash record the session. A Sony Handycam video twice on a constant basis. camera was powered up approximately seven feet from K2 Meter 1 The Experiments and the Gauss Master. The K2 registered a spike to the 3rd LED (Yellow, 2.5 mG to 10 mG), while the In light of the popularity of the devices, I decid- ed to perform some simple experiments to see Gauss Master momentarily increased to just over 2 mG. Repeating the Power just how the device would work on an investiga- tion by people who, although open to the idea Cycle of the Video camera two additional times repeated the results. that spirits are among us, are not so easily depressed and released once. We observed that convinced to jump on the band wagon just be- both K2 meters illuminated up to the 3rd cause Experiment 2 - Energizing a Slave Flash Test LED (3rd LED (Yellow) = 2.5 mG to 10 mG) - the someone on TV used it. Along with the Safe Using a Nikon D5000 with a Nikon Speedlight SB- Gauss Master meter did not register Range meter, I’ll be using a Gauss Master me- 600 shoe-mounted flash, we waited for ter any change from the Base Reading. The “Talk” the flash to go into “Stand by” mode. The shutter button was depressed several more times, as a Control to compare the sensitivity of the release was given a half-press to “wake up” Safe Range meter (K2). All the tests were done with the LED display flashing up to the 3rd LED, the flash unit. The moment the flash powered up, and sometimes 4th, with each activation of by this author, with additional help from Mike K2 meter #2 registered a spike to the 3rd the two-way radio. F. (of PIRA), Steve S. and Scott (of PAPS). LED (Yellow, 2.5 mG to 10 mG). K2 meter #1 regis- tered a spike to the 2nd LED Experiment Details for #1 to #3 (Green, 1.5 mG to 2.5 mG). Taking this test further, the two-way was dis- tanced approximately ten (10) feet from K2 #1 However, on a second attempt, none of the me- & ters registered any type of spike or fluctuation. I was able to borrow the two K2 meters from Gauss Master. This distance was used at four po- On a third and consecutive attempt, a spike to members of the Philadelphia Area Paranormal sitions, with the K2 meter laying flat on the Society (P.A.P.S.), for use in the first the 3rd light was recorded again. We found floor; it was positioned forward of the meter, that this issue was due to the initial charging of of these experiments. These meters were used to the rear, to the right of the meter and above the flash when coming out of sleep mode. Our in conjunction with a Gauss Master EMF Meter, the in order to have a different model second attempt was done immediately after the meter. As before, the “Talk” button was de- flash unit was already charged. Allowing the (used for a control) in use side-by-side with the pressed several times. From these four posi- meters in question. As seen in the photograph Flash Unit to go into Stand By again, the third at- tions, it was here, all three meters were placed on tempt showed the spike again. found that the meter registered the highest the floor, with no more than three feet be- Experiment 3 - Two-way Radio During an Inves- readings when I was positioned to the right of tween the two set farthest apart. The beach tigation the meter, ball and blue ball (ha ha) were part of another Using a two-way radio, Kenny positioned himself 18 with the antenna (of the two-way radio) pointed towards the meter. Maintaining the ten foot dis- Experiment 5 - Two-Way Radio, Hand in Hand In Experiment 5, we held the meter only 16 to 20 tance, with K2 Test inches away from the two-way radio. This distance I was able to manipulate the K2 meter to illumi- simulated an average nate up to the 4th LED with each depression on distance when a ghost hunter would be holding the This was a simple experiment that reproduces the most common usage of the the meter in one hand, while speaking into the two-way radio. tow-way radio with the other…radio meter seen on the various TV shows on the “air”; Experiment 4 - EVP Session Test Holding the meter in one held up to their mouth. Here in Experiment 6, we’ll get the two devices a little bit further away hand, and having a conversation with a two-way from each other. This experiment During the EVP Session, we did not set a standard radio in the other hand. Honestly, this is to simulate the situations where a ghost hunter “Two spikes = Yes, one spike = No”. This was to is the worst thing you could do when using a de- avoid any confusion between would place the K2 on a bed or table, and then sat vice like this during a “Ghost Hunt”. down next to it. a possible “hit” (manipulation of the device by an unknown entity) and the normal operation of the Self-Test that the device does In some cases, the “investigators” place the me- It was interesting to see that I was able to illumi- ter down on the floor, bed, or table. (which cause it to automatically flash twice). To nate three to four lights on an almost consistent make this test as easy as possible, we basis. Yes, this test did not produce were simply looking for a noticeable identical results with each pressing of manipulation of the device, rather