Should my posts of late be castigated as against the Christmas spirit I would rely on Andy Williams’ song, “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” in my defense.“There’ll be scary ghost stories,” the crooner sings amid images of cheer and celebration.What may not be appreciated by my less sober celebrants is that the long nights of winter have as close an association with ghosts as they do with the numerous religious holidays that fervently pray for the return of the light at this time of year.In merry old England, which along with Germany developed the modern concept of Christmas, the holiday was observed with evening ghost stories as is well represented by Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (likely the source behind Williams’ lyric reference).
So I read about ghosts when the light begins to fail.Or at least that’s my excuse.When Ghost Hunters took to the air in 2004 the world became aware that electronic devices can pick up anomalies and other ghost-hunting groups began to appear.Alan Brown, apparently curious about this development, wrote Ghost Hunters of New England as a field guide of sorts to paranormal investigators.The book divides the region by states and includes the answers to survey questions asked to each of them.The result isn’t especially inspirational, however, as these groups share in common the obvious absence of scientists.It may be that professional scientists fear the career impact of such associations, but as is the case in many academic disciplines, their lack of participation simply erodes the credibility of science in the eyes of many.
Human investigation of the world has reached a point where many academic specialists can no longer communicate effectively with the average person.I work in academic publishing and it is clear that many specialists simply do not recollect the level at which those without advanced training read.We therefore see the rise of hoi polloi as self-appointed experts.If scientists won’t investigate ghosts, plumbers will.And since, no matter what science declares, many people experience ghosts, they will listen to those who at least seek answers.The problem with books like Brown’s, of course, is that if a fad fades the groups disappear leaving the information outdated.A couple of the groups were interesting enough to send me to the websites listed only to find the domain name for sale and the ghost hunting shingle removed from the door.Still, the book had some useful information for those willing to consider the possibilities.After all, the nights can be awfully long in December. And there’ll be scary ghost stories…
