Spooked!Spooked!A gay ghost hunter's snippets of life... and the afterlife... Articles
I Wish I Could Quit You!
2008-04-28 07:37:00 Heath Ledger might not be resting in peace after all...At least that's what Michelle Williams, his former lover, is saying. She recently mentioned to friends that Ledger has visited her twice as an apparition.Williams was awakened one night to the sound of moving furniture. On another occasion, Ledger's spirit expressed his condolences for leaving Williams to raise Matilda, their two-year-old, alone and without his assistance. Both incidents have helped her deal with her loss and find some peace.The press is scoffing at these statements, claiming that it's merely a publicity stunt. They may be wrong, though: a few others including medium Bonnie Vent have seen Ledger's ghost and are starting to tell their stories.This might be only the beginning.... More About: Quit
Supernatural Spotlight: Loyd Auerbach
2008-04-28 06:02:00 This week, I decided it was time to highlight the man who inspired many paranormal investigators, including myself: Loyd Auerbach... author, parapsychologist, mentalist, professor, and lecturer.Indeed, Auerbach wears many hats.He received his Master's degree from John F. Kennedy University in 1981 and published his first and best-known book, ESP, Hauntings, and Poltergeists : A Parapsychologist's Handbook, in 1986. Only a few years afterward, I bought my own copy which I still have on my bookshelf today (no, not a very common literary choice for a nine-year-old). From there we went on to write a regular column for Fate Magazine and act as a member or adviser for many paranormal organizations across the country. Still, he is probably best known for his occasional appearances of television and documentaries involving ghosts and hauntings.His newest book, A Paranormal Casebook: Ghost Hunting in the New Millennium, was released in 2005. He is currently working with the University of C... More About: Supernatural , Spotlight
The (After)Life of the Party...
2008-04-28 04:24:00 Another long weekend draws to a close.Yesterday was the party at Chris' house. As we relaxed with some Heineken, the guests slowly arrived. Pizza, cookies, and snack food were devoured. Games were played. Laughter and good humor were openly shared. And there was cake too!Apparently, a few people felt that my isolated mood was brought on by my quiet birthday. Though I did enjoy the company of Evelyn and Bill tremendously, I would have liked seeing everyone else. Still, I knew that nothing ever works out to plan. Though the frozen ice cream cake definitely did life my spirits... I won't lie! Even after 10 days of being 29, I didn't mind the remembrance. A few issues and thoughts were hammered out and cleared up, making the mood far brighter than it has been in a while. Seeing many faces of the paranormal group definitely helps boost the camaraderie.After a late night and a miscalculation in temperature which brought me inside around 4:00 AM (note to self: sleeping on a screened por... More About: Life , Party , The Party
Those Were the Days My Friend
2008-04-26 17:03:00 Alas, I finally realize the days of investigating ghosts with a few friends, having a little fun and unwinding from life's other stresses are far behind me. What was originally planned as a small romp to Lonesome Lock ended up being a dinner/venting fest followed by a long trek in the park with over a dozen people. Going "back to my roots" and leaving all the drama behind just wasn't happening.Evelyn, her son, and I arrived at the Winking Lizard in Peninsula where we met up with Bill, Chris, and Ben. We grabbed some tables and waited for everyone else so our earlier discussions could commence. Once everyone showed up, the powwow began... and I was left in the corner of the other table. Yes, the "invisible boy" that I am remains my role. A hew people hashed out grievances while I discussed haunted places and ideas with Chris. I couldn't help but eavesdrop on the other conversation here and there, but I was sure to remember my place in it all. Bill passed out the brief historical s... More About: Friend , Days
Just Say No to Food Discrimination...
