Taken from Daily News Brooklyn http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/brooklyn/2008/03/04/2008-03-04_brooklynbased_paranormalists_will_clear_.html
Brooklyn-based paranormalists will clear out your ghosts for $20 an hour
BY STEPHANIE GASKELL
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Tuesday, March 4th 2008, 4:00 AM
Egan-Chin/News
Samantha Ramirez (left), Sal Cicconi (center) and Sergio Ocasio have formed Brooklyn Ghost Investigations.
Not surprisingly, they are fans of the 1984 film 'Ghostbusters.'
.. --> ARTICLE CONTENT START -->
It's Ghostbusters, Brooklyn-style.
A team of self-made paranormalists is offering to come over to your house in the middle of the night to chase away any unwanted spirits.
"I'm fascinated with the supernatural," says Sal Cicconi, 27.
Cicconi, along with Sergio Ocasio, 20, and Samantha Ramirez, 18, have plastered Brooklyn offering their services for just $20 an hour.
Their business plan is a bit unorthodox, but then again, so are they.
"When I was a kid, I had this ability, this gift," Cicconi said in an interview in the trio's East New York apartment. "When I was 10 years old, I started to see things - spirits and ghosts."
The three, who call themselves Brooklyn Ghost Investigations, are otherwise unemployed.
Their only client is a Red Hook man who said he had two ghosts in his apartment.
Cicconi and Ocasio went to the man's apartment and waited until 3 a.m. - the witching hour for paranormal activity - to see if they could talk to the ghosts.
"I caught something on camera," Cicconi said.
"It looked like two lights moving around, like the spirits were playing with each other."
"We tried to get them out of there," he said.
The two used a homemade Ouija board to try to coax the ghosts into talking to them - with no luck.
"Sometimes, spirits are afraid to talk or to show themselves to us," he said.
Not surprisingly, the three are big fans of the 1984 classic "Ghostbusters."
Having no formal training, they also watch Sci Fi Channel's "Ghost Hunters" and A&E's "Paranormal State" for tips.
They say business has been a bit slow - but maybe that's not such a bad thing.
sgaskell@nydailynews.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Twenty dollars an hour, to do what most of us will do for free???
And they use a Ouija board to communicate with spirits and boogeymen??? Not the brightest crayons in the box, IMO.
Anyone else disgusted, outraged, and or petrified by this group and what a detriment they are to those who approach the paranormal more seriously and scientifically?
Feedback welcome as always.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Mass Casualty Incident Investigation Considerations
There are some considerations for investigating Mass Casualty Incidents -- MCI's. I'm not inferring not to do them, some of the largest MCI's sites in history are on my wishlist of investigations. What I do suggest is... prepare yourself and make time for some additional considerations. MCI's are battlefields, man-made tragedies, and natural tragedies. Often spirits at MCI sites are unaware they may have passed due to the suddeness of the events and may ask for "help".
A preparation to consider is the possible emotional toll that investigating such a site might cause on you and your team. The occurrence of an emotional tsunami is always a possibility. Some pre-planning beyond the normal investigation may be needed. Which members of your group are better suited for this investigation? Is there someone still dealing with the loss of a loved one or someone exhibiting signs of stress that should stay behind? Is there sensitives in your group that you may or may not want to come along and are they prepared for emotional bombardment? What are some of the contingents to address any emotional encounters? Exit plans should be generated should this situation arise- does the affected person and one transporter leave or is it the whole team? What post-investigation coping system will be set up?
The safety of the team should be priority over achieving an investigation. Giving up on a site because the group or a member is over-wrought with emotion isn't a bad thing. You've lost nothing. You didn't fail. Any experience is a learning experience-- set backs are just that, set backs. Maybe more preparation is needed or maybe MCI's aren't for your group. Sit down, review the aspects of the investigation and determine the next course of events. Maybe counseling sessions, peer-to-peer support efforts, or spiritual exercises are needed to reinforce the member or the whole team. Safety first-- spiritual, emotional, and physical.
Another consideration for investigating a MCI site is the impact upon survivors or family members. A realization that an investigation may re-open wounds and emotional wells needs to be heavily considered. Any investigation is invasive- however, for survivors and family members who's loved one may be "wandering around" and inquired to may suffer at the hands of the investigator. This may be counter-active to their belief they passed quickly and are now "safely on the otherside".
If it is a relatively new MCI, do not rely on survivors or family members for validation of your information, even if they are the one's that requested your investigation, broach any research into "lingering" spirits discovered through other sources. The survivor or family member may be attempting to use you a coping mechanism-- hopefully you will discover this in your initial interview -- but unless you are a qualified grief counselor, refer them to one and suggest they cope with the grief first. It is crucial that the grieving process be addressed, for the health and safety of the survivor or family member as well as your investigation team.
