Comments on: Show blends history, technology to shed light on paranormal

By: Skip

Skip — Wed, 12 May 2010 21:41:40 +0000

I did watch the program. I had hoped for the best since I am a big fan of history and historic preservation. History Detectives is one of my favorite programs. I agree that ghost stories are part of folklore and have their place. If the program had stuck with the history and folklore, I’d be a fan. My issue is when the people start looking for the ghosts. To my knowledge no rigorously applied scientific study has ever been able to validate their existence. As for the “audio science” presented in the program, it insults the intelligence of anyone who has actually used the scientific method to research an unknown. I think most acoustic technicians could probably isolate or synthesize a name or a few words from background noise, especially if that’s what the listener wants to hear. Science is under constant attack in our society. A program like this only weakens science by presenting pseudo-science as real science and is a disservice to viewers and the community at large.

By: Nicky

Nicky — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 21:04:10 +0000

I totally disagree with Skip. Had he bothered to WATCH the program, he would have seen that the history of Peyton Colony was thoroughly researched through avenues that were resourceful, while the audio science presented was valid and well-explained without insulting the viewers’ intelligence! This wasn’t just some cable show where all they do is talk to the locals about their experiences and believe them at face value. The Haunted Texas team was respectful with the living AND the dead. Certainly more than I can say for other shows on the air. If nothing else, ghost stories are part of folklore, particularly in Texas. Folklore “colors” history in such a way that it’s more than dates on headstones. There are more things in heaven and earth, Skip! I say, “Encore, Haunted Texas!”

By: Skip

Skip — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:32:40 +0000

Shame on KLRU for showing this kind of paranormal BS. This program promotes pseudo-science that is the antithesis of the science based programs that PBS is known for. Also, I find it most offensive that the series takes honest history, which should be preserved, and corrupts it with a bunch of paranormal mumbo-jumbo.