tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14522626117105376772024-03-05T16:18:21.004-05:00The J FilesScribblings of An Amateur Paranormal EnthusiastJohn Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452262611710537677.post-69670271959644230022010-01-20T10:02:00.003-05:002010-01-20T10:05:49.461-05:00- Wednesday's Word - "Ghost Hunters"<div style="color: #274e13;">I haven't posted in over a month so this one may require 2 cups of coffee... but I'll try to summarize as best I can.... in order of importance, more or less.<br />
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</div><div style="color: #274e13;">To reiterate, my friend GG and I have formed a small team to investigate POSSIBLE paranormal activity. Simply put, we are "ghost hunters"... So many people use "paranormal investigator" and "ghost hunter" interchangeably, although I really don't like that term as to me it denotes "thrill-seeker" and a pre-disposition in one's own mind that could contaminate any possible experiences.... I'll explain that further in a bit. **<br />
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</div><div style="color: #274e13;">First.... Above The Realm Paranormal welcomes <b>Jody Brown</b> to our team. Jody should prove to be a valuable asset in helping the team and our clients through her psychic and "sensitive" abilities. Jody's bio can be found <a href="http://www.abovetherealm.co.cc/index.php?p=1_3">here</a> on our website.<br />
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</div><div style="color: #274e13;">Thanks to Jody, our equipment list has grown again with the purchase of the <b>24G-4PK-NV-VIDCAM -</b> a complete wireless night vision video system including 4 stationary infrared video cameras each containing their own 30 led infrared light sources, which should have an effective range that will illuminate ANY room (they're rated at up to 300 feet). NOW let's see a spirit elude us !!!! They can "run" but they WON'T be able to hide... Our complete equipment list can be found <a href="http://www.abovetherealm.co.cc/index.php?p=1_6">here</a>. For those interested in this system, it can be found <a href="http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=24G-4PK-NV-VIDCAM&cat=WLS">here</a>. And actually it's on sale this week...<br />
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</div><div style="color: #274e13;">** Ok, back to the "ghost hunter" theory... we received an email this week from someone interested in paranormal investigating and whom asked how to get started. Having never been posed that question yet, I wasn't sure how to begin to answer it... once I started, it all just seemed to flow... and I may have taught myself a few things about me in the process... This is my reply, verbatim.... INCLUDING the typos.. HA HA HA<br />
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<div style="color: #990000;">" Thank you for viewing our site, your interest in the paranormal and for contacting us. You sound like you are well on your way to becoming an effective paranormal investigator. One of the most important points to remember is that just because a client says they are haunted doesn't mean that they are. As an investigator it is your first "job" to make every attempt to find reasonable explanations for the alleged activity. <br />
Here's an extreme example....<br />
The client experienced pictures falling off a wall.... was there an earth tremor that day?<br />
See what I mean? Yes, be totally open to the possibility of paranormal activity, but also exhaust all means available to explain such activity. THAT will make you more credible and successful.<br />
Also, by the true definition of "paranormal", it does NOT necessarily mean "haunted". Too many groups don't understand that theory. Again, your credibility as an investigator relies on your ability to separate the two.<br />
As far as getting started is concerned, paranormal investigating is growing in popularity by leaps and bounds. I'm sure if you "google" paranormal for your area you will find many groups that might be looking for additional help. You may want to research particular groups before approaching them to be sure that are as credible as you are.<br />
If you're thinking about starting your own group, then feel free to use some information and theories from our website to help you get started. You'll find that the "community" is growing and that most groups are very cooperative and willing to help. Above The Realm is no different.<br />
If you want to start your own group then there are definitely "MUST" pieces of equipment... <br />
1) EVP recorder - a digital recorder that will pick up sounds that your ears don't hear. You'll want to get one that you can upload the files to your computer easily for analyzing... and review the recording using headphones to block out environmental noise. There are many audio editing programs available on the internet for free. We use Wavepad and Audacity.<br />
2) EMF detector - You're familiar with the theories of the paranormal, so you know the importance of being able to measure Electro Magnet Fields.... there are various models available depending on your wants and needs. We use the K2 meter for it's ease of use. It's also very helpful and easy to try to communicate with a possible spirit with. For instance, you can hold a vigil and ask the spirit to approach the glowing light to make more lights glow...<br />
3) Digital camera - certainly capturing visual evidence can be critical so a digital camera that's at least 5 megapixels is a must to maintain the integrity of the pictures.<br />
There are a multitude of "gadgets" available and our own list continues to grow.... we've just recently purchased a closed circuit TV system consisting of 4 infrared (night vision) video cameras.<br />
Take your time, but investigate with this in mind.... if/when you experience "activity", the more ways you can record that activity, the more credible your findings are. Also, remember this, if/when you experience and recorded activity, return to that area again... if the same activity is recorded, then there may be an explanation that is NOT paranormal.<br />
If you need help with the technical aspect, ie, a website... there are hundreds of free website hosting services to help you there... our website is a free site. If you need help beyond free hosting, I'd certainly try to help as best I can.... I built the website and created our logo myself.<br />
I hope this helped some, if not then we're here to help. Feel free to contact us at any time. What area do you live in? We have contacts all over, including Canada and Great Britain.<br />
Anyway, feel free to check back often.... we'll be posting some more evidence soon and have another investigation at the end of the month.<br />
Welcome to the world of the paranormal... Happy Huntinug<br />
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John - Above The Realm Paranormal "<br />
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</div><div style="color: #274e13;">Ok, maybe that didn't specifically address my thoughts on the term "ghost hunter" but hopefully I made my point that this is an investigative process... note my LACK of the use of the term "ghost hunter"... it almost isn't in my vocabulary, but I do use it upon <b>occasion</b> because more people are familiar with it. But, the other person thought I did a good job at helping him out.<br />
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</div><div style="color: #274e13;">Certainly, I could have gone on and on as some people that know me can attest to. There are so many beliefs and theories with regard to "paranormal" activity, but that would require an <b>on-going</b> series of posts and emails. Hmmm.... Plus, I didn't think it was my place to preach my own personal beliefs, especially since I'm still trying to evaluate them on a daily basis.<br />
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</div><div style="color: #274e13;">Anyway, over the last month or so the group has taken on many changes. As I mentioned, we've added a member and some equipment. Also, our <a href="http://www.abovetherealm.co.cc/">website</a> has undergone some major changes as has our logo:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0ndP7AQo6RRQXK4BVnRlQ0wng5pswoq7Gs6KS5TcNKpgp_cAxy6PBA1svhG97WoypApq014Vwk6mIo5SrDGMhtrk4hqoJCpbC0erpUtFiGc-mbl85LDxLWY2vbxxjcKVA1xber-IQws/s1600/ATR%20Official%20Logo%20Black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0ndP7AQo6RRQXK4BVnRlQ0wng5pswoq7Gs6KS5TcNKpgp_cAxy6PBA1svhG97WoypApq014Vwk6mIo5SrDGMhtrk4hqoJCpbC0erpUtFiGc-mbl85LDxLWY2vbxxjcKVA1xber-IQws/s320/ATR%20Official%20Logo%20Black.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="color: #274e13;">As always, you are welcome to peruse the site and feel free to leave feedback (positive OR negative), either by email or in our guestbook. Negative feedback helps at least as much, if not more, than positive.<br />
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</div><div style="color: #274e13;">I was going to continue this post adding some of our own experiences on our most recent investigation. Some of our captures can be found within the "<a href="http://www.abovetherealm.co.cc/index.php?p=1_7_Evidence">Evidence</a>" pages on our website. But, in order to make it easier, I will be writing another post later which will be more detailed and will hopefully tie some of our observations together.<br />
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</div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Ok, this actually took me closer to 3 cups of coffee !!! But MAYBE those of you that receive chapter-long emails from me will be "safe" for awhile !!!! </span><br />
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</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>HAPPY H(A)UNTING !!!</b></span><br />
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</div>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452262611710537677.post-10371865200766653002009-12-16T10:23:00.000-05:002009-12-16T10:23:21.837-05:00- Wednesday's Word - "Sprites"<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>My House IS haunted (?) - part 2 </b></span><br />
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</div>No, NOT by the soft drink - I prefer 7-up anyway... BUT, after yesterday's revelations, this post is a must !!!....<br />
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First, HUGE thanks go out the paranormal community in general. I am realizing just how friendly and caring our colleagues are. Specific shout-outs are in order here also. So, I also need to PERSONALLY thank Eric from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dartmouth-MA/Dartmouth-Anomaly-Research-Team/37939767452">D.A.R.T.</a> for taking time out of his schedule to embrace us into his world. Also garnering specific recognition is Bill from <a href="http://www.paranorbill.com/index.html">Paranorbill</a> for doing the same - definitely great to have met the both of you. Next, I need to thank DMR, a former classmate and clairvoyant, for the intriguing conversation we had. And not be left out, thank you to my Facebook friend EC, a psychic and card reader, for your input on my "situation".<br />
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So what's all the hubbub about? As I posted, GG and I have started a little team to investigate the paranormal. Over the last few weeks we've been busy trying to get organized and buying new pieces of equipment to help us better investigate.<br />
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One such piece was a Sony Handycam with full Night Vision - this puppy can record video footage in COMPLETE darkness. Previously not familiar with its actually capabilities, I took it upon myself to run a test in my own basement a couple of weeks ago. Here's a little clip of that footage that we posted on our <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/AbveTheRealmParanorm">Youtube channel....</a><br />
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<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KJ2wb_uxBHM&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KJ2wb_uxBHM&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
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Note that this is just a small sample of the activity I experienced.... Anyway, this little video proved the capabilities of the camera but also opened my eyes a bit as to why I have experienced the various forms of activity that I have... OR, made me more curious....<br />
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So..... trying to duplicate this experienced I took the camera downstairs again a few nights later and put together this little clip and also posted it on Youtube...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gDbMvq1hunU&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gDbMvq1hunU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
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These videos, due in no small part to GG, gained popularity quite fast with several comments being posted by fellow investigators...including "Interesting capture".... INTERESTING INDEED !!!! remember this is going on in my very own basement !!!<br />
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But what exactly IS going on down there ?!?!?! I mean, I know that I am haunted but.... clearly there are SEVERAL of these "orbs" flying around simultaneously... am I actually haunted by SEVERAL spirits ?!?!?!<br />
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Further confusing my perception of the activity is the fact that in broad daylight I SAW ONE OF THESE reflecting in the sunlight - flying just as at night. Ok, so now I was "sure" these aren't spirits and tried to research more logical explanations... educating myself on mold spores, mites and other "creatures" that may be found in one's basement.... Although I wasn't able to ascertain EXACTLY what these are, I thought I had debunked it and pretty much paid little attention to it. <b>UNTIL.... </b><br />
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We received a comment the other day by "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/paraquila">paraquila</a>" on Youtube<b>...</b><br />
<div style="color: blue;"><b>"</b>That is what I would call a <b>Sprite</b>. Looking closely at the anomaly it appears to look see through at times and then solid again. It also appears to shine it's own light."<br />
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Paraquila followed up yesterday with this...<br />
<div style="color: blue;">"Some believe a Sprite is a type of Angelic being coming to Earth to gather prayers. Others believe a Sprite to be a more mature orb. I call them Sprites because they Sparkle like glitter in the sun. I have seen them since childhood usually around people." <br />
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WOE WOE WOE !!!!!!!!!! WHAT ?!?!?!?! Needless to say, much of my day yesterday was spent researching this "new" term... and picking the brains of the people I mentioned above. And thanks to them, I have a bit more understanding as to the possible existence of sprites... but undoubtedly I have far more questions than answers at this point !!!!<br />
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First I needed to find out exactly what a sprite is.... "simply" stated, they are <b>elves, pixies or fairies</b>...<br />
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Wiktionary says:<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b>sprite</b> (plural </span><b><a href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/sprites" style="color: blue;">sprites</a></b><span style="color: blue;">) </span><br style="color: blue;" /><ol><li><span style="color: blue;">(mythology) A </span><a href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/spirit" style="color: blue;">spirit</a><span style="color: blue;">; a </span><a href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/soul" style="color: blue;">soul</a><span style="color: blue;">; a </span><a href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/shade" style="color: blue;">shade</a><span style="color: blue;">; also, an </span><a href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/apparition" style="color: blue;">apparition</a><span style="color: blue;">.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">(mythology) An </span><a href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/elf" style="color: blue;">elf</a><span style="color: blue;">; a </span><a href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/fairy" style="color: blue;">fairy</a><span style="color: blue;">; a </span><a href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/goblin" style="color: blue;">goblin</a><span style="color: blue;">.</span></li>
</ol><br />
Wikipedia says:<br />
<div style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;">The term sprite is a broad term referring to a number of </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preternatural" style="color: blue;">preternatural</a><span style="color: blue;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legendary_creature" style="color: blue;">legendary creatures</a><span style="color: blue;">. The term is generally used in reference to </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elf" style="color: blue;">elf</a><span style="color: blue;">-like creatures, including </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairy" style="color: blue;">fairies</a><span style="color: blue;">, and similar beings (although not earth beings), but can also signify various </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiritual_being" style="color: blue;">spiritual beings</a><span style="color: blue;">, including </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost" style="color: blue;">ghosts</a><span style="color: blue;">. </span><br />
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Adding:<br />
