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Monday, August 31, 2009

Fun Paranormal Videos That You Have To Watch!




Ok, so the first one is a European commercial. I can't tell you or it would ruin the surprise.



This one is not that bad. They should just take out the last part.




And, last just plain old comic relief.




Enjoy!

Friday, August 28, 2009

Is There A Ghost Show Decline?


What's up with Most Haunted? By now we would have heard about the new series. In detail! And, their upcoming Lives. What happened? I mean, personally I know will probably hear of some shows coming up. But, they certainly are not in any rush. So, yes, there is a slow down. But, my friends, I read something this morning that almost made me fall of my chair.



Most Haunted Live "On Stage" http://www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/page/113/Most+Haunted+Live+On+Stage/105


Yes, you heard it right! And, here's a quote from a UK newspaper, "Now for the first time on stage the team bring their theatrical debut production..."

It seems all the shows are going through some slow down. On the Syfy forum you don't see as many posters as much as it was in the past.

But, on the other hand. You still have people wanting to follow the footsteps of these original shows. So, they can maybe form a show of their own. But, I'm sorry to say I think it's a little to late to go riding on their coattails. The paranormal show meal ticket is over. Interest in the paranormal will go back as it was in the past. Just pure entertainment.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Palm Reading: Do The Lines Of A Hand Change?


Palm readings, like other fortune telling methods of always interested me. But, I have noticed through the years the lines have changed in my hands. I have read in the past that the lines in your hands never change since birth. So, you would think that a reading would be a one shot deal. But, my lines have changed? So, what does that mean?
Like for instance, my life line was short. I mean real short. Then as time went on it lengthen to now it would mean I would pass in my 80's. So, why have your palm read? I think, if there was such a thing. Reading finger tips would be more precise. They never change.
So, thinking why the change? It could be lifestyle changes, health, etc. Remember, we use are hands for everything so they can get roughed up with certain jobs that we might hold. Like a chefs, or carpenters, metalworkers always have cuts, scrapes, calluses, blisters. But, if you stop. Your hands soften. So, they change again.
So, to me palm reading is really not the best way to tell one's fortune. But, it's fun to learn. Great to do at a party that's not going so well. It breaks the ice.
To have it done professionally? Nah!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Is Dealing With The Paranormal Dangerous?


There's a investigative group out in California that put a warning up on their website about the dangers in the paranormal. Now, they do seem to have a valid point there. We can't blame "everything" on the TV shows. But, people have to remember 1 out of 4 people have some psychological problem of some sort. So, when someone either calls a paranormal investigative group to go to a "so call" haunted location. Or, someone wanting to join. Both situations have to be looked at first with some apprehension. You need to know if the reason a person "thinks" a place is haunted in not in their own mind. That goes the same with someone wanting to join.
I believe paranormal investigators should have to take a college course: Psych 101. To have some understanding of the human mind. I have to give kudos to the group that took the time to place this warning. It also protects the group itself from any problems that may occur. Whether it's a homeowner that maybe on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Or, a new investigator that may have all their life have been seeing and hearing things instead of going to a doctor. And, joins to prove that their not crazy. It does make a person think twice doesn't it?

http://www.socalprs.com/webdotp/index.html

Monday, August 24, 2009

Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo, Sicily



They always talk about the catacombs of Paris. But, to me this one takes the cake. Capuchin Monastery has an above ground cemetery. But, it was getting full. So, the monks in the 16th century started to created crypts below. It was originally created to bury their own. The first interment was in 1599. As time went on it seemed this was the place to be buried. As long as you had money to burn. Some relatives would bury their loved ones. But, had to pay every so often to keep them accessible to the family. If not, the body would be but in storage until they start paying again. What make this place on the "strange" level. Is that the dead were placed in glass coffins. Or, posed, like for example two children sitting on a rocking chair together. But, mainly the bodies are on hooks on the sides of the walls. All dressed in the fine clothes. Some relatives requested their loved one have their clothes changed for different occasions.
The last friar buried was in 1871. People started to take tours of the Catacombs around 1880. One, of the last burials were around the 1920's.





The most famous is Rosalia Lombardo. She was so perfectly preserved. That she appears to be sleeping.

Friday, August 21, 2009

It's That Time Of Year Again. Go Back To School For Your Paranormal Investigator Certification.


