Perhaps an overlooked concept for gathering information in any investigation is taking an oral history. This is a good tool when dealing with older persons who you wish to recount facts or tales. However, oral histories are for everyone and pretty much every situation. This may counter what serious Oral Historians think-- pure information, minus folklore, rumor, and such. In paranormal research, oral histories can add a dimension to your investigation. In certain investigations, it may be a crucial step when interviewing groups to determine if share aspect is present or you are looking for a particular validation among witnesses.
Oral histories can be recorded with a tape recorder, video recorder, or both. It is highly suggested that you record your interview -- one, it's hard to write that fast; two- it provides a long term record; and third- it provides a record that can be shared with others. You have to consider Oral Histories to be an interview and must take similar steps to prepare. Have a list of set questions to ask, however, plan leeway for topics outside of your original questioning. Being flexible and able to think on your feet when the tangent turns is also crucial. You never know when that bit of information you're looking for will manifest itself.
Come prepared -- extra equipment and storage media, materials you plan to reference (history, photos, ect.), and additional personnel. Having that extra person might be helpful. There's safety in numbers but there's also -- two brains are better than one. The person accompanying you might think of a question that you haven't thought of. The interviewee might bond better with the other person than you. It's handy to have someone man the camera and manage footage.
Equipment choices are important. Sixty minute tapes are suggested -- I've used Maxwell 60's with the half speed record setting equalling 120 minutes of record time. Choose high quality tapes and consider an external mike to cut down on motor hum. It's okay if you have to use the fixed mike but be sure to place it between you and the interviewer and speak loud and clearly -- my favorite recorder doesn't have an external mike and by placing it on a soft cloth absorbs a bit of motor reverb.
Video equipment can be traditional tape media or newer disc media. Tripod is a must. Selectable tape speed is a good option as well and use high quality video tapes as well. I like to use high quality or super high quality MGM, Fuji or Maxwell. However, when buying a video tape consider the following:
"Coercivity, measured in Oesteds (Oe), denotes the magnetic strength
of a tape. A higher coercivity generally means better frequency response
or improved detail. Retentivity, measured in Gauss (G), is an indicator of
a tape's ability to retain magnetism after the video heads have been
removed from the tape. Since video and audio are laid down on the tape
by magnetic force, these attributes affect the longevity of a tape. You
want tape that captures the maximum image/sound over as many passes
as you need.
"Tape that will be recorded onto once and played back onto a digital
medium for editing, for example, may not need the retentivity of a tape
that will pass over a recording/playback head many times for editing.
"Video signal-to-noise (S/N) refers to the ratio of the black-and-white
signal of a tape to any residual noise;the "junk" that gets recorded along
with the desirable parts of an image. Color S/N is a measure of the ratio
of the color signal to residual noise.
"Video and color S/N ratios are expressed in decibels (dB). The higher
the number, the better the reproduction. These specifications should tell
you how well a particular tape's image reproduction compares to another
tape. Unfortunately, there is no one standard of gauging these
specifications. Most tape manufacturers have established their own
reference tapes, against which each company rates its own videotape."
(Videotape Buyer's Guide)
When starting any portion of a recording session state the who, what , when, where, why and perhaps a brief synopsis if you've started a brand new tape. This is much like doing an EVP session -- which takes a bit of its' practice from Oral History. This might be the point to get a visual affirmation of interviewee's release of this session. Remind them, it isn't a personal conversation, the information will most likely be shared with others. If at any point, the interviewee wants to go off record -- shut the equipment down and proceed -- just to remember to turn it back on when you're ready to go foward with your investigatory questions. Nothing more flustrating than realizing your equipment is still off and you've lost uncounted answers.
Start the interview with easy questions -- age, the date. Build questions up -- this allows the interviewee to relax and get used to the situation. Starting with the deep, delving questions will most likely shut your interviewee down and leave them ill-at-ease with your and your topic. Ask questions that will get you essay answers -- yes and no question won't get you anywhere beyond that question. After asking all your probing questions -- end with something light. Don't leave your interviewee feeling as if they've been hit by the Mack truck of questioning.
Be sure to listen as your taking an oral history. Give feed back cues -- oh, this is amazing, we didn't know that, oh tell me more. Pepper them throughout, vary them -- stale responses demonstrates your boredom. Don't be afraid of long silences -- the interviewee may be trying to formulate a response. If the interviewee is hesitant to answer a specific question, move on and try to come back to it. Don't hesitate to rephrase a question after you get an answer -- if you are trying to get a specific bit of information try again. Look for topics within the answer that might lead down a path you weren't aware of -- can you tell me more about...; you mentioned...; I haven't found ... in my research, will you tell me more?
Once you've finished, it's crucial that preservation steps be made before you review your oral history recordings-- dubbing extra copies. Storing in alternative media forms is an option -- but beware! Digital media formats change and with each change you will need to update your storage format. Digital media can be corrupted -- I think all modern internet users realize the dangers of data corruption. Clearly label each unit you duplicate of the original interview. You will also want to transcribe your interview. If you performed hours of interviews, plan for hours of transcribing. If you plan to do lots of oral histories, invest in a transcriber's review unit. Consider one with a foot pedal -- it's a great feature. Using a transcriber's unit is easier and less flustrating than the original recording device.
Now review your session. This is the point where you can take notes, plan another interview, or determine other courses of action including validation of what you've been told. Validating information may require more oral histories, trips to the library and archives among many possibilities. It's nice to have the first person experience of the interviewee but even better when you can corroberate through other sources.
In the case of paranormal research it may be hard to convince people to participate in a recorded session. It's up to the researcher to put them at ease and explain the scientific approach to situation and dispel the myths of paranormal research. By providing fact about you, your group and your process you can gain the good faith of skeptic. Sometimes you have to alter your approach with those who continue to doubt the research -- asking for their logical explanation of events and sticking with their point of view. Don't alienate anyone -- if they choose to think your research is farse, let it go and move on.
It's crucial to recognize all the tools at the hands of researchers. A professional approach to oral history can serve a researcher or group just as well as any piece of scientific equipment does. Observation and interaction is crucial in oral history as it is in active investigation. Oral history is a great tool for recording an event, history, folklore or the person themselves and should be used whenever its deemed viable.
http://dohistory.org/on_your_own/toolkit/oralHistory.htmlWHATIS
Judith Moyer 1993, 1999
http://www.videomaker.com/article/7288/ Videotapes Buyer's Guide
Karen Director October 1999
_______________________________________________
As always I invite comment, criticism, insight and so forth
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Thinking Out Loud -- Skinwalkers
The Navajo Skinwalker legend is wrapped in enigma. It's a subject that requires much dredging through material to gleen anything from. The mixture of legend, myth, and actual data leaves one -- with few first person experience -- scratching one's head. Thus, I'll through out legend and myth and a few first person experience. Skinwalkers is a generic term comprised of three kinds: converted medicine man gone bad -- wearing clothes under the animal hide and walking on two legs; the "apprentice" -- naked under the hides and walking on two legs; and finally the yenaldlooshi -- fast moving, quadrupedal runners like animals and the most frequently witnessed.
Skinwalkers are said to possess the powers of shapeshifting -- attained from absorbing the power from the animal's hide. The common shape they take is that of a wolf, raven, coyote, and owl among other animals. It is said they use these forms for traveling -- being human form is much slower. There is a Skinwalker legends often akin them to werewolves - either walking upright or on all fours, covered in fur -- this legend is consider false by most. The Navajo name for Skinwalkers Yeenaaldlooshii literally translates "with it, he goes on all fours". However, don't place the Skinwalker into the category of American Werewolf in London/Paris and whereever else its been. Skinwalkers have been reported to be wearing the hides of wolves -- this is to embue the power of the wolf into their form and magick -- creating the werewolf label. Even on occassion, Skinwalkers have been compared to the legendary Bigfoot.
Skinwalkers are often consider the material of black magick, dark shamans, or evil medicine men. (Occassionally, childless women accept this role as well but is mostly men.) Skinwalkers flaunt the cultural taboos-- appearing naked, necrophilia, and curse or killing people. The weapons used often are corpse power, drugs, bone or turquoise and a masterful hand. The use of corpse powder on a victim turns the tongue black, causes convulsions and eventually death. Skinwalkers, however, do not use human skins to assume that person's identity. They will use stolen body parts in their magickal workings and the body paste they cover themsselves in. The black or white paste used is from the skin and lard of humans. The smell from the past is said to wreak wretchedly of decomposition.