the “Call” button on the radio. Some- than multiple, specific actions. A gen- times the meter would “spike” into the eral guideline was spoken out loud, 5th red LED, while the device was while a few times I was only able to active - “If there are any spirits here, cause the first two green LEDs to dimly please answer our questions by caus- flutter. The cause? It really had to do ing the device to illuminate”. with the position of the meter, the position of the radio and how quickly I pushed the Transcript of Questions; “Call” button in and out. The orientation 1 - If there is anyone here besides My- of both self, Mike and Scott…could you cause devices would cause a higher or lower the device to illuminate? reading. This fits in nicely with many of 2 - You can, in theory, cause the lights the videos out there in YouTube land, where to light up simply by moving close to this device. The investigator sits a few feet away (sometime Would you move to stand next to the device? on the bed with the device), asking certain ghost hunters can be seen repositioning 3 - Can you try to pick up the device? the meter several times during a session (in order questions. However, they also hold a two-way to get the best orientation/”connection” 4 - Can you please touch the device? radio in hand and begin filling in the between the meter…and their manipulation de- 5 - Would you sit it this chair? (positioned next to other team members of what’s going on. The vice). the K2 meter) simple fact that any ghost hunter within It was also during this experiment that I discov- 6 - If you Need to Say “Yes”, try to make the device 25+ feet of the K2 Meter has a two-way radio ered just how “conductive” the human body is. flash its lights twice. Can you do that? should render any and all readings. While holding out the radio to the 7 - Can you jump on the device? In close proximity to each other, the radio causes distance of five feet, I began manipulating the the LED lights on the K2 meter to 8 - Can you try to push the device off the table? CALL button, while holding in the power switch of flash extremely rapidly. With some practice, I the K2. After several attempts, 9 - Is there anything you can do to manipulate the was able to cause the K2 LEDs to dance device to illuminate? and seeing that I was getting a spike each in various patterns by manipulating the “Call” time…I jammed a dime into the switch on the 10 - Last chance, make the device light up or we’re button on the two-way radio. The results K2, and held the radio out again. This through with you. of this test were consistent in each attempt to time, the meter was only lighting up three LEDs, manipulate the device. (and the forth one illuminate ever so slightly After these questions, we allowed the K2 Meter once). The thought occurred to me to stay on during the rest of the investigation ses- that the EMF field was being transferred through sion. At no time did the Experiment 6 - Two-Way Radio at Three to Five feet me to the device, causing the previous, higher meter register any fluctuations. reading. I put my hand on the K2 19 and activated the radio…and the reading was of many of today’s “Smart” phones; Blackberries, during investigations. If you receive a call while stronger. By removing and replacing my hand on iPhones, etc. The issue is that these phones “scanning” for EMF anomalies, the K2 Meter, I found that there are constantly updating the information on the you could get a Spike, and never realize that it was a definite cause of higher levels being mea- phone, from Text messages to Facebook Status was your phone. sured while in contact with an EMF generating Updates. So, with K2 meter in device. hand (and Quarter jammed into Power Switch), I Experiment 9 - Computer Mouse Test Experiment 7 - Two-Way Radio Distance Test played around with my Blackberry Storm. Honestly, this was an experiment I stumbled on. I had just finished doing This experiment was performed in the second The method was simple; play with the different Experiment 5 (again), when I noticed something floor hallway of my home. I simply set up the K2 functions and see what, if any, effect it would interesting. I had set the Meter against my bedroom have on the K2 meter’s scale. I found meter down on my desk, right in front of me, and door (standing up, with LEDs facing me), and laid that it was really a “Hit or Miss” thing; Sometimes started moving the mouse out a Measuring Tape to it’s full extension, which the meter would pick up a Facebook update from came to 12 Feet. about 5 inches away, as I was working on this article. The flashing LEDs of the K2 meter caught sometimes it wouldn’t. While making a call, I found that it would spike the K2 from anywhere me attention. Yes, three to four lights were flash- With a Two-Way Radio in hand, I stopped at sev- ing…well, more like pulsing. eral distances and tried to manipulate the meter between 7 to 10 inches away from with the K2 meter. The each other. I also found that it didn’t matter I moved the meter from six inches from the mouse, all the way to 26 inches stops were at two, four, six, eight, ten, twelve, whether I was