2008-04-25 18:22:00 Yesterday, I was killing some time with friends at World Market. We were browsing the international foods section when I felt compelled to seek out Vegemite. After a long search over countless aisles, I found Marmite, but no trace of the Aussie staple!Apparently, while a US ban on Vegemite was only rumoured years ago, no one imports it here anymore.Hello! It's made by Kraft Food s! How fair is that?Supposedly, it's because it contains folates, which the FDA only allows in breads and cereals (and, ironically, my sister was told to take by a doctor because it's good for growing babies). Not to mention the other nutritional benefits of the brown goo...I did my own digging with the FDA and found that it lacks nutritional information and "the common or usual name of each ingredient"... but US customs makes no mention of a ban on their site.Not fair! I've wanted to try Vegemite for years! Perhaps someone in Oz will take pity on me and discreetly send a small jar. If it really is banned... More About: Discrimination
Queer Paranormal Road Trip: The George Hotel
2008-04-25 06:04:00 Move over, Green Lady. You have some company.The George Hotel in Dereham, Norfolk has a few known ghosts: The Green Lady, the maid, and the night porter. Paranormal investigators from around the United Kingdom have visited this 18th century inn for many years to find evidence of spirits. Apparitions have been seen on the second floor. Glasses fly off shelves in the bar. People experience pain in their arms on the stairs where a maid fell to her death.And then someone discovered another presence.John Blythe of Haunted Weekend stumbled across a spirit in what was once the hotel's bakery. A male employee of the hotel mentioned a chilling experience while in the dry storage room. An unseen force was trying to unzip his pants one day. A medium picked up on a female presence in the area which kept touching her long hair in an effort to lift it up (as you would expect in a bakery... for sanitary purposes). A male medium also sensed a presence, only it kept trying to tug at his belt, much ... More About: Trip , Road Trip
For a Good Cause...
2008-04-24 17:00:00 Sometimes, the paranormal community gets bogged down in pettiness. Disagreements and conflicts get everyone off track. Arguments over protocol result in stagnant behaviour. A desire for fame and power overshadows purpose and humanity.Yet occasionally, paranormal investigators band together to do some good in the world.In Chester, UK, paranormal enthusiasts are doing just that. The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign has organized an event at the haunted Stanley Place in an effort to raise money for people suffering from the disease. Would-be ghost hunters are asked to raise funds for MD, and in return will be allowed an overnight investigation at the structure, built in 1591, on the 27th of September, joining investigators and psychics in their work.Another organization, Famous and Frightened, is getting celebrities involved in the same positive mojo. Stars from around the United Kingdom spend a little time poking around haunted locations in pursuit of the paranormal... and raise funds for ... More About: Good
Sleepless Near Seattle...
2008-04-23 19:45:00 Police in Federal Way, Washington, have a bit of a quandary on their hands. Exactly how do you investigate an alleged rape when the culprit can't be caught... literally?Two women living in an apartment on 25th Place South repeatedly called the maintenance man to complain that a ghost has been raping them on weekend nights for the past two years. Not feeling equipped at handling the situation, he told them to contact the police. Perplexed police officials will not comment on the crime, though they said they have no leads.One of the victims has stated that the first incident occurred while she was living in Kent. The activity seemed to follow her... and is now affecting her roommate.News reporters have been unable to track down the women for comment.Ghost hunter Ross Allison says that with all the paranormal shows on television, paranormal reports are way up... and he doesn't think it's a coincidence. According to Ross, many people "...start to label every little interesting thing ... More About: Seattle
Invasion of the Penis Snatchers...
2008-04-23 17:59:00 Be careful if you go to the Democratic Republic of Congo. You just might lose more then your wallet.Thirteen people are currently being detained by police after being accused of black magic. Allegedly, they have preyed on men, shrinking their genitals or making them mysteriously disappear. Supposedly, their motivation is extorting money from the victims to "cure" them.They aren't being held because the police take these accusations seriously: it's for their own safety.Once someone is labeled a sorcerer guilty of these misdeeds, the locals mob them. There have been several attempted lynchings already. Such occurrences are common in West Africa: nearly a decade ago in Ghana, a dozen people accused of penile thievery were beaten to death.No matter how illogical it may sound or how many times the irrationality is explained, many villagers take it very seriously. Especially Alain Kalala, 29, of Kinshasa."It's real," he said. "Just yesterday here, there was a man who was a victim. We s... More About: Penis , Invasion
No Signs of Intelligent Life Here...