<span style="color: blue;">The belief in diminutive beings such as sprites, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elf" style="color: blue;">elves</a><span style="color: blue;">, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairy" style="color: blue;">fairies</a><span style="color: blue;">, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pixie_%28folklore%29" style="color: blue;">pixies</a><span style="color: blue;">, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gnome" style="color: blue;">gnomes</a><span style="color: blue;">, Japanese </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Y%C5%8Dkai" style="color: blue;">yōkai</a><span style="color: blue;">, the Spanish and Latin-American </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duende_%28mythology%29" style="color: blue;">duende</a><span style="color: blue;"> and various </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slavic_fairies" style="color: blue;">Slavic fairies</a><span style="color: blue;"> has been common in many parts of the world, and might to some extent still be found within neo-spiritual and religious movements such as "</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Druidism" style="color: blue;">druidism</a><span style="color: blue;">" and </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%81satr%C3%BA" style="color: blue;">Ásatrú</a><span style="color: blue;">. The belief in spiritual beings, particularly </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost" style="color: blue;">ghosts</a><span style="color: blue;">, is almost universal to human culture.</span><br />
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Ok, I know I'm a pretty open-minded person but..... I'm also a show me kinda guy. So, further research revealed this photo of backyard sprites - this girl didn't see them when taking the picture....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://z.about.com/d/paranormal/1/7/T/9/chipper1_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://z.about.com/d/paranormal/1/7/T/9/chipper1_lg.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div>OOOOOOOOOOOOOO KAAAAAAAAAY... That's EXACTLY what my basement looked like on BOTH the nights that I recorded footage !!!!<br />
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Further, Paraquila sent us an email on Youtube in response to my thanking him.<br />
<div style="color: blue;">"You're welcome. Anything to help out those seeking the truth. Thanks for the picture to look at <span style="color: black;">(the one above)</span>. It sure seems to be the same anomalies as the one you have posted. I cannot wait to see the other ones.<br />
</div><span style="color: blue;">Sometimes when an orb is about to turn into a Sprite or just plain manifest </span><span style="color: blue;"></span><span style="color: blue;">itself it can appear like a cotton ball. Somewhat see through and somewhat solid. Take a cotton ball pull it apart a bit and look through it at the sky. This is how I generally describe it. Its all a big mystery and one I am happy to be a part of figuring out. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Peace and Light</span><br />
<h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="color: blue; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Paraquila"</span></h3>Certainly, as with all anomalies, acceptance of the existence of sprites is dependent on one's own belief system. Having personally witnessed the very activity depicted in the photo.... and also having a strong pull toward the mystical for most of my life.... I'm a believer !!!!<br />
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BUT..... are sprites mystical in nature ??? are they paranormal ??? are they ghosts ??? are they spiritual ??? are they Wiccan ??? are they dangerous ??? why the hell are they in my basement ??? the list of questions grows... and it's becoming more apparent that many of the answers will be formulated by my own beliefs as initial research has shown that this may be a highly contested subject, to say the least.<br />
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I applaud myself for seeking answers from the sources I chose... HA HA HA... I approached them simply with "What do you know about sprites?" Unlike myself, EACH of them had more than a little knowledge and experience on the subject.... and my conclusions are formulating as I type this - using the premise... "If you believe they are, then THEY ARE !!!'<br />
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Some of the more intriguing feedback came from my psychic friends.... everyone should have at least one !!! GG pointed out to me that there is a connection between fairies and the Wiccan religion. A quick look proved this to be true as the Feri (fairy) tradition of Wicca is based on this exact concept.<br />
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Armed with my interest and belief in the Wiccan religion, I posed the question.... "Could there be a correlation between these sprites and my limited knowledge and belief in Wicca?".... along with "Why are they in my basement?"... ok, this response isn't for the faint of spirituality....<br />
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The summary of her response is that I am actually a sorcerer and that these sprites are here because they like that fact and like the energy that I exude.... WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!! I quipped back that perhaps I'm the "sorcerer's apprentice"... but WOW !!!!!!!!!! what a concept !!!!!<br />
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Quite a bit to absorb in one day... needless to say, I have LOTS of work to do as again, it's apparent that sprites are highly misunderstood and their existence is dependent on one's own personal beliefs. I'll be spending a lot of time in the near future tuning in to my own belief system.....<br />
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Keep checking back.....we've only just begun to scratch the surface.... and stay tuned for more video !!!!!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">HAPPY H(A)UNTING !!!</span></b><br />
</div><span id="goog_1260964697519"></span><span id="goog_1260964697520"></span>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452262611710537677.post-33155403792954508122009-12-10T05:48:00.011-05:002009-12-10T07:04:17.253-05:00- Wednesday's Word (phrase) - Above The Realm<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAK2AthzGvngS5gwVZcKcdfjcxeoeuMuNl5EfjM7kINCRljAhWC3w_8KLNQaA4uPLJqitzMRYrLQTu-ctLF7X5kd7BhX-9q1fMWqNoe_cvK28wEhWsilmn0_HimGCmez0pAgDzoU8Bm0/s1600-h/Above+The+Realm+Logo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 69px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAK2AthzGvngS5gwVZcKcdfjcxeoeuMuNl5EfjM7kINCRljAhWC3w_8KLNQaA4uPLJqitzMRYrLQTu-ctLF7X5kd7BhX-9q1fMWqNoe_cvK28wEhWsilmn0_HimGCmez0pAgDzoU8Bm0/s320/Above+The+Realm+Logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413564112736633202" border="0" /></a><br />Those that have followed this blog may recall my previously posted definition of the word "Paranormal".... "Above the realm of occurences that we experience in everyday life..."<br /><br />But today's reference to "above the realm" goes 1 step beyond. As I posted, GG and I decided to take our interest to that step to try to help people understand and explain their experiences and activity they have witnessed... and perhaps to have a little fun at the same time.<br /><br />That is why I haven't posted on my blog much lately.... I've been over here at <a href="http://www.abovetherealm.co.cc/">abovetherealm.co.cc</a> .... building our website. Rather than reiterate all the content of the website, I invite everyone to go and take a look.<br /><br />I will say though that we are taking this very seriously and we are working on up to 4 (5 if you count MY house) investigations and as you'll see on the website, we're not out for some half-hearted thrill-seeking fun... it's actually a LOT of work.<br /><br />Along with the the building of the site, we have (GG has) also started a fan page over at Facebook <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Colchester-CT/Above-the-Realm-Paranormal/188709793287?ref=ts">HERE</a>.... and a channel on Youtube <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/AbveTheRealmParanorm#p/u">HERE</a>.... feel free to "fan" us on Facebook and subscribe to our channel on Youtube.<br /><br />We've created and uploaded a few "movies" on the Youtube channel highlighting some of our observations. Preliminary feedback has been excellent on both venues, strengthening our intensity and desire to get out in the field to put our NEW equipment and senses to the test.<br /><br />In an effort to better serve our clients, we have acquired several new pieces of equipment. Of course that adds to the workload of analyzing the data, but we want to be as thorough and as accurate as possible. Here is the list of the tools we now employ...<br /><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><hr /> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:medium;"></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><img style="margin: -13px 3px;" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:KQlaZJgeCGXiFM:http://www.slapsweb.com/images/kii-meter.png" alt="" height="40" />• </span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">K2 Electro-Magnetic Field (EMF) detector</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><img style="margin: -13px 3px;" src="http://www.abovetherealm.co.cc/web_images/ghost_box.jpg" alt="" width="33" height="40" /></span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">•</span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> Paranormal Search Team-Ghost Box/Franks Box</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><img style="margin: -13px 3px;" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:aCEGeoSRihlh0M:http://images0.dealzon.com/cdn_pictures/deals/4676/large/thermotech-tt1022-non-contact-digital-infrared-laser-temperature-thermometer.jpg" alt="" width="34" height="40" />• </span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">ThermoTech® TT1022 Non contact digital Infrared laser guided thermometer</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><img style="margin: -13px 3px;" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:znfwinag6TygYM:http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/Thereisnocheese/WS-400S-1.jpg" alt="" height="40" />• </span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Olympus</span></span><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">®</span></span><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">WS 400-S digital voice (EVP) recorder</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><img style="margin: -13px 3px;" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:CoarvHRkq4R_2M:http://www.gearlog.com/images/20055.jpg" alt="" height="40" />• </span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Kodak® 5.0 mega pixel digital camera with video mode</span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><br /><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><img style="margin: -13px 3px;" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:4u7bKb1XCqCPMM:https://crystal-life.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/med-rods-125.jpg" alt="" height="40" />•</span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> 1/8" x 24" brass, polarized Dowsing (Divination) Rods</span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><br /><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><img style="margin: -13px 3px;" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:5i855sTbpyu9OM:http://reviews.cnet.com/sc/30419643-2-60-0.gif" alt="" height="40" />• </span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:medium;">JVC</span></span><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">®</span></span><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:medium;"> digital video recorder with partial night vision capabilities and </span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:medium;">still picture capability</span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a name="Sony"></a><img style="margin: -13px 3px;" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:iu8FWZqVTiRaBM:http://cdn.cbsi.com.au/cnet2/i/r/2006/camcorders/22058740/sc001.jpg" alt="" height="40" />• </span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Sony</span></span><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">®</span></span><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> Handycam digital video recorder with full night vision capabilities<br /></span></span></span> <div style="text-align: left; padding-left: 90px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> (Super Night</span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> Shot Plus)</span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">with additional IR Illuminator </span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:medium;">and still picture capability</span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:medium;"></span></span><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></div> </div> </div> <span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><hr /> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:medium;">Note that all of our photography and recording equipment is fully interfaced with our servers to facilitate data transfer and analyzation.<br /><br /><br />We may be a small team and we may not have a complete Closed Circuit TV surveillance system (YET),</span> but we certainly have enough experiences, knowledge and desire to help to make a difference.<br /></div><br />The website is a work in progress but you are absolutely welcome to step into our world... a world.....<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">ABOVE THE REALM !!! </span></span><br /><br /></div>and please feel free to drop us a line about ANYTHING.... investigations, feedback, advice, etc.<br /><br />Ok, that's enough self-promotion. I WILL continue to post on all of our venues any evidence and experiences that we encounter.... see you on the other side.....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">HAPPY H(A)UNTING !!!</span></span><br /></div>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452262611710537677.post-79659956500158429272009-12-01T02:17:00.004-05:002009-12-01T04:16:54.624-05:00November 21st, 2009 - Investigation in CT - follow upFirst, thank you Bob from <a href="http://www.ctghostseekers.com/index.html">CT Ghost Seekers</a> for commenting on my original post about our investigation. Your kind words are truly appreciated, especially coming from a much more experienced investigator. And YES, I do have more questions !!!!!<br /><br />So, it's been a long week since I last posted.... long but not boring... TheCrimeBrat (GG) and I have decided to take our interest in the paranormal to a higher level.... that's my teaser, you'll have to read my next post to get all the dirt.... (my way of driving traffic up... HA HA HA)<br /><br />So, I analyzed our recording of that evening until my ears hurt from the ear-bud headphones through which I listened. It was certainly educational as I did a lot of research with regard to deciphering EVP messages... and even read that "clicks" on a recording are often actually voices from spirits... and the frequency at which they are uttered causes them to sound like clicks...<br /><br />Anyway, I concentrated on the several noises that I mentioned in my earlier post, actually testing 3 different audio editing programs to determine the most accurate and user-friendly.<br /><br />I wish I could say that Richard's voice came through loud and clear and he was happy that we were there. But again, spirits just don't work that way.... if they did, there would be no need for investigations, right??? ... and my new "hobby" could never be realized....<br /><br />HOWEVER, we DID investigate, AND I was able to clear up and slow down at least 2 definite signs of activity during our investigation.....<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Dee"</span></span> - as reported, after GG whispered, "I forgot her name", I originally thought I heard a reply of "Dee"... although, follow-up proved that no one in the family was named Dee, you be the judge....<br /><br /><center><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PXtupttQM64&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PXtupttQM64&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></center><br />hmmmmmmmm.... sounds pretty clear to me<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Richard knocking</span></span> - Also as reported, GG asked for a sign of Richard's presence, "Maybe knock on something".....<br /><br /><center><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ws8BnioA6V8&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ws8BnioA6V8&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></center><br />certainly sounds like an intelligent response...<br /><br />I'm obviously no A/V producer but surely those 2 intelligent responses can't be denied...<br /><br />This family is apparently experiencing an intelligent haunting. But who is Dee and is it really Richard ?!?!?!? Despite the apparent direct response from Richard, there may be another conclusion.<br /><br />The pictures GG took were posted on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=1538860965#/pages/Colchester-CT/Above-the-Realm-Paranormal/188709793287?ref=ts">Facebook</a>... it only took a short time for a high school friend of mine to email me with some questions about them. Not having seen her for 25 years, I needed to find out why she asked.... to find out that she is a "sensitive" and clairvoyant, having been able to channel the energies we all posses to attain these "powers"...<br /><br />One unsolicited question that she asked was, "Who's the little girl?"