Ghost Lounge News This Week!

I have three interesting news items I would like to share with you all.
First one is the exhibit at the Guggenhiem Museum in NYC. It called "Haunted" which is a series of art pieces from the likes of Andy Warhol. The arts installations is about anything giving the that haunting kind of feeling.
Haunted: Contemporary Photography/Video/Performance
http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york/exhibitions/on-view/haunted-contemporary-photography-video-performance

The second is a DVD called "Life During Wartime" film by Todd Solondz. Paul Reubens (yes, of PeeWee Herman fame) plays a resentful ghost. This film has been given great reviews at the Venice Film Festival.  Even at the Rotten Tomatoes website had great reviews.


The third and last is "Ghostopolis" Doug Tennapel's novel for gloomy kids.  Hugh Jackman was set out to play the lead role for Disney based on the novel back in May '09. It must be still be in the works. Or, it was shelved.

About Jackson's role for the film "Ghostopolis"
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20276360,00.html

Doug Tennapel "Ghostopolis"
http://www.amazon.com/Ghostopolis-Doug-Tennapel/dp/0545210283/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1280504875&sr=1-1

* On a personal note:
I'm going tomorrow to The GhostHunter Store for my Ghost Hunting 101 lesson from 10AM to 5PM..
Let you guys know how it went.
http://www.theghosthunterstore.com/

Most Haunted Spoof By French & Saunders

I don't know how many of you guys use to watch BBC's "Absolutely Fabulous" a few years ago (only Saunders played a role on the show). Written by the duo.  Loved the comedic team of French & Saunders. Here a little paranormal fun! Enjoy!


Official Website
http://www.frenchandsaunders.com/home/

The Curse Of Shakespeare's Play "Macbeth".

How many of you know about the "curse" of the play Macbeth written in 1604 by Shakespeare?  I've heard this one for years. It is said, "You cannot say the name Macbeth in a theatre. It will bring bad luck". The first "bad luck" came in when Shakespeare himself had to take over an actor's part because the actor fell ill and died. This was just the beginning.
The play was banned at one time by the King. In 1672 an actor by mistake used a "real" dagger on another actor. In 1849 in NYC 31 people were trampled to death. In 1934 a British actor became mute on stage. His replacement later became ill and went to the hospital. In 1937 Laurence Olivier almost had a 25 pound weight hit him by inches. Which because of the fright he felt his sword broke apart and hit an audience member who had a heart attack.
I can go on and on. Deaths, suicide, fire, robberies. It's even believed that President Lincoln once was reading passages from the play to a group of friends.
How did this curse happened? In Act IV in the original play Shakespeare wrote an actual black magic ritual for the part of the Three Witches.
It's believed "real" witches have placed a curse on the play because he made the private ritual, public.
Actors that have worked in the play have a series of superstitions. If a person says the name Macbeth in the theatre they must leave at once. They must walk around the block three times (or spin around fast in place), spit over left shoulder, and use a cuss word.  Or the other is say a quote from either "Hamlet" or "The Merchant of Venice". These are considered good luck works of Shakespeare. Mainly actors never called the play by it real name. They say instead "The Scottish Play".

Astor Place Riots NYC
 http://www.wayneturney.20m.com/astorplaceriot.htm

GL Video Game Review: Spooky Creepy Little Video Game Called "Limbo".

Limbo just came out about a week ago for Xbox Live Arcade.
First off I can tell you right now that I liked the game. Why? Because it's completely different. It's very cool! The game has an extreme minimal amount of music (almost none). No voices. What this causes is it "enhances" all your senses to every sounds. Which in turn causes you to have a stronger reaction to the action on the screen. There is no color. Which gives the feel of an old fashion silent film. The action is mostly done in the shadows. The main character is a little boy looking for his lost sister. It's a very eerie and haunting game. WARNING: The little boy dies violently throughout the game. But you can't see it "clearly" which makes the scenes more intense. Physics is very much becomes a big part of the later part game. You really have to figure this out like a big puzzle. A complex one at that.
What's personally funny for me is that I just saw the movie "Inception" this past weekend. Both the movie and the game have very similar endings (I don't want to spoil it by telling you).
Why is it called Limbo? You just have to play the game and see!