The emotional threat from an MCI doesn't remain at the site, it may lie in your evidence as well. You may need to prepare yourself for that voice that weakly calls for help. Sounds of crying children. Voices of anger-- imagine confusion about your situation compounded by the inability to communicate-- resounding from an EVP. The off chance that you encounter "lower-level entity" or demons in the situation is a possibility as well -- distress and fear are powerful draws essentially. (I'm not saying their present at all MCI's but the probability is there. Better to be aware by the possibility.)
An additional consideration is possible ethical dilemmas that arise from an MCI investigation. Do you investigate an MCI? Do you keep your investigation results private or publish them? You find out that there are spirits that haven't "crossed over"-- what do you do? Do you try to cross them yourself or do you contact a spiritual leader? A survivor or family member becomes outraged by your investigation -- what do you do?
Mass Casualty Incidents essentially generate a web of questions and consideration for anyone investigating. Planning, preparations, and contigencies should be layed out in advance and initated when needed. It is crucial to remember -- safety and welfare of all involved parties is number one -- be it the spirits, survivors, family members, or the team.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
As always- comments, criticisms, insights, and experiences are welcome.
A preparation to consider is the possible emotional toll that investigating such a site might cause on you and your team. The occurrence of an emotional tsunami is always a possibility. Some pre-planning beyond the normal investigation may be needed. Which members of your group are better suited for this investigation? Is there someone still dealing with the loss of a loved one or someone exhibiting signs of stress that should stay behind? Is there sensitives in your group that you may or may not want to come along and are they prepared for emotional bombardment? What are some of the contingents to address any emotional encounters? Exit plans should be generated should this situation arise- does the affected person and one transporter leave or is it the whole team? What post-investigation coping system will be set up?
The safety of the team should be priority over achieving an investigation. Giving up on a site because the group or a member is over-wrought with emotion isn't a bad thing. You've lost nothing. You didn't fail. Any experience is a learning experience-- set backs are just that, set backs. Maybe more preparation is needed or maybe MCI's aren't for your group. Sit down, review the aspects of the investigation and determine the next course of events. Maybe counseling sessions, peer-to-peer support efforts, or spiritual exercises are needed to reinforce the member or the whole team. Safety first-- spiritual, emotional, and physical.
Another consideration for investigating a MCI site is the impact upon survivors or family members. A realization that an investigation may re-open wounds and emotional wells needs to be heavily considered. Any investigation is invasive- however, for survivors and family members who's loved one may be "wandering around" and inquired to may suffer at the hands of the investigator. This may be counter-active to their belief they passed quickly and are now "safely on the otherside".
If it is a relatively new MCI, do not rely on survivors or family members for validation of your information, even if they are the one's that requested your investigation, broach any research into "lingering" spirits discovered through other sources. The survivor or family member may be attempting to use you a coping mechanism-- hopefully you will discover this in your initial interview -- but unless you are a qualified grief counselor, refer them to one and suggest they cope with the grief first. It is crucial that the grieving process be addressed, for the health and safety of the survivor or family member as well as your investigation team.
The emotional threat from an MCI doesn't remain at the site, it may lie in your evidence as well. You may need to prepare yourself for that voice that weakly calls for help. Sounds of crying children. Voices of anger-- imagine confusion about your situation compounded by the inability to communicate-- resounding from an EVP. The off chance that you encounter "lower-level entity" or demons in the situation is a possibility as well -- distress and fear are powerful draws essentially. (I'm not saying their present at all MCI's but the probability is there. Better to be aware by the possibility.)
An additional consideration is possible ethical dilemmas that arise from an MCI investigation. Do you investigate an MCI? Do you keep your investigation results private or publish them? You find out that there are spirits that haven't "crossed over"-- what do you do? Do you try to cross them yourself or do you contact a spiritual leader? A survivor or family member becomes outraged by your investigation -- what do you do?
Mass Casualty Incidents essentially generate a web of questions and consideration for anyone investigating. Planning, preparations, and contigencies should be layed out in advance and initated when needed. It is crucial to remember -- safety and welfare of all involved parties is number one -- be it the spirits, survivors, family members, or the team.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
As always- comments, criticisms, insights, and experiences are welcome.
Are EVP’s dangerous?
Recently, a question was posed to me -- Are EVP's dangerous? Well, I won't deny it -- I haven't been doing this long, so I thought I'd do some research. EVP- Electronic Voice Phenomenon- is the presentation of a disincarnate voices in recorded media that wasn't audible at the time of recording. The "voices" can be recorded on analog or digital recorders. The option of using white noise or no backgroud noise are readily practiced. There are even some "boxes" available or constructable to assist in EVP attempts. Techniques are as variable as the individuals doing the EVP work.