... UH, WHAT !?!??! (she had no background of our investigation) Apparently, my paranormal senses need to be adjusted if SHE "saw" the spirit of a little girl in the photos GG took... and she wasn't referring to the "baby" that lived there... hmmmm, is the little girl Dee ?!?!?!<br /><br />To further "clarify" our investigation, I happened to see this "sensitive" over the weekend at my 25th high school class reunion.... OBVIOUSLY, I had questions for her....<br /><br />Not wanting to be pushy, I waited for her to approach me.. and she didn't let me down !!! We chatted for a bit about me having the ability to channel and then I asked her point blank.... "So.... is it Richard's spirit in the house?" and "Is the child you see named Dee"...<br /><br />Well, well, well.... Assuming (uhhhhhhhh) her responses would be "Yes" and "Yes", I was "surprised" to hear "No" and "No"....<br /><br />Although she didn't have much clarification (YET) about the little girl she saw, she was adamant that there is a male spirit in that house <span style="font-weight: bold;">ALONG</span> with Bob's father, Richard !!! who is actually the one that is "haunting" them, according to my friend, because he thinks he's being funny by doing so......<br /><br />WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW, quite the revelation, to say the least.... apparently this family has at least 3 spirits "living" with them !!!!! Now, I DEFINITELY need to re-visit that house... ESPECIALLY, as I mentioned, GG and I are taking our interest to a higher level...<br /><br />THAT being said, GG has taken it upon herself to bolster our ability to accurately investigate by adding to our previously somewhat amateur equipment list...<br /><br />Our most recent additions include a remote digital infrared thermometer with a probe... whew, THAT sounds "interesting"... but it will certainly allow us to accurately record fluctuations in temperature to help determine if those fluctuations are caused by a drafty house...<br /><br />The second new gadget GG has ordered is a device known as an "Ovilus"... this video will demonstrate in detail the value of this tool with regard to EVP reception and spirit communication... briefly, this unit plays EVPs in REAL TIME !!! I can't WAIT to do some A/V work with THESE !!!!!!!!!<br /><br /><center><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8hHdh90hljI&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8hHdh90hljI&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></center><br /><br />So, to the spirits of our world, get ready!!! We're coming at ya LIVE !!!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">HAPPY H(A)UNTING !!!!!</span></span><br /></div>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452262611710537677.post-36012616558638103942009-11-23T03:23:00.019-05:002009-11-23T14:33:49.033-05:00November 21st, 2009 - Investigation in CTI promised the boss lady... um, TheCrimeBrat (GG)... that I would submit a report of our investigation by today.. so here it is... well, here's a post about it anyway... *locations and names changed to protect the haunted... AND the spirits.<br /><br />It was a fine evening in the great state of CT. There was a waxing moon and plenty of stars out. The investigation took place at a private residence in a town "west" of Hartford. The owners are a young(er) couple, Bob and Chelsea, with a 17 month old daughter, Cathy. The house is 2 living levels (a garrison, I believe), 3 bedrooms upstairs and a family room addition off the back of the dining room, a full basement and a semi-accessible attic.<br /><br />We arrived at the location around 7:30... later decided to be too early for a real active investigation. Unfortunately, the owners were home but we persuaded them to go out... at least for a little while so the house would be empty and none of our potential experiences could be attributed to the 2 of them... the "baby" was out for the night.<br /><br />First a brief history of the activities experienced by the owners...<br /><ul><li>Black shadows passing</li><li>Being touched</li><li>Footprints that disappear down the hallway</li><li>Personally seeing a door open and then be closed abruptly</li><li>Cathy pointing and interacting with an unseen entity</li></ul>The house has always been in Bob's family, it being his boyhood home. Bob's father, Richard, had died suddenly in the home in the family room addition that was added in the 70's. Also, for a time, Bob's grandmother resided with them and Richard took care of her.<br /><br />The owner's took us for a walk-through and explained to us the areas of the most activity.... black shadows in the addition, the footprints down the upstairs hallway and the most activity being in the "back bedroom" which was Richard's while he was alive - and is directly across the hall from the "baby's" room. At the conclusion of the "tour" the back bedroom door was CLOSED... important... keep reading.<br /><br />Although we didn't personally see shadows (although at one point I thought I did - but it could have been a reflection from a passing car), doors opening or footprints, I would like to believe that some of our experiences can only be explained as paranormal.<br /><br />Let me explain my take on "ghost hunting". I personally use the phrase loosely and would rather refer to this as an investigation. Ghost hunt depicts a random and amateur quest to "see" a ghost. Under this pretense, one is sure to subconsciously will themselves into seeing something that might not even be there.<br /><br />An investigation depicts an attempt to collect evidence and data to determine the possibility of paranormal activity, while trying to explain what you do experience by scientific or rational means... but you can call it what you want.<br /><br />Rather than recap the entire investigation, which could take at least 2 posts to do, I will have to summarize, and will explain what we experienced via different pieces of equipment to the best of my analytical ability.... and then I will summarize the evening.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">EMF meter (K2)</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs042.snc3/12937_1170614747684_1297453158_30466094_1710792_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs042.snc3/12937_1170614747684_1297453158_30466094_1710792_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">(Stair Landing - time of constant yellow)</span></span><br /></div><br />The newly acquired K2 was not very active throughout the night... EXCEPT for on the stair landing leading to the upstairs. There was definitely some energy being detected in this area with the K2 registering a yellow light on several occasions.<br /><br />In my initial sweep, I didn't get any readings here. However in a later sweep, GG received a steady yellow reading. Trying to explain the reading, she panned the area maintaining the constant yellow from about her eye level to her thigh level, but not above or below.<br /><br />An even stronger reading we collected at the corner wall of the landing, later to be debunked by the electrical service running down the outside of the house at that particular corner.<br /><br />I'm not sure that explains the steady reading in the entire area for several reasons.....<br /><ol><li>Since the electrical service runs down from the roof, if it was the source of the constant yellow reading, then that reading should have registered from the floor to the ceiling in that area... not just from GGs eyes to her thighs.</li><li>On a later sweep to retest the area, the K2 did not register any reading in the exact same area...</li><li>Subsequent sweeps of the area above, Cathy's closet, did not register any reading... and of the area below, the stairwell to the basement where the electrical service enters the house, only registered a minor increase in energy.<br /></li></ol>There was also a K2 fluctuation near a dresser in Cathy's bedroom... and, it DID occur at the same moment that the dowsing rods were registering activity in the room.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Dowsing Rods</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs042.snc3/12937_1170615067692_1297453158_30466102_8349350_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs042.snc3/12937_1170615067692_1297453158_30466102_8349350_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">(crossed rods in Richard's doorway)</span></span><br /></div><br />Though possibly controversial, metal rods to register electromagnetic energy seems like viable tool. The rods registered activity in several locations throughout the evening, most notably:<br /><ol><li>The entrance to the kitchen from the living room... At one point, while walking toward the doorway, the rods crossed... As I backed up, they uncrossed... approaching again, they crossed again. This activity was not duplicated in a later sweep.</li><li>Cathy's bedroom - There was definitely energy picked up by the rods in the baby's bedroom. As previously mentioned, concurrently with a K2 "hit' but also on several other occasions, including at one point crossing and uncrossing in succession and then 1 rod seemingly pointing toward the crib and 1 toward the doorway at the same time.</li><li>Richard's room - There was also definitely energy picked up by the rods here, most notably at the door which looks across to Cathy's bedroom on a couple of occasions. Again, the successive crossing then uncrossing and then both pointing across the hall.</li></ol>Now, I know many may not believe in the rods... but as the holder of them several times Saturday... there's definitely some paranormal pull on them.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">EVP recorder</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs042.snc3/12937_1170614827686_1297453158_30466096_7352030_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs042.snc3/12937_1170614827686_1297453158_30466096_7352030_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">(recorder in the living room)</span></span><br /></div><br />Admittedly, I'm a "baby" at analyzing digitally recorded evidence, having never done it before. Also realize that most spirits won't just walk up to you, shake your hand and say "Hi, I'm Richard".... not to mention, some of the EVP's I've listened to online seem somewhat subjective to me.<br /><br />So, as I'm realizing, the analysis of the recording can be a tedious process - at least at this point in my hobby. I actually had to step away from it to not make myself hear what I wanted to hear... and the floors of the house are creaky as hell, making it difficult to wade through the recording.<br /><br />That being said, on my initial listening, my fresh ears picked out several instances to analyze... in doing so, I was able to rationalize a few of the noises that I thought I heard. I was also able to determine that I just may not have an explanation for a few...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Radio</span> - Early on we were investigating the family room. At one point GG asked me if there was a radio on. Certainly there wasn't but she said she heard a voice, which I didn't happen to hear. Although very faint, there is definitely a possibility of an EVP at that spot in the recording, further enhancement training is definitely in need, but I CAN say there may be a woman's voice there. GG and her "mother's ears !!!!"<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Knocking</span> - Also while we were investigating the family room, we were calling out to Richard to show us a sign of his presence. Immediately after GG uttered ...."even a knock..." the recording picked up a distinct series of 5 successive "knocks"... neither of us had heard that at the time. But, this just may be the sign we were asking for.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dee</span> - While in the living room, upon the thought that it may be Richard's mother that is haunting the house, I said to GG that we should have asked what his mother's name was. GG replied that she didn't know. BUT, immediately after her response to me, there's a female voice quietly uttering "Dee". Follow-up proved that there was no one named or nick-named Dee in the family but the house is decorated with antique furniture and such as Richard owned an antique shop. So, it very well could be a spirit attached to an object in the house itself, but don't tell Chelsea that it may follow them when they move !!!!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Richard?</span> - While in Richard's bedroom, GG asked, "Where'd you go Richard?". There is an immediate response from what sounds like a male voice. This one needs to be further clarified also, but it would certainly prove again to be a direct response from a present spirit.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Digital Camera</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs042.snc3/12937_1170614947689_1297453158_30466099_3846624_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs042.snc3/12937_1170614947689_1297453158_30466099_3846624_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">(living room - orbs?)</span></span><br /><br /></div>GG took several photos throughout the evening, many of them containing "orbs". I'm not totally sold on the whole orb phenomena as most of them can be attributed to flash reflections. However, coupled with other simultaneous experiences or evidence, they certainly can help prove paranormal activity.<br /><br />One photo that caught my eye is the one below that GG took in Richard's bedroom while I was sweeping the door with the K2. The reason it caught my eye is due to the "orb" to the left of the fan stand. This orb appeared more solid than the "standard" transparent orbs caused by camera flash... and it didn't appear in other pictures of the same area....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs042.snc3/12937_1170615227696_1297453158_30466106_6602411_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs042.snc3/12937_1170615227696_1297453158_30466106_6602411_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I must note that on viewing the entire collection of photos taken that night, a friend asked me if there was also the ghost of a little girl in that house (THAT could explain the height of the EMF reading on the stair landing). I'm trying to determine her reason for asking that question, and if she may possibly be a "sensitive" or clairvoyant... if so, SHE'S coming back there with us.....<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Digital Video Recorder</span></span><br /><br />We were definitely least prepared here. I do have one but it's an older JVC model and actually records onto digital video tape. And my hopes that it may be night vision capable came crashing down after purchasing an Infrared light source.... although maybe the light is junk...<br /><br />So, not the greatest of video equipment to have. But our thoughts were that something is better than nothing hoping that it may be able to capture a floating orb or at the very least be a second audio recording device.<br /><br />With that in mind, we permanently set the camera up in Cathy's room aiming out her door into the hallway, again hoping that if it picked up any evidence, then it was worth bringing it along.<br /><br />Well, hope became reality upon my initial view of the footage. Although I stared at a black screen for over an hour willing myself to see some "light action", that didn't happen. But, what did happen is that the camera's microphone absolutely picked up 2 definite and 2 more possible noises upstairs while we were downstairs - noises we would not have had evidence of without the video camera.<br /><br />The first noise picked up was merely 3 or 4 minutes after the tape started rolling so we were downstairs in the family room. This noise sounded like it eminated close to the camera and most resembled the "click" of an older light switch. I actually had left a lamp on in the room at the time and did not see anything but a light switch click is a light switch click.... and it could have been from across the hall as the microphone proved to be very sensitive and we later found out that Richard's "closed" door was OPEN.<br /><br />The second noise happened about 3 minutes later. Again, this noise sounded relatively close to the camera due to it's clarity. I can't say for sure what this noise was either but it too was some sort of click... but different from that light switch... a lower pitched noise than that... more like a "clunk"... light switch being shut off ??? it does make a different sound.. or a doorknob ????<br /><br />The other 2 noises that sounded like they came from upstairs while we weren't there were over an hour later and were more distant, possibly from one of the other bedrooms. These weren't clicks or clunks but more like a bang or a "thud"... I guess like the sound a paperback makes if dropped on the floor or a foot.... I'm not trying to be persuasive about what the noise was, just trying to describe the sound it was in terms easier to relate to.<br /><br /><br />People can debunk and say what they want about recorded evidence.... I'm a show-me kinda guy !!! We definitely experienced paranormal evidence throughout the evening...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The OPEN door</span> - As I mentioned earlier, after the tour by the owners, Richard's door remained closed - this was later confirmed by Bob. Upon our initial investigating of the upstairs, we found the door WIDE OPEN. I have no explanation as I remember Bob closing the door showing us how they witnessed it shut abruptly. ALTHOUGH as I listened to the video, the second noise that the camera captured sounded eerily similar to the sound of me opening the door to exit Richard's room later.... hmmmm<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Malfunctioning" flashlight</span> - GG's flashlight is brand new with brand new batteries. On several occasions - in Richard's room, on the stair landing and in the living room - in conjunction with other activity, the flashlight would flicker and go very dim, despite her every effort to make it work properly. Return visits to the same locations found the flashlight to be working 100%. Remember that spirits are thought to feed off of energy... or even flicker a flashlight to prove their presence.