Describing what a skinwalker might appear to look like a forum member posted, "From my own personal experience ... take a human who has mastered the ability to run/spring on all fours, has developed something of a red eye sheen because of all the nocturnal activity. They use something to paint their bodies black ... are covered in black paint that they prepare. It usually has some dreadful smell, and it alarms the animals of any house and often frightens them. Then they will don a skin of an animal, coyote, wolf, bear, mountain lion .... They tend to mimic the animal, however they aren't terribly hard to identify. Once you've seen the ethereal like movement they can do, it can be quite unnerving. They are pretty quick, running on all fours, but they can go bipedal as well. It's rare when you see their eyes, usually the hollowed out skull of the skin they are wearing. Usually don't come out until the environment best suits them-- no full moon, hardly any light, as well as a decent wind to hide or carry their scent depending on what they want to do. The wind also cuts down on their noise." (www.unexplained-mysteries.com)
The Skinwalker has been attributed to breaking into houses and attacking people. It has been reported that the Skinwalker will bang on walls, knock on windows, and climb and stomp on roofs. Skinwalkers have been reported to approach or attack cars causing accidents. Stories of Skinwalkers attacks on cars can be frequently observed on Route 666 (or those sections that have had their names respectively changed by the state) and Route 66. The stories of motorist and Skinwalkers come from all over.
One recounting from a Navajo reservation concerning a woman who delivered newspapers in the early morning hours. Allegedly, during her rounds, she heard a scratching on the passenger door of her vehicle. Her baby rested in the car seat next to her. The door flung open and she saw the horrifying creature she described as half-man, half-beast, with glowing red eyes, reaching for her child. She fought it off, pulled the door closed, and sped off. To her horror, she claims, the creature ran along with the car and attempted to open the door again. It stayed with her until she reached an all-night convenience store. She ran inside, screaming and hysterical, but when the store employee dashed outside, the being had vanished. (Skinwalker: What are they?)
A New Mexico Highway Patrol officer reported while patrolling a stretch of highway south of Gallup, New Mexico, he had had two separate encounters with a creature that seemingly attached itself to his vehicle. During the first encounter, the officer said the unearthly being appeared to be wearing a ghostly mask as it kept pace with his patrol car. To his horror, he realized it wasn't attached to his door after all. Instead, he said, it was running alongside his vehicle as he cruised down the highway at a high rate of speed. (Skinwalker: What are they?)
Skinwalkers aren't limited to the Navajo but seems to be the most documented. What was covered was just a brief glimpse into what is comprised of the Skinwalker legend, myth, story. Dog Man, Snake Girl, Bigfoot, and Sasquatch arise while looking into information on the Skinwalkers.
An interesting oral history from a Navajo Elder on Skinwalker and other Najavo legend can be viewed at: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1160605431986874649
http://www.unexplained-mysteries.com/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t110549.html Battleangel December 28, 2007 02:02 AM
http://www.unexplained-mysteries.com/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t110549.html
So..-bits..adi..niliid March 19, 2008 10:59 AM
http://www.dailygrail.com/node/5130
Skinwalkers: What Are They? Greg Guest August 10th, 2007
http://dbstorytellingblogs.blogspot.com/2005/10/skinwalker-stories.html Skinwalker Stories October 03, 2005
__________________________________________
As always, I welcome comment, criticism, and feedback on the topic.
Skinwalkers are said to possess the powers of shapeshifting -- attained from absorbing the power from the animal's hide. The common shape they take is that of a wolf, raven, coyote, and owl among other animals. It is said they use these forms for traveling -- being human form is much slower. There is a Skinwalker legends often akin them to werewolves - either walking upright or on all fours, covered in fur -- this legend is consider false by most. The Navajo name for Skinwalkers Yeenaaldlooshii literally translates "with it, he goes on all fours". However, don't place the Skinwalker into the category of American Werewolf in London/Paris and whereever else its been. Skinwalkers have been reported to be wearing the hides of wolves -- this is to embue the power of the wolf into their form and magick -- creating the werewolf label. Even on occassion, Skinwalkers have been compared to the legendary Bigfoot.
Skinwalkers are often consider the material of black magick, dark shamans, or evil medicine men. (Occassionally, childless women accept this role as well but is mostly men.) Skinwalkers flaunt the cultural taboos-- appearing naked, necrophilia, and curse or killing people. The weapons used often are corpse power, drugs, bone or turquoise and a masterful hand. The use of corpse powder on a victim turns the tongue black, causes convulsions and eventually death. Skinwalkers, however, do not use human skins to assume that person's identity. They will use stolen body parts in their magickal workings and the body paste they cover themsselves in. The black or white paste used is from the skin and lard of humans. The smell from the past is said to wreak wretchedly of decomposition.
Describing what a skinwalker might appear to look like a forum member posted, "From my own personal experience ... take a human who has mastered the ability to run/spring on all fours, has developed something of a red eye sheen because of all the nocturnal activity. They use something to paint their bodies black ... are covered in black paint that they prepare. It usually has some dreadful smell, and it alarms the animals of any house and often frightens them. Then they will don a skin of an animal, coyote, wolf, bear, mountain lion .... They tend to mimic the animal, however they aren't terribly hard to identify. Once you've seen the ethereal like movement they can do, it can be quite unnerving. They are pretty quick, running on all fours, but they can go bipedal as well. It's rare when you see their eyes, usually the hollowed out skull of the skin they are wearing. Usually don't come out until the environment best suits them-- no full moon, hardly any light, as well as a decent wind to hide or carry their scent depending on what they want to do. The wind also cuts down on their noise." (www.unexplained-mysteries.com)
The Skinwalker has been attributed to breaking into houses and attacking people. It has been reported that the Skinwalker will bang on walls, knock on windows, and climb and stomp on roofs. Skinwalkers have been reported to approach or attack cars causing accidents. Stories of Skinwalkers attacks on cars can be frequently observed on Route 666 (or those sections that have had their names respectively changed by the state) and Route 66. The stories of motorist and Skinwalkers come from all over.
One recounting from a Navajo reservation concerning a woman who delivered newspapers in the early morning hours. Allegedly, during her rounds, she heard a scratching on the passenger door of her vehicle. Her baby rested in the car seat next to her. The door flung open and she saw the horrifying creature she described as half-man, half-beast, with glowing red eyes, reaching for her child. She fought it off, pulled the door closed, and sped off. To her horror, she claims, the creature ran along with the car and attempted to open the door again. It stayed with her until she reached an all-night convenience store. She ran inside, screaming and hysterical, but when the store employee dashed outside, the being had vanished. (Skinwalker: What are they?)
A New Mexico Highway Patrol officer reported while patrolling a stretch of highway south of Gallup, New Mexico, he had had two separate encounters with a creature that seemingly attached itself to his vehicle. During the first encounter, the officer said the unearthly being appeared to be wearing a ghostly mask as it kept pace with his patrol car. To his horror, he realized it wasn't attached to his door after all. Instead, he said, it was running alongside his vehicle as he cruised down the highway at a high rate of speed. (Skinwalker: What are they?)
Skinwalkers aren't limited to the Navajo but seems to be the most documented. What was covered was just a brief glimpse into what is comprised of the Skinwalker legend, myth, story. Dog Man, Snake Girl, Bigfoot, and Sasquatch arise while looking into information on the Skinwalkers.
An interesting oral history from a Navajo Elder on Skinwalker and other Najavo legend can be viewed at: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1160605431986874649
http://www.unexplained-mysteries.com/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t110549.html Battleangel December 28, 2007 02:02 AM
http://www.unexplained-mysteries.com/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t110549.html
So..-bits..adi..niliid March 19, 2008 10:59 AM
http://www.dailygrail.com/node/5130
Skinwalkers: What Are They? Greg Guest August 10th, 2007
http://dbstorytellingblogs.blogspot.com/2005/10/skinwalker-stories.html Skinwalker Stories October 03, 2005
__________________________________________
As always, I welcome comment, criticism, and feedback on the topic.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Thinking Out Loud-- Paranormal meets Urban Legend/Cultural Encroachment II
Again, I'm returning to the topic of the paranormal meets urban legend/cultural encroachment. I'd been sorting through my memories for a good example of cultural encroachment and remembered a recent episode of Destination Truth. Josh Gates and crew go in search of the Popobawa in Zanzibar, Africa and discover the truth behind the legend-- cultural encroachment. (As of 04/14 th episode (Sea Monster/Bat Demon) is still available for viewing at scifi.com and Destination Truth myspace videos.
