The Mercy Brown Vampire Incident

This is for all my vampire enthusiasts and Twilight fans out there.
This is the strange case that happened in 1892. The body of Mercy Brown was exhumed to perform "rituals to banish an undead manifestation".
The family of George and Mary Brown were from Exeter, R.I. The mother and two daughters Mary Olive, Mercy and son Edwin all contacted consumption (aka Tuberculosis). The mother and the two daughters died of the disease. And was buried at the Baptist Church in Exeter.
Family and friends were in fear of Edwin's life (or just worried about him becoming an "undead").

During the 19th century they use of the word "undead" was widely used  instead of vampire. There are many methodology and folklore about multiple deaths. What happened in this case.George Brown was told by the townsmen to exhume the bodies of his loved ones. Only Mercy didn't decompose and still had blood in her heart. This was seen as a sign that she was an "undead" (she died during the cold of winter). The heart was removed and both the heart and blood were mixed together with water to make a drink for Edwin (some say it was burnt to create ashes). Alas he died two months later.
PS: There was another vampire incident a century before Mercy's. In Rhode Island!

 http://www.ghostvillage.com/legends/2003/legends20_06142003.shtml

http://twilight-eclipse.movie-trailer.com/
* Having problems with my computer. So please have some patience if I don't post tomorrow. Thanks!

Another Ghost caught on Security CCTV

I know that the footage is a bit long. But, you have to watch the "entire" video. I watched it twice. Do I think it's a ghost? For me, this is a good sample of what I have personally experienced. Again, notice that the lights are on. The most intriguing part is when the janitor enters the room. It seems to know to disappear. But, reappeared when he was about to enter the elevator. Let me know what you think?

And Now For Something Completely Different: Michael Jackson's This Is It - They Don't Care About Us - Dancing Inmate...

This is Michael Jackson's one year anniversary of his death. So these inmates that were famous for their "Thriller" dance are back! Enjoy!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thriller_%28viral_video%29

Haunted Summer Vacations Continue: Amberian Peaks Lodge, Greer, AZ

I love a good mystery. And this particular story is a great one. In my past post I've mentioned about Celebrity Ghost Stories is coming back July 17th.
In the last series they had quite a bit of strange stories. The main one was the interview with David Carradine. He passed away shortly afterward of his taping in the show. The interview on the show parallelled his death. http://www.tmz.com/person/david-corroding/
The second weird story is Ernie Hudson of the GB fame. As the story goes. He was asked by a hotel in Greer, AZ (as he said, "Of all places!") to come and visit. He said sure, and went with his wife and young son at the time. He was told by the owners that the place is haunted by a man and his bride that he just married. He killed her in one of the rooms there. It seems Mr. Hudson was not really a believer until the night he slept there. He saw a bright orb hovering on top of his son that was sleeping in the other bed. He woke up his wife. She witnessed it also.  Then he saw a dark figure standing by the door. Both he and his wife were both staring at the figure. Then his son woke up and saw the same figure. They all ran down the hall to another room.  Where they opened the door to feel a cold breeze go through them. Just one thing about this story. He never mentions the name of the hotel.

Fast Forward: A paranormal group did a little research due to the fact that they live out west. The only place that fits the description of the Amberian Peaks Lodge. When I was looking up the hotel's website they make a mention that it was abandoned when they found it. And, a "little" mention of a ghost. What a strange intriguing story. Hope someone takes a visit there to check out who the ghost is?

Hotel
http://www.peaksaz.com/Newsstoriespageone.html

The only mention of "ghosts". But, it doesn't fit Mr. Hudson's story.
http://www.peaksaz.com/wmmagpages.html

http://www.biography.com/video.do?name=celebrityghoststories

http://spiritbearparanormal.com/

The Return Of Celebrity Ghost Stories, Bio Channel

All new "Celebrity Ghost Stories" on Biography Channel returns July 17th at 9:00PM EST.

http://www.biography.com/video.do?name=celebrityghoststories

Does Revisiting The Same Haunted Location Over And Over, Scare Spirits Away?