2008-04-23 17:24:00 Are aliens really out there?Given the odds, it's more than likely that life does exist on other planets. But are they dimwits?Stephen Hawking, the well-known astrophysicist, posed this question Monday during a lecture at George Washington University. "Primitive life is very common and intelligent life is very rare. Some would say it has yet to occur on earth."This doesn't mean we shouldn't continue to explore space. Hawking compared space exploration to the voyages of Christopher Columbus. The benefits simply outweigh the risks. "Just think," he said, "we wouldn't have a Big Mac or KFC."Who new he had a sense of humor?Intelligent life is a relative term. Who is to say that we're not the idiots? Just because we can't detect "Zongregian Idol" being broadcast over the galaxies doesn't mean there couldn't be a life form out there with more sophisticated knowledge sending out messages that we have yet to comprehend.To claim that we're the smartest creatures in existence is just ... More About: Life , Signs
Armed and Not Very Dangerous...
2008-04-22 19:21:00 I don't want to leave out those of you, dear readers, who could care less about the environment...Therefore, I thought I'd mention another interesting holiday which we should all keep in mind for next year: the 22nd of March is World Pillow Fight Day.Organizers in many large cities stage massive pillow fights on this day. Clean-up crews are also asked to bring rakes and trash bags. If there isn't one in your nearest city, you can always schedule your own!I know a lot of us have some aggression to work out. What better way than bash people with down feathers?It reminds me of the Absolut vodka commercial riot scene. If only more wars and protests were fought this way: no casualties and a few laughs! More About: Armed , Dangerous
Stop to Smell the Roses...
2008-04-22 18:17:00 Once again, it's time to celebrate Earth Day: a day of environmental awareness around the globe. Though it may have come under fire in recent years, its message is poignant. With the current debate on global warming, this is a good time to contemplate the state of out environment and the impact we have upon it.No, I'm not some insane, radical "tree hugger" who is hellbent on bringing down the corporations and creating hippie communes around the world. Yet I do see carelessness constantly and an very mindful of out effects on the planet. Pollution is still a critical problem and our dependence on fossil fuels is a major issue. We all need to seriously take a look at our lives, and try to do something, however small, to avoid turning the world into our own private toxic waste dump.We are very much a throw-away society. Everything ends up in landfills. We burn coal, oil, gas, and petrol to an insane degree, forgetting that it isn't replaced overnight. Even if we don't care about th... More About: Roses , Stop , Smell
Supernatural Spotlight: Chris Woodyard
2008-04-21 06:16:00 Back when I began reading books on the paranormal, Chris Woodyard became a fast favorite. Before stumbling across her first book, Haunted Ohio, in 1991, I hadn't found many stories from my own state to seek out. Her books provided the first locations for my many weekend trips in pursuit of Ohio hauntings.Chris grew up in Columbus. Her father ran a small printing company. From an early age, she new that writing was her dream. She had some works of poetry published, worked as an editor, and even created a murder mystery novel (which ended up being stolen by a disgruntled secretary). After moving to Dayton with her husband and daughter, she finished her first book about her new hometown.The librarians in Beavercreek suggested ghosts as an idea for another book. Since there weren't really any Ohio ghost books out there, she decided it was an achievable goal (besides, she had a few paranormal experiences throughout her life). And that started the series of four books on Ohio ghosts, al... More About: Supernatural , Spotlight
He's Sasper...
2008-04-20 23:53:00 Here's something I stumbled across that's certainly twisted.Meet Sasper, the homosexual ghost, brought to you by the insane folks at SickAnimation!
The Ties That Bind...
2008-04-20 21:58:00 Good people make life worth living. No matter what happens in life, some of the friendships we make outlast everything negative we can go through. I usually don't take the time to thank my friends enough, so here's yet another opportunity... at least for the ones of whom I have photos.I have to start out with Joel, since he is both the farthest in distance (Australia) and the closest to my heart. I've known him for about two years now (has it really been that long?) and he's been the truest, most incredible friend I have ever had in my entire life. We can talk about anything with each other without fear of ridicule or embarrassment. Never once has he even remotely upset me, nor I him I hope. He has been there through some of my darkest hours with nothing short of awe-inspiring devotion. Because of all of these things, he is like the brother I never had (though far cuter then I would normally have had for a brother). Even though his seasonal bouts of depression may cause him to c...
Getting That Not-So-Fresh Feeling...