In the Popobawa investigation, there was an unusual pattern that did raise a flag. It was the deeper delving of Josh Gates and his crew into the background of the Popobawa that the government's subversive use of the legend was uncovered.
To give a cursory synopsis, every ten years at election time the government hires people to go about the Zanzibar and spread rumors and revive tales of the Popobawa to the citizenry. In creating the hysteria, attention can be diverted as necessary to the topics the elected or soon to be elected officials wish to focus upon. You might consider it the Zanzibarian way of mudslinging.
Thus initiating the political parties are the indirect "agent" and the paid rumor mongers as the direct "agent". Then as the revision and reincarnation of the Popobawa legend continues in the populace, new events are attributed to it-- locals become the "agents" of dessimination and continue the contamination of area as well as the legend. With the continuous cycle of validations, the legend of Popobawa maintains a strong foothold within the culture and the fact that the government uses it as a tool of hysteria and intimidate virtually goes unrecognized within the populace.
It is the political environment in Zanzibar that takes the legend and distorts it and encroaches into the body of citizenry for purposes of manipulation and hysteria. Hysteria being quite a powerful tool- able to influence masses, reduce rationality of events, and generally destructuring emotionally. Once hysteria has onset into a populace it can become a virulent tool -- as history has provent this again and again. (If you need me to make further examples of hysteria as a political tool, let me know. I'm a historian by education, I'll even give you citations.)
Another example of cultural encroachment is in the name of economics. More and more, it seems to be motivation for some businesses to claim they are haunted and request investigations for this validation and great marketing tool. With the rise in interest in the paranormal, being "haunted" seems to be a meal-ticket for many-- both business and investigators. (Not all paranormal investigators or groups investigate for free and some have real steep prices from what I've noticed.)
This begs the investigator to consider the motivations of the individual and his or her own ethics. Is an economically motivated investigation in alignment to the mission and goals of you or your group? Are you more likely to experience hoax efforts in an economically driven desire to be "haunted"? Do you want to be associated with an economically driven paranormal investigation? What are your requirements for the economically motivated individual for citing your research in advertisement and as proof? Are you prepared for the possible backlash that come from being associated with the venue or economically driven individual? How are you going to deal with the individual when there is no evidence to parallel their claims?
The economically driven cultural encroachment aspect seems as tangled as the political encroachment. Both depend on the knowledge the investigator has going into an investigation, what's discovered during and a few ethic entanglements that may arrive if it's determined the motivations for the investigation are motivated by money or politics.
The grand difference in these examples is:
Going into the Popobawa investigation, Destination Truth apparently had no fore-knowledge of the governments intrusion and manipulation of the legend. It wasn't until more local resources-- the historian from university-- was consulted.
For the investigator, there may be exceptions, for the most part realizes the impact the investigation may have on the business prior to actually stepping foot on the premise. If you are asked to look into the hauntings of a 200-year-old building that is now and bed and breakfast -- you might deduce they want the "haunted" label for advertising. You may want to enquire into the motivation of businesses before investigating.
-------------------------------------------
These are just two examples of cultural encroachments into paranormal research. There is one more I can think of that needs to be blogged alone-- Media. I've no experience directly with media impact on paranormal research, so I will have to do a little research on this impact.
This blog also opened up the aspect of ethics in paranormal research and mission and goals. Which will probably be blogged as well at a slightly later time.
I look foward to hearing from anyone with comments on this topic. If you'd like to share any insights into these encroachments from your own experience, please contact me. If you care to share information on how the media has impacted you or your group please contact me as well.
Please feel free to contribute comments, criticism, or thoughts.
In the Popobawa investigation, there was an unusual pattern that did raise a flag. It was the deeper delving of Josh Gates and his crew into the background of the Popobawa that the government's subversive use of the legend was uncovered.
To give a cursory synopsis, every ten years at election time the government hires people to go about the Zanzibar and spread rumors and revive tales of the Popobawa to the citizenry. In creating the hysteria, attention can be diverted as necessary to the topics the elected or soon to be elected officials wish to focus upon. You might consider it the Zanzibarian way of mudslinging.
Thus initiating the political parties are the indirect "agent" and the paid rumor mongers as the direct "agent". Then as the revision and reincarnation of the Popobawa legend continues in the populace, new events are attributed to it-- locals become the "agents" of dessimination and continue the contamination of area as well as the legend. With the continuous cycle of validations, the legend of Popobawa maintains a strong foothold within the culture and the fact that the government uses it as a tool of hysteria and intimidate virtually goes unrecognized within the populace.
It is the political environment in Zanzibar that takes the legend and distorts it and encroaches into the body of citizenry for purposes of manipulation and hysteria. Hysteria being quite a powerful tool- able to influence masses, reduce rationality of events, and generally destructuring emotionally. Once hysteria has onset into a populace it can become a virulent tool -- as history has provent this again and again. (If you need me to make further examples of hysteria as a political tool, let me know. I'm a historian by education, I'll even give you citations.)
Another example of cultural encroachment is in the name of economics. More and more, it seems to be motivation for some businesses to claim they are haunted and request investigations for this validation and great marketing tool. With the rise in interest in the paranormal, being "haunted" seems to be a meal-ticket for many-- both business and investigators. (Not all paranormal investigators or groups investigate for free and some have real steep prices from what I've noticed.)
This begs the investigator to consider the motivations of the individual and his or her own ethics. Is an economically motivated investigation in alignment to the mission and goals of you or your group? Are you more likely to experience hoax efforts in an economically driven desire to be "haunted"? Do you want to be associated with an economically driven paranormal investigation? What are your requirements for the economically motivated individual for citing your research in advertisement and as proof? Are you prepared for the possible backlash that come from being associated with the venue or economically driven individual? How are you going to deal with the individual when there is no evidence to parallel their claims?
The economically driven cultural encroachment aspect seems as tangled as the political encroachment. Both depend on the knowledge the investigator has going into an investigation, what's discovered during and a few ethic entanglements that may arrive if it's determined the motivations for the investigation are motivated by money or politics.
The grand difference in these examples is:
Going into the Popobawa investigation, Destination Truth apparently had no fore-knowledge of the governments intrusion and manipulation of the legend. It wasn't until more local resources-- the historian from university-- was consulted.
For the investigator, there may be exceptions, for the most part realizes the impact the investigation may have on the business prior to actually stepping foot on the premise. If you are asked to look into the hauntings of a 200-year-old building that is now and bed and breakfast -- you might deduce they want the "haunted" label for advertising. You may want to enquire into the motivation of businesses before investigating.
-------------------------------------------
These are just two examples of cultural encroachments into paranormal research. There is one more I can think of that needs to be blogged alone-- Media. I've no experience directly with media impact on paranormal research, so I will have to do a little research on this impact.
This blog also opened up the aspect of ethics in paranormal research and mission and goals. Which will probably be blogged as well at a slightly later time.
I look foward to hearing from anyone with comments on this topic. If you'd like to share any insights into these encroachments from your own experience, please contact me. If you care to share information on how the media has impacted you or your group please contact me as well.
Please feel free to contribute comments, criticism, or thoughts.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Thinking out loud... Paranormal meets Urban Legend/Cultural Encroachment
Often one of the more commonly encountered "hauntings" is that of the urban legend/cultural encroachment. Urban legends/cultural encroachments become interwoven into the culture and history and often transform from fiction to fact. Sometimes urban legends/ cultural encroachments have some ground in reality that has had its' facts blown out of proportion or times its' a matter of real good storytelling. Urban legends/ cultural encroachments may in fact become part of collective memory.
The South is reputable for its' storytelling. Grand embellishments and storytelling ways are actually passed among generations and are encouraged. Festivals and competitions are held annually throughout the South, where more and more people are exposed to this cultural oral tradition. This constant exposure tends to taint the haunting history of an area. The stories often become engrained and develop a life and truth that impacts the actual perception within the population. As these stories are shared at local events or even through print, the story is dispersed and assimilated- often losing its' origins as fiction and becoming truth.
It should be noted, that certain cultural backgrounds increase the "belief" of paranormal happenings being them fact or fiction. With the assimilation of the urban legend/culture encroachment comes the inability to not believe or question it within these culturally suseptible groups. Superstition, as it may be, reflects the cultural tendency to validate even the fictional urban legends/cultural encroachments and percieve and dissiminate them as facts.