Yup, believe it or not. There are schools out there, colleges even, that will teach you ghost hunting.
The only thing I'm a little confused about is do you really have to be certified? Not sure? Even to get a certification to be a Tech Specialist? Or, is this another way for schools to make money. But, that's a story for another day.
Some of these courses are online. And, what is the purpose behind this? I think a background check should be done first to anyone that is thinking of walking into a complete strangers homes is by far the most important thing you should do.
Being a Parapsychologist is a little different ball game. And, they have to be a total skeptic. They have to understand the psychology behind the investigation. What it means to the participants? Is the actual haunting real or created? It's an actual case study.
But, to get certified to investigate? Do you have to get re-certified every so often? Or, is it lifetime. And, that makes you question why have one. All the new equipment and different techniques change it seems every year.

http://www.flamelcollege.org/paranormal.htm

Thursday, August 20, 2009

These Ghost Shows. Gee Whiz, Enough Already!


Well, Ghost Hunters is back again. And, up to their old tricks. In the pass I can take things with a grain of salt. But, this is just plain ridiculous. Don't these guys know we all are wise to all the tampering going on. Don't make fools of the public. It's insulting.
First place, they have to stop with the fake RR repairs. Come on, we know about product placement. Which is obviously in this case. Except this is using "people" placement instead.
Then the KII on top of the water heater box. Please, maybe it'll be said that the main box is off. REALLY! Maybe someone is standing there switching it on and off with the questions being asked of the spirit. Also, why was Jason leaning back as the questions were being asked. Hummm, I wonder? (Not really)
Now, about Steve, we got it, he has phobias. First it was funny, and some people got a chuckle here and there. But, that joke is as sour as old lemonade that was made for the Kentucky Derby.
What gets me, this is the start of the new season. Just the thought of the new season of Paranormal State makes me shutter with the thought of Chip with ping-pong ball on his eyes. Please, they have to cut it out with the weird gadgets.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

"Ghost Videos" Some Good, And, Some Not So Good.

Seen these two awhile ago. The first one is fun to watch. But, I don't think it's real. The second, however, I believe it is. There are some pretty good ones out there. But, I thought I would pass these two along to you.



Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Personal Experiences? Feelings? Is That The Real Paranormal Experience?


The majority of people I know, and I have spoken to say that they were very young when they first dealt with something paranormal. Might be huge spans in between during their lives that "something" happens. But, they knew even at that tender age that it was something personal. So, some might talk about. Others, keep it to themselves until older. Others just get odd feelings right "off the bat" when entering a place. Basically, the paranormal shows opened up a new world to some people that just thought to keep all these experiences to themselves. In just plain fear of being seen as a little "nutty". They see these shows and say to themselves, "Wait a minute! I had those same experiences? So, I'm not crazy!".
But, there seems to be a little confusion lately about "what's really" and "what's not". I'm the first to say that I would question first if the sounds a person "hears" is not just the settling of the house. Or, just rodents. But, anything after that means it a true experience that "that" person is having is real. No, question about it. Do you need science behind the experience? No. Unless your the kind of person that like lying to themselves all the time. Which we all know someone like that sometime or another. But, the confusion people have is that they are too much questioning themselves. Don't.
The people I question are the ones that never had experiences until these shows came to light. They are the ones I worry about. They have huge imaginations. Either they are very skeptical (sure, they never had an experience, that's ok). Or, people that just want to "join the band wagon" of the paranormal craze. Believe me, people like myself know all these people will go back to into the woodwork. And, the real McCoy's will still be hanging around. Yes, your experiences and feelings are yours, and they are real. So, don't worry what others think.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Popcorn Movie Review: Reincarnation (2006) on Fearnet


This movie is now on Fearnet and also on DVD. It's a Japanese movie made by direction Takashi Shimizu. Director of "Ringu" and "Juon".
I would say this movie is a psychological Thriller. Based on murders that were done 35 years earlier of 11 people at a hotel. The plot: A director in 2006 wants to make a film based on the murders. I don't want to give anything away. But, one thing I can say is that the storyline could have been better. Not that it's bad mind you. It's just that it's all over the place. Hint: The "Doll" is the spookiest part of the movie. Should you watch it? I would say if you have nothing better to do. And, you really like mysteries then this is the movie for you. Watch it a couple of times.

*** Popcorn Buckets

Friday, August 14, 2009

FunnyorDie - Ghost Hunters Spoof Short

TGIF! Thought it would be nice to give you guys some paranormal fun. Love "FunnyorDie" website. Don't worry this is censored. The "real" shows are beginning to get on the boring side. More, to come. So, enjoy!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Haunted Colosseum of Rome