When wondering how EVP's are possibly recorded, the theories of reality come into question. Much like the techniques for achieving EVP recordings, the theories on migration after death exist. Perhaps the article EVP and the Vatican : Vatican Okays Transcommunication, offers an explanation for the occurrence EVP's being recorded as, "...The entire Universe, the Ether consists of vibration, Energy, and of particular importance in this case the Electric and Magnetic "fluids". These "fluids" are not actually liquids as recognised in the physical world, but rather the electric and magnetic characteristics of the Universal Fire and Water elements. It is the electro-magnetic propagation properties of the Ether that allows the vibrations of the communications of the Spirit voices, thought waves in the form of Energy, to pass through the electromagnetic continuum of the Ether and thus to be recorded on magnetic tape." ( http://evp-itc-australia.org/29.html )
One of the biggest considerations, as in paranormal research, is the mindset of the individual(s) wishing to contact via EVP's. Flustration, anger, anxiety and other tumultuous energies can act as an attractant to "low level" entities as well as sufficient energy for dark entities and demons. These entities continue to flustrate and exacerbate these rawer emotions to their benefit. Just like in an investigation -- one has to realize at what point to stop, leave, and let the energy dissipate.
The Butlers in their article for AAEVP, A Brief Discussion About the Safety of Communicating with the Other Side, recount a good example:
"Harold Sherman, in an article written for Psychic Observer &
Chimes, recounted a friend's distressing experience in
trying to reach his wife and running into what he called "low
grade discarnates." When the man lost his temper and told
them to go away, it only seemed to increase their interference.
Sherman listened to some of the recordings and called it
pure drivel.
"Sherman came to the conclusion that the mental attitude of the
experimenter played an important part in what was
recorded. He wrote, 'It is as though low grade intelligences
come in on the emotionally disturbed 'wave length' of the
operator. Unless the mind is prepared through prayer or a
spiritually motivated meditative period, one is apt to invite
the wrong kind of communicants.'"
( http://www.aaevp.com/articles/articles_about_safety.htm )
A positive outlook and spirituality seem to aid in the "filtering" of the "low level" entities. Often prayers or meditation are recommended prior to beginning an EVP session to "still" oneself. Some even suggest reciting the prayer of St. Michael the Archangel before beginning any paranormal work or review. The employment iconography, talisman, or whatever spiritual items that would bring one comfort can be used. Greg Myers of Paranormal Task Force makes the point, "Never forget, the unknown does not have to resort to physical attacks and it can get inside your mind and mentally or psychologically en stow harm as well." ( http://www.paranormaltaskforce.com/evpwarn.html )
Fear is a great weapon, a powerful emotion, fear is tool of much darker things in this and other worlds and as FDR is widely quoted, "... Only thing we have to fear is fear itself". AA-EVP.com article, A Brief Discussion About the Safety of Communicating with the Other Side, reviewed the effort Jules and Maggie Harsch-Fischbach article, "...If you, at anytime, think you are in contact with low level entities, leave your tape recorder. Remain in control at all times... Negative thoughts, such as fear or hate, are powerful forms of energy, and this energy can accumulate and do harm...We advise people who are fearful of the unknown or who might have trouble keeping the voices in perspective, to pass on EVP. Our concern is that a person's fear might tend to be amplified by a close encounter with an entity." ( http://www.aaevp.com/articles/articles_about_safety.htm )
No actual example of harm from EVP work seems to been reported. Occassionally, a person may be "harassed". It doesn't have to be the researcher at the time, it may be someone listening to an EVP and then experiences "activity". I stumbled upon one of the best descriptions of an EVP acting as a "beacon" from a staff moderator, Keith Deel, at an I Am Haunted.com forum, "... It gives the spirit 'recognition' and can act like a beacon. Especially playing them aloud. Imagine if your neighbor started playing your recorded voice on a 5000 watt amplifier? You would come running to tell him to stop. Then imagine a open plane of existence where physical boundaries are limitless. Can they hear you play the audio? Perhaps. When dealing with demonic, the 'collective' is so vast, the demons who's 'voice' is recorded and played back, will come to you no matter where they currently reside in the universe..." (http://www.iamhaunted.com/forum/posts/id_1477/ )
The a similar point to the "beacon effect" was made by Greg Myers of Paranormal Task Force, that listening to EVP or observing footage may aggravate an existing paranormal situation. Myers states, "If you already have a home or are at a location which already has paranormal activity then playing certain audio or video of the unknown may greatly increase the activity you have been experiencing and if the audio or video of the unknown came from a negative source then you could possibly allow such into your home and life by listening or viewing it." ( http://www.paranormaltaskforce.com/evpwarn.html )
The "activity" that follows for some that have listened to EVP's they captured themselves or on websites has generated many groups to post warnings on their sites. Cautionary efforts by many groups and individuals for something that hasn't had a lot of documentation are everywhere. The lack of documentation doesn't mean it doesn't occur -- it just means efforts to collect data on the subject hasn't come to fruition yet. If activity does occur, contacting a faith practioner or an experienced paranormal group may be required. One has to realize -- you are taking actions that may have a ramification, you are responsible for this action. If you have fear of the unknown, paranormal, or demonic -- it is up to you to make a judgement call to listen or view paranormal material not the TV show, website, or host site.