This urban legend/cultural encroachment can attribute to overwhelming "evidence" of an event or entity from the aspect of personal experiences. Unfortunate events, mysterious deaths, unaccountable happenings can be pinned to this urban legend/cultural encroachment creating a greater since of validation among the community in which it "lives". This is not to say there may be some validity to some activity in an area, it just may be misappropriated to the activities of the urban legend/cultural encroachment.
It is important to review the details and make comparisons among the reported case and possible tainting by urban legends/cultural encroachments. Often reports of activities will mirror a specific alleged activity of urban legend/cultural encroachment. The demographic and activities of your "witness(es)" or "agent(s)" needs to be reviewed. Often considerations beyond traditional review is required, a more psychological approach may be needed.
In consideration of an "agent", this is an individual who precipitates the alleged event or activity. Often influencing via emotional response, trigger, or even hysteria. A prime example is that of a group of teenagers who are trespassing upon a cemetary after hours. Certain members will respond to this activity with angst. Couple this emotional response with the existing knowledge of an urban legend/cultural encroachment, a likely "experience" will occur during the period of exploration of the cemetary.
Essentially, the angst triggered stress may generate a hyper-response to general mundane occurence -insects, birds, bats, other people. As the overstimulation within the susceptible individual increases, the more likely they are to "contaminate" the group and perpetuate any "manifestation" into a perceived paranormal event and share it through oral conveyance or emotional outburst. This inturn triggers the en masse response to the event or "manifestation".
This is where the investigator(s) must focus more on qualified aspects than quantified. Considerations should be made to interviewing each "witness" separately- parallel stories with too many "shared" points is a red flag. The duration from event to investigation should be noted- the longer the period, the longer the story has had to change and be shared. Interviews of correlative associates of the "witness" not present at the event should be conducted- background on the individual and the hear-say versions may be available via these individuals. Contact with the municipality- is this site known for criminal activity or mischeif. Local historian or archivist should be consulted- these are probably a great resource into the area's urban legends/cultural encroachments.
This is not to say that an urban legend/cultural encroachment is not worth the investigation. On the contrary, this may offer the opportunity to debunk or validate certain occurrences. Effort should be made not to dwell on the urban legend/cultural encroachment by the team members doing the investigation. Minimizing expectation for activity, ensuring an emotional levelness, and limiting fore-knowledge will, hopefully, keep the investigation in the "scientific" and out of the fiction.
________________________________
I've more to say on this subject... but later.
I look foward to any comments or input on this subject anyone has.
The South is reputable for its' storytelling. Grand embellishments and storytelling ways are actually passed among generations and are encouraged. Festivals and competitions are held annually throughout the South, where more and more people are exposed to this cultural oral tradition. This constant exposure tends to taint the haunting history of an area. The stories often become engrained and develop a life and truth that impacts the actual perception within the population. As these stories are shared at local events or even through print, the story is dispersed and assimilated- often losing its' origins as fiction and becoming truth.
It should be noted, that certain cultural backgrounds increase the "belief" of paranormal happenings being them fact or fiction. With the assimilation of the urban legend/culture encroachment comes the inability to not believe or question it within these culturally suseptible groups. Superstition, as it may be, reflects the cultural tendency to validate even the fictional urban legends/cultural encroachments and percieve and dissiminate them as facts.
This urban legend/cultural encroachment can attribute to overwhelming "evidence" of an event or entity from the aspect of personal experiences. Unfortunate events, mysterious deaths, unaccountable happenings can be pinned to this urban legend/cultural encroachment creating a greater since of validation among the community in which it "lives". This is not to say there may be some validity to some activity in an area, it just may be misappropriated to the activities of the urban legend/cultural encroachment.
It is important to review the details and make comparisons among the reported case and possible tainting by urban legends/cultural encroachments. Often reports of activities will mirror a specific alleged activity of urban legend/cultural encroachment. The demographic and activities of your "witness(es)" or "agent(s)" needs to be reviewed. Often considerations beyond traditional review is required, a more psychological approach may be needed.
In consideration of an "agent", this is an individual who precipitates the alleged event or activity. Often influencing via emotional response, trigger, or even hysteria. A prime example is that of a group of teenagers who are trespassing upon a cemetary after hours. Certain members will respond to this activity with angst. Couple this emotional response with the existing knowledge of an urban legend/cultural encroachment, a likely "experience" will occur during the period of exploration of the cemetary.
Essentially, the angst triggered stress may generate a hyper-response to general mundane occurence -insects, birds, bats, other people. As the overstimulation within the susceptible individual increases, the more likely they are to "contaminate" the group and perpetuate any "manifestation" into a perceived paranormal event and share it through oral conveyance or emotional outburst. This inturn triggers the en masse response to the event or "manifestation".
This is where the investigator(s) must focus more on qualified aspects than quantified. Considerations should be made to interviewing each "witness" separately- parallel stories with too many "shared" points is a red flag. The duration from event to investigation should be noted- the longer the period, the longer the story has had to change and be shared. Interviews of correlative associates of the "witness" not present at the event should be conducted- background on the individual and the hear-say versions may be available via these individuals. Contact with the municipality- is this site known for criminal activity or mischeif. Local historian or archivist should be consulted- these are probably a great resource into the area's urban legends/cultural encroachments.
This is not to say that an urban legend/cultural encroachment is not worth the investigation. On the contrary, this may offer the opportunity to debunk or validate certain occurrences. Effort should be made not to dwell on the urban legend/cultural encroachment by the team members doing the investigation. Minimizing expectation for activity, ensuring an emotional levelness, and limiting fore-knowledge will, hopefully, keep the investigation in the "scientific" and out of the fiction.
________________________________
I've more to say on this subject... but later.
I look foward to any comments or input on this subject anyone has.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Handbook of Parapsychology-- Edited by Benjamin Wolman
Just a quick overview of the Handbook of Parapsychology edited by Benjamin B. Wolman (Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1977). The book provides a rather scientific overview of cases and studies for which the basis of what is today's paranormal/parapsychic research is based upon.
Each section includes references to the original articles, journals and case studies under review. Each section is broken down into a specific area, i.e. history, research method, altered states of consciouness, that offers the definitions necessary to address the section, correlative studies, and resources used.
The book addresses the cases of fraud as well as recorded "actual" events. It seems to be presented from the skeptical point of view. Granted the research is dated-- British Society Psychical Research circa early-to mid-1900's and some individual efforts into the mid-1970's. The research provides data, method, and research comments to flush the understanding of the topic.
For anyone looking for correlative studies on early parapsychology/paranormal research, I suggest the read. I'm looking for a copy to add to my library as a reference.
Each section includes references to the original articles, journals and case studies under review. Each section is broken down into a specific area, i.e. history, research method, altered states of consciouness, that offers the definitions necessary to address the section, correlative studies, and resources used.
The book addresses the cases of fraud as well as recorded "actual" events. It seems to be presented from the skeptical point of view. Granted the research is dated-- British Society Psychical Research circa early-to mid-1900's and some individual efforts into the mid-1970's. The research provides data, method, and research comments to flush the understanding of the topic.
For anyone looking for correlative studies on early parapsychology/paranormal research, I suggest the read. I'm looking for a copy to add to my library as a reference.
TAPS-Star Mountain’s APPARITIONS
FREE TRIAL VERSION:
http://www.starmountainstudios.com/apparitions/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
The TAPS-Star Mountain Studio emersive video game -- Apparitions -- is available for free trial download. It’s a limited to the first floor and certain rooms. You can purchase the full version key for $19.95 USD. The full version includes both stories of the hotel and possibly the remote cameras. (I stumbled onto the remote cameras and have yet to figure out their use in the trial version.)
The download is about 5 minutes (via DSL) and has an install wizard. The trial version is somewhat like a beta-testing sessions. There are some glitches, the map doesn’t show you where you are all the time. (I was in the bar but it kept showing me in the lobby.) Navigation is rough, it’s hard to get to certain points in the hotel. Transitions are a little rough but I eventually got used to it.
Now, if you’re looking for action-packed adventure- um, not in this game. If your into ghost hunting and willing to take the time needed to search each room extensively for a good bit of time- try this one. Their working on an expansion (and hopefully some patches) for Apparitions.
