072808 Undisclosed Auditorium
Current mood: curious
Category: Dreams and the Supernatural

I managed to squeeze a little time out of investigation spot, for once it wasn't in use. After reviewing the wee bit of evidence I had, thought I might post an update.

Personal Experience

Approximately five minutes of entering the auditorium, I heard footsteps on the stage. The were slow and evenly spaced but no one to go along with them. I tried to see if it were the boards on the floor where I was standing that might have popped ones closer to the stage but couldn't recreate the sound.


Focus on the stage side room

In March I posted that I kept feeling like someone was looking at me from this room. So I focused my efforts on this location. I tried the video/audio function on my Kodak C643. Which I discovered, requires more light than I had and the screen is totally dark. Chalk that one up to learning. As for the audio, I'll have to play with that some more. I captured to what sounds like a footstep, possibly a second and a distant sounding thud. However, the quality is so low in my opinion, it's not worth sharing.

What I did find interesting was in two photos. I had thought I saw someone pass by the curtains to the stage but being the only one there and not hearing footsteps I dismissed it as a possible light reflection from a window. (This room is actually a wing to the stage it turns out. The windows line both sides of the auditorium.)

I looked at the first picture and then the following one. There appears to be an anomaly behind the curtain. So I enlarged both and in the second one there almost appears to be a face. Which is circled in the photo in the album.

Oh and battery drain.

So that's what I managed from this location and thought I'd update on it.

As always... input welcome.

Thanks for stopping by.

Randy Pausch

Randy Pausch
October 23, 1960 -- July 25, 2008

Randy Pausch came from obscurity, dealing with Pancreatic Cancer in a very public forum. What had started off as a message to his children became a message to humanity. He came forward not in glum and pity and expected to receive none in return. What he did do is ask, "Are you a Tigger or an Eeyore?"

Randy Pausch conveyed the importance of living, living not in remorse in what we didn't do but living within what we can and are doing. In "The Last Lecture" he reveals his personal journey to living.

I encourage you set aside the time, about an hour and half, and listen to his message within "The Last Lecture". Find out if you're a Tigger or an Eeyore. Find out how an ordinary man facing extraordinary odds changed the world.

____________________________________________________

Feedback is welcome as usual.

FYI, Youtube link to Carnegie Mellons video of The Last Lecture:

http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo


Original Post: 07.27.08

Simple Debunking and Then whats...

In taking a break from resume bombing local HR offices, I thought about debunking steps that I think anyone can take. Conclusions of the paranormal are often reached due to sounds experienced in the home. So I thought I might address this issue casually.



Why does the paranormal manifest at night?

Well, if an entity is in a home, they're probably there all the time and just drowned out. What makes them more noticeable in evening hours is that people are usually more quiet at this period. You unwind, household duties are most likely done, and you're (hopefully) in a more relaxed state -- all of which makes noticing unusual sounds, feeling, and sights more noticed.



I keep hearing a strange knocking sound...

Okay... first, does your toilet run? Silly question but a running toilet can change the pressure in the lines of your home and generate water hammer. It's not a constant occurrence, can seem to come from one location, and happen any time of the day. Solution: Replace the mechanics inside the toilet.

Next... when was the last time you drained your water heater? Yeah, I said drained. Sediment build up, mud, an... can impact not only the life of your heater elements and water heater but can make the funkiest of sounds. Follow your manufacturers instructions on draining your water heater. Observe the Temperature and Pressure valve on your unit as well -- does it drip? Replace it. This too can contribute to water hammer and your high water bills.

When in doubt, contact a licensed and professional plumber.



I keep hearing knocks and I fixed my toilet...

Okay... now let's survey the outside of the home. Any branches that can bang on house? Is there a loose siding, gutter, light fixture or shutter? Are you electric, phone, and cable wires properly secured to the exterior? Do you see any insect damage to your home that might tempt a woodpecker to come for a snack? Is your attic vent blocked?



I fixed the toilet, the broken shutter, called out terminex but STILL there's a knocking...