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cold Rush</span> - While investigating the basement, as I was about to rest the EVP recorder on the stairs, a very sudden cold breeze rushed across my hand, seemingly from the interior of the basement. Attempts to locate a source for a draft proved futile.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Haunted Clothes Dryer</span> - Ok, this one is still going around in my skull, and I really don't have an explanation, but.... At one point we heard the distinct sound and smell (dryer sheets) of a clothes dryer tumbling... you all know the sound and smell I'm sure... from the basement, accompanied by vocal activity. We were in the kitchen area diagonally above where their dryer is. Realize that we knew the owners were going to be returning from dinner so we assumed that they had quietly returned and went to hang out in the basement to not be in the way.<br /><br />Much to our surprise, the basement was empty (they weren't even home yet) and inspection of the dryer found the vent hose to be cold as ice - obviously NOT having been run recently.<br /><br />Ok, so maybe it was the furnace, and somehow it sounds like a dryer... that doesn't explain the smell or the voices.... but when we inspected the furnace, it appeared to be relatively new and should NOT rattle like a dryer.<br /><br />When the owners returned, we asked them if their furnace is noisy. They replied that it was, despite being brand new.... SO, STILL not satisfied with that explanation (being a show-me kinda guy), we tested the noise of the furnace by spiking the thermostat to kick it on.<br /><br />Now, when the furnace kicked on, I'll admit there was noise... but it in NO WAY sounded (or smelled) like a clothes dryer running in the basement... the noise the furnace makes isn't the furnace itself, it's the walls of the house (sounds like radiators need to be bled - suggest that GG) that were making noise in the very room we were in.<br /><br />Further confirming that the noise we heard wasn't from the furnace is the fact that what WE heard was NOT captured on the digital recorder, yet the house noises from the starting of the furnace were captured clearly... and even if it was the furnace, what about the smell of dryer sheets and the sound of voices below us????<br /><br /><br />So, being probably less active than we both hoped for, can i definitely say this house is haunted??? I don't think I can say that - YET..... I will continue to educate myself with regard to the audio analysis process to determine what I may have missed in listening to the recording so far. But, I wouldn't be surprised if it is the spirit of Richard trying to know his grand daughter, as he died before she was born.<br /><br />By the same token, can I say this house ISN'T haunted ??? I definitely can't say THAT !!! Despite being a somewhat "quiet" 3 hours, there were definitely signs of activity that I have no reasonable explanation for. Besides, many investigations of documented paranormal hot spots can go an entire night with less activity than we experienced. Plus, I have my own personal poltergeist and would never doubt any one's word as to activity that they have experienced.... but, personal experience of said activity would definitely be a plus.<br /><br />At the very least, it was an interesting and educational evening with a good friend. We may be virgins at this but I certainly believe we investigated in a pretty professional manner, trying to explain everything we could as we experienced it. We made 2 sweeps of the house and the areas that produced activity we couldn't initially explain, we revisited several times to try to do so....<br /><br />What we did experience brought up questions.... questions we have considered trying to have answered by performing a Ouija seance... so, to Richard, Dee and/or any other spirit that may be in that house west of Hartford.....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" >WE'LL BE BACK !!!!!!!!!!!</span><br /></div>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452262611710537677.post-69179793703538950242009-11-22T04:09:00.001-05:002009-11-22T18:03:18.771-05:00Wednesday's Word(s)<span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">Well, it's been several days.. I've been experiencing some technical difficulties... and I've been snapping a lot of pictures of the local scenery.</span><br /><div> </div><br /><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">First, a shout out to Bob of CT Ghost Seekers for the kind words once again.</span><br /></div><br /><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">I know I missed last week's Wednesday Word so this week's post will be an extended version and will also be directly related to the ghost hunt that I was involved in last night. I wanted to be better prepared to record evidence of what TheCrimeBrat and I experienced. So, today's post will be about some of the equipment used for investigating the paranormal.</span></div><br /><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"></span> </div><br /><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><strong>1) <span style="font-size:130%;">EVP</span></strong> (recorder)</span> - EVP stands for Electronic Voice Phenomena... as defined by </span><a href="http://www.haunted-realm.com/"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Haunted Realm Paranormal Investigators</span></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">... "A voice recorded on a tape or digital recorder from which there is no known or logical source".... or "Disembodied voices and sounds imprinted on audio recording devices".</span><br /></div><br /><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">Ok, that makes sense given the definition of phenomena... obviously, some of us are "lucky" enough to physically hear these noises - at the descretion of the spirit. But, most often these voices can only be picked up by a recorder as the frequency with which they are spoken is not within the range heard by the human ear.. BUT, if you have a pet (dog).....</span><br /></div><br /><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">As I last posted, I had tested and determined that my Blackberry had too many drawbacks to be an effective device for the recording/analyzing of EVP. So, I picked up an Olympus WS-400 S digital voice recorder....<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:Uz2V_-f2TBlsLM:http://www.handtec.co.uk/shopimages/products/normal/ws400sM.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 177px; height: 177px;" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:Uz2V_-f2TBlsLM:http://www.handtec.co.uk/shopimages/products/normal/ws400sM.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">...and am I glad I did!!!! With the stereo XHQ recording mode, the clarity of the playback instantly proved to be far superior than that of the crackberry. And with the built-in USB port, tranferring a 2-1/2 hr recording to my computer took about a minute - and that time included the device being installed on my machine... and I was immediately able to open the file with Windows Media Player, proving the files recorded by the WS-400 S (in .wma format) are 100% compatible with windows based software applications.</span><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"><br />Going hand in hand with a recorder is an audio editing program in order to analyze those faint "voices" that are picked up by the recorder. I've decided to initially try a program called <a href="http://www.nch.com.au/wavepad/">Wavepad</a> - although the possibilities are endless once the recording is save on my computer. In checking into the different programs available, I happened across the site of paranormal investigator Billy Connelly at <a href="http://www.paranorbill.com/">paranorbill.com</a>. Bill's software of choice is Wavepad... whom am I to argue??? ... especially after viewing several of his investigations that are posted on his website... great job and some great info there...</span><br /><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"></span> </div><br /><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">Note: I also most recently installed the <a href="http://www.nero.com/enu/index.html">Nero 9 multimedia suite</a> which has audio and video editing modules.... I'm not sure of their functionality as of yet, but I'm looking forward to testing them.... maybe I'll turn myself into a video producer !!!!*<br /><br />*Update on Nero 9 Wave Editor... great program too, but uses a LOT of resources, leaving me on the fence....</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">2)</span> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">EMF</span> meter</span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;"></span> - EMF stands for Electro Magnetic Field.... um, energy field... Whereas it is widely speculated that over exposure to high levels of electromagnetism can be an agent to the development of cancer, EMF meters, like digital recorders, are common instruments that have been around for many years.... and also used by more that just scientists.<br /><br />Each and every electronic and electric device emits electromagnetism... yes, appliances, computers, CELL PHONES .... so EMF meters were produced in order to determine "safe levels" of electromagnetic exposure... although I have yet to find a chart that specifies what is safe... or even a report....<br /><br />Anyway, it is also a common belief among paranoramalists that the presence of electromagnetism signifies the presence of a spirit.... or that spirits themselves emit (AND attain energy from) electro-magnetic fields.... again, research of several investigations have shown investigators using EMF meters as a means of communication with spirits... you be the judge.<br /><br />That being said, I felt the need to acquire an EMF meter, if only to feel more professional.... so, once again I scoured the Internet in search of (RIP Leonard Nimoy) a trust-worthy yet affordable EMF meter.<br /><br />Again my diligence paid off as I found (and purchased) a K2 meter...<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:gPXNC_Xgz8p21M:http://www.c-o-p-s.org/k2meter.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 169px; height: 169px;" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:gPXNC_Xgz8p21M:http://www.c-o-p-s.org/k2meter.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">....a simple to read yet somewhat sophisticated, accurate and trusted piece of equipment among paranormal investigators - from...........................<br /><br />The K2 appears to be a staple in an investigator's arsenal of equipment and perhaps one's initial step into the science of the paranormal.... the next step will be a "Mel-meter"...<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;">3) <span style="font-size:130%;">Dowsing </span>(Divining) <span style="font-size:130%;">Rods</span></span> - These are probably one of the more primitive and controversial, yet most highly recognizable, items to be used by a paranormal investigator.... I will admit my ignorance here !!!!! uh, if you've never heard of or pretended to use a divining rod to find water, you must have been born yesterday...<br /><br />For the purposes of paranormal investigating, a pair of "L"-shaped metals rods are used, as opposed to the universally known, "Y"-shaped stick....<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pad3.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/81/Dowsing_190.jpg/180px-Dowsing_190.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 229px; height: 162px;" src="http://pad3.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/81/Dowsing_190.jpg/180px-Dowsing_190.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">.... as a means of either direct communication with a spirit or to signify the presence of a spirit... ie, questions can be asked with the reply to be a certain movement of the rods... or, unsolicited movement is believed to be either the presence of electromagnetism or a spirit physically moving the rods.<br /><br />Like with Ouija boards, skeptics debunk the usage as the holder's personal magnetic energy or movement... but, as a true believer in the power of the Ouija.... I believe in their validity (ESPECIALLY after my personal experience - tomorrow's post).....<br /><br />Well, there you have THREE Wednesday's Words... I should be good for a week or so.. tomorrow I will report on our personal experiences with the equipment and investigation from last night. I wanted to post this on Thursday but had MANY computer related issues and wasn't able to... maybe that was for the best...<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-size:180%;" >HAPPY H(A)UNTING !!!!!</span><br /><br /></div></div>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452262611710537677.post-85548015800298901262009-11-14T08:15:00.004-05:002009-11-14T10:46:23.444-05:00Crackpot (jackpot?) With a CrackberryYUP, yesterday it was Friday the 13th. Every month that we have one I declare it as my favorite day... not sure why, perhaps I'm a non-conformist... or more likely, I am superstitious to the point that I feel I need to try personal reverse psychology.<br /><br />Again, it's been a few days but not necessarily a boring few days. Research continues. D.A.R.T. has asked me of my knowledge about a few more places in CT., hopefully be able to plan a haunted weekend in Connecticut. Not originally being from this state, I hadn't heard of any, although I have now !!!<br /><br />So, I am studying up on and am going to try contact the curators of the New London Ledge Lighthouse, Penfield Reef Lighthouse and the Huntington Homestead. I will do a post later as to what I've found so far but don't have a lot of time right now.<br /><br />Camp CT continues to "reside" in Colchester. I took a ride by the camp during the day to try to debunk the white "vision" I saw when I visited. I needed to see during the daylight exactly how far down the dirt road the main sign is from the point at which I first noticed it.<br /><br />It was a clear day and many leaves have fallen so the sign is PLAINLY visible from the gate... and MUCH closer to the gate that I had originally thought - I could easily see a deer standing near the the sign, looking at me, without the use of binoculars !!!<br /><br />So, I roughly guesstimated the sign to be 300 or 400 feet from the gate. I could be way off but it's at least half the distance than I thought it was, showing me that my friend and I were much closer to the sign that I thought... probably halfway to it.<br /><br />NOW, this realization proved to me that it was NOT the sign that I saw that night - what I saw was much further into the camp. TRUE, that doesn't make what I saw a spirit, but it does make what I saw NOT that sign....<br /><br />A lot of my research lately has involved some of the equipment and how it is used by professional ghost hunters. This stems from the fact that I have a date with a ghost... My personal hunt with TheCrimeBrat has been scheduled for next Saturday, the 21st. Obviously, we will be discussing the details before hand so I will post a "Preview to the Poltergeist" (or something like that) closer to Saturday.<br /><br />We don't have a lot of the "fancy" gadgets normally used so that prompted me to do some testing in order to decide if we may have more than we think.<br /><br />Along with researching Digital Voice (EVP) Recorders), I tested my Blackberry as a one... placing it on my kitchen table and going about my business. I was more than pleasantly surprised by it's sensitivity and ability to pick up distant sounds... I feigned a "cough" from around the corner and down the hall which was loud and clearly audible.<br /><br />Playback through the external speaker was quite unprofessional but the fact that it picked up my cough clearly from down the hall as I was walking in the opposite direction, prompted me to try to figure out how I listen to this more clearly.<br /><br />So, I listened to the recording through the ear-bud headphones that came with the phone - I've always liked how much better music sounds through them. Using the headphones made the playback much easier to hear... a lot less "hum", so I was able to hear more than just my cough... NO, I didn't here voices. Actually, I'm still testing that !!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.softpicks.net/screenshots/Sound-Editor-Deluxe-2008.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 341px; height: 204px;" src="http://www.softpicks.net/screenshots/Sound-Editor-Deluxe-2008.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a>While researching actually recorders and from seeing Paranormal Activity TWICE, it's apparent that professionals upload their recordings to a computer and analyze them with some sort of software. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO....<br /><br />I uploaded my recording to my computer and tried to listen to it that way. That's when I realized drawback #1.... Cell phones are obviously not made for EVP recording as they use a compression format known as <a href="http://www.amrplayer.com/">AMR - Adaptive Multi-Rate</a> - and save files as ".amr" files instead of a standard format like ".wav", ".wma" or an mp3. So, It wasn't recognized by Windows Media Player or any of the regular media players I have...<br /><br />Although I was able to determine that .arm files can be played by Quick Time Player and I did download the .amr player from above, the quality wasn't much better than listening to it directly from the Blackberry... and neither of these players offer much in the way of analyzing and editing recording - they are merely players...