Have A Happy Halloween From Ghost Lounge

Day Of The Dead, Mexico

Don't get me wrong. But, our Halloween is just orange and black. With a black cat and witch. Basically, dark. But, in some of the countries south of the border. What a beautiful pretty day. Flowers of marigolds, candy, cakes, candles, sugar skulls, breads, and just the wonderment of colors. They don't make it scary at all for children. They make the celebrating of the dead. Fun! And, cheerful. We do too. But, not as vibrant.
November 1st is for the celebration of the dead children. November 2nd for the adults. It's mainly a holiday that is based with the Olmec, Zapotec, Mixtec, Mexican or Aztec, Maya, P'urhépecha, and Totonac Indians. The reason we know about it is more for the sugar skulls called Calavera. And, most of all the figurines called La Calavera Catrina.
And, for my Ghost Lounge friends. Here's a recipe, enjoy!

Pan de Muerto, "Bread of the Dead"

In celebration of Mexico's Day of the Dead, this bread is often shaped into skulls or round loaves with strips of dough rolled out and attached to resemble bones.

Ingredients:

* 1/2 cup butter
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/2 cup water
* 5 to 5-1/2 cups flour
* 2 packages dry yeast
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 tablespoon whole anise seed
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 4 eggs

In a saucepan over medium flame, heat the butter, milk and water until very warm but not boiling.

Meanwhile, measure out 1-1/2 cups flour and set the rest aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1-1/2 cups flour, yeast, salt, anise seed and sugar. Beat in the warm liquid until well combined. Add the eggs and beat in another 1 cup of flour. Continue adding more flour until dough is soft but not sticky. Knead on lightly floured board for ten minutes until smooth and elastic.

Lightly grease a bowl and place dough in it, cover with plastic wrap and let rise in warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1-1/2 hours. Punch the dough down and shape into loaves resembling skulls, skeletons or round loaves with "bones" placed ornamentally around the top. Let these loaves rise for 1 hour.

Bake in a preheated 350 F degree oven for 40 minutes. Remove from oven and paint on glaze.
Glaze

* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
* 2 tablespoons grated orange zest

Bring to a boil for 2 minutes, then apply to bread with a pastry brush.

If desired, sprinkle on colored sugar while glaze is still damp.

Himuro Mansion, Japan

There's a popular video game called "Fatal Frame". But, did you know that the game is based on a actual place on the outskirts of Tokyo called Himuro Mansion (or Himikyru Mansion).
Now, I love Japanese and Korean ghost films. And, anyone that loved The Ring or The Grudge are probably wondering, "Is there actual places like the story?". Well, this one has one problem off the bat. We don't know if this is just an Urban Legend. But, it's an interesting story just the same.
It's believed that Bad Karma would emerge at the end of the year from a portal that is located on the mansion grounds. And, because of this they must perform the Shinto Ritual or "The Strangling Ritual". Now, I don't want to get gory here so I'll break it down. It seems they need a young maiden. That is sheltered from the world until she is needed for the ritual. Which is the bottom line tied up and dragged until her death. And, the bloody rope is place in front of the mansion to stop the Bad Karma coming in. Where the Urban Legend comes in. It's believe one year a maiden fell in love. And, the Landowner killed his family to avoid the Bad Karma. This is believed to have happened about 80 years ago.
As for ghost hauntings? People say they see the family dressed in white preparing for the ritual. Bloody hand prints on the walls. People visiting will have rope burns on the wrists. And, if you take a photograph, during the day. You will see a young ghost girl in the photo.

What Is It With All The Newfangled Paranormal Equipment?