The Colosseum is considered one of the most haunted places in Europe. And, is home to numerous ghostly spirits.
The magnificent structure still gives that eerie ominous feel to the place when people visit. Even though the events that have happened there happened thousands of years earlier.
Visitors report strange happenings when visiting the site. Such a being touched, pushed, the sounds of weeping, moaning, swords clashing, animals noises, and the sound of a roaring crowd. They've seen ghostly figures walking up and down the stairs. Figures seated as if watching the spectacle down below. Roman soldiers standing at the exits.
This is a site of very raw emotions not just the humans, Gladiators, Christians, executions. But, also all the animals that were held below in dark chambers.
It's said that Saint Telemachus and Saint Ignatius of Antioch have died there.
Personally I'm very surprise we don't hear more about the hauntings at the Colosseum. Or, paranormal investigations going on. Maybe, because it's more outdoors then indoors. But, I think this would be a very interesting place to investigate.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Hungry Ghost Festival



The Ghost Festival each year is held on the 7th lunar month in Asia. The Buddists, Taoists, Chinese folk religion believers see this as the day the decease visit the living. They believe both the realms of Heaven and Hell are open that day. So, rituals are performed. Such as food offerings, burning incense and joss paper(which is a papier-mache form of material)shaped in to objects, gold, and other fine goods for the spirits. Elaborate meals are prepared by the families with empty seats to feed the spirits that may visit. Even shows are done for the restless spirit to watch. A whole first row is open for them to use.
Other festivals will use paper boats or lanterns on water to give the lost ghosts a direction to go.
The origin can be traced back to India. It's believed that some spirits are reborn in the "lower realm". Which causes the spirit to become a "hungry ghost".
The festival runs a month long worth of prayers and feeding the ghosts so they may find rest. Or, just to leave the living alone.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Casper the Friendly Ghost. And, Other TV Favorites


Me being born a baby boomer child. We were the first children to be mainly reared by TV. So, I watched for hours cartoons and other TV shows. Dark Shadows, was a paranormal soap opera. Which I loved coming home to after school. And, of course my beloved cartoons. Many that were originally shown in theatres. Remember, owning a TV wasn't the norm until the early fifties. All of the Warner Brothers and Famous cartoons were made during the 1940's with Newsreels in the middle of a "double" feature. So, families would spent hours at a theater that was air conditioned and being entertained at the same time.
Casper the Friendly Ghost was created by Famous Studios (Paramount)around 1945. Seymour Reit and Joe Oriolo are the artists. This was my introduction to the idea of ghosts. When I think back about the show. How did they get away with the idea of a ghost child? I found out the they created the idea that Casper was born to ghost parents. And, as to not frighten children they made a connection of ghosts being the same as ghouls and goblins. To keep away from the notion that they are souls of dead people. What even made me love Casper more is the NYC accent of the characters. Which now I understand the the artists were from the Tri-state area. The music was famous too. Written by Jerry Livingston and Mack David. Yes, I still remember the words.
I also use to watch Wendy the Good Little Witch. She used to work with Casper from time to time. When I think back the movies during the '60s themselves were more intense to frighten people. Like the vampire series made with the actors Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. And, films made by Roman Polanski. And, even he made a pretty "nice" vampire film, The Fearless Vampire Killers, that was not to scare you. Imagine that?

Monday, August 10, 2009

Urban Legends. Are All These Ghosts Stories True?


Being brought up in NYC I have heard my share of stories of Amityville. The story of the place being haunted have swirl around for years. Even to this day. But, personally I believe this to be the biggest case of an urban legend. The Lutz's bought the house to build a story on. They just knew this was going to be a huge money maker. Then bring in Hans Holzer and The Warren's into the picture. And, Voila, an urban legend becomes a true ghost story.
Lately, in the most recent paranormal shows. You see that obviously they are brought in to "prove" the place is haunted so cash can roll in. This makes me think of the investigation based on the Manson murders. The guy calls in Ghost Haunters to check out his place for any hauntings? As it turns out the guy really brought them in so he can start the ball rolling for movie made based on the "so call" haunting. The joke is the place is about a 100 yards from where the murders happened.
But, getting away from people trying to make money. How many are these stories are actually based on any truth? Maybe, someone relays a story to one person and the story gradually grows into a monster of a "real" haunting. Ft. Mifflin is another situation that can be seen as an urban legend. I could understand why they would have to go that route. The fort was slated to be closed for good. For a lack of funds. But, is it right to grab the public with stories? I personally don't know if it's a good thing to make a story up? Or, even enhance a story that you don't know has any truth to it.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Beware of Haunted Amusements Parks! Hex Ride at Alton Towers UK