<br /><br />SOOOOOOOOO... I downloaded several different sound analyzing/editing programs to see, if any, what options they offer to be able to decipher otherwise inaudible sounds. Here's where I ran into more drawbacks... none of the software I found was able to readily play an .amr file, although some support them enough to be able to convert them to a more universal format. So I did that, but with the thought of possibly losing some of the integrity of the data recorded (drawback)...<br /><br />I spent literally hours playing the recording testing different programs to drop out the "hum" - which I later considered could be caused by the fact that cell phones emit a radio signal... DUH !!!! I should have disconnected it from the wireless network... or it could be the energy emitted from the battery itself... or maybe the refrigerator even...<br /><br />I also realized by using these programs that obviously cell phones record in "mono" (drawback?) instead of" stereo", and thought it may be better to be able to analyze the separate left and right channels in order to truly realize what has been recorded.<br /><br />In any event, along with the fun I had with these programs, I was able to clarify the recording to the point where I could ascertain the sounds of cars passing by (most likely).... with the house closed up tight and the phone being probably 75-100 feet from the street... hmmmm. I was also able to ascertain that I need to learn more about analyzing recordings for EVP - be looking for THAT post....<br /><br />With only a week to go until the hunt, I decided that although perhaps an option, using my Blackberry to try to capture EVP's just may may not be a GOOD option... too many variables involved... not mention that site explained that .amr may be good for simple voice recording, but not much else... another drawback.<br /><br />So, the search was on for a Digital Voice Recorder. I won't go into the details involved in that search as you know that I am very thorough... and frankly it would make a boring post...<br /><br />BUT... I did purchase what seemed like a much better (and cheap) alternative on eBay.. the <a href="http://www.mwave.com/mwave/SKUSearch_v3.asp?scriteria=BA32093&px=SB">Olympus WS-400S</a> ... It certainly isn't the top of the line but it records in stereo, has an XHQ (EXTRA high quality) recording mode, has 1 Gb of memory (up to 272 hours of recording time), can connect directly to my computer (no USB cable needed) and saves files in the .wma format... so, no conversion needed... it was LOCAL... and the price was right... SLAM DUNK....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mwave.com/mwave/specHR/images/BA32093.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.mwave.com/mwave/specHR/images/BA32093.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I need to wrap this post up as I'm going to pick up my new toy today. I will testing this new recorder to help me understand better how to use it.. I will ALSO be performing extensive testing on software and how professionals use it to decipher EVP's.<br /><br />But, before I go, I WILL share my latest experience with MY ghost. Perhaps because it was Friday the 13th... perhaps not....<br /><br />I was in my room last night laying down with Snoopy watching X-Men on my Blackberry... no one else was home.... SUDDENLY.... {knock, know, knock knock}... I heard 4 very distinct... VERY close knocks... ummmm, actually they were on my bedroom door which was ajar at the time.. I know it was my door because I have hollow-core doors and they make a very distinctive sound...<br /><br />Needless to say, I was a bit freaked as it was late and the house was dark, including my room... except for my Blackberry screen...<br /><br />I called out "Who's there?", hoping it was a child of mine.. no answer... I stopped the movie and focused the light from my Blackberry toward the door... nothing... I snapped a quick picture.... nothing.... I turned on the light and investigated.. nothing and no one... hmmmm.<br /><br />So, I don't know what it was, but I DO know that SOMEONE(THING) knocked 4 times on my door last night........................ gotta run !!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">HAPPY H(A)UNTING !!!!!</span></span><br /></div>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452262611710537677.post-6741023986952307102009-11-10T09:32:00.004-05:002009-11-10T11:46:12.854-05:00- All's Quiet On My Paranormal Front<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i-love-cartoons.com/snags/clipart/Casper-Friendly-Ghost/Casper-Friendly-Ghost-3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 344px; height: 313px;" src="http://i-love-cartoons.com/snags/clipart/Casper-Friendly-Ghost/Casper-Friendly-Ghost-3.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Uh, if THAT were true, I wouldn't be writing this post.... I may have been quiet, but haven't been dormant.<div><br /></div><div>Let's see... where to begin...</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, in light of my most last post with the recent evidence of activity at Camp CT, I'll start with this past Saturday night.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a nice evening and I had plans to see Paranormal Activity (AGAIN) with a friend whom hadn't seen it yet. I suggested we start the "festivities" by taking a ride by the camp prior to seeing the movie... in hopes of heightening the anxiety.</div><div>We only had about 10 minutes but decided to park across the street and at least approach the gate to look down the dirt road, already darkened by the night - unfortunately it wasn't one of those VERY moonlit nights that we have recently experienced, and I totally forgot my flashlight.</div><div>The darkness and adrenalin got the best of me and I entered the property around the side of the gate, followed by my friend, with the thought of walking down the road to the main sign, where there has been evidence recorded of a lot of activity.</div><div>I have no recorded evidence but we never made it to the sign, for several reasons, mainly because I was totally unprepared to record any potential evidence. But, I still needed to be in there, if only for 10 minutes.</div><div> A very short distance in.. 100 feet or so... don't really know due to the darkness... we stopped in our tracks as something seemingly substantial in size landed in the leaves along the side of the road to our left.... hmmmm, ok, tree branch, animal or some sort of nut falling ??? There was no wind, but it's possible.</div><div>A few steps later, we stopped again... "Did, you hear THAT? What was it?" Now we just stood still to not rustle the leaves... and listened.... AND... heard another noise, forcing the same 2 questions to be asked.</div><div>I'm certainly no expert in audible recognition, but I'd bet my paycheck that I heard some noises that shouldn't have been present in the still of the night in the deserted woods of Colchester.</div><div>One of the noises distinctly sounded like a low groan to me, debunked by my friend as a wolf? I know some towns in CT contain a high wolf population but I'm pretty sure Colchester isn't included on that list - although I did see one crossing Rt 6 in Windham once, 20 miles to the north... but I'm sticking to my low groan theory - hell, it's MY blog.... and it makes it more interesting.</div><div>Now the 3rd noise I really couldn't make out real well... but my friend said it sounded like a guitar... interesting, with the recorded evidence of a small child singing.... HMMMM</div><div>Upon hearing this 3rd noise, I focused my eyes down the darkened road... only to see something white in the darkness. I continued to adjust my vision but this object remained in my sights. Now I know the main sign is down the road but it is big and rectangular - my object was small and roundish.... hmmmm</div><div>I didn't tell my friend about this "vision" I had seen that night but I continued to focus down the road at it as we retreated from the camp to attend the movie, still seeing it as we exited to the other side of the gate...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>"Oddly", my personal spirit may have possibly made its presence known again... It was earlier that same Saturday. It was in the morning I was "alone" in my kitchen fixing a cup of coffee. Faithful companion Snoopy was (I determined later) in the adjoining living room asleep on the couch. As I was fixing this cup of coffee, I heard a very distinct and very audible.... COUGH... A single cough but definitely a cough.</div><div>My first action was to see if Snoopy had wandered into the kitchen... he's a sneezer for sure but perhaps he had coughed..... NOPE, on the couch asleep. So, I tried to explain this noise by thinking that maybe he coughed in his sleep (he DOES dream)... The possibilities of this seem relatively low as the cough was very loud, distinct and to my right... the doorway to the living room was diagonally behind me, 20 feet across the kitchen and he was on far end of the couch which is 10 feet from the doorway, along the same wall.... meaning HIS "cough" would have had to travel in a round-about way from him to my eardrum.... HMMMMMM...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I continue to be actively researching the paranormal and have opened live communications with 2 professional investigators... The first is Steve from <a href="http://www.freewebs.com/ghostlady40/">Ghost Chat New England</a>. Steve commented on the "Part 2" post about Camp CT as he was the cameraman and producer of the video of their daytime visit that I linked to in that post. Steve's comments prompted me to join their community so that I could thank him for his comments and try to establish a line of communication. My efforts were successful and I'm hoping to be able to use their experiences as a learning tool.</div><div>Along those same lines, I have also established an open line of communication with Eric from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dartmouth-MA/Dartmouth-Anomaly-Research-Team/37939767452">D.A.R.T.</a>, a paranormal investigator from Dartmouth MA. Eric is a friend of a friend and I was told that he had been relayed the info I had on Camp CT and was interested in trying to do an investigation there, as well as at some other sites around the state. Being a resident here, I thought it might be easier for me to gather some of the required information and privileges, so I offered to help in that regard. So, I have lots of research going on.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I have been offered 2 opportunities to be involved in paranormal investigations. The first was from <a href="http://crimebrat.blogspot.com/">TheCrimeBrat</a> and is at a private residence in West Hartford. Both being amateurs at this, we won't have all the sophisticated tools that the professionals use to gather evidence. But we're hoping that a digital camera, digital voice recorder and a digital video camera will be able to capture at least some compelling evidence that is forcing these people out of their home. It SHOULD prove to make a pretty interesting blog post !!!!</div><div>The other opportunity came from Eric. Later this month his team will be investigating the Quechechan Club in Fall River MA - a proven haunting ground for spirits of the past. D.A.R.T. is graciously inviting enthusiasts to join them on this hunt so they can experience it first hand and get to see all the fancy gadgets and instruments at work...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The research required for my post about witches sparked an interest in me to find out more about this religion. Being a spiritual and religion of nature is consistent with my beliefs and love for the outdoors... AND FIRE !!! So, I have borrowed a few books on Wicca from TheCrimeBrat in order to gain a better understanding, at the very least.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So, it's been "quiet" here - BWA HA HA HA HA... "continual progression"... Hmmmm, I remember reading that SOMEWHERE !!!</div><div><br /></div><div>I need to get hopping on my research... and I need to take a ride by the camp - to satisfy one curiosity in the daylight....</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">HAPPY H(A)UNTING !!!</span></b></div><div><br /></div>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452262611710537677.post-78593464446294992182009-11-10T08:45:00.004-05:002009-11-10T09:13:58.885-05:00- A Haunting in (Camp) Connecticut - Part 3<div style="text-align: left;">Well, well, well... despite my personal declaration that I was going to shut down my blogs, Camp CT has resurfaced.... as has my desire to post...</div><div><br /></div><div>Further research has uncovered substantial RECENT evidence of paranormal activity at this camp in the beloved Colchester, CT.... previous evidence was speculative having been posted by thrill-seekers.</div><div><br /></div><div>BUT..... CT Ghost Seekers apparently performed an investigation on the property as recently as September 19th, 2009 !!!!! Armed with some tools of the trade, I will share some of their actual UNEDITED pics... </div><div><br /></div><div><div>According to their report it was a mild September evening with an average air temperature of 55 degrees. Unfortunately their investigation was cut short as they encountered a "caretaker", who informed them that would have to leave as it IS private property... </div><div><br /></div><div>However, within the campground itself, the temperature was somewhat different....</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://media.tripod.lycos.com/1958759/543738.jpg"><img src="http://media.tripod.lycos.com/1958759/543738.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div>... physically recording a maximum temperature reading of 40 degrees with cold spots registering up to 20 degrees colder !!!! Hmmmmm...</div><div><br /></div><div>In my continuing effort to "leave no stone unturned", I found the weather data for that entire day at <a href="http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp?ID=KCTMOODU1&day=19&year=2009&month=9&graphspan=day">Weather Underground</a>... their closest PWS (portable weather station) is located in Moodus, which is the next town over, so assume that Colchester was experiencing similar conditions. Here's a snapshot of the average weather stats for that day...</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3i0a8LpGD3-Ov7p5pex9FTKjopo64GT3lBXLksK5LoVrwVIJdwPkOPtf7MfOcJlIw-H_b_Oh8fGlmGepyPReo5r9L2W3FW4YM-bVpB4xxtBq15wOT8CCdbrLBZ0eK9rhf1kTJHRT5RQQ/s1600-h/Colchester+Weather.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3i0a8LpGD3-Ov7p5pex9FTKjopo64GT3lBXLksK5LoVrwVIJdwPkOPtf7MfOcJlIw-H_b_Oh8fGlmGepyPReo5r9L2W3FW4YM-bVpB4xxtBq15wOT8CCdbrLBZ0eK9rhf1kTJHRT5RQQ/s400/Colchester+Weather.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402462777579622770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 232px; " /></a></div><div>...if you click the link above to the weather underground, you can see hour by hour graphs and a chart that details the weather for the entire 24 hrs on that day in 5 minute intervals... GREAT resource.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not knowing the exact time of CT Ghost Seekers' investigation, I quickly averaged the readings for the time period of 8 pm to midnight to determine what they were actually experiencing at the time they were in the camp...</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Air Temp</b>: 48 degrees</div><div><b>Dew Point:</b> 42.5 degrees</div><div><b>Barometer:</b> 29.9 inches, 1010 millibars</div><div><b>Wind:</b> 0.0 mph</div><div><b>Humidity:</b> 83%</div><div><br /></div><div>Cloud statistics were NA - not sure if that means Not Applicable or Not Available in this case. Assuming the worst case and here it means Not Available, let's also assume it was a clear evening as weather conditions are critical in an investigation and no reputable team would investigate during adverse conditions.... and <a href="http://www.almanac.com/weather/history/zipcode/06415/2009-09-19">The Old Farmer's Almanac</a> reports a mean visibility for that day of 10 miles.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>I have to tip my hat to CT Ghost Seekers for recording some definitive evidence of the activity at Camp CT.... here are some more pics... I'm not totally sold on pictures of "orbs" I've seen to date, but....</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://media.tripod.lycos.com:80/1958759/548934.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://media.tripod.lycos.com:80/1958759/548934.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://media.tripod.lycos.com/1958759/546138.jpg"><img src="http://media.tripod.lycos.com/1958759/546138.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div>.... that's a shitload of "orbs" to debunk and that one in the lower picture is the size of a basketball... looks a bit ectoplasmic too... many times orbs are debunked as camera flash and flashlight reflections off of anything from insects to air moisture to internal camera components.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also photographed were some of the previously reported "floating mists"... these have been apparent to many of the visitors...</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://media.tripod.lycos.com/1958759/544104.jpg"><img src="http://media.tripod.lycos.com/1958759/544104.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://media.tripod.lycos.com/1958759/546220.jpg"><img src="http://media.tripod.lycos.com/1958759/546220.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div>Ok, I'm no meteorologist or geologist and I don't know the physical characteristics of that particular piece of property. So understand that there ARE natural "phenomena" that occur beneath the surface of the ground that COULD debunk SOME of the evidence that has been posted, ie sub-surface ground temperature, groundwater levels and/or underground springs and bedrock composition... BUT !!