Last Night: Paranormal Cakes With Guest Judge Britt Griffith Of GH On The Food Network's "Challenge".

Yesterday I was so surprised to see Britt Griffith of Ghost Hunters on The Food Network. One of the shows on FN is called "Challenge" with Claire Robinson as host. Last night's challenge was called "Paranormal Cakes".
Each of the challengers has to have a "ghost" story. Then make a cake based on the story. This is for a prize of $10,000. They were all pretty cool! One had special icing so it can glow with a black light.
In case you did miss the show and want to see it. You have another chance:

Food Network Website
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food-network-challenge/index.html

July 31st at 6:00PM ET/PT

Aug. 1st at 7:00PM ET/PT

Nightcrawlers? Really? On Syfy's "Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files".

Last night on Syfy "Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files" had the most weirdest, funniest investigation. I couldn't stop laughing. It was about a "nightcrawler" that was found on a surveillance camera walking on a man's front lawn. As I'm watching the show I though, "It's a puppet!". They said they check every angle. Even going as far as to going into the woods next door (That's a whole other story: Watch the Syfy video). They truly believe this is an "actual" creature. Come on! Really? What do you guys think?

Syfy Video
http://www.syfy.com/rewind/?sid=1236528&eid=1239737

Syfy Synopsis
http://www.syfy.com/factorfaked/episodes.php?seasonid=1&episodeid=102 


Youtube Video

New Paranormal Movies Coming To A Theatre Near You!

Yup! PA2 is coming! I checked out the trailer a couple of times. Check out near the end of the clip. A baby is standing in a crib on the right side of the screen (big huge floor to ceiling mirror to your left). You see a fade and then you see the crib "empty" with a woman standing at a doorway. But, look at the mirror to your left. You "see" the baby in the mirror image.



Next is a movie produced by M. Night Shyamalan.  This is about people trapped in an office building elevator with "The Devil". Which happens to be one of the trapped people (but which one?). Sounds to much like "Snakes on a Plane" huh?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil_%28film%29

And Now For Something Completely Different: Cape Cod, MA Lighthouse Give Away!

Well, anyone interested in a 1930's Lighthouse? The Federal Government's "give-away" of the Cleveland East Ledge Lighthouse will end at the end of this month. Then it will be up for public auction to anyone interested in purchasing it. 

Personally, I think this would make for a great Bed & Breakfast for people that have a romantic fascination about lighthouses. Now all it needs to be is "haunted" (like the St. Augustine Lighthouse in FL). Then you'll be rolling in dough!

Price is right for lighthouse | CapeCodOnline.com

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2010/07/feds-trying-to-give-away-lighthouse-off-cape-cod/1

GL Book Suggestion: "Haunted Spaces, Sacred Places" By Brian Haughton

Right now I have about two books that I have to finish reading. This will be one I most definitely will pick up. Brain Haughton has written other books as well, "Hidden History" and "History's Mysteries: People, Places and Oddities Lost in the Sands of Time".
"Haunted Spaces, Sacred Places is a fascinating and thoroughly researched exploration of the archaeology, legends, and modern mysteries of 32 ancient places throughout the world--from the mysterious megaliths of Britain and Ireland, the haunted tombs of the Etruscans, and the Pagan origins of Germany's Aachen Cathedral to the ancient Native American city of Cahokia, the enigmatic Cambodian Temple of Angkor Wat, and the sacred Aboriginal rock formation of Uluru."
He writes for Paranormal Magazine,  http://www.paranormalmagazine.co.uk/ and had also worked for BBC "Legacies" website.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/legacies/

GL TV Review: My Ghost Story on Bio Channel

First of all, I like the show but disappointed at the same time.
Many of the "stories" being told have been debunked along time ago. What seems to surprise me is that the stories still go on just the same.
For instance: Waverly Hills "child playing with a ball" have been clearly explained how it was moving around by itself. Uneven floors and drafts is the cause due to lack of windows. The other is orbs (dust) and rods (usually bugs) in pictures and films. These are both usually thrown out the window to use as to prove of a presence of a "ghost". I'm very surprised "again" of it still being used as proof.