Yesterday's radio show "Ghost Chronicles International" touched on this topic from a question from a listener on June 23rd.
http://toginet.com/shows/ghostchroniclesinternational
So, do ghosts pack up and leave? They stated there was a place that is very well known (they didn't want to mention the name) that for about 6 months there has not been any "haunted" activity whatsoever. This is a place that was a field day to any investigator for evp's, sightings, etc. So, what happened?
No one knows? Or, understands? But, remember, they were real people too at one time. Maybe at first they wanted to communicate. Perhaps to contact a living relative or loved one. But instead they are in contact with strangers. After awhile the same investigators come back. And, they are called by name by a spirit. Maybe the spirit is hoping that you (the investigator) can help them in the plight.
The other question for me is: Do they come back? Or, do they go somewhere else?
I've personally seen the situation that a spirit appears. For whatever reason? And disappear.

So, should a place not have people come in too often? Basically, giving them (the spirits) a rest? This is a very good question! Or, maybe visit a place. But, just don't disturb the spirits. Let them contact you.  Maybe this way they'll try to commicate again. Remember, they have plenty of time on their hands.

Ghost Chronicles International Online Radio

Just listened to a very interesting show, "Ghost Chronicles International" with Ron Kolek and Richard Felix (Most Haunted). Tuesdays from 3-4PM EST. It's an interactive show, email, phone, chat.
Today special guest was Ciaran O'Keefe (Most Haunted). This was one interesting show. Loved all the questions the listeners sent in. I don't want to give anything away. Don't want to spoil it for you.

I recommend listening for today's show June 23rd. You'll hear them answer my question that I asked, "Why don't paranormal investigators investigate apartments (like NYC)?"
http://toginet.com/shows/ghostchroniclesinternational

New England Ghost Project: Ron Kolek
http://www.neghostproject.com/ghostchronicles.htm

Book: Ghost Chronicles
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003BLY79K?tag=thenewengla0e-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B003BLY79K&adid=0P1FMZ9716K5ZATYHJN4&

New Ghost Video from North Carolina News TV

I've written about objects that can be haunted. This is interesting information on the same topic. It's a haunted Habitat for Humanity that collect clothes and furniture in North Carolina. See the video for yourself. And, let me know what you think?

WLOS ABC 13 News :: Top Stories

Wizarding World of Harry Potter At Universal Orlando Opens Today

Unless you've been hiding under a toadstool. Today is the big opening day of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios-Orlando.
Universal seemed to capture the essence of the little wizard's fantasy world. But, this was not done without J.K. Rowling blessings. She was involved in every inch of the look and feel of the place. Down to the "Butter Beer".
For those of you that have never been to Orlando, FL. Plan very far in advance your visit. And, understand that Universal Studio and Disney World are not close by to one another. So, if you want to see both places get a hotel in the middle. This would make it very comfortable for you and your family.

http://www.universalorlando.com/harrypotternews/

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2010-06-17-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter_N.htm

http://www.tripadvisor.com/

Why Are Some Places More Haunted Then Others?

It seems to be that we hear about the same places over and over again to be haunted. It's understandable that it would. But, we are a planet of billions. And, billions died before us. Why isn't that we don't hear of more places being haunted?
My theory is that maybe certain areas of the earth are more prevalent to hauntings (like Ley Lines as an example). There must be something to this.
I've been to areas where so much tragedy/history have happened and yet no hauntings?
Can there be "portals" or "vortexes"? I don't know about this particular theory myself. There's an area out West, the city of Sedona, AZ. The whole town seem to be one big portal. Paranormal paradise.

http://www.mysticalblaze.com/OtherDimensions.htm (This is for another time)

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g31352-Sedona_Arizona-Vacations.html (Love TripAdvisor)

http://www.yourdiscovery.com/paranormal/paranormal_places/sedona/index.shtml

New T-Shirt Design For Eastern State Penitentiary

New on Twitter they announced the sale of their new T-shirt. Pretty cool looking! It will be available in about two weeks.

http://www.easternstate.blogspot.com/

And, please come into Philly for Bastille Day, July 10th! It's a blast! Beware of the flying Twinkies!

http://www.easternstate.org/events/

Can Ghost "Amplify" Sound?