Perhaps the greatest danger to EVP work is the over-absorption in the activity. An individual who's soul-purpose is to catch the most EVP's or a "trophy" EVP rather than investigate to seek a resolution for the person or people who need help fall into this category. An individual who focuses so much on attaining EVP of past loved one, devoting hours, days, years to the pursuit and letting the world past them by, falls into this category as well. As it's been said-- everything in moderation, excess is unhealthy.
As in any activity, their are risk to consider and EVP is not exception. In attaining EVP's, we sometimes open ourselves up emotionally and this is when the danger from things other than ourselves is greatest. However, I think the greatest threat from EVP is ourselves -- fear, obsessions, and misdirected motivations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As always, I look foward to comments, criticism, input and additional information anyone would like offer.
http://www.aaevp.com/articles/articles_about_safety.htm
American Association of EVP A Brief Discussion About the Safety of Communicating with the Other Side Tom and Lisa Butler
Spring 2003 AA-EVP NewsJournal
http://www.paranormaltaskforce.com/evpwarn.html
EVP Warnings- The Potential Dangers
Gregory Myers - Paranormal Task Force
http://evp-itc-australia.org/29.html
Vatican okays Transcommunication 2007
http://www.traditioninaction.org/religious/b009rpMichael.htm
The Prayer of St. Michael -- Original and Short Versions
http://www.iamhaunted.com/forum/posts/id_1477/
I Am Haunted.com Forum: Is It Dangerous to Listen to EVP's
When wondering how EVP's are possibly recorded, the theories of reality come into question. Much like the techniques for achieving EVP recordings, the theories on migration after death exist. Perhaps the article EVP and the Vatican : Vatican Okays Transcommunication, offers an explanation for the occurrence EVP's being recorded as, "...The entire Universe, the Ether consists of vibration, Energy, and of particular importance in this case the Electric and Magnetic "fluids". These "fluids" are not actually liquids as recognised in the physical world, but rather the electric and magnetic characteristics of the Universal Fire and Water elements. It is the electro-magnetic propagation properties of the Ether that allows the vibrations of the communications of the Spirit voices, thought waves in the form of Energy, to pass through the electromagnetic continuum of the Ether and thus to be recorded on magnetic tape." ( http://evp-itc-australia.org/29.html )
One of the biggest considerations, as in paranormal research, is the mindset of the individual(s) wishing to contact via EVP's. Flustration, anger, anxiety and other tumultuous energies can act as an attractant to "low level" entities as well as sufficient energy for dark entities and demons. These entities continue to flustrate and exacerbate these rawer emotions to their benefit. Just like in an investigation -- one has to realize at what point to stop, leave, and let the energy dissipate.
The Butlers in their article for AAEVP, A Brief Discussion About the Safety of Communicating with the Other Side, recount a good example:
"Harold Sherman, in an article written for Psychic Observer &
Chimes, recounted a friend's distressing experience in
trying to reach his wife and running into what he called "low
grade discarnates." When the man lost his temper and told
them to go away, it only seemed to increase their interference.
Sherman listened to some of the recordings and called it
pure drivel.
"Sherman came to the conclusion that the mental attitude of the
experimenter played an important part in what was
recorded. He wrote, 'It is as though low grade intelligences
come in on the emotionally disturbed 'wave length' of the
operator. Unless the mind is prepared through prayer or a
spiritually motivated meditative period, one is apt to invite
the wrong kind of communicants.'"