Okay... to the attic!!! Now, with great caution find and enter your attic space. DO NOT STEP BETWEEN JOICE... this will make a huge mess of you and your ceiling. Look for signs of animals -- squirrels, opossum, mice, rats, birds, bats an... They like to nest in the isulation or from your lovely bare rafters. Sometimes they will sound if they are wearing combat boots when they run. Be extremely caution is you find any animals!! Contact animal control, county extension, wildlife management or someone in the yellow pages to remove them. You will need to find how they got in or they or their cousins will move back in.

Look for loose joints, moisture marks, stress indicators -- straight line winds can do a lot of damage that goes unnoticed, cracked beams can mean the load of the roof isn't being carried properly causing the wood or structure to pop, creak, and occassionally moan. Observe how your roof is cross braced, if you only have a triangle as a roof - consult a contractor- your house is most likely holding up the weight of your roof and complaining about it.



Okay, I fixed the toilet, fixed the shutter, Terminex came, I had the little moochers, I mean, squirrel family moved outta' the attic by WMA and STILL I hear knocking...

Wow... you've been productive. Let's see, let's rule out family, pets and neighborhood. Account for them and their behavior as much as you can. Rule out lil Timmy's jumping on the bed? The dogs were asleep at your feet? The dishwasher, washer and dryer aren't going? No fireworks going off at the neighbors down the street? No loud thumping, earth moving car audio systems are nearby. No noticeable air traffic? No quarry near by?

Ruled everything out above... start the journal.



I have cold spots in my house...

Okay... let's rule a few things out. Insulate around door and windows to rule out gaps. Caulk around frames and wire openings. Check the glazing on your windows to insure you haven't or about to lose a pane of glass. These steps will not only rule out breezes from nowhere but you'll love what it'll do to your electric bill. You might even notice a drop in the little creepy crawlers you've been seeing.

Okay... this next step sounds silly. Make sure you are not on, near, or under an air vent or fan. Yep- simple... but sometimes something so simple is overlooked. A ceiling fan left on can train the ear to ignore the hum and become a phantom breeze.

Next, make sure your chimney and vents to your home work properly. If either is improperly installed or is malfunctioning you may experience a draft from air backflowing into the house.



Okay... it wasn't an air vent, I don't have a chimney, I fixed the drafts - there's still a cold spot, now what?

Okay, time to pull out a thermometer. You can go get one of those quick reads if you want an instant read but a good old house thermometer or weather station and patience will work just as well.

FYI... Home Depot has a hand held IR Thermometer by Actron for under $40 if you feel you have to have an instant reading. Shop around, you might find a better deal... just remember what else are you going to use it for?

Now... you put this information in the journal and perhaps even track it on a map. If the spot and temp stays stationary... question the situation. If it moves, keep track.



I saw something!!!!

Okay... let's rule some things out.

Did you just wake up? Sometimes images of dreams live into the waking world because the brain hasn't snapped out of REM.

Were you in a confused, panicked or startled state? Yet again, rule out that you fell asleep. Sometimes we are so tired it just takes sitting down and relaxing and the body is gone and brain is still going a mile a minute. Your body slips, flops, or whatever and it triggers a snap response to save yourself and the brain still flying high and you see the imagery.

Are you on any meds that warn of hallucinations? You'd be surprised how many meds warn of this --especially sleep aids and anti-depressants.

Are you of a sound mind? (For southerners, are ya a little touched in the head?) Well, it's an honest question. It has to be asked. It has to be considered. Stress even has unusual impacts that science is working out now. If there is something that impacts your mental health, seek help-- seek answers. Throw of the shame, kick the fear outta' the way and find a way to take back what is yours -- YOU.

Was there a mirror or reflective service involved? Have to consider you saw yourself or the tv being reflected. Maybe it was the coat and hat on the chair in the curio mirror that looked like someone sitting behind you. Rule out your environment.

Okay... now start the journal and take some pictures.





THINGS YOU CAN DO....

Keep a Journal

Keeping a journal is a tremendous help. This will provide you and anyone you approach with chartable data. If you start to see a pattern, that gives you a starting place to work with.