I'm still reading, slowly, "Brandywine Valley Ghosts" by Laurie Hull that I will soon write a post on. In a previous post I wrote about the book, "Night Stalks The Mansion" by Harold Cameron and Constance Westbie.
I've just got to the part in Ms. Hull's book that she talks about The Heilbron Mansion in Media, PA (the Mansion in Mr. Cameron's book). In chapter 16 in her book she mentions that she investigated the Mansion (this is before it burnt down) when she was a young teen. She said that at one point she thought she heard a huge sound as if a whole bunch of "cans" fell down. Upon investigating each room. All she found was "one" empty can of soda? So, in her book she is questioning the idea of ghost being able to "amplify" sound? It's true that in Ms. Hull's book she states her thoughts on a particular paragraph from Mr. Cameron's book, "The entire house was awakened by what sounded like the heater exploding. Upon investigation, all they found was a book on the floor of the library, which had fallen from the hands of the dozing guest." From reading the book myself I understand what Ms. Hull was trying to point out. The ghost was trying to create contact to the point of "amplifying" the smallest sound. This is because the owners of the Mansion were upstairs at the time. The spirit wanted them to know that he/she didn't want the guest in the library.
My question on this theory is "how"? With what means? I would love to understand how this is possible. And, maybe by studying this idea can a door open for us on this side of the spectrum.
Personally, I never though that dealing with the paranormal is as easy as we think it is. I don't even think were even close to understanding the great "beyond".

This is a group trying to understand sound
http://ghoststation.blogspot.com/

Lauie Hull-Books
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=lauie+hull&x=0&y=0

Harold Cameron-Books
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Harold+Camero&x=0&y=0

Philadelphia Ghostbusters At Wizard World Comic Con

Twittered that I was at WW Comic Con this past weekend. So, many celebrities. Patrick Stewart, Linda Hamilton, Ernie Hudson to name a few. So, many old comics were also being sold. It brings back memories. I use to read "Tales of the Crypt" comics. As well as "Archie".
In the middle of the convention hall was a booth of "ghost busters". The are very well organized with there look as well as their group. Went over to speak to them. They were very friendly bunch. Took some pictures (Which didn't come out that well. Sorry, guys). They don't do really investigations. But, they do go to places to show up in full costume at charity functions. Such as Autism Speaks. As well as parties and so on. I met Dawn Poole, one of the GB's. She was very helpful to get the group together for me to speak to them. Thanks Dawn! And to all of you keep up the good work!

Please check out their website: www:PhiladelphiaGhostbusters.com

Twitter Message From Grant Of Ghost Hunters

"Hey all, Ghost Hunters is a go for Season 7! "

The Addams Family, The Musical On Broadway

During the sixties as a very young child I've watched all the best shows. The Addams Family is one. So, it was of a surprise to know that they made them into a musical. With one of my most favorite performer's, Nathan Lane. I adore him.
So, please if any of you plan to go to see the show. Make sure you hit the Tkts Booth on Times Square first. As early as possible. You can buy same day tickets cheap. But, prepare yourself for long lines.

http://www.theaddamsfamilymusical.com/

Show Clip: The Addams Family

Coming Soon! Supernatural: The Animation

For those of you that love the Supernatural TV show. You have something to look forward to. In Japan they are re-animating the show. So, here is all the information:

http://wwws.warnerbros.co.jp/supernatural/#/animeTop

http://www.joblo.com/arrow/index.php?id=22581&order=desc

http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/37969/supernatural-get-re-animated-japan

http://www.supernatural.tv/

Is There Another "Salem", Today?

To be serious for a moment. I just saw a documentary on HBO "Saving Africa's Witch Children" by my cable provider Comcast. I believe this was originally on SkyTV UK a couple of years ago.
We always talk about people being accused of witchcraft or wizardry. Being something that happened centuries ago. Mainly, Salem, or the Spanish Inquisition.
But, I was very surprise to hear that this stuff is still happening today. Englishmen, Gary Foxcroft of Stepping Stones is the main commentator. Very scary stuff. But, to any of you that write or involved in the paranormal, etc. This is a must see.

http://tv.sky.com/saving-africas-witch-children

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/dispatches/articles/return-to-africas-witch-children-stepping-stones

