Tune your televisions to Channel 5 on November 24th at 8pm in the UK. As part of a currently running series entitled "Missing Evidence", the Monster of Loch Ness will feature in one episode. To quote one website:
This week the show looks at one of Scotland's most enduring mysteries -
that of the Loch Ness monster. Tales of the monster that has haunted the
river go back nearly 1,500 years, but in the last century the story has
really taken off. Over 1,000 eye witnesses since the 1930's believe
they have photographed a monster in the water. The evidence has never
been that definitive though, so Dr Charles Paxton of St Andrews
University has decided to compile each piece of evidence on the supposed
beast to finally explain the truth behind the myth of the monster. The
show looks at well-known photos and video evidence in a more scientific
light, as well as meeting fabled Nessie hunter Adrian Shine. Albert
Jack, a historian also features as he believes the first sightings were
in fact a bunch of elephants. Another expert, Chris French believes that
the real source of the animal comes from a mixture between media
reports of hoaxes, natural phenomena, everyday animals and out own
monstrous imaginations.
It seems we will learn new things, like Loch Ness is a "river" and not, as I was led to understand, a lake.
I also take note of the phrase "fabled Nessie hunter Adrian Shine" as if Adrian's existence was as in much dispute as Nessie herself. I am sure the program will present ample video evidence for Adrian's existence, to which I can add my own sightings of him on several occasions. But of what use is eyewitness testimony? I may have mistaken a deer for him. Therefore, each video clip of him needs to be assessed on its own merits as the use of Photoshop can never be discounted. This particular debate could rage on for decades ...
I also take note of the phrase "fabled Nessie hunter Adrian Shine" as if Adrian's existence was as in much dispute as Nessie herself. I am sure the program will present ample video evidence for Adrian's existence, to which I can add my own sightings of him on several occasions. But of what use is eyewitness testimony? I may have mistaken a deer for him. Therefore, each video clip of him needs to be assessed on its own merits as the use of Photoshop can never be discounted. This particular debate could rage on for decades ...
Anyway, Charles Paxton is featured and I, again, point readers to his talk on the Statistics of Loch Ness Monster Sightings at the Edinburgh Fortean Society tomorrow (11th). Gordon Holmes should also feature, which is just as well, because everyone else mentioned does not seem to believe in the Loch Ness Monster. That would make for a pretty boring program. But who this Chris French is, I cannot say. Another fabled Nessie hunter?
I look forward to seeing this documentary when it transmits and will review it shortly after.
Now that would be a sight indeed, Adrian Shine with antlers :-)
ReplyDeleteHello G.B.
ReplyDeleteChris French is a Professor of Psychology and seems to be skeptical of everything.
The answers skeptics give often seem to be more unlikely than the object of their skepticism.
Having read the program information I think I know what the conclusions will be.
Jack.
A professor of psychology is the perfect expert for dealing with this subject now. I can almost hear the sound of toys being thrown out of prams by all the middle aged men who want to believe. :)
DeletePsychology, now there's a real objective science!
DeleteI,ve just tried to throw my favourite Yo-Yo out of my pram but it keeps coming back. Kind of reminds you of these "bad penny" skeptics.
DeleteGB wrote: 'Psychology, now there's a real objective science!'
DeleteUnlike 'cryptozoology', psychology is a real science with a defined subject of scientific investigation, based on proper methodology.
A T Lovchanski
"Why Psychology Isn't Science"
Deletehttp://articles.latimes.com/2012/jul/13/news/la-ol-blowback-pscyhology-science-20120713
Just saw this Chris French on "Paranatural" dissing other subjects. So I guess the LNM is not his area of expertise. I am not expecting anything novel from him, but we shall see.
DeleteI for one will be tuning in to see all the photographs I've somehow never seen before, as it seems that "Over 1,000 eye witnesses since the 1930's believe they have photographed a monster in the water".
ReplyDeleteLOL, I am sure the documentary will be more accurate than its advert.
DeleteI didn't know Loch Ness was in fact a river...
ReplyDeleteI said that!
DeleteI think with Shine being involved we know what this program will be like! Sturgeon, boat, tree trunk etc etc
ReplyDeleteYes anon the 9ft sturgeon might get another mention lol or maybe even the one in the pond by the exhibition centre. :)
ReplyDeleteHave set the box to record this, can't wait. Will sit back with a few cans of (non-Tennents) beer and enjoy a good chuckle. I hope all watch this with an open mind.
ReplyDeleteBetter with tennents geordie :)
ReplyDeleteGS, your new comment is best kept for the review of this program I hope to put out tonight.
ReplyDeleteAh ok. I suspect we are in agreement for once. Not very impressive was it?
DeleteI would agree.
DeleteUnfortunetly due to the non sale of tennents outside scotland i cudnt watch this with some. Hmmmm think i needed a whole crate after that rubbish. On a brighter note a friend is returning from scotland tomorrow with 100 cans for me in his boot. :)))
ReplyDelete