The estate dates back before 1000BC. The towers were built after the first one was destroyed during the English Civil War. During WWII it was used as a officer training unit.
They say that Hex-The Legend of the Towers is haunted. They used the shell of the towers to put a roller coaster in the center. Now, the ride uses loosely the story about the curse that was placed on the family of Alton Towers.
The story goes that in 1921 the Earl of Shrewsbury was returning back to Alton Tower when an old woman appeared in the road. She begged for a coin. The Earl passed her. And, she placed a curse on him. She said, " For every branch on the Old Oak Tree here that falls, a member of the Earl's family will die!" That night a member died. The Earl ordered the servants to put chains around the tree. So, no more branches will fall. They are still there to this day. On April 7, 2007 one branch fell. But, no members of the family died.
It seems that Hex ride is haunted. The public have seen the Lady in Black in several areas of the ride. She would dart around between doorways. And, footsteps are heard. Another ghost have been seen as well. And, riders have had pebbles being thrown at them while standing on line.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Morris-Jumel Mansion, NYC



I think I have mentioned a couple of times before about why do these paranormal shows go to the same places? There are so many places and historic ones, that they can visit. I know that some places they are not allow to investigate. But, there are great ones that are just passed by.
Morris-Jumel have been investigated by the famous ghost hunter Hans Holzer. This is a beautiful house located in upper Manhattan. The most recent story that happened was an article in the New York Journal-American on Jan. 11, 1964, by Joan Hanauer which was brought to the public attention. This was on the news all over NY at the time. Youngsters on a field trip from P.S. 164, said a tall, gray-haired, elderly woman stepped out onto the balcony and told them to be quiet. The description fit Madam Jumel. The curator, Emma Bingay Campbell stated that the house was locked and empty at the time.
Madam Jumel who some thought murdered her husband in the house in 1832, then married Vice President Aaron Burr, the following year. This house was once used as Washington's Headquarters during the Battle of Long Island. Then it was used as Headquarters to General Sir Henry Clinton for 7 years. John Adams and Alexander Hamilton have dined there.
First known recorded haunting was from a German nurse in 1865 mostly footsteps. But, the ghost was seen by a guard around the same year. It was believed Stephen Jumel was pushed on top of a pitch fork on a hay wagon. He is believed to have bleed to death on a bed that once belong to Napoleon. Or, was he placed alive in a coffin and buried? His grave is at the old Catholic cemetery on Mott Street in lower Manhattan.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Thinking About Buying A House? Don't Forget To Ask Questions?


If your thinking about buying a new home don't be afraid to ask questions. Even the most embarrassing questions, "Is there anything I need to know about the place? Like, did anything happened here? Stories?" Now, I'm not going to tell you their not going to look at you like your a screw ball. Oh, they will! If your in love with the home. By all means, buy it. But, cleanse your home before moving in. Before I get into all that. Did you know a real estate agent does not have to disclose information about the home (like hauntings, murders, etc) unless you ask? I believe there are a few states that say legally they have to tell you. But, at the most part their mouths are zipped.
I lived in an rental apartment building in NYC. While living there two thing happened. First, a mid-aged woman on the fifth floor was an alcoholic. She was found a couple of times sitting on her window sill of her apartment. Until one day she jumped. Right in front of the entrance of the building. The second, two Manhattan cooks that shared a studio apartment were found murdered about three days later. The point of the story is the building became a co-op. The people that purchased the apartments were not told about what happened in their apartments. Until the neighbors told them. One tried to sue. But, it didn't go far. They used the line, "You didn't ask?" So, they sold the apartment not long after that. The apartment was constantly on the market. As for cleansing a house. I'm talking about smudging, holy water, salt. And, maybe call in a priest to bless the home before moving in. Maybe this will calm the souls that maybe haunting your home to rest.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Now For Something Completely Different: T-Shirts




I don't want to be serious all the time because that's not really me. Love jokes, funny stories, videos. That's more up my alley. So, to be a little different I have to show you guys some T-shirts I found. You notice on all the paranormal shows you see the kinds of T-shirts their wearing (Don't tell me you haven't noticed?). Ghost Hunters is strictly advertising. Not to crazy about their shirts, very tattooish! Remember,the "Dude Run" T-shirt? Ghost Adventures, maybe some people don't realize it. But, their wearing expensive shirts and hats. Zak being from Vegas it doesn't surprise me. My son wears T-shirts that cost close to $100. Unbelievable, isn't it? T-shirts mind you! Me, I like the vintage shirts. And, the one-of-a-kind silk screen shirts done by an artist. If appreciate their work I'll buy it in a heartbeat. Ghostbuster T-shirt with that Marshmallow man on it. Is still a very big seller. So, check these shirts out when you have nothing to do.

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Sigh-Co-Graphics__W0QQ_armrsZ1 (ebay store)
http://www.zazzle.com/funny+ghost+t+gifts
http://www.cafepress.com/theafterlife/464257
http://artapart.com/t-shirt-designs/products.asp?id=59