The Mystery of Doyers Street aka The Bloody Angle, Chinatown, NYC

Being originally from NYC. We New Yorkers know of places that out-of-towner's don't know about. Mainly the stories.
For a quick history of the "real" NYC was lower Manhattan. In the 1600's when it was known as New Amsterdam. The area that is NOW known as Wall Street. Was a "real" wall, a blockade to the land North. The rest of Manhattan was all woods, ponds and streams. Mainly farm land. People built summer homes north of Wall Street.
Jumping forward a century or two. In the early 1800's Henry Doyer's Distillery was located what is now part of Chinatown. If any of you have seen the movie "The Gangs of New York". It's located in the same neighborhood as Five Points, The Bowery (that's a story for another day). And, Little Italy is to the west.
What makes Doyers Street interesting is the story of the "Tong Wars", 1870-1930. Gangs that went after their enemies late at night through secret tunnels underneath several buildings along the angled street (which is odd for NYC that is known for it's grid streets). Hundreds or more, were killed by hatchets. Their weapon of choice. Which is why it's called The Bloody Angle. Along the street were Opium Dens, prostitution rings. There was a labyrinth of tunnels for illegal goods moving back and forth.
Today, there is an underground mall. But, some original doors are locked. They remain unexplored.
One added bonus to this story. There is now at the end of the angle a cocktail bar that recently opened called Apotheke. Which was featured on the Housewives of New York. It's made to look like an old opium den.
As for hauntings? What do you think? I personally think that no one wants to talk about it. And, will leave it at that.

Cocktail Bar
http://www.apothekebar.com/index2abar.html

Map
http://www.flickr.com/photos/scoutingny/4452565741/

Old news story
http://www.nychinatown.org/articles/nytimes19201122.html

Book
http://www.bruceedwardhall.com/tea.htm

Syfy Paranormal Show News

Three new paranormal shows are ready to kick off starting July 15th.
Paranormal Investigators
Beast Legends
Mary Knows Best

"Haven" is a new Syfy Stephen King based series. Sounds interesting!
http://www.poptower.com/haven-syfy.htm

And, Ghost Hunters International returns July 14th. They have a new investigator to join their team. And, the winner of Ghost Hunters Academy. I wonder what other surprises they have. We shall see.

Ghost Lounge Paranormal Trivia Contest

Do you feel lucky? This summer try your hand in winning a Mystical "Orb" Answer Ball. All the information is on the GL side column. Just answer all three questions correct, and it's your! Good Luck!

Haunted Summer Vacations Continue: The Jersey Shore

I think it's what's happening to the economy that is forcing businesses at the shore to boom lately. People just don't want to travel to far from home for summer fun anymore. So, it's not really a bad thing.
This summer there are many places to visit for the paranormal. From North to South Jersey.
The Spy House, Lakehurst, McGee's Tavern, Coranza Road, Villas Trails, Long Branch, Atlantic City, Jersey Devil, Leeds Point, Cape May and so much more. All along "the shore" there are so many haunted locations. Even some of the older hotels and B&B's are haunted themselves.
But, your main stop over has to be at the Paranormal Museum located at Asbury Park (yes, the home of The Boss). I would think they would gladly give you information on particular places to visit while doing you ghostly travels. Just make sure you have a map handy to mark off the spots. There's a good week's worth of sightseeing. And, not to mention the casinos and beaches themselves.

Museum Information
http://www.paranormalbooksnj.com/Paranormal_Books/Paranormal_Museum.html

http://www.visitthejerseyshore.com/

A well need book to read first before your visit.
http://www.amazon.com/Haunted-Jersey-Shore-Phenomena-Stackpole/dp/0811732673/ref=pd_sim_b_4

http://www.njdevilhunters.com/

Is Anyone Else Missing "Most Haunted"?

"It's sad for us in the US not to be able to turn on the "telly" to watch Most Haunted like they do in the UK. And, their several other spin-off's. Like their "Live" shows. I wonder why no one talks about it, or for that matter, complain. It's so late on the Travel Channel. The Travel Channel, still doesn't have them listed on the main page. I really like them. I remembered they were talking about coming back to the US to do more specials. It never materialized. I've read somewhere that MH asked Derek Acorah to come back. Don't quote me on that. It's something I've read in passing. It would be a hoot.
And lately on Youtube you can't get their shows anymore. Or it's just difficult to find.
So, where does that leave us state side? We have to buy the DVD's I guess. What happened? That their not talked about like they once were. Nobody seems to care? It would be nice if they have a surprise for us up their sleeves. We better not hold our breaths.