( http://www.aaevp.com/articles/articles_about_safety.htm )
A positive outlook and spirituality seem to aid in the "filtering" of the "low level" entities. Often prayers or meditation are recommended prior to beginning an EVP session to "still" oneself. Some even suggest reciting the prayer of St. Michael the Archangel before beginning any paranormal work or review. The employment iconography, talisman, or whatever spiritual items that would bring one comfort can be used. Greg Myers of Paranormal Task Force makes the point, "Never forget, the unknown does not have to resort to physical attacks and it can get inside your mind and mentally or psychologically en stow harm as well." ( http://www.paranormaltaskforce.com/evpwarn.html )
Fear is a great weapon, a powerful emotion, fear is tool of much darker things in this and other worlds and as FDR is widely quoted, "... Only thing we have to fear is fear itself". AA-EVP.com article, A Brief Discussion About the Safety of Communicating with the Other Side, reviewed the effort Jules and Maggie Harsch-Fischbach article, "...If you, at anytime, think you are in contact with low level entities, leave your tape recorder. Remain in control at all times... Negative thoughts, such as fear or hate, are powerful forms of energy, and this energy can accumulate and do harm...We advise people who are fearful of the unknown or who might have trouble keeping the voices in perspective, to pass on EVP. Our concern is that a person's fear might tend to be amplified by a close encounter with an entity." ( http://www.aaevp.com/articles/articles_about_safety.htm )
No actual example of harm from EVP work seems to been reported. Occassionally, a person may be "harassed". It doesn't have to be the researcher at the time, it may be someone listening to an EVP and then experiences "activity". I stumbled upon one of the best descriptions of an EVP acting as a "beacon" from a staff moderator, Keith Deel, at an I Am Haunted.com forum, "... It gives the spirit 'recognition' and can act like a beacon. Especially playing them aloud. Imagine if your neighbor started playing your recorded voice on a 5000 watt amplifier? You would come running to tell him to stop. Then imagine a open plane of existence where physical boundaries are limitless. Can they hear you play the audio? Perhaps. When dealing with demonic, the 'collective' is so vast, the demons who's 'voice' is recorded and played back, will come to you no matter where they currently reside in the universe..." (http://www.iamhaunted.com/forum/posts/id_1477/ )
The a similar point to the "beacon effect" was made by Greg Myers of Paranormal Task Force, that listening to EVP or observing footage may aggravate an existing paranormal situation. Myers states, "If you already have a home or are at a location which already has paranormal activity then playing certain audio or video of the unknown may greatly increase the activity you have been experiencing and if the audio or video of the unknown came from a negative source then you could possibly allow such into your home and life by listening or viewing it." ( http://www.paranormaltaskforce.com/evpwarn.html )
The "activity" that follows for some that have listened to EVP's they captured themselves or on websites has generated many groups to post warnings on their sites. Cautionary efforts by many groups and individuals for something that hasn't had a lot of documentation are everywhere. The lack of documentation doesn't mean it doesn't occur -- it just means efforts to collect data on the subject hasn't come to fruition yet. If activity does occur, contacting a faith practioner or an experienced paranormal group may be required. One has to realize -- you are taking actions that may have a ramification, you are responsible for this action. If you have fear of the unknown, paranormal, or demonic -- it is up to you to make a judgement call to listen or view paranormal material not the TV show, website, or host site.
Perhaps the greatest danger to EVP work is the over-absorption in the activity. An individual who's soul-purpose is to catch the most EVP's or a "trophy" EVP rather than investigate to seek a resolution for the person or people who need help fall into this category. An individual who focuses so much on attaining EVP of past loved one, devoting hours, days, years to the pursuit and letting the world past them by, falls into this category as well. As it's been said-- everything in moderation, excess is unhealthy.
As in any activity, their are risk to consider and EVP is not exception. In attaining EVP's, we sometimes open ourselves up emotionally and this is when the danger from things other than ourselves is greatest. However, I think the greatest threat from EVP is ourselves -- fear, obsessions, and misdirected motivations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As always, I look foward to comments, criticism, input and additional information anyone would like offer.
http://www.aaevp.com/articles/articles_about_safety.htm
American Association of EVP A Brief Discussion About the Safety of Communicating with the Other Side Tom and Lisa Butler
Spring 2003 AA-EVP NewsJournal
http://www.paranormaltaskforce.com/evpwarn.html
EVP Warnings- The Potential Dangers
Gregory Myers - Paranormal Task Force
http://evp-itc-australia.org/29.html
Vatican okays Transcommunication 2007
http://www.traditioninaction.org/religious/b009rpMichael.htm
The Prayer of St. Michael -- Original and Short Versions
http://www.iamhaunted.com/forum/posts/id_1477/
I Am Haunted.com Forum: Is It Dangerous to Listen to EVP's
Top Ten Haunted Hotels
I stumbled onto this via AOL Travel... AskMen.com article
http://www.askmen.com/fashion/travel_top_ten_100/146c_travel_top_ten.html
Top Ten Haunted Hotels
Have you ever heard of a ghost who plays the same, creepy tune on the piano over and over? What about a ghost who pinches the bottoms of unsuspecting guests?
If you're looking for a little paranormal activity this Halloween, then consider booking a room at one of the haunted hotels below. While many hotels and inns claim to be haunted, the ghosts lurking in these 10 places are particularly rowdy. Yes, they roam the hallways and scare the guests like most ghosts do, but they also make things levitate, ride invisible horses and buggies, and get fresh with the guests.
So if you're up for a little ghostly adventure, head to one of the hotels on this list. But do keep in mind that when you turn off the lights, you might not be alone.
Number 10
Myrtles Plantation
St. Francisville, Louisiana
The ghost at Myrtles Plantation is so well-known that she even has a name: Chloe. Chloe is said to roam around the grounds of this Louisiana-based hotel, and many guests have claimed to catch her image on camera. Myrtles' ghostly reputation has been reported in The New York Times, Forbes and on the Travel Channel. Catch one of their legendary mystery tours on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Height of fright: Near the grand piano, a ghost is said to continuously play the same melody.