The only thing the Ghost Hunters done that was "different" was trying to be scientific. That was their catch. It's true, at the time, nobody was really going that direction in paranormal investigations. But, now! Everybody and their Momma is on the band wagon. Which brings me to this. They really don't know how the equipment "really" works. And, almost a good portion of it is mainly "prototypes". I have a little of an inside track on this (not the paranormal equipment). So, I do have an understanding that some of this equipment is really useless. Nobody really knows what a "ghost" is made of. It's all speculative. Now, if "ghosts" are of another dimension? Then all this equipment is as good as nothing. So, I think? The closest thing is a portal. But, getting back to the point. The equipment they are using is for electrical use. In a lab study they would use some sort of a "clean room". Meaning, nothing else can penetrate or contaminate the atmosphere. Believe it not. A clean room can be put up anywhere. Even in the middle of a living room for example. Or, even outside. That can be done. If they do this. Then they are cooking with gas. But, you need the right professional personnel to run this. And, that would never happen. It's a huge expense.

2nd TV Review: Extreme Paranormal. Oh, Boy!

What can I say? I'm glad it's over. I hope for good. First of all let me play Devil's Advocate for a second. Many of these shows that are out they use a lot of "editing". Which leaves us where? We don't really know if what we are watching is the real deal. For instance, they were at the bayou cemetary performing the voodoo ritual and burial. Now, I know they showed us the cemetery with the wooden crosses. But, how do we know if after that shot they filmed. They moved up or down stream to another location. Do we really know? Because that what they did (burial) would have been a desecration of the dead. Even for an Occultist that would have been a bit much. And, who's filming? Again, we never see how many people are really out there with them. Could be as many as 20 people. Such as the hand print they found on the tree. Which was reading "cold" on the thermal. How do we know if it wasn't them earlier that caused it? Only "they" know.
Now, my take on all these shows. I'm personally getting tried of watching them. Love the paranormal. But, not crazy about these shows. Something, somewhere has to give. Even Most Haunted on the recent Live (which is now on Youtube) people on their forums are complaining. But, what are we all complaining about? I think I know. We all beginning to realize we are all being taken for a ride. Hard to swallow, huh? I know I feel the same way. By next year don't be surprised all of a sudden there all gone.

For A Fright Ride, Drive Clinton Road, NJ. If You Dare!

This is one strange road. No towns, stores, houses. Located around West Milford, Passaic County, NJ. Runs North to South directions beginning around Route 23 near Newfoundland Running 10 miles to Upper Greenwood Lakes. I have no clue why this road was even built? But, for years many, many stories about paranormal, strange creatures, witches, Satanists, KKK and also professional hit men.
A book was written called "Convergence: When the Living Clash with the Dead".
The road is very foreboding due to the lack of life around it. Ruins of buildings past. Just the loneliness can make your mind wander. It's unique. So, because of this is why you have all the endless stories. But, some stand out more then others.
The story about the Ghost Boy at the Bridge is the one that stands out the most. It's believed if you throw a coin over the bridge side, which is pretty far down. Wait. Your coin will come right back to you. It's said you can 'mark' your coin however you wish. It will be the same coin. Pretty creepy isn't it.

Mutter Museum. What A Creepy Place!

Due to the fact that Halloween falls on a Saturday this year. It's worth for some of you guys (that are close) to come to Philly. Not just to visit Eastern State Penn. But, for the Mutter Museum. This is the most bizarre and intense place you can go to. The oddness and creepiness is more then a 100 haunted houses put together. You have to remember, these were once human beings. There just not buried in a cemetery. Do I believe some "spirits" follow their bones to their final resting place? You better believe it! I felt sick and dizzy in the place. Almost to the point of passing out. The strange thing about the place is: Why is this open to the public? I understand med students. But, why us? Even the curator of late passed away. I wouldn't be surprised she haunting the place. So, come on down. And, bring your KII meter, take some EVP's, and your digital camera. I'll bet you'll find something.

Please check their website. Tons of info.
http://www.collphyphil.org/mutter.asp

Is Every "Old" House Haunted?