Go ahead to try it out... even just for shiggles.
http://www.starmountainstudios.com/apparitions/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
The TAPS-Star Mountain Studio emersive video game -- Apparitions -- is available for free trial download. It’s a limited to the first floor and certain rooms. You can purchase the full version key for $19.95 USD. The full version includes both stories of the hotel and possibly the remote cameras. (I stumbled onto the remote cameras and have yet to figure out their use in the trial version.)
The download is about 5 minutes (via DSL) and has an install wizard. The trial version is somewhat like a beta-testing sessions. There are some glitches, the map doesn’t show you where you are all the time. (I was in the bar but it kept showing me in the lobby.) Navigation is rough, it’s hard to get to certain points in the hotel. Transitions are a little rough but I eventually got used to it.
Now, if you’re looking for action-packed adventure- um, not in this game. If your into ghost hunting and willing to take the time needed to search each room extensively for a good bit of time- try this one. Their working on an expansion (and hopefully some patches) for Apparitions.
Go ahead to try it out... even just for shiggles.
Ghost Hunters of the South- Alan Brown
Just finished Ghost Hunters of the South (2006) by Alan Brown. It identifies several ghost hunting organizations in the South (Atlantic Coast to Texas) at that period.
It’s broken down by state, then organization. It offers an inside look of each group- personnel, community, and investigative experiences.
Brown makes efforts to address the good with the bad. Not all communities welcome their ghost hunting groups- nor do all the churches. Several of the groups have encountered the "witchcraft" pov. Some groups are welcomed and encouraged- even local TV station tag-alongs (usually for Hallowe’en).
Some of the groups address their demographics- police, engineers, housewives... whomever makes up the group. I think that the diversification helps strengthen the group and perhaps adds "validity" to their efforts. They even address the use of sensitives-- another can of worms in the paranormal/parapsychic realm.
It’s worth a look for those researchers/investigators starting out in the South. (If your just curious, give it a read through). The insight in the organizations and some of the reasons they exist is a good starting point for determining if you’d be interested in the affiliation.
Just thought I’d share a little on the books I read here. Quick synopsis kind of thing. I welcome any reading suggestions, comments, and so forth.
It’s broken down by state, then organization. It offers an inside look of each group- personnel, community, and investigative experiences.
Brown makes efforts to address the good with the bad. Not all communities welcome their ghost hunting groups- nor do all the churches. Several of the groups have encountered the "witchcraft" pov. Some groups are welcomed and encouraged- even local TV station tag-alongs (usually for Hallowe’en).
Some of the groups address their demographics- police, engineers, housewives... whomever makes up the group. I think that the diversification helps strengthen the group and perhaps adds "validity" to their efforts. They even address the use of sensitives-- another can of worms in the paranormal/parapsychic realm.
It’s worth a look for those researchers/investigators starting out in the South. (If your just curious, give it a read through). The insight in the organizations and some of the reasons they exist is a good starting point for determining if you’d be interested in the affiliation.
Just thought I’d share a little on the books I read here. Quick synopsis kind of thing. I welcome any reading suggestions, comments, and so forth.
Thinking out loud... Solar Flares
Again, I was wondering about the impact of solar flares and paranormal activity. Many groups feature a small blip on the subject-- blip, barely informative and leaving lots of questions. So, I’ve wondered off in search of the information on the net and decided to share the bits and pieces I have accrued on the subject.
What are Solar Flares?
A visit to NASA answered that one.
http://hesperia.gsfc.nasa.gov/sftheory/flare.htm
According to NASA, "A flare is defined as a sudden, rapid, and intense variation in brightness. A solar flare occurs when magnetic energy that has built up in the solar atmosphere is suddenly released. Radiation is emitted across virtually the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves at the long wavelength end, through optical emission to x-rays and gamma rays at the short wavelength end. The amount of energy released is the equivalent of millions of 100-megaton hydrogen bombs exploding at the same time! The first solar flare recorded in astronomical literature was on September 1, 1859. Two scientists, Richard C. Carrington and Richard Hodgson, were independently observing sunspots at the time, when they viewed a large flare in white light."
Several points to know:
Portion of these flares reach earth in 8 minutes with subsequent flows coming over the following hours.
These flares can interfere with or damage electronics- GPS and Mobile Phones are greatly impacted.
A Related Phenomena...
Coronal Mass Ejections are similar to solar flares but usually are much larger.
http://hesperia.gsfc.nasa.gov/sftheory/cme.htm
According to NASA, "Coronal mass ejections expand away from the Sun at speeds as high as 2000 km per second. They carry up to ten billion tons (1016 grams) of plasma away from the Sun."
When the Coronal Mass Ejection or CME collides with Earth it generates a geomagnetic storm. These are the events that wreak havoc with communication, electronics, and pose threats to International Space Station.
The Impact of Solar Flares and CME’s...With solar flares and CME’s there is an increase in particle bombardment on the Earth. Most is reflected by the atmosphere but some does penetrate to the surface. UV Radiation, X-ray, and primarliy high energy protons bounce around the atmosphere.
One of the most noticeable and frequently viewed occurrence in this solar storm cycle is the Aurora Borealis.
The Hypothesis on Paranormal Impact:
Now, you can google this an land on a ton of sites-- which I encourage. I tried to assimilate the information -- or as much of it as I could absorb -- and I’m drawing my conjecture from there. It’s commonly believed that entities draw energy from their environment. Entities will drain heat from the surrounding area, drain batteries in equipment, and sometimes try for energy from people.
So, in consideration of this theory, I conjecture that Solar Flares and CME’s provide additional energy and enable entities to manifest. It’s precisely this "space weather" situation that gives the extra boost the entity needs to "appear". An increase in activity may be paralleled to solar activity. The best way to know if "space weather" is impacting entities is to log the environment.
By collecting data, this is the only way to create and validate the scientific efforts in paranormal research.
A few points to ponder about these solar events....
Do they contribute to improved EVP?
Do they contribute to the likelihood of a full body apparition?
What’s the impact on the digital photographic aspect of research?
Is there a way to measure UV penetration to the earth surface?
Guess I’ll be adding more to my research logs in the way of external data now.
Looking for an accurate space weather, try:
http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/SWN/
Through efforts, logic, and curiosity-- validity of the unknown can be established.Then the unknown is only unknown to those who turn a blind eye.
What are Solar Flares?
A visit to NASA answered that one.
http://hesperia.gsfc.nasa.gov/sftheory/flare.htm
According to NASA, "A flare is defined as a sudden, rapid, and intense variation in brightness. A solar flare occurs when magnetic energy that has built up in the solar atmosphere is suddenly released. Radiation is emitted across virtually the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves at the long wavelength end, through optical emission to x-rays and gamma rays at the short wavelength end. The amount of energy released is the equivalent of millions of 100-megaton hydrogen bombs exploding at the same time! The first solar flare recorded in astronomical literature was on September 1, 1859. Two scientists, Richard C. Carrington and Richard Hodgson, were independently observing sunspots at the time, when they viewed a large flare in white light."
Several points to know:
Portion of these flares reach earth in 8 minutes with subsequent flows coming over the following hours.
These flares can interfere with or damage electronics- GPS and Mobile Phones are greatly impacted.
A Related Phenomena...
Coronal Mass Ejections are similar to solar flares but usually are much larger.
http://hesperia.gsfc.nasa.gov/sftheory/cme.htm
According to NASA, "Coronal mass ejections expand away from the Sun at speeds as high as 2000 km per second. They carry up to ten billion tons (1016 grams) of plasma away from the Sun."
When the Coronal Mass Ejection or CME collides with Earth it generates a geomagnetic storm. These are the events that wreak havoc with communication, electronics, and pose threats to International Space Station.
The Impact of Solar Flares and CME’s...With solar flares and CME’s there is an increase in particle bombardment on the Earth. Most is reflected by the atmosphere but some does penetrate to the surface. UV Radiation, X-ray, and primarliy high energy protons bounce around the atmosphere.
One of the most noticeable and frequently viewed occurrence in this solar storm cycle is the Aurora Borealis.
The Hypothesis on Paranormal Impact:
Now, you can google this an land on a ton of sites-- which I encourage. I tried to assimilate the information -- or as much of it as I could absorb -- and I’m drawing my conjecture from there. It’s commonly believed that entities draw energy from their environment. Entities will drain heat from the surrounding area, drain batteries in equipment, and sometimes try for energy from people.