A lot more of the stories have been proven as a non-hauntings.  These have been explained over and over again.
As an upside to this show there are a few surprises. Some are brand new cases which makes it worth while to watch. Some really make you think, is it real? Here's one sample of what I'm talking about:

"The Hospice Closet Ghost"   under Haunting Revealed, Part 4, 5:45
http://www.biography.com/video.do?name=myghoststory

Paranormal Designs and Trends

There are so many trends, where to begin? Gothic, Steampunk, Medieval, anything dark, scary, spooky, haunting, etc. Even the Universal Studios Orlando's Harry Potter theme park has a distinct design to it. Here's a couple of websites that might wet your appetite to go for a whole new look for yourself and your home:

http://www.trendhunter.com/slideshow/ghostly-phantom-frightovations

http://www.attitudeclothing.co.uk/

http://community.livejournal.com/steamfashion

http://www.designtoscano.com/category/medieval+and+gothic/gothic+home+decor.do

http://www.victorianflowers.nl/

http://www.findcoolclothes.com/index.html

Biography Channel's New Paranormal Show: My Ghost Story

Starting Saturday, July 17th at 10/9C. Looks intriguing!

http://www.biography.com/video.do?bcpid=104613367001&bclid=114815694001&bctid=111831713001&baseURL=/bcconfig/Player/3Tier/myghoststory/config-xml/&baseDIR=/bcplayers/Player/3Tier_ws/baseDIR/
Look under "Paranormal Zone"

Extra News:
Just found out that Dustin Pari of GH/GHI left the Ghost Hunters franchise in the dust! Good Luck in your future endeavors Dustin. We'll miss you!

Syfy Paranormal Fest Starts Today!

New season premire of GHI starts tonight with "The Spirit of Robin Hood".
Syfy Video
You can also chat live tonight with Paul and Barry:
http://www.syfy.com/connect/ghosthuntersinternational.php
 
Tomorrow two new Syfy shows begin! Starts 9/c
"Mary Knows Best!" is about the life of a Long Island, NY psychic filmed in a "reality show" kind of way.
Syfy Video

Also at 10/c the new series "Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files". This group is out to prove every viral video out there is either real or fake.
Syfy Video

GL Haunted Summer Vacations Continue: The Menger Hotel, San Antonio, TX

Built in 1859 there is said to be thirty two apparitions at The Menger Hotel. The original site once stood a brewery. The hotel was built to accommodate the patrons to the brewery. The hotel also built a special tunnel directly to the brewery.
Maid Sallie White has been seen walking the hallways. She's seen carrying towels. She was murdered by her husband and was buried at the hotel' expense.
Captain Richard King (founder of the King Ranch) enters the King Suite through a wall. Exactly where once was a door. He was so fond of the hotel that his funeral was held there.
In another room a guest saw a man dressed in a buckskin jacket. What is odd about this particular haunting is that he was seen "speaking" as if someone was there.
In the hotel's kitchen many of the staff has seen utensils "floating".
A lady is seen knitting in the lobby dressed in old fashion clothing. An employee asked the woman if she was comfortable or if she need anything. She said "No" and vanished.
It is also believed that President Teddy Roosevelt haunts from time to time. Many of his Rough Riders were recruited at the brewery.
The hotel is also located adjacent to the Alamo. In between the hotel and the Alamo is an area called Alamo Plaza. It was used as a cemetery. It's estimated about a thousand people were buried there. This not including the buried from the Alamo. Many people say they hear the sound of heavy footsteps. Like of those of military boots.