making the call…or receiving one fourteen, and finally sixteen feet distances from - both caused the same results. away. Once again, this depended on the orienta- the meter. The radio was set Take note, this did not happen every time I tried tion of the meter in order the radio to Channel 1, Sub-channel 1, and the it (I made 63 calls to my house, and 64 from my to read the highest level of the EM field being experiment began. house to my phone…it drove emitted by the mouse. my kid nuts). However, it should be noted that 7 to 10 inches is the average distance you would The test was simple; I began pressing the “Call” hold the meter from your Experiment 10 - Three Meters with Two-Way Ra- button several times, turning the radio in differ- dio ent directions. . Depending on phone - with phone hooked to the belt and meter held in hand in a relaxed position (not way out in I was actually done testing the meters with two- the position I held the two-way radio, I was able front of you). When viewing way radios, until I received another (different) to get a consistent spike of three LEDs each time EMF meter from the crew the “Call” was not only footage of people using the device on investiga- tions, it was found that the majority of people over at Strange Frequencies Radio. From one of Depressed…but also when it was Released. Of hold the meter in this relaxed their weird contests, I won an E.L.F.-Zone Electro- course, this consistency decreased with distance. magnetic Field Detector When I reached sixteen position. Honestly, it’s a very natural position to hold it, which can easily lead to some false read- from ENZONE. I decided to re-visit this experi- feet, I could no longer manipulate the meter. At ings; Some teams, such as ment now that I had three different meters to fifteen feet from the target, I was still able to get use. In the research I’ve done, I’ve P.I.R.A., require you to silence your cell phones two to two LEDs to illuminate found that these three meters are the most com- . I did find that when I changed mon meters used by ghost hunting the radio channel to 22, it had a teams across the United States and decreased effect on the manipu- Canada. I lation of the K2 meter. Having set the three meters up in a row, a distance of fifteen feet to ma- against a cardboard box backing. I laid nipulate the device would allow out a tape measure to 20 feet, and set “spikes” to be produced from an- Test Intervals other room entirely. at 2, 5, 7, 10, 15, 18 and 20 foot dis- Experiment 8 - Call on a Blackber- tances. The results were interesting, to ry Cell Phone Test say the least. The results are displayed in the chart (left). There were two reactions that should I’ve received reports from several be noted here. First, at a distance of friends that the K2 will register a up to 5 feet, I found that the K2 Meter “Hit” when they receive or trans- would mit a call on their cell phones. rapidly, and continuously, flash the Of particular interest was the use 20 four LED lights as long as I held the “Talk” button around (becoming common knowledge to most ings. This was clear with in on the two-way radio. This result ghost hunters), there needed Experiment 10, where I had various readings de- was dependant on whether I had the radio facing to be another way to cause the device to respond pending on how I held the meter, regardless of the meters, or facing the opposite direction (the to questions. After all, some people were making the distance. Of course, we 4 LEDs flashing was with a lot of money from the should take into account the various other devices the “face” of the radio towards the meters). With sale of this device to others who didn’t take the being used on an investigation (video cameras, the back of the radio towards the meters, there time to do any of that “research” many claim to still cameras, digital recorders, etc.). was a weak pulsing of the do. Not to worry, another They will have varying EM fields depending on 2nd LED light on the K2. way wasn’t hard to find. The two-way radio, a start up sequences, if they cycle on and off, if common tool used by just about every ghost power usage stays constant, etc. Still, using hunting team there is, was found to The second note of interest is what happened when the two-way radio was waved around in a cause the K2 meter to light up like a Christmas a two-way radio displayed some very interesting quick motion. By shaking the tree. You could be anywhere in the room, or more results and patterns during testing. Every video importantly...off-camera, and radio side-to-side, the K2 meter would flash up segment that was presented as proof of to all five LED lights from a distance of 12 feet. the LEDs on the meter to dance. Uh oh, the scam- “spirit communication” could easily be duplicated This distance was not set artists were found out again. by manipulation of the common two-way radio. in stone; depending on how I held the radio, an- When you consider that just about every ghost gle it was pointed, and various distances…gave However, the damage has already been done. hunting team uses two-way radios as standard different results. At times