So, in consideration of this theory, I conjecture that Solar Flares and CME’s provide additional energy and enable entities to manifest. It’s precisely this "space weather" situation that gives the extra boost the entity needs to "appear". An increase in activity may be paralleled to solar activity. The best way to know if "space weather" is impacting entities is to log the environment.
By collecting data, this is the only way to create and validate the scientific efforts in paranormal research.
A few points to ponder about these solar events....
Do they contribute to improved EVP?
Do they contribute to the likelihood of a full body apparition?
What’s the impact on the digital photographic aspect of research?
Is there a way to measure UV penetration to the earth surface?
Guess I’ll be adding more to my research logs in the way of external data now.
Looking for an accurate space weather, try:
http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/SWN/
Through efforts, logic, and curiosity-- validity of the unknown can be established.Then the unknown is only unknown to those who turn a blind eye.
More thoughts on UV video cameras....
In my continous strum of thoughts and research...
I’ve found two Sony video cameras capable of UV. Neither one is horribly affordable for most individuals. The XC-EU50 is a near UV model in the 300nm peaking 369nm range. Whereas the XCD-SX910UV is around the 200nm range.
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/markets/10005/benefitsUV.shtmlnew
XC-EU50 1/2 IT CCD
Learn More About the XC-EU50
Small, lightweight one piece body
Easy to integrate
29x29x32mm
Fits into tight spaces
50 g
Low mass to move
Near-UV response
Detect smaller surface detail
C-Mount
Popular lens mount
External Camera controls
Easy to setup
Electronic shutter
Image bright or fast moving objects
$762.00 U.S. List Price
CCDDirect.com has the model available for $605.00. (Information only, not an endorsement.)
http://www.ccddirect.com/store/customer/product.php?productid=17195&cat=0&page=1
_____________________________________
XCD-SX910UV Digital UV Camera
Learn More About the XCD-SX910UV
Preliminary Spec Info:
1,280 (H) x 960 (V) /15 fps
Large field of view
Progressive Scan
Full resolution capture
New CCD with improved sensitivitycompared to XCD-SX900UV
~200nm versus ~230nm
Near-UV response
Detects smaller surface details
Square Pixels
Easier image processing
Electronic Shutter
Image bright or fast moving objects
Asynchronous trigger
Precise capture start
Rugged and robust
Install and forget
Digital 1394 interface
Low cost, networkable
Remote control of function
Flexible, programmable
C-Mount
Popular lens mount
$6,450.00 U.S. List Price
I did find this model listed lower on the internet than the MSRP.
GoElectronic.com listed for $5,795.00. Marginal savings but savings none the less. (This is for information, not an endorsement.)
http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:wOt8FlA8wvwJ:www.goelectronic.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc%3FScreen%3DPROD%26Product_Code%3DSONY%2BXCD-SX910UV%26Category_Code%3D2%2BINDUSTRIAL%2BVIDEO+UV+camcorder+capable&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=89&gl=us
CCDDirect.com has it slashed to $5,846.00. (Information only, not an endorsement.)
http://www.ccddirect.com/store/catalog/sony_xcd-sx910uv_ultraviolet_v_firewire_camera_summary.html
___________________________________________
I’ve also located one Hitachi video camera capable of UV. It functions from the 290nm to nearly 930nm sensitivity.
http://www.hitachidenshi.com/supportingdocs/products/industrial_video_systems/microscope_medical/KPF100B_UV_CL_BROCHURE.pdf
This is an industrial use camera- and I am unable to locate a price for this model. I figure this is probably going to be around the price of the last Sony $6,000-8,000 a unit.
Yes, yes- we’d all like a benefactor these gadgets. I’m just posting the information as I find it. If knowledge is wealth, then follow Monopoly’s lead- share the wealth.
Any input is welcome.
No endorsement is inferred in my blogs.
I’ve found two Sony video cameras capable of UV. Neither one is horribly affordable for most individuals. The XC-EU50 is a near UV model in the 300nm peaking 369nm range. Whereas the XCD-SX910UV is around the 200nm range.
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/markets/10005/benefitsUV.shtmlnew
XC-EU50 1/2 IT CCD
Learn More About the XC-EU50
Small, lightweight one piece body
Easy to integrate
29x29x32mm
Fits into tight spaces
50 g
Low mass to move
Near-UV response
Detect smaller surface detail
C-Mount
Popular lens mount
External Camera controls
Easy to setup
Electronic shutter
Image bright or fast moving objects
$762.00 U.S. List Price
CCDDirect.com has the model available for $605.00. (Information only, not an endorsement.)
http://www.ccddirect.com/store/customer/product.php?productid=17195&cat=0&page=1
_____________________________________
XCD-SX910UV Digital UV Camera
Learn More About the XCD-SX910UV
Preliminary Spec Info:
1,280 (H) x 960 (V) /15 fps
Large field of view
Progressive Scan
Full resolution capture
New CCD with improved sensitivitycompared to XCD-SX900UV
~200nm versus ~230nm
Near-UV response
Detects smaller surface details
Square Pixels
Easier image processing
Electronic Shutter
Image bright or fast moving objects
Asynchronous trigger
Precise capture start
Rugged and robust
Install and forget
Digital 1394 interface
Low cost, networkable
Remote control of function
Flexible, programmable
C-Mount
Popular lens mount
$6,450.00 U.S. List Price
I did find this model listed lower on the internet than the MSRP.
GoElectronic.com listed for $5,795.00. Marginal savings but savings none the less. (This is for information, not an endorsement.)
http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:wOt8FlA8wvwJ:www.goelectronic.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc%3FScreen%3DPROD%26Product_Code%3DSONY%2BXCD-SX910UV%26Category_Code%3D2%2BINDUSTRIAL%2BVIDEO+UV+camcorder+capable&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=89&gl=us
CCDDirect.com has it slashed to $5,846.00. (Information only, not an endorsement.)
http://www.ccddirect.com/store/catalog/sony_xcd-sx910uv_ultraviolet_v_firewire_camera_summary.html
___________________________________________
I’ve also located one Hitachi video camera capable of UV. It functions from the 290nm to nearly 930nm sensitivity.
http://www.hitachidenshi.com/supportingdocs/products/industrial_video_systems/microscope_medical/KPF100B_UV_CL_BROCHURE.pdf
This is an industrial use camera- and I am unable to locate a price for this model. I figure this is probably going to be around the price of the last Sony $6,000-8,000 a unit.
Yes, yes- we’d all like a benefactor these gadgets. I’m just posting the information as I find it. If knowledge is wealth, then follow Monopoly’s lead- share the wealth.
Any input is welcome.
No endorsement is inferred in my blogs.
Thinking out loud.... UV Current mood: inquisitive
Some of the latest hum I have come across in my research involves UV. Ghost Hunter International broached the subject lightly in their first season. A few different groups touch on it- but nothing all that solid. I even ventured into a conversation with biology PhD about UV, honeybees, American Kestrels, and covalent bonds. Returning yet again, to rummage the internet for information.
First, what is UV?
I crawled the ’net in search of something I could understand and ended up at http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/physical_science/magnetism/em_ultraviolet.html with information that made sense.
Which is below:
"Ultraviolet radiation lies between visible light and X-rays on the electromagnetic spectrum. UV "light" has wavelengths between about 380 and 10 nanometers. The wavelength of violet light is around 400 nanometers (or 4,000 Å). Ultraviolet radiation oscillates at rates between about 800 terahertz (THz or 1012 hertz) and 30,000 THz.
The ultraviolet spectrum is sometimes subdivided into the near UV (380 to 200 nanometer wavelengths) and extreme UV (200 to 10 nm wavelengths). Normal air is largely opaque to UV with wavelengths shorter than 200 nm (the extreme UV range); oxygen absorbs "light" in that part of the UV spectrum.
In terms of impact on the environment and human health (and choosing sunglasses!), it can be useful to subdivide the UV spectrum in a different way, into UV-A ("blacklight" or Long Wave UV with a 380 to 315 nm wavelength), UV-B (Medium Wave at 315 to 280 nm), and UV-C (the "germicidal" or Short Wave UV that ranges from 280 to 10 nm).
Earth’s atmosphere prevents most UV radiation from space from reaching the ground. UV-C is entirely screened out by stratospheric ozone at around 35 km altitude. Most UV-A does reach the surface, but UV-A does little genetic damage to tissues. UV-B is largely responsible for sunburn and skin cancer, though it is mostly absorbed by ozone before reaching the surface. Levels of UV-B radiation at the surface are especially sensitive to levels of ozone in the stratosphere."