2008-04-19 23:48:00 Right about now, I would really like to take a nice shower. Feeling refreshed. Invigorated. Clean.Of course, there's a bit of a dilemma: no hot water as of some time yesterday evening.Before notifying the landlord, I did take a cold shower last night (a very fast cold shower...), and as of moments ago there's still nothing warm coming out of the sink. Lovely!I'm sure if the problem will persist, he'll say something. Right?If it were raining a little harder, I could at least stand outside for a little while... grab some soap on a rope... be a hippy...Nothing like spending a Saturday evening feeling all icky... More About: Fresh
They're Back...
2008-04-19 19:31:00 For those who are yet unaware, on July 25th a new X Files movie will hit the theaters.Agents Mulder and Scully will once again return to the big screen, though it will be different from the first movie in every possible way. Instead of the quest for UFO proof which dominated the storyline during the end of the television series, the new movie will hearken back to the beginnings of the show. The plot involves monsters and the paranormal instead of aliens.Just this week, they finally announced the title: I Want to Believe.Though the series has been off the air for a long time, it remains a bit of a cult classic. At times, it could be a bit campy, though a streak of humor always kept things amusing. And of course, the show was never afraid of poking a little fun at itself. More About: Back
Queer Paranormal Road Trip: Mile High Grill & Inn
2008-04-18 06:09:00 Is there a cold pussy beside you in bed?Hopefully, that means you're staying at the Mile High Grill & Inn in Jerome, Arizona. What once was yet another ghost town in the southwest has become a lovely, quaint little town. And what better reason to go than to stay at the lesbian-owned-and-operated (and reportedly haunted) hotel.Owners Jet and Liz are aware of some strange happenings in their building. Unexplained sounds and misty shapes have been witnessed by visitors. The doors of an armoire in the Lariat and Lace Room have mysteriously fallen off their hinges several times. And then there's the feline spirit which frequently sits on the beds.At one time, the downstairs restaurant was a hardware store. A man purchased a gun and was stopped by a sheriff as he was leaving. The man opened fire and the sheriff shot him dead on the sidewalk. Some believe his presence can still be felt in the stairwell leading to the upstairs hotel.So if you find yourself in Arizona, looking for a li... More About: Paranormal , Trip , Road Trip
Speaking of Ghosts...
2008-04-17 17:57:00 Tonight, I'll be on "Let's Talk Ghosts ", an internet radio show brought to you by TOP-Org, an Ohio-based paranormal group. It is hosted by Doc J and co-hosted by Sandy Both. This is actually my second time appearing on the program.The scheduled topic is my book, Haunted Cuyahoga, though I'm sure it will deviate many times. I know she wants to talk about the recent copyright infringement problems online, and we'll probably ramble on about other random topics including those called in by listeners.The show will air at 8:00 PM EST (1:00 AM GMT for those in England, 10:00 AM EST Friday morning in Australia). Of course, if you want to listen but won't be able to at airing time, the previous shows are available on the radio show website. More About: Speaking
A Small School for Spookery...
2008-04-17 06:09:00 Curious about ghosts? Why not attend Ghost Hunter University?Christopher Moon of Haunted Times Magazine is the creator of this paranormal seminar, held at haunted locations around the US. Among the locations holding G.H.U. this year are Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast in Massachusetts, Mason House Inn Bed & Breakfast in Iowa, and The Brumder Mansion Bed & Breakfast in Wisconsin. Participants learn the basics of investigating hauntings and have opportunities for hands-on training during their weekend stay. They also recommend that you bring your own camera, camcorder, EMF meter, and voice recorder.So far, the past few years have been quite successful. And whether you're a novice or a skeptic, they welcome everyone.If you're at all curious, just call 1-877-880-6232 for further information... or check the Haunted Times website. More About: School , Small
All Psyched Out Over Nothing?