I There are scores of “science” based teams that equipment, its easy to see how false readings and could get all five LEDs to light from 18 feet, while claim the K2 Meter has consistently outright fraud is made simple. When other attempts at ten feet would get a weak 2 proved communication with spirits. Video seg- you think about it, who hasn’t seen a YouTube LED response, or none at ments usually show only the device as it lights video or Para-Vision show where someone was all. Although the meter was unpredictable at up, or a room full of people where not getting “hits” on a K2 meter, while a times, it was consistently easy to manipulate. everyone is on camera...or with their hands in guy standing two feet away was telling the rest view. Despite the few people that have actually of the team that the meter was going crazy? What tested the device, and the results can I say, but ... “Duh?” Discussion that show the K2 is not a spirit communicator, thousands of ghost hunters and para-celebrities The bottom line is that this device was not de- There are several…ok, a lot of reasons this de- still claim it works. Where is the signed or manufactured for use in paranormal vice should NOT be used during any investigation evidence? No where... research, it was designed to read into the paranormal. The electromagnetic fields from household devices first concern is the Power Switch itself. With a The device is much more sensitive than other and give a general measurement. Adding a toggle little practice, it was very simple to locate the switch does not make it “modified “sweet” spot; the pressure to EMF meters you’ll find on the market. However, I did find an interesting note for paranormal research”, nor does endorsements which the button will easily go between on/off from the GhostMart website, where they did from para-celebrities who, when questioned, without seeing or hearing the entire switch come have no idea how the device to the “At Rest” position their own testing. Here’s a short quote from their write-up; “We then began side works. The Safe Range EMF meter performs as it (Power Off). We know that the device’s Self-Test was intended to perform, nothing more. causes all five LEDs to light up twice. We also by side testing with some of the higher end EMF know that when power Meters we offer, the Lutron EMF 822-A, Sper Sci- entific Digital EMF, is interrupted, the first LED will go out. With this The popularity of this device, like many other de- simple information, we can look back at the early AlphaLab TriField Natural, and the General Tools vices (Frank’s Box, Ovilus, etc.), lack any scientific TV appearance and see Tri-Axial Datalogging Digital EMF Meter. When testing by qualified used side by side with these that it was the result of fakery, rather than “spirit personnel or the hard data to back up their fan- Communication”. When the device was used, it high end digital models one thing became very tastic claims. When you get down to it, there is was easy to see that the clear. The readings produced by the K-II were absolutely no evidence or simply not consistent. It was in first LED light would go out…signaling that the data to back up a claim that ghosts (if they really power had been interrupted and reapplied (the fact very responsive to EMF fluctuations but there do exist) have any effect on the electromagnetic pressure switch was was no pattern to the level of the EMF measured field…what-so-ever. by the K-II Meter.” manipulated). A major issue within our community is that so many groups, as well as so many who consider With my own testing of the K2 meter, I also found themselves “professional” After this information was discovered and spread that the device was inconsistent with its read- and serious investigators, will so easily accept a 21 device and concept simply because they saw a few clueless people use it on a TV show designed for entertainment pur- poses so the network can sell commercial time. Yes, these groups are buying the K2 Meter, and other equally worth- less (as they pertain to the paranormal) devices, simply because they saw someone on TV use it. This article detailing the experiments I’ve done is simple, yet it shows how easy it is to manipu- late this device. It shows that small, everyday devices such as cell phones, video cameras and even just a camera flash…all can ef- fect this device. These devices, and more, are common items on the ghost hunting equipment inventory list…used on each and every investigation. Although I didn’t cover every device used by ghost hunters, I believe the point has been made.

Final Conclusion - As a meter to locate Electro- magnetic Fields, this device operates just like any other meter designed and manufactured for that specific purpose. As a tool for locating ghosts, or establishing communica- tion with spirits…this is NOT a tool for that purpose, nor anywhere near it. With the lack of any research on whether ghosts have any effect on the EM field, an investigator would be better off pur- chasing a cheaper device to be used simply to detect EM Fields within an area or building for the gathering of data...nothing more.