What do you think? *Wink*
 
Hotel Website:
http://mengerhotel.com/

The Most Interesting Paranormal Website: The Ghost Club

I've been involved in the supernatural since a child. That's a long time ago. Hans Holzer was the first paranormalist that used many of the techniques you see today. The joke is: He was not the first.
The Ghost Club is the very first paranormal organization in the world. It was founded in 1862. Prior it found it's roots at Trinity College (Cambridge University) in the UK in 1855. One of the most world best known members was Charles Dickens.
They are still in operation today. If you are interested? They are still seeking new members.

Member Harry Price


Interesting book that was written in the 16th Century that was mentioned in Mr. Price's Youtube:
http://www.amazon.com/Lewes-Lavater-Ghosts-Spirits-Walking/dp/0766179613
 

Official Website: Don't know how active this site has been during the past year?
http://www.ghostclub.org.uk/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ghost_Club

*This is a new group that broke off from TGC in 1993. They called themselves The Ghost Club Society.

Tomorrow: Bastille Day At Eastern State Penitentiary

For those of you that live close to Eastern State Penitentiary.  Tomorrow I highly recommend for you to go there (weather permitting) for a day of fun.  This is a "cannot miss".
It's a great day with family and friends. Great restaurants are having their "Bastille Day Specials". ESP is open for those who would like to go on a tour. There's a street fair and drinking.
Warning: You'll get hit with Tastycakes. So, don't dress up, bring a raincoat, hat. This is for the cream that "pops" out when someone grabs the flying cakes the wrong way. 



Here's all the information from ESP:

http://www.easternstate.org/specialevents/bastille.php

Happy Bastille Day! Enjoy!

GL TV Review: Ghost Hunters Academy Finale

I had a funny suspicion it would be Allen. As I watched the finale I noticed he was going full force to win (not in a good way either). Does anybody else notice how anxious he was? And most of the time he tends to look annoyed at his fellow cadets? Or, run off with their initial ideas? Do I think it was a fair decision?  No, because both Michelle and Eric were the ones really thinking outside the box. Such as Michelle coming up with the idea of the flashlight. Allen himself didn't even pick up the EVP that was on his recorder that he had to review. He also admitted that all the odd sounds that he was hearing  he couldn't really tell the difference between them. So he had a bad day. Vera had one, and out the door she went.
To be fair. They really should pick who they would feel most conformable with for future GH investigations. Michelle and Eric's personalities were far too strong. And may not be that easy to conform to TAP standards.
I just have one question? If he's not able to continue with the show or for fill his contract who takes his place? Or, is it a one year contract? 

For this particular show I was not impress with Allen. I hope they can bring the other guys back in some future GH shows. I would miss them if they didn't.

GL Video Review: Alan Wake, Xbox 360

Your probably wondering. Is she really going to write about a video game? What does this have to do with the paranormal? Let me just say something first about video games. I have watched video games change and grow all through the years. From "watching" my nephews play Atari in diapers. To watching my son and friends play. I love Toe Jam and Earl. It was one of the few games like Zelda I actually played.
Now let's get to "Alan Wake".  I "watched" my son play the game. And I was intrigued by the story. Believe me, this was very enjoyable to the point that I'm still confused? And that's a good thing. It makes you think and want more.
If any of you liked "Twin Peaks" or "Twilight" you'll love this. As for paranormal? Let's say we don't know who is real or not. Who's alive or dead.
Without ruining everything for you guys. I'll give you an outline to the plot. The main character is a writer ala Stephen King and his wife Alice. The place? It's like a Twin Peakish kind of place called Bright Falls. There are entities that are called "The Taken". Then there is "The Presence". I really don't want to say anymore then that.
The people who created this video were no dopes (they created Max Payne). They really knew how to market this video. There are Prequels to the video on Youtube. With "real" people playing actual roles. But let's not stop there. There are "two" of each of these prequels. One, the movie short. The second, people reviewing the movie short.
Next they have a "real" singing group in the game, Poets of the Fall (again I don't want to give it away). But they are seen as an older "hippie-type" men in the game, Old God of Asgard. In real life they are younger men. Pretty smart move.
Another hint: The story continues with two downloadable add-ons through Xbox.
For me I wouldn't be surprised if this was made into a real movie like Max Payne. Or a book. I could really envision that to be the next step.
Do I recommend this game? Yes! If you don't want to play the game then look for someone that will play it. And enjoy watching the story.
Roger Ebert wrote an article about videos are not art. It means he never "watched" or for that matter looked at any of these games. This one is one of them. The work that was done is amazing. I loved it!