2008-04-17 00:12:00 Psychics in the European Union just might be feeling a bit of performance anxiety in the near future.Since 1951, the Fraudulent Mediums Act has protected both psychics and their customers. Proof of fraud is required, thus convicting a fortune teller of misdeeds has been so difficult that only ten people have been found guilty in the past two decades. Now there is talk of instituting a new Consumer Protection Regulations. Disclaimers announcing the experimental nature of readings and no guarantee of results will be necessary, thought they will not always avoid civil action by both consumers and skeptics.Cries of religious persecution are ringing out in England. Essex Spiritualist Carole McEntee-Taylor says these disclaimers require psychics to "lie and deny their beliefs" to avoid persecution and/or prosecution. Her husband David believes the new law "...is taking a religion... and turning it into a financial transaction."Others, such as researchers for BadPsychics (who also have a s...
All News is Good News...
2008-04-16 19:42:00 So it's been a good week thus far.Last night, Bill kidnapped me for some pizza and television at his house. Evelyn joined us for a good evening... she was even a good enough sport to suffer through the pilot episode of Dante's Cove! We watched American Idol, which is something I rarely do. I've been on this "no television" kick for a long time. Partially it's because I never remember when anything is on anymore!I came home and crashed without checking my email. This morning I heard from a gay filmmaker who I will be blogging about more in the future. Hopefully his pointers will help me get somewhere with my one script. I'm remaining optimistic about it.Other than that, I'll be returning to my odd news blog posts soon too. I have several things to write but it may take me a little while to get them all down on here. Plus, I was featured on LGBT Bloggers yesterday (er, today technically... since Australian Eastern Standard Time is 14 hours ahead of ours). Another pleasant surpri... More About: News , Good News , Good
One Foot Closer to the Grave...
2008-04-15 18:34:00 Today, I turned 29.It has been a decent day thus far. The weather is more pleasant than anticipated by the local news, much to my surprise. I spent part of the morning renewing my state identification, just so Homeland Security won't pester me about having 'my papers'. And so I begin my slow approach to 30, without the risk of being arrested for a lack of identification......and unfortunately, without a cake or a stripper... lolI still don't quite feel older. Then again, I don't necessarily act it either. Most birthdays for me have just been another day. It's not that I'm against the celebratory aspect (sometimes, I seriously am amazed that I've survived life this long), but when you have friends spread out far and wide, one big party just isn't entirely possible.So far, my life has been interesting... at times tumultuous. Though I often believe I'm boring, I have accomplished much in the past decade. I have been to London; visited Paris twice (though the second time was a... More About: Grave , Closer , Foot
Some Revelations Are Better Late Than Never...
2008-04-14 07:30:00 And so, with the whirlwind of drama still buzzing around me in a cloud of gray and less than 24 hours remaining before I turn 29, I have had a bit of an epiphany.I seriously think the universe is trying to tell me that I need to get back to my writing.No, I'm not talking about the book sequel. I mean my other writing: screenwriting. You know, my yet-untouched-and-unfinished second movie script... the sketch comedy ideas my friends and I have toyed with and I have jotted down on paper (i.e. "F.A.G.S.")... a few other storylines I've been contemplating off and on...The writing that made me happy.Some of the companies I would love to work with don't accept unsolicited submissions and that's been a major hurdle for me. It stopped me months ago from carrying on. But then it dawned on me. Why not just ask them what agencies they work with?Duh!So I sent emails out tonight. In the mean time, while I'm attempting to slay that dragon known as drama which seems to fight ever harder to inv... More About: Revelations , Late
Out With the Not-So-Old...
2008-04-14 04:24:00 Change is in the wind in Peninsula, Ohio.The Blue Heron Bookstore is now closed after nearly four years of business. According to the Akron Beacon Journal, it is only temporary in some ways. They will be reopening in May with a new name and management.Still, a bit of shocking news for me. They were the only local bookstore carrying my book. I guess in another month I'll find out if that still will be the case. I have no idea what happened, but I know that times are rough around here.Is it just me, or is everything deciding to shift as my birthday approaches?This is what I get for constantly saying that "this is a year of change"....
Muted Moods and Evenings Out...
