Thursday, April 29, 2010
Spectral Stereotypes "The Man With The Top Hat"
Yesterday my group did a presentataion to one of our clients. Since there wasn't a lot of media there is was more relaxed than usual. I like those better because we get a chance to really talk to our clients and their family. As with most informal presentations we all got to talking about ghost stories and history about the town. It seems that one in three people have seen have seen this guy:
or this guy
Who exactly is this fancy spectral man? Why is he always a "shadow person"? Why does he show up everywhere? bysides costume parties or halloween costumes, the top hat is not a modern accesssory. So it can safely be debated that these fancy men must have lived more than a century ago.
Well, most of them anyway.
Anyway, a quick google search says that top hats were worn on a daily basis from 1812 until the 1920s when fadoras and bolder hats became popular. Top hats had to be made from a hat maker and because of the industrial revolution they fell out of favor because the fadoras and bolder hats could be auto produced. That doesn't make much sense to me but what do I know about men's hats? Since these hats had to be hand produced they were expensive and used as a status symbol. So in theory there must be a bunch of wealthy GQ men with unfinished business. It is my hope to one day find these mysterious top hatted men and find out what the deal is.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Finding the Right Fit.: The quest for your own investigative family.
I am officially ordained. Or rather, I will be when I pay upwards of 5.99 ( PLUS 7.99 S&H) to http://www.themonastery.org/ check it out. The world needs more Ministers, Rabbis, and Masters of Wicca. That's what's up.
Besides that little interesting event today I would like to talk about the dynamic of a paranormal group. While working on my college degree alongside working with the paranormal the two have become intertwined in my overall education experience. I write about my group at school and use what I learn at school in the field. One of the major things I've have learned at college is interpersonal communication skills and their importance are in paranormal investigating. About a year ago with my team, someone said that this has become more than a hobby and more of a job. Truer words have never been spoken. And like a typical workplace, there are people who get along, people that don't get along, friendships, alliances, and people who quit to go find somewhere else to work (investigate). Since paranormal groups don't offer pay checks or health benefits, the latter is often the most used option when things get a little tense. With a little cooperation and patience most problems can be resolved.
However, there are times, many a times, when ties should be cut and wounds should be left to heal. Paranormal investigators often have both a friendship and a professional relationship with members. You may love the experience or knowledge that someone brings to the investigation but the car ride back with that person may make a you uncomfortable, uneasy, or awkward. This problem may compound when you add sexual harassment in the mix. The lines between a joke and making someone feel uncomfortable may be a little blurred. If you ever feel uncomfortable, speak up and tell someone. It may be embarassing or uncomfortable to talk about but just leaving it alone will make it WORSE. Trust me. SPEAK UP!
Anyway, past that tangent, finding a paranormal group that suits your needs may be a little difficult. And once you find a group it will undoubtedly take a lot of moving, stretching, and dismissing before you find the right people for you. Here are some helpful guidelines when looking for a group:
1. For the interview or first meeting, meet in an open public area and if best bring a friend with you.
2. When meeting your potential group ask questions. Ask: how often they investigate? how late do they investigate into the night? Is there car pool? How much are dues? What are their polices on evidence reviews and attendance/participation? Does anyone carry weapons? Who's in charge?
3. Check out their website. Any legit group should have some kind of web presence where the public or group members can communicate
4. Find out what kind of activity they support is evidence. Are they orb supporters? Or do they rely on psychics? Nothing can be as frustrating as arguing over activity in the field or at the review table.
5. Find out if they are fakers. No one looks good if you associate or have been associated with a group of investigators that fake evidence.
I hope this helps anyone interested in pursuing an investigative group.
Email me for questions at ashley.miller09@hotmail.com
Besides that little interesting event today I would like to talk about the dynamic of a paranormal group. While working on my college degree alongside working with the paranormal the two have become intertwined in my overall education experience. I write about my group at school and use what I learn at school in the field. One of the major things I've have learned at college is interpersonal communication skills and their importance are in paranormal investigating. About a year ago with my team, someone said that this has become more than a hobby and more of a job. Truer words have never been spoken. And like a typical workplace, there are people who get along, people that don't get along, friendships, alliances, and people who quit to go find somewhere else to work (investigate). Since paranormal groups don't offer pay checks or health benefits, the latter is often the most used option when things get a little tense. With a little cooperation and patience most problems can be resolved.
However, there are times, many a times, when ties should be cut and wounds should be left to heal. Paranormal investigators often have both a friendship and a professional relationship with members. You may love the experience or knowledge that someone brings to the investigation but the car ride back with that person may make a you uncomfortable, uneasy, or awkward. This problem may compound when you add sexual harassment in the mix. The lines between a joke and making someone feel uncomfortable may be a little blurred. If you ever feel uncomfortable, speak up and tell someone. It may be embarassing or uncomfortable to talk about but just leaving it alone will make it WORSE. Trust me. SPEAK UP!