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I offer this one.... INCREDIBLE !!!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://media.tripod.lycos.com/1958759/546116.jpg"><img src="http://media.tripod.lycos.com/1958759/546116.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Now, I MAY be new at this but............. I absolutely see a black shadow figure in this pic !!!!!!!!! </div></div><div><br /></div><div>If you're not sold on the fact that there is paranormal activity at Camp CT by now, I direct you to CT Ghost Seeker's website. The absolute pinnacle of the evidence they collected is this <a href="http://media.tripod.lycos.com/1958759/543596.mp3">EVP recording of a child singing</a>... which had been reported several times by others, but not previously recorded, that I know of. They didn't personally hear this out loud, but rather discovered it when reviewing their evidence.... You MUST listen to this !!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, obviously I'm still learning about all of this, but come on !!!! This latest compelling evidence has absolutely made it a MUST for me to experience at least some of this first hand. I don't have the equipment and I wouldn't necessarily trespass (cough, cough), BUT.... I do have a plan which I will share in my next post !!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>You're absolutely invited to visit the Ghost Seeker's site to see additional photos of this and several other of their investigations... Oh and, one of their team members reports being touched.... I'll be looking further in the physical characteristics of this piece of land...</div><div><br /></div><div>Resources requiring credit for the writing of this post...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://hotel071.tripod.com/index.html">CT Ghost Seekers</a> - GREAT stuff guys !!!</div><div><a href="http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp?ID=KCTMOODU1&day=19&year=2009&month=9&graphspan=day">Weather Underground</a></div><div><a href="http://www.almanac.com/weather/history/zipcode/06415/2009-09-19">The Old Farmer's Almanac</a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Happy H(A)UNTING !!!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><br /></div>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452262611710537677.post-78041370626101332752009-11-06T01:08:00.010-05:002009-11-06T11:12:50.298-05:00- "WITCHES" - fact or fiction<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://janeheller.mlblogs.com/Wicked-Witch-Melting-Wizard-of-Oz-Posters.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 336px; height: 394px;" src="http://janeheller.mlblogs.com/Wicked-Witch-Melting-Wizard-of-Oz-Posters.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Wednesday's Word... uh, Friday edition.<br /></div><br />We all know what witches are, right? ... green skin, black hat, big nose with warts, ugly and EVIL... the first thing that comes to mind is the wicked witch of the west from The Wizard of Oz.... I mean Halloween just passed, did you not see MANY of these depictions?<br /><br />But what about "Bewitched"? Certainly Samantha (RIP, Elizabeth Montgomery) was none of the above.... although <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Endora</span> (Sam's mom) on the other hand....<br /><br />Then there's "Charmed". Certainly these 3 ladies don't fall into the typical stereotype of what a witch is...<br /><br /><span>So, then what exactly is a witch?</span><br />(more in a bit)<br /><br />Do they really exist?<br />Simply put... <span style="font-weight: bold;">YES</span><br /><br />Do they cast spells?<br />Simply put... <span style="font-weight: bold;">YES</span><br /><br />Are they ugly?<br />Is Stevie Nicks ugly?<br /><br />Are they EVIL?<br />Simply put... <span style="font-weight: bold;">NO</span><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">SOOOOOOO</span>... <span style="font-weight: bold;">what is a witch</span>? A REAL witch is a member (male AND female - warlocks are traitors) of one of the denominations of the Church of Wicca (which means, wise). It is a spiritual and nature-based, religion... and probably most similar to beliefs of Native Americans (think about it). Although relatively new as a recognized religion in the USA, the theology of The Craft dates back centuries.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Wiccans</span> do worship their own "gods"... actually, the Triple (moon) Goddess - maiden (birth), mother (fertility) and crone (death) - perhaps why witches are usually depicted as women... and is symbolized by the triple moon symbol - waxing, full and waning moons<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/Triple-Goddess-Waxing-Full-Waning-Symbol.svg/180px-Triple-Goddess-Waxing-Full-Waning-Symbol.svg.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 93px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/Triple-Goddess-Waxing-Full-Waning-Symbol.svg/180px-Triple-Goddess-Waxing-Full-Waning-Symbol.svg.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />They also worship a Horned (sun) God that is male, symbolizing nature and sexuality...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a4/Baphomet.png/180px-Baphomet.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 117px; height: 172px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a4/Baphomet.png/180px-Baphomet.png" alt="" border="0" /></a>This polytheism is said to signify that the universe and ourselves are made up of and controlled by both female and male energies.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Wiccans</span> do not worship the devil.. THAT would be devil worshippers... actually, they don't even believe in an entity such as that. The misnomer is perhaps rooted in the fact that the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Wiccan</span> Symbol is a pentagram...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/97/Pentacle_2.svg/200px-Pentacle_2.svg.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 102px; height: 102px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/97/Pentacle_2.svg/200px-Pentacle_2.svg.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />as is a Satanist's....<br /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/new/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/new/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.png" alt="" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e6/Pentagram_with_one_point_down_%28de_Guaita%29.jpg/180px-Pentagram_with_one_point_down_%28de_Guaita%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 115px; height: 113px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e6/Pentagram_with_one_point_down_%28de_Guaita%29.jpg/180px-Pentagram_with_one_point_down_%28de_Guaita%29.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The points of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Wiccan</span> pentagram stand for the elements - Air, Earth, Fire and Water... with the top point standing for Spirituality... enclosed in a circle to denote unity.<br /><br />Note how Satanists invert the pentagram (note the goat) to put Spirituality on the bottom and the 2 points, Fire (passion) and Earth (earthly goods) on the top...<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Wiccans</span> do practice magic (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">magick</span>) and cast spells as they believe that everyone has the spiritual strength and ability to bring about change. BUT the tenet of The Law of Attraction (basically, what goes around comes around - and some believe 3-fold) certainly makes these spells positive and are supposed to be cast to bring good to oneself or one's family.<br /><br />The other tenets of the religion are Deity, Reincarnation (continual progression), Power Through Knowledge (wisdom) and Harmony.<br /><br />Common tools used during the magic ritual include a pentacle, a sword, a wand, and a chalice. BUT, the rituals may also include a knife, a broomstick, a cauldron, candles and incense (GO FIGURE !!!)<br /><br />Although there is no formal book of teaching, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Wiccans</span> do, as in Charmed, have a Book of Shadows. This is a personal journal consisting of spells, potions, beliefs etc. And as in Charmed, many times it is passed down from generation to generation to teach the others of the family and also to be continued to be added to.<br /><br />Another symbol of the Craft is the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Triquetra</span>, as is depicted on Charmed....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/76/Triquetra_on_book_cover.jpg/180px-Triquetra_on_book_cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 109px; height: 105px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/76/Triquetra_on_book_cover.jpg/180px-Triquetra_on_book_cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Triquetra</span> is an old Celtic symbol that stands for the power or unity three"... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">hmm</span>, 3 Charmed Sisters". In Wicca, it is also said to sometimes denote Triple Goddess.<br /><br />There is no centralized set of rules as they believe people are individuals and are free to practice the Craft in the way that suits them best. But there is one central "commandment", the "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Rede</span>"... "<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">An ye harm none, do what ye will</span></span>".... obviously denouncing intentionally hurting others - everyone is responsible for their own actions.<br /><br />Anyway, without going into the various sects of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Wiccan</span> religion (that could be a series of posts), or pushing any more religion on you.... YES, witches are real !!!! They are ordinary people that happen to practice a different religion... you probably all know one. And the fact that they practice magic as a part of their beliefs, makes them much more active in their religion than myself.<br /><br />And for the record, Stevie Nicks IS a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Wiccan</span>.... and she's far from ugly !!!!<br /><br />A little help from my friends (major <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">contributers</span>):<br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.wicca.org/"> - www.wicca.org</a> - Website of the Church and School of Wicca<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">- Wikipedia</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>- articles - "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicca">Wicca</a>", "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_Goddess">Triple Goddess</a>", "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentagram">Pentagram</a>", "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Shadows_%28Charmed%29">Book of Shadows</a>", "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triquetra"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Triquetra</span></a>"<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usfl&c=basics&id=2870"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"> - witchvox</span>.com</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Happy H(A)<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">UNTING</span> !!!</span></span><br /></div>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452262611710537677.post-40762664039393124442009-11-05T10:52:00.002-05:002009-11-05T10:53:42.829-05:00The "Doctor" Is In - The "Net" - continuedWhile researching independent speed tests on the different different browsers I stumbled upon a couple of sites that I found useful, both for my research and for me as a blogger. In personally testing different browsers I experienced the truth in the fact that different browsers interpret the scripts that my blog page is written in... um DIFFERENTLY !!! But taking a screen shot using each browser honestly didn't occur to me.<br /><br /><a href="http://browsershots.org/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Browershots.org</span></a><br />Then I found this free site called browsershots.org. Although most likely an invaluable tool for web designers as there is a section to submit your own personal site designs to share and also a very sophisticated color matching tool, I'm sure that I (and other bloggers?) could definitely find use for this service. I already signed up for a FREE account, and may just try submitting my page for shits and giggles.<br /><br />But for this post I used it's service that takes screenshots of any website that you supply the URL for, using any or all of the 80 or so different browsers and versions they offer. Unfortunately Google Chrome wasn't in the list.<br /><br />I was pleased to see that I wasn't going crazy (well...) thinking that my page viewed differently using different browsers. To demonstrate, here are a couple of the shots taken:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRoVVkN_iMima2P2S_EtVogHLEw2x_aA7dvz7S9IUbDk0IByfYfDTpf99TgqJVyWFPUrLug1UwkXgUoEjp9c_-SZxajvQvmEX7mmSqMd9x2Y720PSYfpZ9kXR1-OYoTCKOn_ioAy6R-4/s1600-h/Firefox+3.5+screenshot.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRoVVkN_iMima2P2S_EtVogHLEw2x_aA7dvz7S9IUbDk0IByfYfDTpf99TgqJVyWFPUrLug1UwkXgUoEjp9c_-SZxajvQvmEX7mmSqMd9x2Y720PSYfpZ9kXR1-OYoTCKOn_ioAy6R-4/s320/Firefox+3.5+screenshot.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400609380668243298" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8v5ZWmDcYa_MQpyLq9y-X9iIIOFvwPF20rTJkp-n4GEOyv3jEl2OjVG86WxvJITRyDFm6LVhmUY54cay9jGoxkz9S8bF4CVtwcTeib1oGk3bZ1Nnx4JJ1JllrtS6lvXleCtUJWCN8gP8/s1600-h/IE+7+screenshot.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8v5ZWmDcYa_MQpyLq9y-X9iIIOFvwPF20rTJkp-n4GEOyv3jEl2OjVG86WxvJITRyDFm6LVhmUY54cay9jGoxkz9S8bF4CVtwcTeib1oGk3bZ1Nnx4JJ1JllrtS6lvXleCtUJWCN8gP8/s320/IE+7+screenshot.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400609388283318386" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">What YOU see isn't always what THEY get.... As you can see, even with this very simple page design(I use Firefox, so I see it that way), if you compare the headers which I circled in red, Internet Explorer reads the formatting totally different. Finally I had proof that different browsers read the language differently but this was also a bit upsetting to me, now knowing that my page actually could look like shit depending on which browser views it. But, just one of those things we're stuck with.<br /><br />Also potentially valuable is that I had browsershots take screenshots on another of my blog pages, The "J" Files, which loads slower due to the embedded playlist. Theses proved at the very least that Internet Explorer is the SLOWEST browser, but again, the shots aren't all taken by the same computer so system resources could effect the results. Assuming that the amount of time this service allows for a page to load before taking the screenshot is consistent, here are the shots from the "Big 3":<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVKnAjCo5Y1EZUZr-Eo07hoAYHARv78YeqxAMyT7mjP_VqDW20JFv35BqiPLbNHu3wo0rX6QKU1OiNM5hUaJ5Gr6oy1-4PtqeESSB4Vx4CLvzYDxcZgDLhVO7ZXNMVem5nmARRK4V35s/s1600-h/J+Files+Safari+screenshot.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVKnAjCo5Y1EZUZr-Eo07hoAYHARv78YeqxAMyT7mjP_VqDW20JFv35BqiPLbNHu3wo0rX6QKU1OiNM5hUaJ5Gr6oy1-4PtqeESSB4Vx4CLvzYDxcZgDLhVO7ZXNMVem5nmARRK4V35s/s320/J+Files+Safari+screenshot.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400620142318932914" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkYRJbBu6ccsv92lO0s3ca2h-cerOr7oFkFhQCRM19Mseiozee_u61OP47cgQVsttotE6a8Picf_peyBMr4v-TuleZOg6fsvvXcNk8tZ2S_HkL60YOij1BfwdTACq36lIhGVUL4DpjZ0/s1600-h/J+Files+Firefox+screenshot.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkYRJbBu6ccsv92lO0s3ca2h-cerOr7oFkFhQCRM19Mseiozee_u61OP47cgQVsttotE6a8Picf_peyBMr4v-TuleZOg6fsvvXcNk8tZ2S_HkL60YOij1BfwdTACq36lIhGVUL4DpjZ0/s320/J+Files+Firefox+screenshot.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400620133306809042" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKc1d-uLMRNWJNTZDrrePI7LOtOfZwa0hEDUORos312t7AfyY0aEMcD_j3oP1JSPcvKelVfv4CHK_m2QfXeC8Vu5wcvu407dZ4hGl_oFBP5o_HiVx-IWR6LVGSW2lGVKq1yBPLOuMDvhY/s1600-h/J+Files+Internet+Explorer+screenshot.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKc1d-uLMRNWJNTZDrrePI7LOtOfZwa0hEDUORos312t7AfyY0aEMcD_j3oP1JSPcvKelVfv4CHK_m2QfXeC8Vu5wcvu407dZ4hGl_oFBP5o_HiVx-IWR6LVGSW2lGVKq1yBPLOuMDvhY/s320/J+Files+Internet+Explorer+screenshot.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400620134704022146" border="0" /></a></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">As you can see, in the Safari shot, the entire page loaded... the Firefox shot was about halfway loaded.... the Internet Explorer shot didn't even get the playlist loaded, further proving my findings about browser speeds. This may be useful to bloggers as obviously multimedia-rich pages take longer to load.<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://tools.pingdom.com/fpt/">Pingdom.com</a><br />Along those same lines, I also came across this site called pingdom.com when I was researching ping testing. More than just another ping service, pingdom also offers a page load test. Again, input any URL and the service will ping the site and report how fast the page loads. But more than that, it produces a detailed report that shows how long it takes for each ELEMENT of the page to load:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Z2MWz89siReDZm_N4dwKT3bACHQSCB3ysmFzF5_W4aPU52JydzW5seGaR4Ok8F-KM59rSNwzGwiwbC9oEL42hz3uxsG9duDXKieHF44CsHnlX9HbEWfmYOjAyAsw4v16S_9Upv6bzW8/s1600-h/pingtest.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Z2MWz89siReDZm_N4dwKT3bACHQSCB3ysmFzF5_W4aPU52JydzW5seGaR4Ok8F-KM59rSNwzGwiwbC9oEL42hz3uxsG9duDXKieHF44CsHnlX9HbEWfmYOjAyAsw4v16S_9Upv6bzW8/s320/pingtest.