This has always been a topic of discussion in my family. Living in the Philadelphia area. Every place you go there are pretty old houses. Some dating back to the late 1600's. But, there are many built Pre-Revolutionary times. Many people live happily in these homes. I have (as a New Yorker were never scared to ask questions)ask some of these people pruning there flowers in their front lawn as I'm walking my dog,"Do you think your house is haunted?". The answer in many "No". I myself have lived in an apartment house built in the late 19th century. And, slept like a baby. And, hey, these houses are built more solid then the houses built today.
So, I personally believe a house is haunted because of who died there that hasn't moved on. Whether the house is new or old?
My problem is with a lot of these investigations there is going to be some sort of sounds. I mean, household equipment, general settling, heat & cold effects, weather, and critters. Even, household pets (if they are left inside)even if they are inside a aquarium tank. I love when they go into places that are empty. But, some have junk all over the place. Sometimes you walking by the "so call junk" causes something to move. Something wasn't sitting right.
There is another question I have? And, nobody every asked? What is the percentage of places are really haunted? We are made to believe "everywhere" is haunted. Me, as a believer don't believe that.

NYC Best Haunted House for Halloween

There are so many great haunted houses around the US. But, for those who want to be inside a set of a movie. I think I have the right one for you. They have been around awhile. Which I personally like. They can tweak here and there. Like any great theatrical show. And, you have NYC as your backdrop. So, if your visiting NYC during Halloween. Go to The Pod Hotel, go shopping, take a walk in Central Park in the dark, eat in the Meatpacking District. And, go to http://www.hauntedhousenyc.com/index.php. Enjoy your night out in style.

Music Review: Holy Ghost!

These guys are pretty good. There from the Upper West Side of NYC my old neighborhood. There music is electronic 90's style also. My favorite music. They have a new album coming in the beginning of the new year. Looking forward to hear it.

TV Review: Extreme Paranormal

Had to get this out of my system. But, this show was bad. I mean. It just went too far.
The only thing different then GA or GH. Is that they have an Occultist. Who really was performing black magic which is a huge no-no. They went into the prison not just provoking. But, really disturbing the peace. Instead of maybe helping "them" to move on. They wanted to send them to Hell. The came in doing bloodletting, fire, Jacob's Ladder, and a band saw. It was over kill. This is not for children to watch folks!
The second place they went to visit was Bonito Lake, NM. I never heard of this story before. About a town that is under the water. In 1885 a stranger came to town and killed 7 people. Then someone shot him. The valley was flooded where the town once sat. People in the area say you can hear people talking. And, local residence will not swim in the lake. They have a fear of being pulled under. Now, the reason I'm telling you this part of the show was they claim they are the first people ever to do underwater paranormal investigation. If you look at my past posts you'll see there is a paranormal group in Florida that do underwater investigations. Thank you Lord there is only one more show to go. Yeah, they'll get noticed. But, not in a good way.

To Fans of My Blog: Beware of False Weblogs

Just noticed and reported someone tagging my blog to theirs. Meaning, when your trying to get mine, theirs pop up. They use my topic and even use the body of the topic. With little words changed here and there.
So, to you using my site? You have been reported. And, to those who enjoy reading it. Look it up on Google. Bing sends you to the other site. Gee wiz be brave and write your own stuff!

Books: Ghostbusting Is In The Aykroyds Blood, New Book

I never knew what made Dan Aykroyd to co-write the Ghostbusters movie. So, now I know. He was brought up in an 19th century farmhouse that was owned by his grandfather Dr. Samuel A. Aykroyd in Ontario, Canada. The compound has been in the family for 180 years. With a lot of spooky history attached to it.
Dan's father, Peter Aykroyd, 87 has written a book called, "A History of Ghosts The True Story of Seances, Mediums, Ghost and Ghostbusters" which Dan has written a foreword to.
It's based on 83 handwritten journals from Dan's grandfather and personal experiences of other family members. Dan's mother, Lorraine Gougeon Aykroyd, 91 is a skeptic believe it or not.
I'll be sure to pick this one up.

Ghost Hunter's Live Halloween at the Essex County Hospital

Ok, I thought, like a lot of people out there were thinking. They'll be "NO" live this year. But, surprise,surprise! Here's the info peeps, http://www.syfy.com/ghlive/index.php.
Now, I don't know because people have been asking for a while now, "Where the Halloween Special?" So, from thin air, 'poof'. We have one. But, something is a little unclear? Will Jason and Grant be there? Will even Steve and Tango? We do have "Lovable" Josh Gates from Destination Truth Hosting. And, Ghost Hunter Academy Recruits. So, this will be all taking place at the Essex County Hospital, NJ. They have already went there before for one of their shows last season. On Oct. 31st at 7/6C is when the Live will take place.
Personally, I think they were waiting to see what day's the other shows were running their "Lives". I would have done the same.