Log the following information:
-Time and Date
-Location where you were
-What you heard - the more detail the better
-People Present
-Type of weather - calm, rainy, light breeze, sunny, ect
-Measure temps (if applicable)



Photograph

Go into the room you are having trouble in and turn on all the lights and just photo the room. Digital is fine. Film is fine. Either will work. These photos will establish any reflective surfaces you're aware or unaware of. Print them, don't leave them on the card -- PRINT THEM and then reformat your card. This a good habit to get into. That way your kid's 2nd birthday won't stay on the card until their 5. Review your photos, make notes and store these so you can refer to them.

Next, plan into your normal day to bring your camera with you into your location. Set no expections just relax like you normally do and do what you normally do and when the urge moves you or you think you're experiencing something snap a couple of pictures. Do this as long as you like. When your done-- PRINT THEM and reformat the card. Review your photos, make notes, compare them to your well lit shots and make notes.

Next, review your journal and photos. Are there any patterns? Any anomalies? Is it anything you can debunk? Is it anything that can go unexplained? Are you ready to give up or are you more curious than ever?

Next, plan another photo session into your normal activity. This time, feel free to announce that you are using a camera, a machine that will allow you to see your house guest. That you'd love to be able to share them with friends and family and if they could just help however they can. Yes, it sounds quacky -- talking to something you may or may not believe is there but if you're this far into this blog you must have some motivations or curiosity of the paranormal.

It's been suggested not to use action words like capture, take, or such as the negativity attached to the phrase may alienate older entities that are unfamiliar with the technology. Keep it simple and friendly.

Take all the photos you want. Ask the entity to appear on a sofa, in a chair or standing on the stair -- consider you're journal. Yet again -- PRINT THEM and compare to previous photos. Make notes. Do this step several times and keep trying the same steps and locations -- especially if you get a response.



EVP

Okay... EVP (Electronic Voice Phenonem) has so many different techniques around it, I'm just gonna' hit on the most basic form --The question and response. Use a digital or analog recorder with a counter. If using an analog recorder - fresh tapes only, particularly of high quality. Use an external mic -- in a pinch use the little simple mike off your computer. You can use your computer if you like -- you'll just have to find recording software that is reliable.

When you start recording, record who's participating, the time, the date and the location. Helps you know the specifics -- especially if you come back to review the tape.

Plan your questions -- plan your pauses. Give time for anything to respond. If you rattle off one after another with no pause, how would anyone get a word in edgewise. Establish yes responses -- a knock on a wall or table. Ask them to provide you with a knock, use that location and attempt/response to verify they meant to knock.

Plan to reiterate your questions in different forms if you get an answer -- Did you live here? KNOCK You lived in this house? no sound You lived on this property? KNOCK

Conclude your taping session with the time, date and location. If you move to a different room to work, you'll realize you moved when you review the tape.

Review the tape with headphones when you can be still, alert, and attentive. Don't immediately try to review it, you'll be tired. Get rest and set a time within the next 48 hours to review it.

Why headphones? Well, it allows you to have a better listen. It's also been theorized that listening to EVP's without them can act like a lighthouse beacon -- HEY! Paranormal activity here -- let's hook up!!!

Make notes-- note the tape counter, what you heard and any other little notes you feel like.

If you want more information than this little bit I've provided, there are plenty of resources out on the web. AA-EVP.com is a resource to start with.



Homework

You will need to do some work. Look into the history of your home and/or property. County archives, newspapers archives, elderly neighbors on your block, ect. Dig for information- be relentless. If you thing something happened you'll have to look for it. If you don't know where to start, I suggest your local library and the reference librarian.



At any point... seek help from a paranormal group that you've researched. If you don't feel comfortable trying some of the interactive research steps, then don't. Provide what you can with as much details as possible to your local group you feel comfortable with. If a group comes to investigate and you don't feel comfortable about it, stop them at the door and tell them you're not comfortable with them. Work with who and what you are comfortable with.

________________________________________

As always -- comments, suggestions, opinions, an... are welcome.

Thanks for stopping by.



Original Post: 07.24.08

A Theory on UV’s impact on entities

Okay, one of my many theories...

I looked into UV light, visual perception and UV capable fauna. So I'll try to gather thoughts on my research...