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400626771880860242" border="0" /></a>Again, potentially more valuable to bloggers and web designers but it was interesting to see which elements take the longest to load. I will certainly keep it in mind when posting and/or building another blog page.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />There's a bit more on my browser testing. This will be the last post that I post on all 3 of my blogs, trying to keep the subject matter of each consistent with each respective theme... PLUS, I've been neglecting the others !!!<br /><br />Anyway, please bookmark or subscribe to <a href="http://petervenkman102.blogspot.com/">The Doctor Is In</a> to stay up to date.... THANKS !!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The "doctor" has left the building</span></span><br /><br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452262611710537677.post-32405349916644010062009-11-05T02:56:00.002-05:002009-11-05T03:02:50.494-05:00The Doctor Is In - Lesson 3 - Browsers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.tandswebdesign.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/browser-logos.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 221px;" src="http://www.tandswebdesign.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/browser-logos.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">All browsers are created equal.. OH CONTRARE !!!!!!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">First, let me preface this post by assuming that everyone is already running some soft of protection suite that includes anti-virus, anti-malware, firewall, and identity protection at the very least. And in the age of email and instant messaging, it is important to be sure these utilities also protect those applications. Knowing what ASSuming means, I already have a topic for my next post.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Now that you all have your computer systems and Internet optimized, you're ready to tackle the Internet. So, today I'll share some of my knowledge and experience that I have gained through necessity and testing.<br /><br />As a point of reference, I will share my bandwidth (speed) test results while using several different browsers. Then I will share my thoughts on them. Understand that in order to be as accurate as possible all the tests were performed at the same site (speakeasy.net) and under the same conditions... immediately after optimizing my computer AND my browsers as described in previous posts, in "private browsing" and with the test site being the only tab open. This is what I got:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Internet Explorer 8.. </span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_5lHSJqw2j6AnRGBBtDD3GhasB2QI_Is_zJTRqbg2S65B2yyuo-3gan3zURf233wKkEfoax8NYgscAb5W74zjWt36IGTziCJnBP_wi6nu0tsJfJG__teEbNTYw0OWS0lrdv_k5GNO4c/s1600-h/ie+speed+test+results.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 70px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_5lHSJqw2j6AnRGBBtDD3GhasB2QI_Is_zJTRqbg2S65B2yyuo-3gan3zURf233wKkEfoax8NYgscAb5W74zjWt36IGTziCJnBP_wi6nu0tsJfJG__teEbNTYw0OWS0lrdv_k5GNO4c/s320/ie+speed+test+results.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400035357016103698" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Firefox 3.5.4............ </span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnN8ZwWxE7nbzityp4AA-A8Eu-Cx4AZO5xA-UXRfdFReoPZIdAsnz7Blfp88nWwKidy7bCwXMmUBOG_O-rLmr2-fWBFb8Qs_p2P6KuxXUM37xRd7_rxHYsxjfariQe08IQbIrbjdh6BEk/s1600-h/firefox+speed+test+results.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 70px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnN8ZwWxE7nbzityp4AA-A8Eu-Cx4AZO5xA-UXRfdFReoPZIdAsnz7Blfp88nWwKidy7bCwXMmUBOG_O-rLmr2-fWBFb8Qs_p2P6KuxXUM37xRd7_rxHYsxjfariQe08IQbIrbjdh6BEk/s320/firefox+speed+test+results.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400035687467329778" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Safari 4.................... </span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRrD9dyz4vIvz5PKhAifeL01Q17fi8bX6rd5lnGL13eViITEA0wNBC7kYVsbGC0XI0i9IbwNd10pQ-6AnUO1bv9HzZZNfGzAzS6dDPQgWQkpLZZYur7noTtk_zgci0MFDLfSV5yQtiAU/s1600-h/safari+speed+test+results.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 70px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRrD9dyz4vIvz5PKhAifeL01Q17fi8bX6rd5lnGL13eViITEA0wNBC7kYVsbGC0XI0i9IbwNd10pQ-6AnUO1bv9HzZZNfGzAzS6dDPQgWQkpLZZYur7noTtk_zgci0MFDLfSV5yQtiAU/s320/safari+speed+test+results.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400035372473738178" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Avant Browser ......... </span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbRgILDwsNeUhlIVTDpJcO_1lZTQJcl8uz14PrCQ2V_NAaf1rEzDbazydM53Z0TGxQIb4s1JrOuw5qs2v9iZLkk9JYr1jbemWvQuVrNIvRa_Xp_1kSHiLk98IoMwbYTrUuxCVMEKm7lQ/s1600-h/avant+speed+test+results.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 70px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbRgILDwsNeUhlIVTDpJcO_1lZTQJcl8uz14PrCQ2V_NAaf1rEzDbazydM53Z0TGxQIb4s1JrOuw5qs2v9iZLkk9JYr1jbemWvQuVrNIvRa_Xp_1kSHiLk98IoMwbYTrUuxCVMEKm7lQ/s320/avant+speed+test+results.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400035358374958290" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Netscape Navigator 9</span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8ip26gk6MlAXNsbCDkK2NjwuAkrQSXZPpDsQjvDhA-itBC2YnbGki6scRD-Syf3IH30I_c6IINvcbMINdxBBmxj_yYlh-TxpjUSTnUFGhDMSE_snQuIBdX4K4Uv-ZtEZ30nNGjc9A8M/s1600-h/netscape+speed+results.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 70px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8ip26gk6MlAXNsbCDkK2NjwuAkrQSXZPpDsQjvDhA-itBC2YnbGki6scRD-Syf3IH30I_c6IINvcbMINdxBBmxj_yYlh-TxpjUSTnUFGhDMSE_snQuIBdX4K4Uv-ZtEZ30nNGjc9A8M/s320/netscape+speed+results.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400265120481111138" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Opera 10....................</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2fpyD5EURGvAJJ5dmRIqDInL6ogpWW0mpM4v2nLkfV4U6uavQgA5kSP_WAT99h8ksfbUfbNzatqYUSPtRxk_6Mh3XVrkltt3qxySSW3BKByZJ2aa8r9Ie0KBbxm5vR2HBTVUQW1zL3Y/s1600-h/opera+speed+results.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 70px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2fpyD5EURGvAJJ5dmRIqDInL6ogpWW0mpM4v2nLkfV4U6uavQgA5kSP_WAT99h8ksfbUfbNzatqYUSPtRxk_6Mh3XVrkltt3qxySSW3BKByZJ2aa8r9Ie0KBbxm5vR2HBTVUQW1zL3Y/s320/opera+speed+results.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400264375055609378" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Google Chrome...........</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmpIE5ri38hkfHfZAEqKgswn6XQP2OutfM0cJ0kuDb_l6aegPHT3g4n7Y4jE9qx8djUoiEA2FBQtI836U86er5qKukjXuCydEpgFklytS95i9OET5fyOZZvaf4OeIwcH0MBQMD1CpnH8/s1600-h/Chrome+Speed+Test.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 70px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmpIE5ri38hkfHfZAEqKgswn6XQP2OutfM0cJ0kuDb_l6aegPHT3g4n7Y4jE9qx8djUoiEA2FBQtI836U86er5qKukjXuCydEpgFklytS95i9OET5fyOZZvaf4OeIwcH0MBQMD1CpnH8/s320/Chrome+Speed+Test.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400265714980042402" border="0" /></a></div><br />Well, well, well... looks like a no-brainer as to which browser is faster right ??? Note that these are strictly POTENTIAL data transfer rates and depend on your ISP, system configuration, optimizations etc. But, they are a good place to start at least - or are they ???<br /><br />Transfer rates aside, there are many technical factors that are involved in how web sites are built and how a particular browser performs, like how they read and interpret the different versions of the "language" used to build pages (** BE SURE TO KEEP JAVA UPDATED !!!), how they compress the data being transferred and the system resources required to do so (hence, the importance of optimizing your computer), to name a few.<br /><br />I did a LOT of research on browser comparisons. Although Google Chrome has been advertised as the FASTEST browser going, according to my personal data transfer rate (above), that just isn't so. But all the comparison tests point to this being true..... or is it???<br /><br />I was going to include some tester's personal results but truth be told, their results don't compare to how these browsers worked in conjunction with my personal system and ISP. So, your experiences may differ too. Here's some personal observations. And just to note, all the statistics aside, two personal "tests" are simply how quickly I can scroll a web-page once I have my browser load it - particularly Facebook - and how smoothly videos buffer on Youtube.... maybe archaic but....<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Internet Explorer </span>- Internet Explorer is undoubtedly the grand-daddy of browsers, the only test result I could find that rated it number 1 (most rate it SLOWEST - I agree) was from Microsoft... go figure. True that the data transfer rates are among the best, OBVIOUSLY some of the other factors involved need to be visited by IE developers. NOT to mention there seems to be compatibility issues with Blogger... the host of this blog. IE is definitely not near the top of the list of browsers, according to my testing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Avant Browser</span> - Definitely a fast browser - pages load fast, videos streams fast and data transfer rates amongst the best, definitely high on the speed list. BUT, I personally experienced incompatibility with some sites, including Blogger.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Safari</span> - Honestly probably the fastest browser out there. I wasn't aware that they made a Windows version until recently, but once I did, Safari was definitely my default browser (due to issues with Firefox). One drawback I found was that my Comcast toolbar wasn't compatible with this browser. AND I also found that certain functions in Blogger weren't able to be used.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Google Chrome</span> - Chrome is also a VERY fast browser, despite it's apparent data transfer rate result. Google makes this happen by making it a stripped down version of an IE based browser, but THAT makes it absent of some of the user-friendly features available to users of the "bigger" browsers. Like others, a major drawback to me was the lack of ability to use some features on Blogger... a bit odd as Google owns Blogger. Another drawback was it lacked in it's ability to stream videos, lagging throughout.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Opera</span> - Again a very fast browser, despite it's apparent data transfer rate... pages load fast, videos stream fast and play smoothly. Personal drawbacks include lack of compatibility with particular web-sites, not limited to Texas Hold 'Em poker and once again, Blogger.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Netscape Navigator</span> - Honestly I didn't even know this browser was still functional - actually, it isn't. Although I was able to perform 1 speed test, once I closed it, it wouldn't open again, so further testing wasn't possible - probably a good thing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Firefox </span>- That leaves Firefox... Firefox is probably one of the few browsers out there that are totally independent of an IE structure - and THAT's a good thing. Although the precipitous for researching other browser options was the fact that Firefox 3.5 had EXTREME issues with crashing, Mozilla has corrected that and I personally have experienced a great surprise in Firefox's newfound stability in version 3.5.4. (**note, I am currently running the Beta version of version 3.6, which was just released).<br /><br />No, I am not an authority on web browsers, and can only share my personal experiences. That being said, despite the "apparent" low data transfer rate, Firefox obviously has a good handle on data compression. Firefox still appears to me to be the best (and SAFEST) web browser there is.... videos stream fast, pages load fast, ALL aspects of Blogger are compatible... hell, even Facebook pages reload without lag.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">These are just my personal experiences based on the browsers I've tried and my own surfing activity. Obviously everyone's own system and activity could result in a different experience. but for MY "money", I'm sticking with Firefox, as long as they can continue to address the past crashing issues...<br /><br />This is simply a sharing of personal experience. Everyone's activity and system will play a factor in their personal results. But, even if you're happy with the way your browser responds, just know that there ARE other options out there that just may surprise you.<br /><br />Online (and system) security will be a future post but my next post will "reveal" some helpful information that I have stumbled across for bloggers.... either way, keep reading... PLEASE ?!?!?!?<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The "doctor" has left the building<br /><br /></span></span></div></div></div>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452262611710537677.post-54471939085746735162009-11-02T17:45:00.009-05:002009-11-03T00:24:54.101-05:00The "Doctor" Is In - Lesson 2A - The "Net"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVpZDM_5ex4s4gnkPJFrlYcROllMznNSJjKwmbbepMAB-rDJ4HAkhn_XWqmJXXblaAQFG_0lVGpn5xfw3NkVlX9gzpbYmEzmoIIiw-3PG_cbvj63dm-hzUj8Edupwt05YJiqxwbg91nXI/s400/World+Wide+Web.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 381px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVpZDM_5ex4s4gnkPJFrlYcROllMznNSJjKwmbbepMAB-rDJ4HAkhn_XWqmJXXblaAQFG_0lVGpn5xfw3NkVlX9gzpbYmEzmoIIiw-3PG_cbvj63dm-hzUj8Edupwt05YJiqxwbg91nXI/s400/World+Wide+Web.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Yesterday I shared some simple tips to help keep your computer running more efficiently.... REMEMBER THE OPTIMIZER !!!<br /><br />Today, I'll take it another step to share some tips to try to help your internet experience be a more pleasant one. Again, I'm keeping in mind the K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid) mentality, mainly because that works best for me !!! So, I will keep it simple while still offering some tips that may help to improve your online time.<br /><br />The reason for describing SYSTEM optimizing tips first IS simple, the more resources your computer uses to run, the less resources that are available to help your internet connection run smooth, right?<br /><br />There are many factors that determine how "satisfied" you are with your internet experience - and although many are beyond your control, there are definitely some things to consider to help when you are surfing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The "Bad"</span> - I'll start with some things that we just have to live with. Unfortunately we are all somewhat at the mercy of others. It can get pretty technical but we have no control over site traffic, server capabilities, "flash" applications, "mime", javascript etc. Suffice to say, the more interactive or "fancy" a particular site is, the more resources needed in order to display it properly.<br /><br />Websites are built using code known as HTML.. and more recently, XHTML (XML). Although the theory of this language is universal, there are many variations derived from the basic concept, much like English in the USA is spoken differently in different parts of the country - and THAT causes problems.<br /><br />Facebook users know this all too well and a big part of the problems encountered there are because Facebook developers have created their own version of HTML which isn't always compatible with the versions that all the third party applications use - never mind the compatibility issues between HTML and XML in general. So, we're left to "deal with it".<br /><br />Our hands are also tied (don't shoot me fellow bloggers) by sites that host multiple pages, streaming audio (guilty), video, multiple pictures, advertisements, "pop-up" clouds, multiple hyperlinks, etc as these all put additional strain on our own system resources.<br /><br />That's not to say that there aren't things that you can to do to help ease the strain. Again, yesterday's tips for optimizing your system will help. Obviously the very beginning depends on how many programs, browser windows and tabs you are trying to run simultaneously... LESS IS BEST !!!!<br /><br />And now I'll get into the "good", and help explain some other simple "fixes" that will help you enjoy the internet more. First some points of reference....<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bandwidth</span> (Data Transfer Rate, uh....speed) - The key to your internet experience is the POTENTIAL speed that your ISP (internet service provider - ie, Comcast, AT&T, Charter) provides you with. Basically what this is is the amount of data capable of being transmitted per second. Yesterday I gave you a snapshot of my system, today I will tell you that I have Comcast Internet's 3rd tier - download speeds up to 15 megabits (mb)/second normal, up to 30mb/second with "powerboost" (LOVE THAT). Ok, ok, ok so WTF does THAT mean ?!?! Well, if you understand that 15<span style="font-weight: bold;">mb</span> = 1.75 <span style="font-weight: bold;">MB</span> (30<span style="font-weight: bold;">mb</span> - 3.5<span style="font-weight: bold;">MB</span>) and a typical mp3 song is 4-5 <span style="font-weight: bold;">M</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">B</span>, it means....<br /><div style="text-align: right;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYMPkPkHqQ0W7BsqiqiDkz5H8bWddt8KkdOFIOSuPMOZwf1wzImTUIh4LsX9xjCBzmc4hrMbeKjuIsYi7IoeZxWAsswYtukc4tCsoa94nJutTuD10l87LGP3zop-5XF1GXwEtAcJ0hRI/s1600-h/Speedtest.net.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYMPkPkHqQ0W7BsqiqiDkz5H8bWddt8KkdOFIOSuPMOZwf1wzImTUIh4LsX9xjCBzmc4hrMbeKjuIsYi7IoeZxWAsswYtukc4tCsoa94nJutTuD10l87LGP3zop-5XF1GXwEtAcJ0hRI/s320/Speedtest.net.