________________________________________________
Number 9
Ancient Ram Inn
Wotton-under-Edge, England
The owner of the Ancient Ram Inn has come face-to-face with its ghosts: He claims to have been pulled out of bed by cold, hairy hands. His own daughter reports to have seen a creature that looked like a large black cat. But the Ancient Ram's ghosts don't limit themselves to haunting the owner and his family. Guests have heard strange knocking, doors slamming during the night, and have smelled some very strange odors permeating the hallways.
Height of fright: Beware of the Bishops Room. Here visitors reported that their beds levitated and that winds have ripped artwork from the walls.
________________________________________________
Number 8
Stanley Hotel
Estes Park, Colorado
The hotel's original owners -- the Stanleys -- haven't quite accepted their demise. According to reports, a ghostly couple haunts the lobby, the billiard room and sometimes plays a tune on the piano. But there must be a few other ghosts loitering in the hotel, as there are reports of children's voices being heard when none were around.
Height of fright: Room 217 inspired Stephen King to write part of The Shining when he stayed there. Also, the entire fourth floor is said to be teeming with ghostly activity.
Orbs of light caught on camera and three ghosts haunt this place...
________________________________________________
Number 7
The Plough Inn
North Yorkshire, England
The original owner as well as the maid of The Plough Inn both died in a fire back in the 1940s, but they never really left the building. According to some visitors, the maid's spirit comes by at night to fluff their pillows. Other visitors have reported to seeing a woman in a long black dress meandering in the hallways. Some guests have even caught orbs of light on camera.
Height of fright: The attic, where ghost hunters are said to have identified ghosts in 2004.
________________________________________________
Number 6
Dalhousie Castle Hotel
Bonnyrigg, Scotland
Dalhousie Castle's ghost is known to most visitors as The Gray Lady. According to legend, The Gray Lady is the ghost of the mistress of the house's original master. She was imprisoned in the castle by his wife and died there. The Grey Lady glides up and down the staircases, makes bizarre noises and sends out cold bursts of air.
Height of fright: Steer clear of the corridors at night, where The Grey Lady is said to roam freely.
________________________________________________
Number 5
Dragsholm Slot- Hotel
Sealand, Denmark
There are three regular ghosts that are said to haunt this hotel: a former maid of the hotel who comes by to check that everything is in order, the daughter of the former owner who died tragically but still wanders the hallways at night, and a prisoner who was captured there.
Height of fright: The courtyard where ex-prisoner the Earl of Bothwell is reported to ride in his horse and carriage every night.
________________________________________________
Number 4
Langham Hilton
London, England
To the unsuspecting visitor, the Langham Hilton is simply a posh London Hotel. But to many who have spent the night there, the Langham is one of England's most haunted buildings. According to legend, a BBC announcer who was staying there awoke to see a fluorescent ball in his room change into an Edwardian gentleman. This ghost is seasonal, so head to the Langham in October to catch a glimpse of it.
Height of fright: The basement, where the ghost of Napoleon III is said to have settled down for the rest of eternity.
Yes, they even have ghosts in Canada...
________________________________________________
Number 3
Ballygally Castle Hotel
Ballygally, Northern Ireland
According to the tale, Lady Shaw was running through the castle trying to escape her husband when she jumped out of a window and fell to her death. Clearly, she was not ready to leave the building because, to this date, she is said to loiter the premises. Another ghost named Madame Nixon also calls Ballygally her home. Guests identify Madame Nixon by the sounds of her dress rustling when she walks.
Height of fright: All of the guest rooms are haunted. Lady Shaw likes to tease the guests by knocking on the doors of their rooms and running away.
________________________________________________
Number 2
Story Inn
Story, Indiana
The ghosts at Story Inn go beyond the usual haunting. Yes, they roam the hallways like most ghosts do, but Story's ghosts also have attitude: One ghost was seen fixing her nails and another is said to have pinched a guest's bottom while she was in the throes of a romantic evening.
Height of fright: The Blue Lady Room, named after the blue light next to the bed -- when you turn it on the ghost appears.
________________________________________________
Number 1
The Fairmont Algonquin Resort
New Brunswick, Canada
The Fairmont Algonquin is not your usual seaside resort. Rebuilt in the early 1900s after being destroyed by a fire, the Fairmont has a colorful history. According to Fairmont legend, a woman apparently died of a broken heart in the hotel after she was left at the alter by her fiance. She has never quite left the Fairmont and guests have reported seeing her roam the hotel with her wedding dress still on.
Height of fright: Near the elevator, where guests have reported to having been greeted by an older bellman, and the hotel does not, in fact, have a bellman that fits that description.
you've been warned
If you're seeking an adventure into the paranormal, then one of the above hotels just might be the ticket. And if you don't believe in ghosts, an overnight stay at one of the above locales just might turn you into a believer.