Anyway, past that tangent, finding a paranormal group that suits your needs may be a little difficult. And once you find a group it will undoubtedly take a lot of moving, stretching, and dismissing before you find the right people for you. Here are some helpful guidelines when looking for a group:
1. For the interview or first meeting, meet in an open public area and if best bring a friend with you.
2. When meeting your potential group ask questions. Ask: how often they investigate? how late do they investigate into the night? Is there car pool? How much are dues? What are their polices on evidence reviews and attendance/participation? Does anyone carry weapons? Who's in charge?
3. Check out their website. Any legit group should have some kind of web presence where the public or group members can communicate
4. Find out what kind of activity they support is evidence. Are they orb supporters? Or do they rely on psychics? Nothing can be as frustrating as arguing over activity in the field or at the review table.
5. Find out if they are fakers. No one looks good if you associate or have been associated with a group of investigators that fake evidence.
I hope this helps anyone interested in pursuing an investigative group.
Email me for questions at ashley.miller09@hotmail.com
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Friday Book Review "Three Men Seeking Monsters"
I've been trying to work on a book review all week but I've been sick recently. I've taken enough allergy and Tylenol PM to feel human lately, and I decided if I'm going to get something going the best way is to do it. I have felt a connection to the paranormal since I figured out the concept of communication to dead people could be possible, and there might be some monsters that are real.
That's crazy.
However, I decided I would tell you about a book that changed my view on paranormal research. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to load up you and your like minded friends and travel the countryside looking for monsters? What about renting a camper and doing it all summer? Sounds like heaven to me and author Nick Redfern did just that.
He and two friends traveled around the British countryside looking for werewolves, lake monsters, giant cats, devil dogs,and ape men. What makes this book so different from the normal paranormal books on the self is that it is written from a layman's perspective. Redfurn claims no psychic abilities or fake degrees. He finds new perspective in what is normally seen as individual occurrences. He documented a conversation with a self proclaimed witch named Mother Sarah I have I highligthed from my copy of the book I bought in the 8th grade:
"The hey to understanding the beasts is belief," said mother Sarah..."They coexist with us because we want them to exist with us and for no other reason."
"So peopole are imagining that they are seeing these things, then?" [he] asked.
"Not at all, lad, not at all. Do you know what a Tulpa is?" she asked.
You'll have to buy the book to learn exactly what a tulpa is, but I will finish my point. The old witch believed that creatures and beasts we regard as paranormal are actually created by the imaginations of powerful people and then sustained by the belief in them. It may sound ridiculous but anyone who's ever researched demons can tell you the worst thing you can do is talk about them or think about them. Although disputed this has still been held up a rule about demons. Why wouldn't these monsters be held up to the same standard?
When
I was 13 I read this book and it made a powerful impression on me. The idea that someone can go off and do whatever makes them happy is a great inspiration. Then later on learning that people have the power to sustain and destroy monsters by their on consciences just blew my mind.
If that wasn't moving enough, I googled mr. RedFurn and found his myspace. I sent him a message telling him what his book did for me and he responded! I was shocked and thrilled! Sadly I don't have our correspondence anymore but I do recall him encouraging me to pursue a writing career and to not live the 'nine to five'. Years later I saw him on an episode of monster quest. Nick Refurn's help has made start this blog and pursue a career in what I love.I hope to one day meet him.
you should buy a copy!
That's crazy.
However, I decided I would tell you about a book that changed my view on paranormal research. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to load up you and your like minded friends and travel the countryside looking for monsters? What about renting a camper and doing it all summer? Sounds like heaven to me and author Nick Redfern did just that.
He and two friends traveled around the British countryside looking for werewolves, lake monsters, giant cats, devil dogs,and ape men. What makes this book so different from the normal paranormal books on the self is that it is written from a layman's perspective. Redfurn claims no psychic abilities or fake degrees. He finds new perspective in what is normally seen as individual occurrences. He documented a conversation with a self proclaimed witch named Mother Sarah I have I highligthed from my copy of the book I bought in the 8th grade:
"The hey to understanding the beasts is belief," said mother Sarah..."They coexist with us because we want them to exist with us and for no other reason."
"So peopole are imagining that they are seeing these things, then?" [he] asked.
"Not at all, lad, not at all. Do you know what a Tulpa is?" she asked.
You'll have to buy the book to learn exactly what a tulpa is, but I will finish my point. The old witch believed that creatures and beasts we regard as paranormal are actually created by the imaginations of powerful people and then sustained by the belief in them. It may sound ridiculous but anyone who's ever researched demons can tell you the worst thing you can do is talk about them or think about them. Although disputed this has still been held up a rule about demons. Why wouldn't these monsters be held up to the same standard?
When
I was 13 I read this book and it made a powerful impression on me. The idea that someone can go off and do whatever makes them happy is a great inspiration. Then later on learning that people have the power to sustain and destroy monsters by their on consciences just blew my mind.