That answered a few questions. What specific measurement does UV occupy? Which UV is responsible for the realignment of covalent bonds? Does all UV reach the surface?
Now after review a little basic UV science....
I can apply that information to specifications of FujiFilms 2 UVIR Digital SLRs. Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro UVIR Digital SLR, now discontinued but available used (new $1799, I saw one used for $850), which allegedly functions from 350nm to 1000nm. Fuji doesn’t provide actual upper spec limits- they basically said the environment would impact the shoot each time. The other digital SLR UVIR camera, FujiFilm IS Pro- UVIR(body only $2600, kits start at $2700), functions from 380nm to 1000nm, the biggest difference in this later model is ability of 3200 ISO. Fuji does report some blurring with this model.
http://www.fujifilmusa.com/JSP/fuji/epartners/proPhotoProductS3UVIR.jsp
http://www.fujifilmusa.com/JSP/fuji/epartners/proPhotoProductIS-Pro.jsp?NavBarId=item870325
I found one UV capable camcorder, UVcorder. It’s an interesting composite of parts. A Sony camera with a "Ultraviolet Camera Module" mounted atop that. It functions in the 300-400 nm range- the near-UV range or "blacklight" level from what I can gather. The bonus is realtime view on the 3.5"screen and the direct burn to media. The drawback, I think I finally scavenged a price of $4600 or so for it. I know, ouch!
http://www.uvcorder.com/products/
So, my next questions...
What spectrum of UV do entities manifest in?
If the UV "disperses" them, does that mean it’s rupturing some sort of bond similar to the covalent bond rearranging/ruptures by UV-B that occurs in human cells?
Does the blacklight "flashlight" which operates (depends on models) from the near UV of 400nm to more forensic geared 380-385nm have an impact?
BTW... want a blacklight flashlight... just google it, they’re everywhere. Used in forensics, scorpion hunting, money and ID validations, your local club- all different kinds of models, for all different kind of uses, at all kinds of prices.
I’ll take any input on the subject. It’s all about learning and growing.
First, what is UV?
I crawled the ’net in search of something I could understand and ended up at http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/physical_science/magnetism/em_ultraviolet.html with information that made sense.
Which is below:
"Ultraviolet radiation lies between visible light and X-rays on the electromagnetic spectrum. UV "light" has wavelengths between about 380 and 10 nanometers. The wavelength of violet light is around 400 nanometers (or 4,000 Å). Ultraviolet radiation oscillates at rates between about 800 terahertz (THz or 1012 hertz) and 30,000 THz.
The ultraviolet spectrum is sometimes subdivided into the near UV (380 to 200 nanometer wavelengths) and extreme UV (200 to 10 nm wavelengths). Normal air is largely opaque to UV with wavelengths shorter than 200 nm (the extreme UV range); oxygen absorbs "light" in that part of the UV spectrum.
In terms of impact on the environment and human health (and choosing sunglasses!), it can be useful to subdivide the UV spectrum in a different way, into UV-A ("blacklight" or Long Wave UV with a 380 to 315 nm wavelength), UV-B (Medium Wave at 315 to 280 nm), and UV-C (the "germicidal" or Short Wave UV that ranges from 280 to 10 nm).
Earth’s atmosphere prevents most UV radiation from space from reaching the ground. UV-C is entirely screened out by stratospheric ozone at around 35 km altitude. Most UV-A does reach the surface, but UV-A does little genetic damage to tissues. UV-B is largely responsible for sunburn and skin cancer, though it is mostly absorbed by ozone before reaching the surface. Levels of UV-B radiation at the surface are especially sensitive to levels of ozone in the stratosphere."
That answered a few questions. What specific measurement does UV occupy? Which UV is responsible for the realignment of covalent bonds? Does all UV reach the surface?
Now after review a little basic UV science....
I can apply that information to specifications of FujiFilms 2 UVIR Digital SLRs. Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro UVIR Digital SLR, now discontinued but available used (new $1799, I saw one used for $850), which allegedly functions from 350nm to 1000nm. Fuji doesn’t provide actual upper spec limits- they basically said the environment would impact the shoot each time. The other digital SLR UVIR camera, FujiFilm IS Pro- UVIR(body only $2600, kits start at $2700), functions from 380nm to 1000nm, the biggest difference in this later model is ability of 3200 ISO. Fuji does report some blurring with this model.
http://www.fujifilmusa.com/JSP/fuji/epartners/proPhotoProductS3UVIR.jsp
http://www.fujifilmusa.com/JSP/fuji/epartners/proPhotoProductIS-Pro.jsp?NavBarId=item870325
I found one UV capable camcorder, UVcorder. It’s an interesting composite of parts. A Sony camera with a "Ultraviolet Camera Module" mounted atop that. It functions in the 300-400 nm range- the near-UV range or "blacklight" level from what I can gather. The bonus is realtime view on the 3.5"screen and the direct burn to media. The drawback, I think I finally scavenged a price of $4600 or so for it. I know, ouch!
http://www.uvcorder.com/products/
So, my next questions...
What spectrum of UV do entities manifest in?
If the UV "disperses" them, does that mean it’s rupturing some sort of bond similar to the covalent bond rearranging/ruptures by UV-B that occurs in human cells?
Does the blacklight "flashlight" which operates (depends on models) from the near UV of 400nm to more forensic geared 380-385nm have an impact?
BTW... want a blacklight flashlight... just google it, they’re everywhere. Used in forensics, scorpion hunting, money and ID validations, your local club- all different kinds of models, for all different kind of uses, at all kinds of prices.
I’ll take any input on the subject. It’s all about learning and growing.
Finding equipment through local sources
I've been reviewing suggested equipment for paranormal research. Bouncing from site to site on the internet. It made me wonder if it could be found without resorting to using speciality sites. I'm one to always look for options locally without specialty pricing. If you can outfit for less-- I always suggest it-- for any aspect of life.Here are few things I've found at places people might not consider looking. I'm just pointing them out, not endorsing them.
A few items from Home Depot...
Actron Pocket IR Thermometer Model CP7875 $26.96
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100609914
Home Depot has a variety of surveillance equipment. I selected just a few items to
highlight.
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Navigation?Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Ns=P_Topseller_Sort1&N=10000003+90401+501785&rpp=12&langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053&style=A
High Resolution CCD Bulldog Color Security Camera with 30 Ft Night Vision Model SW-C-BDOGC $99.95/Each
Super Night Owl CCD Security Camera Model SW-C-SNO $199.99/Each
Swann Pro Net DVR + 4 Maxi Day Night Kit Model SW245-SMD $799.00/Each
Radio Shack has a moderate collection of voice recorders.
http://www.radioshack.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2032336&cp=2032060
Olympus VN-3100 PC Recorder ..
Model: VN-3100PC Catalog : 14-114 ..> $49.99..
It features pc input option, almost 72 hours of record time, mic port and comes with software.
Radio Shack also features a variety of surveillance equipment, including Swann night vision cameras.
http://www.radioshack.com/family/index.jsp?cp=2032060.2032330&categoryId=2032343&pg=1
Bass Pro Shop has a collection of stationable digital cameras with IR options.
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Subclass_10151_-1_10001_400001009_400000000_400001000_image_0_0
The best place for EMF meters would be online, Detector Technology.
You'll find several Trifield detectors there for under $200. You'll find one Ion PicoAmp meter for under $200. You'll even find one static electricity meter there for under $200-- great if your pursuing the correlation of static electricity and entity manifestations.
http://www.detectortechnologies.com/store/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=3
A few items from Home Depot...
Actron Pocket IR Thermometer Model CP7875 $26.96
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100609914
Home Depot has a variety of surveillance equipment. I selected just a few items to
highlight.
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Navigation?Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Ns=P_Topseller_Sort1&N=10000003+90401+501785&rpp=12&langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053&style=A
High Resolution CCD Bulldog Color Security Camera with 30 Ft Night Vision Model SW-C-BDOGC $99.95/Each
Super Night Owl CCD Security Camera Model SW-C-SNO $199.99/Each
Swann Pro Net DVR + 4 Maxi Day Night Kit Model SW245-SMD $799.00/Each
Radio Shack has a moderate collection of voice recorders.
http://www.radioshack.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2032336&cp=2032060
Olympus VN-3100 PC Recorder ..