Resources:
www.myrtlesplantation.com
www.ghostresearch.org
http://hotels.about.com
www.ctvtravel.ca
http://hotels.about.com
http://english.aliant.net
www.storyinn.com
www.paranormaldatabase.com
www.afallon.com
http://cotswoldedge.org.uk
http://en.wikipedia.org
www.clansofscotland.org
www.modernmagellan.com
www.forbes.com
http://hotels.about.com
www.hauntedcastlesandhotels.com
www.english-inns.co.uk
Hotel Reservations
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Sounds like some vacation plans in the work. Come on, you were thinking it too. Group rates, anyone??
http://www.askmen.com/fashion/travel_top_ten_100/146c_travel_top_ten.html
Top Ten Haunted Hotels
Have you ever heard of a ghost who plays the same, creepy tune on the piano over and over? What about a ghost who pinches the bottoms of unsuspecting guests?
If you're looking for a little paranormal activity this Halloween, then consider booking a room at one of the haunted hotels below. While many hotels and inns claim to be haunted, the ghosts lurking in these 10 places are particularly rowdy. Yes, they roam the hallways and scare the guests like most ghosts do, but they also make things levitate, ride invisible horses and buggies, and get fresh with the guests.
So if you're up for a little ghostly adventure, head to one of the hotels on this list. But do keep in mind that when you turn off the lights, you might not be alone.
Number 10
Myrtles Plantation
St. Francisville, Louisiana
The ghost at Myrtles Plantation is so well-known that she even has a name: Chloe. Chloe is said to roam around the grounds of this Louisiana-based hotel, and many guests have claimed to catch her image on camera. Myrtles' ghostly reputation has been reported in The New York Times, Forbes and on the Travel Channel. Catch one of their legendary mystery tours on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Height of fright: Near the grand piano, a ghost is said to continuously play the same melody.
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Number 9
Ancient Ram Inn
Wotton-under-Edge, England
The owner of the Ancient Ram Inn has come face-to-face with its ghosts: He claims to have been pulled out of bed by cold, hairy hands. His own daughter reports to have seen a creature that looked like a large black cat. But the Ancient Ram's ghosts don't limit themselves to haunting the owner and his family. Guests have heard strange knocking, doors slamming during the night, and have smelled some very strange odors permeating the hallways.
Height of fright: Beware of the Bishops Room. Here visitors reported that their beds levitated and that winds have ripped artwork from the walls.
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Number 8
Stanley Hotel
Estes Park, Colorado
The hotel's original owners -- the Stanleys -- haven't quite accepted their demise. According to reports, a ghostly couple haunts the lobby, the billiard room and sometimes plays a tune on the piano. But there must be a few other ghosts loitering in the hotel, as there are reports of children's voices being heard when none were around.
Height of fright: Room 217 inspired Stephen King to write part of The Shining when he stayed there. Also, the entire fourth floor is said to be teeming with ghostly activity.
Orbs of light caught on camera and three ghosts haunt this place...
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Number 7
The Plough Inn
North Yorkshire, England
The original owner as well as the maid of The Plough Inn both died in a fire back in the 1940s, but they never really left the building. According to some visitors, the maid's spirit comes by at night to fluff their pillows. Other visitors have reported to seeing a woman in a long black dress meandering in the hallways. Some guests have even caught orbs of light on camera.
Height of fright: The attic, where ghost hunters are said to have identified ghosts in 2004.
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Number 6
Dalhousie Castle Hotel
Bonnyrigg, Scotland
Dalhousie Castle's ghost is known to most visitors as The Gray Lady. According to legend, The Gray Lady is the ghost of the mistress of the house's original master. She was imprisoned in the castle by his wife and died there. The Grey Lady glides up and down the staircases, makes bizarre noises and sends out cold bursts of air.
Height of fright: Steer clear of the corridors at night, where The Grey Lady is said to roam freely.
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Number 5
Dragsholm Slot- Hotel
Sealand, Denmark
There are three regular ghosts that are said to haunt this hotel: a former maid of the hotel who comes by to check that everything is in order, the daughter of the former owner who died tragically but still wanders the hallways at night, and a prisoner who was captured there.
Height of fright: The courtyard where ex-prisoner the Earl of Bothwell is reported to ride in his horse and carriage every night.
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Number 4
Langham Hilton
London, England
To the unsuspecting visitor, the Langham Hilton is simply a posh London Hotel. But to many who have spent the night there, the Langham is one of England's most haunted buildings. According to legend, a BBC announcer who was staying there awoke to see a fluorescent ball in his room change into an Edwardian gentleman. This ghost is seasonal, so head to the Langham in October to catch a glimpse of it.
Height of fright: The basement, where the ghost of Napoleon III is said to have settled down for the rest of eternity.
Yes, they even have ghosts in Canada...
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Number 3
Ballygally Castle Hotel
Ballygally, Northern Ireland
According to the tale, Lady Shaw was running through the castle trying to escape her husband when she jumped out of a window and fell to her death. Clearly, she was not ready to leave the building because, to this date, she is said to loiter the premises. Another ghost named Madame Nixon also calls Ballygally her home. Guests identify Madame Nixon by the sounds of her dress rustling when she walks.