If that wasn't moving enough, I googled mr. RedFurn and found his myspace. I sent him a message telling him what his book did for me and he responded! I was shocked and thrilled! Sadly I don't have our correspondence anymore but I do recall him encouraging me to pursue a writing career and to not live the 'nine to five'. Years later I saw him on an episode of monster quest. Nick Refurn's help has made start this blog and pursue a career in what I love.I hope to one day meet him.
you should buy a copy!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Equipment
I've often said I wanted an utility belt for all the gadgets ghost hunting requires. Staples include: flashlights, digital cameras, EMFs, gausses, extra batteries, night vision cameras, thermometers, and as of late, G-pods( a rip off of frank stumpton's Frank's box) Although we all want a thermal imaging camera, they are few and far between. And really if you think about it, that's not true proof of the paranormal. In fact, nothing is really set in stone when you talk about the paranormal. Ghost business is a see it to believe it business. Unless a spirit manifests, kisses you on the mouth, and steals your wallet, most people will call you nuts. Maybe we all are. Many times in the field, I've wondered, did something really just touch my hair? Did I really see that? Most times 'debunking' or figuring out what caused formally unknown phenomena, surrenders mundane results. It's the air conditioner turning off and on that makes those steps, or the wall had structural fatigue so we need to check the screws to see if they need a nap? More tools!
What?
I believe most of all this ghost business is in our minds. IF you expect a ghost you'll wait on them to arrive. And no you probably left your keys on the table, even though "that's where you never put them".
But, I am a true believer that ghosts and paranormal activity does exist, and you need equipment to prove it, to the believers. Man made equipment does fail from time to time. It may give wrong readings or you're reading it wrong. But I put much more faith in an EMF than I do a psychic. Which, don't get me wrong, I do believe there are some psychics that are true and all that jazz, but as far as bringing them on an investigation, you might as well leave them at home with the oujia board.
The equipment I suggest (and trust):
Flashlight
Digital Camera*
Quality EMF
Laserpointing Thermometers
*Although you can take shots that 'produce ghosts yourself, seeing is believing and occasionally you can run into something great. Like the Amintyville Horror ghost boy. You can use disposable cameras. The legends over at theshadowlands.net suggest these but they can get expensive and there's really no way to prove nothing got tampered with in the delevoping.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Experts
What makes someone an expert? Is it because they are very versed in a subject? No, that would be a hobbyist. And to be a hobbyist would mean that you have a passion for something. And a passion would mean that that subject moves you. And whenever you are moved by something it gives you a high by just thinking or talking about it. And what would draw the moth to the flame?
Paranormal experts are a dime a dozen, and sometimes the dozen is half off so really you're getting 18 paranormal experts with about a dollop of quality and professionalism between them. The tricky thing about finding yourself a professional paranormal expert is the fact that there simply isn't any. The truth is, if you pay attention to a season of TAPS or PARANORMAL STATE then you already have 90% of the technical language down. You would know what an Orb is, and that it should ultimately be discredited. You would know the difference between an EVP, EMF, and a GAUSS. In fact, the only thing that separates you and them, them 'experts', is personal experience. And that, I assure you, is where the top film separates from the rest of the pudding.
Personal experience can range from seeing the man in the top hat every night at 3:00 AM, having the strong smell of your aunt's perfume come over you within the hour that she passed, or having a ghost lash you from behind with a spectral whip. (Which I assure you, does happen) Friends, being a true expert means that you have taken your hobby and turned it into your biggest passion, explored it, scared your self to death, and then coming back every weekend. Being an expert isn't knowing how to work Frank's box, or even why it works. Being a paranormal expert is to be professional, kind, knowledgeable, safe, and hardworking. That's what truly sets a paranormal expert from a couch potato.
Paranormal experts are a dime a dozen, and sometimes the dozen is half off so really you're getting 18 paranormal experts with about a dollop of quality and professionalism between them. The tricky thing about finding yourself a professional paranormal expert is the fact that there simply isn't any. The truth is, if you pay attention to a season of TAPS or PARANORMAL STATE then you already have 90% of the technical language down. You would know what an Orb is, and that it should ultimately be discredited. You would know the difference between an EVP, EMF, and a GAUSS. In fact, the only thing that separates you and them, them 'experts', is personal experience. And that, I assure you, is where the top film separates from the rest of the pudding.
Personal experience can range from seeing the man in the top hat every night at 3:00 AM, having the strong smell of your aunt's perfume come over you within the hour that she passed, or having a ghost lash you from behind with a spectral whip. (Which I assure you, does happen) Friends, being a true expert means that you have taken your hobby and turned it into your biggest passion, explored it, scared your self to death, and then coming back every weekend. Being an expert isn't knowing how to work Frank's box, or even why it works. Being a paranormal expert is to be professional, kind, knowledgeable, safe, and hardworking. That's what truly sets a paranormal expert from a couch potato.
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