It's greatly known that Bees and Kestrels (a few other birds of prey as well) still possess the cones that are required for UV perceptions. Somewhere along the lines of development - the human eye lost the ability to interpret light outside of the visual spectrum. According to one theory, light is composed of 3 groups - your short (xray, microwave, ect), your medium (the visual sprectrum) and your long (which is UV, "black" light, an...) Humans are regretfully (for the most part) relegated primarily to the medium.

Now, one of the theories on paranormal activity is that an entity draws energy to create energy (sounds, apparitions, ect.) Now with the creation of this energy comes covalent bonds - which is a form of chemical bonding that is characterized by the sharing of pairs of electrons between atoms. (Yes, yes, I'm an uber geektress. I won't deny it.)

Okay -- energy involves atoms -- neutrons, electrons, and protons. Fusion - the joining of atoms. (Fission- the splitting of atoms.) Now, it has been proven by science that UV light breaks down covalent bonds. In the skin that means breaking down the cell - usually collagen (that's what gives skin its tight and suppleness.)

So in the case of an entity trying to generate an energy form - using the UV light cause an fission process within the constructed covalent bonds. So essentially, the covalent bonds are dispersed and the entity flees because it cannot construct the necessary bonds to communicate/present itself.


So, that's my theory on the impact of UV light on an entity and it's potential structuring.


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As always input, comments, and so forth are welcome.



Original Post: 07.16.08

Auditorium- Undisclosed location- UPDATE

Thought I would post a curiosity that has occurred at the undisclosed Auditorium location for anyone of curiosity.

An attempt was made to have a dog enter the building that house's the Auditorium. Attempts were made a three entrances - basement-- 8 steps down, front-- 10 steps up, and side-- ramp that leads directly into the auditorium. The dog refused to budge at any entrance. It whined, back peddled, strained to get away and refused to budge with a push.

I was told that this wasn't the first attempt to get the dog to enter. The previous attempt had gone just like this one -- utter refusal to enter.

I did manage to debunk a few sounds that had been heard by a few people lately. There's a gap in the foundation and the upper level as well as between the outer facade and inner walls in the upper levels that apparently house various feathered and fuzzies ones seeking protection from the weather.

It's been difficult to gain access to the auditorium as of late due to activities that are planned and executed there. I hope that once it slows down to get back into the area and try some more investigating.

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As usual-- any comments, idea, feedback an... are welcome.

Thanks!


Original Post: 06.30.08

A Point of Curiosity -- Religion and the Paranormal

Another point of curiousity....

Not everyone is a member of mainstream religion. Even if they are, they may not think alike. This may or may not be something an investigator or group has encountered yet but may eventually. Sometimes these differences can create a point of difficulty in investigations -- relating to the point of view of the client, searching for resolutions for certain encounters, or purely addressing the issues at hand.

Religion can be a diversive topic.

It can generate anger when misunderstood.

Occassionally, groups suggest or use certain ritual or ceremony to bless, cleanse, or exorcise a home.


Anyone run into a religious barrier they've had to overcome?
Anyone walked away due to religious differences?
Anyone recommended a ritual or ceremony for a purpose to a client?
Anyone work with a group or person of non-traditional system?

Any comments on religion and the paranormal??


PLEASE... NO HATE SPEECH.



Original post: 06.27.08

Preoccupation...

I apologize for not being able to blog much on my research in the past few weeks. Traditional preoccupations -- job hunting and bills -- and research -- pooka, wee folk and human levels and transitions in cognition -- have slowed my blogging. (The research appears to be another 3 year effort for each.)

The drawback to research is that I start with one topic and it bifurcates. Then, of course, I'm drawn to add it to the list of research and so on. (A never ending cycle of reseach and learning-- at least I'm not stagnating in boredom.)

I hope to be able to pick up the blogging pace going forth. The Beyond Reality Radio Event forum provided the input I was looking for on Media's Impact on Paranormal Research and hopefully I can pull those thoughts together soon.

If there's any topic suggestions, please send them and I'll look into it. If you want to call into question any point of research -- go ahead add them to the comment of the blog. Feedback is greatfully appreciated.


Original post:06.23.08

Thanks for taking your time to read my post.