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Khyron

The K-Files

11.2.5

Welcome to week 3 of this newly-named trip into the paranormal. This week brings three new articles for your consideration, as well as prototype logo #3. Again, for those unawares, once all prototype logos have been revealed, it will be up to you, the reader, to decide which one will stick.

This week, the Top Story continues and concludes (hopefully) my coverage of Loren Coleman and the infamous million dollar prize. Next, I present an interesting experiment that proves a blindness ‘sixth sense.’ Finally, I’ve got some rather thought provoking poll results regarding ghosts and God.

You’d better get ready, ‘cause here come K-Files…

:: Top Story ::

It never ends.

America Goes Cryptozoology Crazy

By Mark Baard – Wired News

LEWISTON, Maine -- As a cryptozoologist, Loren Coleman rarely gets to play the straight man at meetings with his fellow scientists.

"I had to put up with people saying, 'Oh, you're the one who believes in little green men,'" said Coleman, a writer and academic who investigates Bigfoot and other folkloric monsters.

But at a weekend symposium called Cryptozoology: Out of Time Place Scale at the Bates College Museum of Art here in Maine, Coleman says he feels quite normal.

http://www.wired.com/news/culture/0,1284,69426,00.html?tw=rss.TOP

I’ve been following this story for what seems like forever, now. I never intended to get so in-depth on Loren Coleman and the now cancelled cryptozoology prize, but this story dominates all of the sources from which I collect these articles. So, let’s go nuts.

It was originally planned for Coleman to release the details for Wizard of the Coast’s sponsored 1 million dollar prize for the capture of a Bigfoot at a cryptozoology symposium. Of course, the deal fell through, but the event continued with Coleman being one of the keynote speakers.

According to the article, he touched on two main points: cryptozoology in popular culture, and the cheapening of the field. Both of these are quite interesting.

First, the mainstream perception of cryptozoology. If you’ve been following my coverage over the last few weeks, you’d know that my biggest quarrel with the million dollar prize was that it was nothing more than an advertising gimmick. I highly doubt Wizards of the Coast honestly hoped to further research in mysterious animals. I’m glad Coleman brought this up and that it’s one of his goals to keep the integrity of the field alive.

Described in the article is an instance in which Coleman turned down a ‘reporter’ because it was revealed to him that he was in fact part of a comedy show. It’s good to see he is weary of such things, but it still troubles me that he would agree to promote Wizard’s prize.

Second of his points was cryptozoology’s impact on art. I had to think about this one for a minute, as I couldn’t really think of any recent Big Foot or Chupacabra movies (save for the straight to DVD Chupacabra: Dark Seas). But the article goes on to point out Lost, Invasion, and Surface. I can only attest to seeing one episode of Lost and Invasion, but it’s true, they are in fact cryptozoological at heart. So long as they keep it serious, I say keep them coming. Just no more Harry and the Hendersons.

Now let’s see if I can put this whole fiasco behind us, because, frankly, I’m a tad sick of trying to type out ‘cryptozoology.’ You’ve heard of tongue-twisters, that is a finger-twister.

:: The Human Brain ::

Scientists prove blind people can 'see' with sixth sense

RHIANNON EDWARD - The Scotsman

THE uncanny ability of blind people to "sense" unseen objects has been demonstrated for the first time in sighted volunteers whose vision was blanked out by scientists.

The findings suggest "blindsight", which has been observed in blind people whose eyes function normally but who have suffered damage to the brain's visual centre, is a real and not imagined phenomenon.

http://news.scotsman.com/uk.cfm?id=2176562005

There’s been a theory for sometime now that blind people have somehow gained a sixth sense to compensate for their lack of sight. It’s been explained most frequently when I hear of it by saying that without sight, the other senses are heightened. The increase in smell and hearing, most importantly, allow those without sight to better gauge the world around them.

Now it seems there’s actually some proof that this theory is true.

Scientists at the University of Houston have developed a rather cool experiment to test for this sense. Apparently the sense is a result of some kind of visual cortex bypass. I don’t much understand it, but it’s a good read, nonetheless.

What I’m mostly afraid of now, however, is a sequel to Daredevil with a ‘based on a true story’ tag. No amount of scientific proof will convince me that Ben Affleck is a super hero.

:: Statistics ::

Can you have one without the other?

God trails behind ghosts in British beliefs

The Scotsman

MORE Britons believe in ghosts than God, according to research out today…Over two thirds (68 per cent) said they believed in the existence of ghosts and spirits. Just over half (55 per cent) said they believed in the existence of a God.

http://news.scotsman.com/uk.cfm?id=2174292005

From time to time, I like to present some cold, hard numbers regarding the paranormal. In most cases, these come in form of opinion polls. Although this probably has one of the more intriguing article titles in some time, what really make it interesting are the results.

According to 2012 polled Brits (why 2012? I smell conspiracy), 68% believe in ghosts. However, of the same group, only 55% believed in a God.

Hmm…

How does that work exactly? It’s my belief that they’re kind of hand-in-hand. Proving one would essentially prove the other. Or maybe people just believe that ghosts are what they are because there is not God and afterlife to move on to; that maybe spirits are stuck here because there’s really no other place to go.

I’m sorry, but that’s just a little too bleak for me. Interesting statistic, though.

:: Dead End ::

That’s all for this week’s installment. I hope you had fun reading the renamed and revamped K-Files.

For the latest updates on the world of Khyron, bookmark http://www.khyron.net/. With content updated regularly, you’re sure to find your fix for all things entertaining and paranormal. As always, feel free to send any questions/comments/suggestions to ghostfiles@khyron.net.

Keep your eyes peeled for next week’s K-Files and prototype number four of the new logo.

~Khyron, 2005.

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