22 I experienced a shadow person stand- Another thing I wanted to bring up is Second, the concept of “whatever is ing above me while I was in bed about that fact you are assuming I have never leftover is paranormal” supposes that ten years ago before my father’s death. experienced this before. I actually suffer there are paranormal factors in existance I did not know the term “shadow from chronic sleep paralysis and I have and since there are no known parameters person”, what they were, what they witnessed many creepy things which felt or characteristics that define what is looked like but only did research after very real, things ranging from shadow paranormal, there is no process by which the fact. It did scare the heck out of me people to little alien gremlins that would we could deem an occurance paranormal. and I can see why people are skeptical bite my foot. Even today when these hap- Such a characteristic would have to be if they have never experienced it first- pen, they are still frightening but I know accepted by the community at large, be hand. Luckily I am a credible person, how to control them, telling myself it will measurable and repeatable, and be spe- a teacher, do not drink, smoke or do be over in a couple minutes. cific to said paranormal event, meaning drugs so it was not a hallucination and I hope this information is helpful and an effect that has no other cause than that I am not an attention-seeker by any thank you. of the paranormal event. means. In fact, I do not tell people I do All in all, I believe that paranormal teams not know well because of the percep- -Bobby Nelson have good intentions when they claim to tion. My daughter would tease me approach claims with skepticism, but their about it through the years, but then methods need some fine tuning. Under- she had the same thing happen to her A lot of paranormal teams claim that standing and applying science would im- in her bedroom one year ago. We know their members are skeptics. From your mensly improve their methods and results. we cannot convince anyone who has experience, do these teams really use not seen it, so hopefully it will happen a skeptical point of view? Why or why not? to you sometime in your lifetime! It’s -Nicholas Callis scary but cool. -Ben -Pam I’ll try to answer this without painting Since we only use what, 5% of our Pam, with a broad brush. In my experience, brains, is it possible if we were to use/ this claim seems to go hand- in- hand unlock the remaining part that we The first thing that I noticed when reading with the similar idea that somehow these didn’t use, are psychic /mind to mind your comment is that these experiences teams are using science. While this is the communication, etc possible? that happened to you and your daughter correct approach to investigate unex- occurred while in bed. This is usually a plained phenomena, I don’t believe it -M. Whittman red flag when someone is describing a is being employed correctly. Typically, paranormal occurrence. Reason being in reference to their skepticism, they Yes this is a very common claim within the is it is probably a hypnagogic halluci- will describe the method of “trying to paranormal community. It is however a nation. Hypnagogic hallucinations or debunk the claims and whatever is left is complete myth, human beings actually use hynagogia is that transitional period paranormal”. At first glance, this sounds 100% of their brain. We may not use it all between wakefulness and sleep. Visual, completely reasonable and I think that’s collectively at once but nonetheless we do auditory, tactile, and kinetic sensations why many teams use this philosophy, but use all of the brain. can all be experienced during hypnagogic it’s not a truly scientific process. hallucinations. Some of these hallucina- tions can be very scary, such as a linger First, it assumes that all explainations are No one is really sure where this myth shadow standing over your bed. These readily available to the team and within originated from; some speculate it came occurrences can be brought on naturally their limits of understanding. These from Einstein. Albert Einstein once told and do not require drugs and or alcohol phenomena are uncontrolled observa- a reporter that his brilliance came from to experience them. tions, typically with too many variables using more than 10 percent of his brain. involved to make accurate correlations. Another possible source is that less than Also, I don’t question your credibility For instance, if you notice that a glass or your honesty about your