http://www.livingtv.co.uk/shows/mosthaunted/

http://www.karltheproducerbeattie.co.uk/

http://www.karltheproducerbeattie.co.uk/forums/index.php

GL TV Review: Ghost Hunters Academy On Syfy

This second season I'm very much impressed. It's more well organized. They picked better recruiters. The timing is better. Jason of GH now is involved as the leader. He talks to the cadets in the beginning and in end of the show. And, does the final decision on who's to leave. It flows more smoothly. It doesn't have that "silly" feel to it as did the first one. Even the music is better quality. Steve and Tango grew up. They come across more like teachers. And, Tango is stepping up to bat. I'll most definitely watch this show. It's more interesting for the audience. For now.
Hope I'm not disappointed in the future episodes of the show.
If I have one complaint. It would be they do need a more larger variety of age groups to try out to become a cadet. I believe investigating is ageless. So, they do need to work on that.
Keep up the good work guys!

http://www.syfy.com/ghosthuntersacademy/index.php

Richard Hawkins, Artist. "Haunted Houses"

Richard Hawkins is a Los Angeles based artist. He has worked on a series of dollhouses. In which he would convert them into Haunted Houses.
His collection is now on tour in the Los Angeles area. The main exhibit features "The Last House" made in 2010. It looks like a mixture between Japanese, Edger Allen Poe, and the Adams Family. It's all dark and inked out to look old. You can see a bricked-out window. An escape ladder, bloody ripped curtains, and a sign covering an window opening. You can see particular words like, "never", "impossible" (maybe it's a hint).
He also does a series of paper and collages called Edogawa 1, 2, and so on. The scene is of the interior of a haunted house with cut-out portrait photograph pictures. Edogawa Ranpo means Edgar Allen Poe in Japanese.

http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/27/seeing-things-richard-hawkinss-haunted-houses/

Ghost Hunters Academy Second Season On Syfy

Tomorrow June 2nd is the start of the second season of Ghost Hunters Academy. One of cadets I see is involved with South Jersey Ghost Research. It's a huge group. They have been around for years. Might have met her during one of their lectures that they hold.

http://www.syfy.com/ghosthuntersacademy/cadets.php

The Old Pali Road (State Hwy 61) Hauntings, Oahu, Hawaii

The Old Pali Road is recently replaced by Pali Highway. There are many supernatural stories attached to it. Maybe because of it's thick forest and hardly no streetlights that these eerie stories come about.
The highway was built on what was one of the most critical battles of the King Kamehameha's unification of the Hawaiian Islands. Nuuanu Pali is a cliff on part of Koohau Mountain is one of the windiest spots on Oahu. This is where in 1795 King Kamehameha I, forced thousands of his opponents to jump from the cliff to their deaths.
The most common haunting is that of a white silhouette and of ghostly soldiers leaping off the cliff.
Night Marchers are seen. And, if you do cross their path it is wise to go to the ground. Face down and keep quite until they leave.
There is a "Half-face" ghost of a little girl seen on one part of the road. What people witness is that she is very decomposed to the point that her eyes are protruding.
Dark dwarfs are seen darting across the road in several areas.
There another part of the highway that is called "Morgan's Corner". This is the area where most of all the apparitions are seen. One is particular is of a teenage girl that hung herself on the one giant tree that is there. Her name was Brittani Lochmann. Her head severed from her body. And, when buried it was not reattached. People believe she's searching for her head. People driving around there say they see her hanging on the tree. And they can hear mysterious sounds on their car roof tops.
But, the oddest story of all is about "pork". It's believed pork (is seen as Kinolau) is a form of the pig god. And car trouble is seen as Pele's way of keeping kampuaa from passing through the area. People still believe to this day that you cannot travel with pork in your car. They are willing to toss their sandwiches out the car window then have a problem with their cars. They believe you can cover the sandwich with a banana leaf to fool Pele. They even fear for their lives. One woman saw a woman sitting in the backseat of her car from her rear view mirror. Then she "felt" being choked from behind and almost hit a tree. She toss her sandwich she had out the window just in time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFF15SGj3iQ&feature=related