Model: VN-3100PC Catalog : 14-114 ..> $49.99..
It features pc input option, almost 72 hours of record time, mic port and comes with software.
Radio Shack also features a variety of surveillance equipment, including Swann night vision cameras.
http://www.radioshack.com/family/index.jsp?cp=2032060.2032330&categoryId=2032343&pg=1
Bass Pro Shop has a collection of stationable digital cameras with IR options.
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Subclass_10151_-1_10001_400001009_400000000_400001000_image_0_0
The best place for EMF meters would be online, Detector Technology.
You'll find several Trifield detectors there for under $200. You'll find one Ion PicoAmp meter for under $200. You'll even find one static electricity meter there for under $200-- great if your pursuing the correlation of static electricity and entity manifestations.
http://www.detectortechnologies.com/store/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=3
03-06-08 "Orbs"
03-06-2008 "Orbs"
Location: Auditorium, Undisclosed location
Moon Phase: New Lunation: 1053 Visible: 0%
Start Time: 20:30 Central T.Z.- North America
End Time: 21:00 Central T.Z. - North America
Camera Info: Kodak EasyShare C643
f/ 2.7 1/60s ISO 140 6mm 6.1megapixels 240 ppi
This wasn't a formal investigation. I was mainly testing to see how the digital camera would respond to the environment. I did, however, announce I was going to test the equipment so I can show other people their image to any possible entity in the vicinity. I'm not quite sure why I did that but I did.
Several shots were unremarkable. Then two of my shots prior to the test image posted went completely black. They were the same general position as the posted test shot. I continued to take images from various location.
It wasn't until review that I noticed the "orb" on the right of the second posted picture. The third picture taken directly afterwards shows an "orb" in the upper left corner and central. The upper-level of the auditorium at that point is under 10ft. The forth posted picture was shot directly after the third posted picture was. Which shows up clear and no anomalies.
Based on the sequence, I can say there wasn't any particulate matter on the lens. I had cleaned it before going. There are musical stands on the stage and a pipe organ. I put the pictures into Adobe Camera Raw and adjusted contrast. There wasn't a visible reflective surface, that I could find, at the anomaly points. In conjunction with the two completely black frames prior to this sequence of events, I find the pictures and anomalies curious.
I'm just beginning my paranormal research efforts, so I cannot say definitively that I captured something. Like I said, this was more to test the equipment than gather evidence. It's just a curiosity that I'd thought I'd share.
UPDATE.... 03/07/2008
I returned to the site during daylight, about noon. There is some equipement on the stage. Though I cannot place anything in the exact location of the anomaly in picture 2. Since I can't confirm it wasn't a refractory issue... when in doubt, throw it out-- right??
I still cannot account for the anomaly along the ceiling in picture 3. I started taking pictures to see if I could get any refractory issues. I took a picture of the ceiling and upper level and after review found 3 anomalies. One anonamly is beyond the rail on the left of the photo and then two smaller anomalies in the upper right. It's to be noted, there was no lights on. I was only using the flash of the camera. Another picture shows an anomaly, approximately 6 feet off the stage and centered over a curtain. I can't explain that on.
Personal experience wise: I had the feeling I was being watched from a room on the wing of the stage. I photographed it several times but nothing anomalous appeared. I've planned to try and do an EVP in that room.
Location: Auditorium, Undisclosed location
Moon Phase: New Lunation: 1053 Visible: 0%
Start Time: 20:30 Central T.Z.- North America
End Time: 21:00 Central T.Z. - North America
Camera Info: Kodak EasyShare C643
f/ 2.7 1/60s ISO 140 6mm 6.1megapixels 240 ppi
This wasn't a formal investigation. I was mainly testing to see how the digital camera would respond to the environment. I did, however, announce I was going to test the equipment so I can show other people their image to any possible entity in the vicinity. I'm not quite sure why I did that but I did.
Several shots were unremarkable. Then two of my shots prior to the test image posted went completely black. They were the same general position as the posted test shot. I continued to take images from various location.
It wasn't until review that I noticed the "orb" on the right of the second posted picture. The third picture taken directly afterwards shows an "orb" in the upper left corner and central. The upper-level of the auditorium at that point is under 10ft. The forth posted picture was shot directly after the third posted picture was. Which shows up clear and no anomalies.
Based on the sequence, I can say there wasn't any particulate matter on the lens. I had cleaned it before going. There are musical stands on the stage and a pipe organ. I put the pictures into Adobe Camera Raw and adjusted contrast. There wasn't a visible reflective surface, that I could find, at the anomaly points. In conjunction with the two completely black frames prior to this sequence of events, I find the pictures and anomalies curious.
I'm just beginning my paranormal research efforts, so I cannot say definitively that I captured something. Like I said, this was more to test the equipment than gather evidence. It's just a curiosity that I'd thought I'd share.
UPDATE.... 03/07/2008
I returned to the site during daylight, about noon. There is some equipement on the stage. Though I cannot place anything in the exact location of the anomaly in picture 2. Since I can't confirm it wasn't a refractory issue... when in doubt, throw it out-- right??
I still cannot account for the anomaly along the ceiling in picture 3. I started taking pictures to see if I could get any refractory issues. I took a picture of the ceiling and upper level and after review found 3 anomalies. One anonamly is beyond the rail on the left of the photo and then two smaller anomalies in the upper right. It's to be noted, there was no lights on. I was only using the flash of the camera. Another picture shows an anomaly, approximately 6 feet off the stage and centered over a curtain. I can't explain that on.
Personal experience wise: I had the feeling I was being watched from a room on the wing of the stage. I photographed it several times but nothing anomalous appeared. I've planned to try and do an EVP in that room.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Bracketing in Paranormal Photography
Bracketing or Auto Exposure Bracketing is a technique used by photographers in uncertain lighting conditions. It utitlizes manual or auto adjustment to capture usually 3 pictures-- one under-exposed, one at exposure, and one over-exposed.
QUESTION:
Does AEB or manual bracketing influence the successfulness of paranormal
photography?
I can't seem to find any research to this effect via the web. I've studied photography and realize the impact it can have in contemporary photography.
It is the manifestation of the entities I'm not quite sure how they would be impacted?
Any ideas?
QUESTION:
Does AEB or manual bracketing influence the successfulness of paranormal
photography?
I can't seem to find any research to this effect via the web. I've studied photography and realize the impact it can have in contemporary photography.
It is the manifestation of the entities I'm not quite sure how they would be impacted?
Any ideas?
Psychometric Echo or Haunting
The Question:
Is an encounter a psychometric echo or a haunting?
Loosely defined, psychometry or clairempathy is the "reception" of emotions, events, or people who have owned or used the object that have imprinted onto an object or place. This often involves retrocognition.
Psychometric Echo, as I define it, is an encounter with event or manifestation that shows repetitive occurrences.
Example of this imprint: A man paces a room, everyday, in the same pattern, approximately the same time of day, for hours, over the years, imprints his energies and thoughts into this behavioral pattern. Basically, energizing this pathway and creating point of energy that contains this pattern of behavior and thought.After he passes, it is experienced that he is seen walking in the same pattern, approximately the same time periods, in the same behavior.
Thus creating my question:
Is this a psychometric echo or a haunting?
Is an encounter a psychometric echo or a haunting?
Loosely defined, psychometry or clairempathy is the "reception" of emotions, events, or people who have owned or used the object that have imprinted onto an object or place. This often involves retrocognition.
Psychometric Echo, as I define it, is an encounter with event or manifestation that shows repetitive occurrences.
Example of this imprint: A man paces a room, everyday, in the same pattern, approximately the same time of day, for hours, over the years, imprints his energies and thoughts into this behavioral pattern. Basically, energizing this pathway and creating point of energy that contains this pattern of behavior and thought.After he passes, it is experienced that he is seen walking in the same pattern, approximately the same time periods, in the same behavior.
Thus creating my question:
Is this a psychometric echo or a haunting?
Directions...
We all look for them.
We look for those signs that let us know we're on the right path.
The answer doesn't always lie in the physical world... sometimes you just have to be willing to look beyond. In that effort, you have to be willing to risk the look. When the otherside looks back... brace yourself... you may see more than you ever expected.
We look for those signs that let us know we're on the right path.
The answer doesn't always lie in the physical world... sometimes you just have to be willing to look beyond. In that effort, you have to be willing to risk the look. When the otherside looks back... brace yourself... you may see more than you ever expected.
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