The Video movie. There are 6 parts.
http://www.brightfalls.com/
Here's to get a taste:



Second video is WTBF (What The Bright Falls). There are 6 parts. It same same as above. But different. Strange huh?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iW1f4uazGDw
To get you started-But give the video sometime for the "reviewers" to start speaking. 

Offficial website
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/splash/a/alanwake/

Ebert's Review on video games.
http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2010/04/video_games_can_never_be_art.html

The GhostHunter Store, Mount Holly, NJ

Got my computer back up and running again. During the past week I went over to Borders and pick up the June Paranormal Magazine from the UK. Very interesting stuff. But what caught my attention was a small ad (out of many).  The GhostHunter Store is located about 6 blocks from the Burlington County Jail Museum. I've been to Mt. Holly and never seen the place because of it's location on a side street. It's run by the same people who run The Shadowlands website. Which almost everyone knows about. The joke is. I live about 25-30 minutes away. They run classes there at the store. One is for Ghost Hunter 101. Which I may sign up for this coming weekend (when I going dining at The Robin's Nest). No, I'm not going to start ghost hunting, lol! Unless it's in the daytime. I just want to really understand the equipment. Which they sell online 24/7. So, I'll let you guys know how was my visit to the store. And also in the near future the write-up on my class.

The GhostHunter Store Website
http://theghosthunterstore.com/

The Shadowlands Website
http://theshadowlands.net/home1.htm

 

The Robin's Nest Restaurant. Which also happens to be haunted.
http://www.robinsnestmountholly.com/

Real Creepy 4th of July Haunted Doll Being Sold On Ebay

This is one creepy doll. The story of the doll is even MORE creepy! Please read it. If you dare! Or, buy it today.
http://cgi.ebay.com/CELEBRATE-4th-JULY-GOOGLY-EYE-HAUNTED-DOLL-SIS-/160450216514?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item255b940242

Ghost Lounge TV Review: Ghost Hunters Academy

I recently wrote about GHA a few posts ago. The surprise is, I still like them. It's really not a bad show. But yesterday's show was disappointing. Vera was let go. Do I think it was the right decision? Not really. She's more mature and still has a lot more growth on her to do. In a good way. Michelle is just too much "into" herself. Too kiddish at times. She really needs to finish her education (which even if she won she would still want to choose to do instead of the show). Adam I hate to said was just PO'd at Steve and Tango last week. He was just out to prove that they were wrong in how they saw him. But who's to say he wouldn't fall back into old habits. And as for Eric? I still can't make him out yet. He is a typical TAPS kind of guy. But he really doesn't stand out above other TAPS TV members. He doesn't shine.
For me? Vera should have been given another chance. She could have had just a "bad day". Everyone gets one of those. She's allowed.
So, who do I think is going to win? Probably it will be Eric. The problem is, he's an older man. Maybe he has strong family ties that may hold him back.. So he'll only be used a couple of times. And, that's that.

The only other person that can win is Adam. He may be more appealing to a large and younger audience. But he may get on Jason's nerves with his hyper behavior. So, we will see!

*Still having computer problems. So, I'll be back on Monday. Have a great and safe 4th of July