A&E Extreme Paranormal, 2 Day Special Event

Normally I don't write on the weekends. But, this show starts tomorrow on A&E. Three Paranormal Explorers will subject themselves to one-on-one with the spirits of these haunted locations. Now, I know what your thinking? This sound too much like Ghost Adventures. Yup! your right! But, I'm going to watch anyhow. They run a radio show every Sunday at midnight called "Ghostman and Demon Hunter". That's all I know, for now.
Episode 1: Oct. 19th, New Mexico Penitentiary 1980 prison riot. Episode 2: Oct. 26th, Pennhurst Insane Asylum, Easter Pennsylvania. Also, they will go down to New Orleans to a haunted swamp that used to be a town. But, was lost during the 1915 Hurricane.
These shows are getting to be a little redundant. Don't you think?

The Paranormal Museum, Asbury Park, NJ

Asbury Park is the home of "The Boss" Bruce Springstein. And, in the dead center between NYC and Atlantic City.
The Paranormal Museum just opening up on Oct. 1st (conjunction with the bookstore). I found this website at WeirdNJ.com. Love those guys. I know this isn't the first one to open. I believe there is one in New Orleans called the Mausoleum? But still, this is a great place to visit right at the Jersey Shore. Long Branch is not far and has beautiful B&B's.
So, check out the site. I'm going to check out the place when the weather is right. Thanks! WeirdNJ for the head's up.
http://www.paranormalbooksnj.com/Paranormal_Books/Home_Page.html

Music Review: The Black Ghosts

Now, none of you laugh. But,I haven't seen "Twilight" yet. This is a UK group that is mostly electronic music. And, that seems to be were they have a following from here in the states. Me, well, anything with the words "ghost" I check out. Even music.
But, this is my type of music that I like. Early 90's sound. Like INXS, Information Society, Fine Young Cannibals, Pet Shop Boys and more. I'll put up a widget of their music. But, for now I'll give you guys a couple of samples. I like them. Let me know what you think?

What's New With Most Haunted

Well, the gang seems to be up and running again. Right now they are getting ready for their Halloween Live. Which is called Most Haunted Live: Eight Faces of Evil. Starts Oct. 24th for 8 nights from 8PM-Midnight. We here in the states can watch it on Youtube a day behind or more. I love their Lives they have a live audience present. Their going to use new equipment, and experiments. Here's a taste of what the show will be about, "There is a dark criminal undertone to event this year involving gruesome murders, hordes of brutal hangings and twisted torture. The team will visit seven vigil locations all of which tell a bizarre grim tale, one of a wife murdered and chopped to pieces another of a woman locked in a tower and left to rot and we follow the final journey of witches on their sorry trek to the gallows." Sounds juicy, doesn't it.
As for the Series 13 shows started Oct. 13th (again, watch it on Youtube). I don't know what the Travel Channel is doing? It's seems they are not coming back to the states for their own series show. But, the Travel Channel seems to preoccupied by Ghost Adventures (that's ok). Maybe, they'll have a MH live in the near future. But, you have to remember, it cost money to run these lives. Maybe they take turns? Will see.