Height of fright: All of the guest rooms are haunted. Lady Shaw likes to tease the guests by knocking on the doors of their rooms and running away.
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Number 2
Story Inn
Story, Indiana
The ghosts at Story Inn go beyond the usual haunting. Yes, they roam the hallways like most ghosts do, but Story's ghosts also have attitude: One ghost was seen fixing her nails and another is said to have pinched a guest's bottom while she was in the throes of a romantic evening.
Height of fright: The Blue Lady Room, named after the blue light next to the bed -- when you turn it on the ghost appears.
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Number 1
The Fairmont Algonquin Resort
New Brunswick, Canada
The Fairmont Algonquin is not your usual seaside resort. Rebuilt in the early 1900s after being destroyed by a fire, the Fairmont has a colorful history. According to Fairmont legend, a woman apparently died of a broken heart in the hotel after she was left at the alter by her fiance. She has never quite left the Fairmont and guests have reported seeing her roam the hotel with her wedding dress still on.
Height of fright: Near the elevator, where guests have reported to having been greeted by an older bellman, and the hotel does not, in fact, have a bellman that fits that description.
you've been warned
If you're seeking an adventure into the paranormal, then one of the above hotels just might be the ticket. And if you don't believe in ghosts, an overnight stay at one of the above locales just might turn you into a believer.
Resources:
www.myrtlesplantation.com
www.ghostresearch.org
http://hotels.about.com
www.ctvtravel.ca
http://hotels.about.com
http://english.aliant.net
www.storyinn.com
www.paranormaldatabase.com
www.afallon.com
http://cotswoldedge.org.uk
http://en.wikipedia.org
www.clansofscotland.org
www.modernmagellan.com
www.forbes.com
http://hotels.about.com
www.hauntedcastlesandhotels.com
www.english-inns.co.uk
Hotel Reservations
--------------------------------------------------------------
Sounds like some vacation plans in the work. Come on, you were thinking it too. Group rates, anyone??
Wanted Input: Media’s impact on Paranormal Research
I'd like to know the opinions of fellow paranormal investigators, groups, and organizations about media's impact on the paranormal research field. I'd like to have the input of others for another : Paranormal meets ... blog.
What do you consider the best thing media coverage has done for paranormal research?
What do you consider the worst impact media coverage has had on paranormal research?
Does media coverage generate a skewed perspective for the audience?
Any other comments?
What do you consider the best thing media coverage has done for paranormal research?
What do you consider the worst impact media coverage has had on paranormal research?
Does media coverage generate a skewed perspective for the audience?
Any other comments?
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Apparitions-Tyrrell
Just a quick recount of Apparitions by G.N.M. Tyrrell (The Society for Psychical Research,1943). Is a more indepth look at some of the investigations by the British Society for Psychical Research. Many of the societies techniques have been adapted for modern research into the paranormal.
The deeper look into the Theory of Gurney and Theory of Myers might interest some people. It addresses the issue of influence by a "contaminating agent" how perceives the apparitions and dissiminates it into the surrounding populace.
The aspect of "agents of haunt dissimination" seems a possible point of concern into witness validation of hauntings. Maybe considering this a heresay factor to witnesses. Stories are compared and corraborated -- points adjusted or adopted -- and viola!! Identical or near identical recounts of an experience.
That's primarily what the research covered in this book does. It looks at the influences from a skeptical point of view. I encourage a review of it, I found it enlightening.
The deeper look into the Theory of Gurney and Theory of Myers might interest some people. It addresses the issue of influence by a "contaminating agent" how perceives the apparitions and dissiminates it into the surrounding populace.
The aspect of "agents of haunt dissimination" seems a possible point of concern into witness validation of hauntings. Maybe considering this a heresay factor to witnesses. Stories are compared and corraborated -- points adjusted or adopted -- and viola!! Identical or near identical recounts of an experience.
That's primarily what the research covered in this book does. It looks at the influences from a skeptical point of view. I encourage a review of it, I found it enlightening.
Ghost of the Southern Mountains and Appalachia- Roberts
Just a quick overview of Ghosts of the Southern Mountains and Appalachia by Nancy Roberts (University of South Carolina Press, 1978) is actually a quick read. Markedly only 150 pages, it's a composition of short recountings of haunts. Of course, my interest in the Bell Witch of Adams, TN was answered by page 12. (I won't deny, I can't get enough of this Tennessee legend.)
I have to say, it was tales I'd not really heard anything about. It was a bit of insight into the communities around which the tales are woven as well. This doesn't fall into the serious read category. Looking for a glimpse of Southern "haints", read it. It took less than 3 hours for myself.
I have to say, it was tales I'd not really heard anything about. It was a bit of insight into the communities around which the tales are woven as well. This doesn't fall into the serious read category. Looking for a glimpse of Southern "haints", read it. It took less than 3 hours for myself.
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