depiction of 10 percent of the cells in the brain are has fallen off of the counter, you can typi- nerve cells, called neurons, the rest of what happened. However I must say, cally deduce the cause of which, but not honesty and credibility do not make you these cells are called glial cells. To sum with complete certainty. More often than it up, neurons are cells that have the infallible to perception. These experienc- not, there are too many factors to rule out es seem very real when they occur and if function of receiving and transmitting the and the paranormal investigator gives up neural impulses and glial cells are the you have no previous knowledge on these prematurely, which will usually result in experiences can happen naturally it can cells that support, feed and insulate the labeling the phenomina “unexplainable” neurons. seem very . rather than unexplained. 24 Author and fellow skeptic Ben Radford to be embarrassed about. In fact, I find the light. Putting us in the dark impairs has written on this very topic. Radford it kind of funny when these things are our ability to interpret our surroundings. states that this argument that psychic pointed out to me. Not only will we see things that aren’t powers come from untapped part of the there (generally out of the corner of our brain is a logical fallacy called the argu- eyes; see: http://www.assap.org/newsite/ ment from ignorance (this doesn’t mean articles/Corner%20eye%20phenomena. you are stupid). In this logical fallacy, html), but we will also mistake the length, Forget about paranormal investigation something has to be either true or false width, and depth of the things that really for just a moment. Let’s look at common, merely because it has not been proven or are! But even if you are investigating in everyday examples of how we are tricked refuted. So basically, even if 90-95% of well lit conditions, we are susceptible to by our brains and senses. Have you ever the brain is untapped by most humans, it bias. Because we are at a location which been in your bedroom, for instance, and doesn’t mean that being able to use any of is believed to be haunted, we are often smelled something delicious? Maybe it that 90-95% would give anyone psychic hoping or expecting to find evidence of smelled like a big tub of buttered pop- powers (or any other paranormal mental ghosts. Having these expectations can corn. So, you got up and went to the powers). lead us to misinterpret ordinary smells, kitchen to check it out...and, alas, there noises, and other events as paranormal was nothing there? Or, perhaps the in origin when, in fact, they are not. But Here is another way we can think about food you were smelling seemed like that is a matter for further exploration this. If we only use 5-10% of our brain popcorn, but ended up being sausages in psychology, and perhaps a topic for then that would mean we could live instead. Furthermore, have you ever another day. without 90-95% of our brain and func- thought about your favorite food for a few tion no differently than we do every day. minutes, then started smelling it almost I often wonder if the people who really immediately? All of these are a few com- believe that we only use 5-10% of our mon ways our brains play little tricks on brain, if they would be willing to test this us and cause us to sense something that I hope this helped you out, Mark. Thanks by removing the other inactive 90%? I isn’t accurate. again for the question! would also think that head trauma and head injuries would happen a lot less, Now, let’s check out a few common -Jason Korbus because they would have to only occur in optical illusions. Check out this web- the useful10% area of our brain. site: http://jayesh.profitfromprices.com/ LSenses.htm If you’re an intelligent Before ending, I would like to quote person, with a fully functioning brain like something said about this topic that writ- most Bent Spoon readers, you’ll see black ten in Scientific American, “Ultimately, dots where there are none in Figure 1, it’s not that we use 10 percent of our wavy lines when they are really perfectly brains, merely that we only understand parallel in Figure 2, and struggle to say about 10 percent of how it functions.” the correct color out loud without saying the word spelled out in Figure 3, and so I hope I helped answer your question and on. In simple terms, what is happening thank you for your submission. is that the communication between our eyes and brains is having a little hiccup... -Bobby Nelson and it causes us to interpret visual data incorrectly.