The Jersey Devil

I'm not a big fan of "monsters". I don't put them, or UFO's as paranormal. But, because were close to Halloween I'll write about TJD. For one, I live on the border of The Pine Barrens or also know as the Pinelands. The Pinelands is a National Reserve and a UN International Biosphere Reserve. With it's 17 trillion gallon Kirkwood-Cohansey Aquifer containing the most purest water in the US. And, it's home to the rare pygmy Pitch Pines, sugar sand, rare plants and the Pine Barren Tree Frog. The area can't really grow crops other then cranberries. So, towns grew within the area in the 1700's with iron ore. Making weapons for the Revolution. Paper Mills. The "sand" was used for the original Mason Jars. The glass that was created was always a unique blue/green.
Soldiers during the Revolution (on both side) would runaway into the barrens. Also, pirates would hide.
And, it's also home to a family called the Kallikak's. A book was written about them by Henry H. Goddard in 1912. Some people that still live in the region are called "Pineys".
As for the Jersey Devil. It's said that in Leeds Point (near Atlantic City) Deborah Smith Leeds was giving birth to her 13th child in the 1730's. Because of the difficult birth she said, "May it be a devil!" There's so many stories. But, the bottom line the child must have been deformed. So, it's said it flew away into the Barrens. And, for the next 200 years there have been sightings of a huge winged creature that stand on two hoofed legs. Also called a Hoodle-Doodle Bird or Wozzle Bug.
In 1870 a Long Beach Fisherman said he saw the Jersey Devil serenading a mermaid (too much drink). But, the most sightings were in 1909. It's was seen all over South Jersey. And, by some upright and notable citizens. Local newspapers wrote about the sightings that hundreds, if not thousands of people claimed to have seen it. Schools were even closed. There were sighting in Pennsylvania and Delaware too.

Celebrity Ghost Stories, Bio Channel. What Was That?

Please, I watch almost every paranormal show out there. But, this one take the cake. I think what did it in for me they were interviewing the guy from Heros? Thank you lord I forgot his name. But, the story sound so fabricated it was unbearable to listen to. Now, if you want to see it for a comedy. Then this is the show for you. You will laugh your head off. Or, you'll just shut the TV off or change the channel. It's obvious these are people doing this for extra money or to get jobs. One was on Dancing With The Stars and did this show too. Should I say more? And, what kills me (please I'm laughing now) they had actors reenacting their stories. Think of that. These reactors get paid for this also. Enough said.
So, I'll give you a SNL clip of the show. It'll give you a clue to how bad the show is.

The Octagon, Roosevelt Island, NYC

I love my hometown NYC. Some people think that the only "island" in NYC is Manhattan. But, there is a long thin island next to it that use to be called Blackwell Island. Then Welfare Island. Then to Roosevelt Island in the '70s. So, much history in such a small place. My mother and aunt lived there for many years. I use to go there over on the Tram and it felt like you were millions of miles away from "the city" as we would call it. A lot of actors used to live there. Buddy Hackett and most of all Grampa Munster. Believe me I use to bump into him all the time.
As for history, there's an old farmhouse still there from the 1700's. A ruined Smallpox Hospital. There used to be a prison that Typhoid Mary and Mae West were just some of the prisoners. At the other end of the island, near Hell's Gate, is a lighthouse that was built by the prisoners (creepy place on a gloomy day). There was an Almshouse, but, it's been torn down. And last, The Octagon, now a posh rental apartments. But, used to be the infamous Insane Asylum built in 1837. Charles Dickins visited the place during his visit to America 1842. The famous female reporter Nelly Bly had herself place as a patient in the asylum. Which later a newspaper article was written about her adventures.
The center entrance to the apartment building is the original Octagon rotunda. And, it's said that apparitions have been seen there. Some residents say they feel like they have "squatters" living with them. But, as a tough New Yorker we don't really talk about it. We live with it.
So, when going on a visit to NYC. Take the Tram over to the island. And, check it out.

Ghost Hunters Academy. Coming Soon!

Ghost Hunters Academy with Steve and Tango is the "new" show of the Ghost Hunters franchise. The premier of the show is Nov. 11th at 10:00PM (EST).
Fort Mifflin is their first show of the series.
So the bases of the show is that they will be teaching five new investigators "the art and science of paranormal investigating Ghost Hunters style".
It seems that Syfy ordered only six episodes. Which for me is a little odd number. Don't you think? What's not clear yet is if the "same" students follow them all over the country? Or, they change for new ones in each town the go? Not much info on this yet? I think they just want to see how this one will rate first before expanding the show.
So, here the premier trailer of the show.