2008-04-13 20:39:00 I'm beginning to realize that we must be going through a global depression/apathy. Everyone I talk to is feeling "under the weather" in some form. I think humanity is beginning to shut down because of everything happening in the world today. Most of us are tired, down, and just over everything... and that seemed to almost be the theme for the weekend.Friday's banquet was okay. I tripped over a light on the floor shortly after entering the room, which should have been a sign. Most of the people spent the whole time complaining about the food, lack of prises, and everything else they could find fault in. While outside trying to unwind with a cigarette, I had a conversation with the owner of the bowling lanes. He served time in the Gulf War and had been through a lot in life... and even he was frustrated by the crankiness in the room. He said that while in Iraq, a friend of his died in front of him. His last words were, "Fuck it, guys. I had a great time with all of you."Definitely w... More About: Moods
Do You Fear That a Queer Ghost Hunts Here?
2008-04-11 19:02:00 When I first set out in the paranormal community, I felt alone. Not for being new, but for being gay. I felt as though it were a non-issue; it had nothing to do with ghosts or death, honestly. I never brought it up, but I never denied it if asked about it. Aside from a few small-minded individuals (mostly online... a few paranoid men and a handful of "devout Christians" who spoke openly about how horrible the lifestyle was right in front of me, not knowing I was one myself), I never had much problem with anyone I worked with for over a decade.Like it or not, it's a part of who I am. I spent years suffering in silence, feeling a bit like a fraud. I wasn't being honestly who I am. Even though I was essentially "out" (many people don't realize that coming out is a chronic and constant process), I would shut down in the paranormal community.Slowly that changed. I met some of my closest gay friends through ghost hunting. Everywhere I turned, there were more gay and lesbian paranormal ... More About: Ghost , Fear
I Reiki Your Yard, Four Dollar!
2008-04-11 05:22:00 And another fun night was had at the metaphysical shop. Tonight's topic: Reiki massage.Chris and I arrived a tad bit late because of traffic issues, but that wasn't a problem. Everyone did a very abbreviated introduction and away we went! A 29-year-old named Mike used us as some extra practice for becoming a third-degree Reiki master. And oh my... he was cute! Maybe 5'7" tall, shaggy light brown hair, a small goatee... nice smile. I was as giddy as a school girl meeting Jessie McCartney for the first time.Of course, Mike didn't do Reiki on me. I left that to Evelyn. But one of these days, I'd love for him to Reiki me...Shut up.It was an interesting experience, though it's the second time I've been through it. It's not your typical massage: it involves movement of energy instead of relaxing muscles. It's different to say the least. We patiently waited as everyone had their turns while the rest of the group meditated and sent and/or absorbed positive energies... which was a ... More About: Dollar , Yard
And Now for Something Completely Different...
2008-04-10 19:25:00 This week has been a definite departure from my typical blog entries as of late. I'm actually talking about myself and my life again instead of the standard goofy news stories.In a nice "pay it forward" move, I contact every author who was also plagiarized by the eBay seller (which amounts to over 40 people) and notified them of the incident. I've received a dozen thank-you notes about it too. One of the victims here in Ohio has even contacted the local media to see about running a story on the issue. That might be a wise idea, considering Lulu hasn't replied to me yet and eBay had me send in forms so they can tell the person how naughty they were. And suing them would end up being a matter of principle only, since the seller is foreign and undoubtedly has no money. It would cost more to take legal action than any of us would gain.So much for justice!But who knows... maybe there'll be a class action suit at some point. This all isn't over quite yet...Otherwise, life is strange....
Momma Said There'd Be Days Like This...
More articles from this author:2008-04-09 05:23:00 Happy early birthday to me...I'm being plagiarized in a very vulgar, crude, and careless manner.I decided to check my email one last time before bed. To my surprise, I have an email from Chris Woodyard waiting for me. It appears an unscrupulous Ebay member decided to make some quick cash and has been reprinting my book, Haunted Cuyahoga, on cruddy, spiral-bound paper and selling copies!Apparently, troop_211 hasn't just pinpointed me as her sole victim. She has also reprinted several other books, spiral-bound them, and is selling the fakes on the website.No, I'm not taking this lying down. I have already contacted Lulu's copyright and intellectual copyright infringement department and am taking action... whatever can be done, at least.I realize many of us are suffering from a worrisome economy, but last I checked, piracy is a major faux pas to say the very least! Hopefully something can be done. In the mean time, I'll see what Lulu has to say... and you can bet I'll be tracking... More About: Days , Momma 1, 2, 3 |
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