So, what about paranormal investiga- tion? If you are like most, you have How can our own eyes, brains, and senses fool us while probably experienced similar situations we are investigating? -Mark to the scenarios outlined earlier in the daytime. And you likely were taking a Hey Mark, thanks for the question. look at those optical illusions in decently lit conditions as well. Now think about It’s interesting, really. Our brains and being on a ghost hunt. Are the lights off? senses are fooled so often that it is almost If so, this puts your senses at an even big- incredible to realize we don’t notice it ger disadvantage. Human beings are not more often than we do. But it’s nothing nocturnal animals. Our eyes work best in 25 by Jason Korbus breathe for extended stretches while reading BOOK REVIEW because of the sadness I felt in my heart for the Puerto Rican people. Tracking the Chupacabra: the Vampire Beast in Fact, Some of the more exciting chapters in the book Fiction, and Fokelore by Benjamin Radford for me were his analysis of a variety of “Texas Chupacabra “ style cases, wherein mangy dogs or When I was about 17 years old an animal quickly spot deceptions, or at least equip my- self better to test paranormal claims I come coyotes were held up as proof positive of the began knocking over the garbage cans in my mythical beast’s existence. Radford reports family’s backyard during the night. It quickly across, simply because I have read of various examples in Radford’s writings where his problem and solution were similar. while keeping your eyes darting through page I told my little brother it was a Chupacabra after page, wanting to see what happens next . We decided to make a game of it. For Still, that being said, I think “Tracking the the next few weeks, we would camp out in the Chupacabra” is a book you will enjoy if you Of course, the conclusion of the book is what yard with our flashlights and have stakeouts, are anything like me and intrigued by myster- people want to hear about the most. How was waiting for the “Chupacabra” to make an ap- ies of the paranormal realm. The mystery of the mystery solved? What is the Chupacabra, pearance. It was all in good fun. I didn’t actu- the Chupacabra, in particular, was one that really? Though I do not want to reveal too much and spoil the ending for potential read- Never one content to provide mere armchair speculations, ers, I will say that if you read this book with Benjamin Radford recounts his own expeditions to Puerto an open mind, you will finish it with your questions answered. Radford deftly applies in a sincere effort to track the Chupacabra for himself. elements of psychology and scientific investi- gation techniques, and breaks down original eyewitness Madelyne Tolentino’s own testi- ally believe the now infamous “goat sucker” has been around for over 20 years, and has baf- mony, resulting in a definitive and satisfying was knocking over our garbage cans. But it fled people on multiple continents. It is said end to the mystery. was a goofy way for me and my brother to that, aside from Bigfoot and the Loch Ness scare each other, while simultaneously wait- Monster, the Chupacabra is the most famous ing to catch a glimpse of a nocturnal animal. monster in the world. What an extraordinary This book has it all, gang. It has legend and claim for Mr. Radford to make, then, when he lore. It has case studies. It has science and psychology and, at the end of the day, pro- Of course, the story of a previously unknown claims to solve this mystery in his book. Well, vides a worthwhile conclusion. If you’ve ever beast that was decidedly not a raccoon and, folks, I believe he has done it. been interested in the Chupacabra, and want in fact, was said to be a blood sucking mon- to read for yourself a complete investigation ster that fed on goats and chickens, was just The book starts off with a history of the report of how the mystery was solved, you can starting to take its hold of popular culture beast itself, including a brief description of do no better than to pick up this impeccably at the time. We had all heard the eyewitness the original sighting in Puerto Rico in 1995. Benjamin Radford. sketch, and otherwise just wondered what in Radford also touches on the fascinating as- the heck this creature was that had seemingly pect of how descriptions of the monster have come from out of nowhere. In Benjamin changed over the years. He then moves into Radford’s latest book, “Tracking the Chupac- the folklore of vampires, and discusses how abra: The Vampire Beast in Fact, Fiction, and the Chupacabra made such a quick transition Folklore ,” he aims to answer that tions in paranormal lore. very question. And, in my humble opinion, he has done just that. Never one content to provide mere armchair speculations, Benjamin Radford recounts his Granted, I am biased. I count myself as a own expeditions to Puerto Rico in a sincere Ben Radford fan. He is one of a handful of people Along the way he finds out just how many of I regularly credit with having helped turn me the locals take the reports seriously, as well as from a paranormal true believer to one who reports on the anti-American and conspirato- exercises much more critical thinking skills rial sentiment expressed by many Puerto Ri- when approaching paranormal mysteries I cans - a key aspect to the solving of this case. find in my own studies. His case reports have It was this latter point that I found quite so- proven valuable enough to me that I can often bering, at times finding that I had failed to 26 Pareidolia of the month goes to Roisin McCourt. McCourt found this miraculous sign of God on a towel as she was re- moving laundry from her dryer. McCourt says, “I could see it was Jesus straight away. I took it to my husband and he agreed with me. I don’t even know what the stain was made from; I hadn’t seen it before I had put it in the washing.” Normally, I would assume people would chalk this up to coin- cidence, but not McCourt. Roisin says, “I know some people will think it’s crazy and I feel a bit silly saying it but I really believe that it is His face.” Well McCourt, you were right about one thing, this is crazy and you should feel a little more than a bit silly.

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