New Show: Discovery Channel's "Ghost Lab"

I saw the show yesterday. Wasn't that bad. The Klinge Brothers from Texas and in 2007 founded Everyday Paranormal. This is a 13 part series. They go around in a 24 foot car hauler. You know, the one's from Nascar. It holes about 200,000 watts of electricity. They have tons of equipment. One of them is called dew point data loggers. This is an on-site high tech lab so they can analyze in real time. They consult with the world's foremost specialists in science measurements. This week they asked one about if there is a parallel universe? Before they start an investigation they say that they have to put an "invisible net" over the entire place before they investigate. This week they were at Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, where it's said Elvis got his start. They also talked about "Era Cues". Meaning, as an investigator you do something like music, talking, or clothes from the time which the spirits had lived. So, of course they had a band playing music from the '50s. In which one of the brothers was the singer.
They'll be going next to Tomestone. Ghost Lab is produced by GoGo Lucky Entertainment. And, Mike Rowe narrates throughout the whole show. For me, it's a mix of GH, MH and a little bit of GA. But, one thing for sure a lot of money went into making this show.

The Blair Witch Project - 10th Anniversary Reunion

Didn't even realized that it's been 10 years since the movie came out. But, this interview with the cast is eyeopening. And, from what I hear they are planning to do a sequel. Not, the other one that came out that was just plain awful. This one with be done with plenty of moolah backing it. And, with the original cast, with new tricks in the film. I'll see it. Rats, they always make money off of me.

The Blair Witch Project - 10th Anniversary Reunion Q&A
Uploaded by dreadcentral. - Classic TV and last night's shows, online.

Style: Clothes That Are Spooky For Everyday Wear.

I love Project Runway. And, watching Zak of Ghost Adventures with his brand of style of clothes he wears on the show. You know? The skulls and crosses. I have no problem people dressing the way the feel. If you want to look like a pirate or gypsy that's Ok by me. We use to call people that dress this way bohemian or hippies. It's throwing on clothes that make you feel good or happy.
So, here's some for Halloween and everyday clothes that might tickle your fancy.

http://www.highsnobiety.com/news/2009/09/22/nike-halloween-2009-sneaker-releases/

http://www.afflictionclothingstore.com/store/index.php

http://www.hottopic.com/hottopic/Homepage.jsp

http://www.gothicjunction.com/

New Movie Trailers Popcorn View. Spooky!

Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant coming out 10/23/09
with John C. Reily
Looks Good! And, a kinda funny too.

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

The Box coming out 11/06/09
with Cameron Diaz, James Marsden, Frank Langella
A movie with making a pact the devil.

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

The Lovely Bones coming out 01/15/10
About a haunting to bring a killer to justice. Based on the best seller. And, Peter Jackson director.

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

Last, Shutter Island coming out 02/19/10
with Leonardo DiCaprio
This is a very spooky pic. Can't wait to see it.

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

And, more to come.

Destination Truth with Josh Gates. Great Show!

Yes, he's the real life Indiana Jones. After all, he was inducted to The Explorers Club. No small change there.
I like his show. But, I'm not very big on cryptozoology and mythical creatures. Their always lumped together with the paranormal. Which to this day I don't understand. But, anyway, his paranormal investigations are great. And, he really gives you more information on the history of the place then GH. I know, I know, he's friends with them. Their fellow New Englanders. Get pass that. He seems to generate more into the spirits and paranormal. I love it! He has so many more places to go. And, it really keeps me at the edge of my seat. What a ride. And, he's pleasant to the eye. If you know what I mean (wink!)
The last show, Ghosts of Chernobyl was so interesting. I didn't realize that people still can venture into the center of the town. Haunted Forest of Japan and Haunted Forest Romania were interesting too. Heard so many urban legend's about them. King Tut's Curse. I saw the head piece when it came to NYC. A lot of people don't know that there's writing inside. Love the history. But, how can we forget the Island of the Dolls. What a creepy place that is. Can wait to see more. But, please Josh don't go chasing the Jersey Devil. (whispering..) Don't go there. Because there is nothing there.