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399679045963088402" border="0" /></a>....my ISP (Comcast) provides me with the potential to download files as indicated above.<br /></div><br />First, if you don't know what your speed is SUPPOSED to be, then find out from your provider. But understand that what they tell you is the MAXIMUM you will experience. There are other factors involved but you should experience <span style="font-weight: bold;">at least</span> 80% of the maximum... ie, if you are rated for 6mbps (AT&T's maximum), expect around 5...<br /><br />If you're interested (and HIGHLY recommended) you can test your own speed at <a href="http://speakeasy.net/">speakeasy.net</a> and <a href="http://speedtest.net/">speedtest.net</a>... although there are many, these are the 2 main test sites used by technicians. Note that when you run speed tests you should run a minimum of 3 tests (and take the average)... I usually run at least 5...<br /><br />"<span style="font-weight: bold;">Ping</span>" - Now, WHEN you got to speedtest.net you'll notice a link to another site, <a href="http://pingtest.net/">pingtest.net</a>... GO THERE TOO !!!! This site will allow you to run a "ping" test, which basically will tell you the amount of time it takes to transfer a packet of data and how much data is "lost" in that transfer... basically it tells you the condition of YOUR line to the server... results look like this...<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.pingtest.net/"><img style="width: 256px; height: 121px;" src="http://www.pingtest.net/result/2347410.png" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I recommend that you run these tests BEFORE and AFTER making any changes so that you know how the changes affect your own performance...<br /><br />Ok, testing done, and whether or not you're happy with your surfing speed, there are things that you can do/change to improve internet performance...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Toolbars , Add-ons</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Gadgets</span>.... BAD BAD BAD.... Web browsers and websites offer these wonderful "shortcut" utilities to make browsing "faster". Toolbars are just that, provided by services mainly to keep their names in your face... Yahoo has one, AIM has one, Facebook has one, Twitter has one, etc... Add-ons and gadgets are extensions of your toolbar offered by other services... basically "quick" links to THEIR page or service, or even live feeds from a particular site.... GET RID OF THEM !!!! or at the very least HIDE THEM.... Along with offering a bit of convenience, these "services" suck up bandwidth and resources... ESPECIALLY the animated and "ticker" ones. Bye Bye Bye... I will admit that along with the standard Firefox or Internet Explorer toolbar, I also have the Comcast Toolbar running as it provides me a link to their ant-spy utility.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Private Browsing</span> - Some browsers... Internet Explore, Firefox and Safari, at least, offer "Private Browsing"... USE IT !!!! Although there are "drawbacks" to private browsing as.....<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"In a Private Browsing session, [the browser] won't keep any browser history, search history, download history, web form history, cookies, or temporary internet files. "</span><br /><br />..the saved bandwidth will make a dramatic difference in performance... if you REALLY need to search your history to find a page you visited, my suggestion is to "bookmark" it next time. Not to mention this way of browsing is safer.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">History, Cookies, Temporary Internet Files</span> - DUMP, DUMP, DUMP !!! Even when I do on occasion browse in a non-private mode, I have my browser set to delete all of the above when I close it. All these things do is waste bandwidth... and cookies and Temp Files are actually saved on your hard drive.... GRRRRRR.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Suspend the Interactivity of Websites</span> - I've never actually done this and as a blogger... I'll probably get shot !!! (forgive me fellow bloggers) BUT.... some browsers offer the option to disable audio, video, ads etc from loading on websites. Obviously this is a way to greatly reduce the bandwidth so the pages load faster... but it's also a way to miss out on a lot of great content...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">TCP (Internet) Optimization</span> - CRITICAL !!!!!!!!!!! Just as optimizing your system has the most profound impact on the performance of your computer, optimizing your web browser(s) has the greatest POSITIVE impact on your internet experience. This is something too few people realize... When you install a browser, it's default settings are optimized for a dial-up connection speed. I don't know about you but I haven't used dial-up in ages - if you ARE still on dial-up, ignore this. There are definite tweaks that can/should be done to OPTIMIZE your browsers for your particular connection.<br /><br />Although they can be done manually, I take the easy way out. Many of the Windows Optimizer Utilities described yesterday incorporate an Internet Optimizer integrated into their suite... DONE !!!<br /><br />If you don't have one of those suites YET... then there are also utilities that can be found on the web. Comcast, for example, offers a TCP Optimizer that appears to be free to anyone as I didn't have to sign into my account to access the download. It can be found here at <a href="http://customer.comcast.com/Pages/SearchResults.aspx?terms=tcp+optimizer">comcast.net</a>... but you MUST be using Internet Explorer in order to download it.<br /><br />However, the "standard" TCP Optimizers appear to only be compatible with Internet Explorer and IE-based browsers. BUT, have no fear Firefox users !!!!! I found one for you (and me) too called SpeedyFox. You can download it <a href="http://www.crystalidea.com/speedyfox">here</a>. It's a very simple download and a 1-click optimization process... and I gained 15% more speed immediately after doing so. And have no worries, I scanned the file before opening it, so it's clean.<br /><br />I was going to continue but frankly I'm tired... and this may be a lot for some to absorb. So I'll save the rest for tomorrow, where I will discuss specifics about some different browsers that I tested and my personal conclusions. I hope this helps and if I think of anything else I'll be sure to post it.<br /><br />Before leaving I will share with you my speed tests performed at speakeasy, before and after cleaning my machine and optimizing Internet Explorer..... you be the judge...<br /><br />Before....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhY3N7hiYl83iVWQZ2MqfaJjI1GwejAoftRQRDL8NHxUCFkUn8ee0GZDCoYpvaaP8ezrsp1FU-WDYg5ENh7DAYxhwRbBoL-hT-6d9LCfuXN2q9QFBo1tIDs_tIv8ef1GDh8r-kNgRKDKk/s1600-h/IE+Speed+Test.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 312px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhY3N7hiYl83iVWQZ2MqfaJjI1GwejAoftRQRDL8NHxUCFkUn8ee0GZDCoYpvaaP8ezrsp1FU-WDYg5ENh7DAYxhwRbBoL-hT-6d9LCfuXN2q9QFBo1tIDs_tIv8ef1GDh8r-kNgRKDKk/s320/IE+Speed+Test.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399704199460295794" border="0" /></a>After....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8z-n05jlb_Gr7mQGFmTQ6FymrN5JhGSsxfFSyaze5biAmVPR1UaGF5pkeq_KYqgMsI38ht29WW6vN3-DPBcrzot3Gt__SBggw9Tjv4WTmJcKCchgd6lak8OY1yWsous2Uj1k2WP1h8I/s1600-h/IE+Speed+Test+After.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8z-n05jlb_Gr7mQGFmTQ6FymrN5JhGSsxfFSyaze5biAmVPR1UaGF5pkeq_KYqgMsI38ht29WW6vN3-DPBcrzot3Gt__SBggw9Tjv4WTmJcKCchgd6lak8OY1yWsous2Uj1k2WP1h8I/s320/IE+Speed+Test+After.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399704196376032882" border="0" /></a>Note, my download speed went from 21.6mbps to 30.8mbps.... hmmmmm... I'll take THAT !!!!<br /><br />Just for the record, I had a tech come check my lines one day... when he ran the tests, he was getting 30mbps, while I was getting around 18. His answer to why his was so much faster was, "Better processor". THAT'S why I did some research. Who's pulling 30 NOW !?!?!?!?<br /><br /><br /></div></center>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452262611710537677.post-54183439161053484442009-11-01T13:42:00.023-05:002009-11-02T08:22:52.650-05:00- The "Doctor" is in - lesson 1 - My computer is so slow !!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://topbanana.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/computer_repair_large.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 296px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://topbanana.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/computer_repair_large.jpg" /></a><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">I'm going to write a different post today... a bit off topic but this is my forum so... some of it may sound simplistic, but I'm writing it that way on purpose for those that are not as inclined as others. But even for a total novice, there are many ways to improve your computer's performance. I will do a more technical one later.</div><div><div><div><div><br />If you're still with me, I'm going to write about some computer maintenance and performance topics. I have always maintained my own computers (with mixed success, HA !!!) but I do have the determination to research issues thoroughly and have been pretty happy with my personal results.... and note that the topic here is PC, I don't own a Mac (never will) and would be able to offer no solutions there.</div><br /><div>First a bit on my machine for reference:</div><br /><div><b>Processor</b> - Intel Celeron (not the greatest by Intel) running at 2.4 gigahertz<br /></div><b>RAM</b> - 1 gigabyte installed (2 x 512 megabyte); 2 gigabyte maximum<br /><div><b>Operating system</b> - Windows XP Pro; service pack 3</div><div><b>Hard Drive(s)</b> - I have 2 (which aren't "raided" - by choice), 1 is 30 gig and I added a 40 gig which I basically use for multimedia applications and downloads to keep them off the drive that contains my operating system.<br /><br />"MY COMPUTER IS SO SLOW !!!" How many times have I said and heard THAT?? There are many factors that determine how fast your PC performs.<br /><br />First and foremost is the hardware, most especially the processor and the amount of physical RAM you have. Most of us are bound by the processor that came with our computers, and although upgrading may be an option, it isn't necessarily a feasible one. Today's computers offer dual processor models which obviously can do twice as much simultaneously. Not all of us are lucky enough to be able to afford that option.<br /><br />Obviously the processor is the "brain", and not all processors work the same way. Although 2 processors may operate at the same speed of say, 3.0 gigahertz, there are other factors that determine how fast and how much information it processes, like front side BUS and cache... but again, we have what we have.<br /><br />That takes us to the RAM (Random Access Memory)... Ah memory, obviously the more you have the better. As programs become more sophisticated, the amount of resources needed to run them properly (and simultaneously) becomes greater - increasing the burden on the processor and the memory. As a point of reference, I believe Windows XP requires 256 megabytes of RAM to operate - so if that's all you have, don't even try to run anything else.</div><br /><div>You can tell what your computer has by clicking "Start".... then right clicking "My Computer".... then clicking on "properties" (if your "My Computer" is on your desktop, right click on it there)- there are other ways to get here... That will bring up the "System Properties" window.... which hopefully you've all seen before as there are several tabs that include information and utilities about your system.</div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCNmwtXsOS5sM9YY8t_cOieiAJ3HBekjuKlj47t0sQpY7r-mETyK0fCKJ1y9oxQUDX0NAtY8D5WmF6twR1qEkpBLohTMMXAf6TYb94AYGthzH3Rg7IipnJFxb_vjKKRuyNaHdK1RQXj8/s1600-h/Windows.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 375px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399299073975368690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCNmwtXsOS5sM9YY8t_cOieiAJ3HBekjuKlj47t0sQpY7r-mETyK0fCKJ1y9oxQUDX0NAtY8D5WmF6twR1qEkpBLohTMMXAf6TYb94AYGthzH3Rg7IipnJFxb_vjKKRuyNaHdK1RQXj8/s400/Windows.jpg" /></a><br />.... which shows you your processor, RAM and operating system.<br /><br /><div>RAM is relatively inexpensive these days - at least for older machines (like mine). And if you're running Windows XP, the minimum you should have is 512 megabytes - more if you're running Vista... and probably even more for Windows 7. But before you go out and buy a "bunch" of memory, be sure you understand what your mainboard is capable of supporting, or else it won't read it at all - leaving you helpless.</div><div><br /></div><div>Although increasing your amount of "Virtual Memory" will help, THAT allocates a portion of your hard drive to be used as "RAM" - virtual memory helps but it also requires use of your processor, leaving less of it's resources available to work for you... there is nothing better than good old fashioned PHYSICAL RAM.</div><div><br />Now, should you not be capable of upgrading your processor and/or RAM, all is not lost. There are several things you could and should do to help the performance and stability of your computer in general... True that there are tweaks in "System Properties" app that can be applied, but the defaults are set to optimize performance - plus those require some level of technical ability and I am technically challenged !!! - although I did increase my Virtual Memory setting... Instead I will explain some extremely simple "fixes" that should prove valuable.<b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Minimize the number of items on your desktop </b>- This may sound odd (dumb) and I am the worst offender when it comes to a cluttered desktop - call it laziness. However, the more items (icons) that you have on your desktop, the more system resources wasted. If you feel the need to keep a large number of files on your desktop so they are more easily accessible, you should, at the very least, group them in categories and create folders for the categories to store them in. It may take and extra "click-click" to access them but will help eliminate wasting system resources. Ever wonder why Microsoft included the "Unused Desktop Items" utility with "XP" ?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Do NOT install custom desktop themes, wallpapers screen-savers or backgrounds</b> - True they may be "pretty" or "cool" but... Aside from the risks involved in downloading a program from an unknown source, many of these themes (especially animated ones) require more system resources than you should be allocating to making your desktop look pretty.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Minimize the Number of Start-up Programs</b> - Whether you know it (or like it) or not, every time you start your computer, dozens of processes and programs automatically launch and run "in the background". Many of these are not necessary for the operation of your computer but cause your machine to start slower and use resources unnecessarily. Task Manager (ctrl/alt/del) will show you a list of processes that are currently running and allow you to end non-system processes manually. However, if you determine that many of the processes that launch automatically aren't necessary, then you should stop them from doing so. To do this, click "Start"..., then "Run"... in the search box that pops up type "msconfig" and hit "Enter"... that will bring up this utility....</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFCNWjm8m7Hzus7fEdiYyzvVi5-SV5QYWL1xkj3WjUdpPqlFn7BX8jChNdA1gysdb0jNZnjjdIWNcWZAgw1XWJu4Us5umaLQ2CpzmoFoMvy5D8dmtuZ7EGwEv7qOagPAiuiyTFN9Uh24/s1600-h/Config.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 261px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399327881634386562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFCNWjm8m7Hzus7fEdiYyzvVi5-SV5QYWL1xkj3WjUdpPqlFn7BX8jChNdA1gysdb0jNZnjjdIWNcWZAgw1XWJu4Us5umaLQ2CpzmoFoMvy5D8dmtuZ7EGwEv7qOagPAiuiyTFN9Uh24/s400/Config.jpg" /></a></div><div>Some third party utility programs offer this also, but I'll get into that more later. As you can see, there are a few default start-up profiles, most likely yours is set on "Normal Startup" - mine is set to "Selective Startup" as I have stopped several processes from launching on startup. "SYSTEM.INI", "WIN.INI" AND "BOOT.INI" are vital to system operation and not knowing enough, I have left them at there default settings. The "Services" tab will show all the processes that are currently running and will allow you to stop them from doing so (to free up resources). The "Startup" tab shows you all the processes that start running when you start your computer. THIS is where you can stop processes to save resources and help your machine boot faster.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Uninstall all unwanted or unneeded programs - </b>Leaving unnecessary programs on your hard drive only wastes system resources by either taking up valuable space on your hard drive OR by your system including them in it's list of start-up processes and having them startup and run automatically.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Clean (and Defragment) your machine !!!</b> - Along with uninstalling unnecessary programs it is important to clean your machine REGULARLY (and especially AFTER uninstalling something) in order to keep it performing well... uninstalling and deleting files will leave file fragments and "gaps" on your hard drive, which will definitely slow your machine down - trying to read a fragment or empty space confuses your processor. Too often I ask someone when the last time they cleaned their hard drive was only to be answered by silence. </div><div><br /></div><div>Running "Disk Cleanup" will eliminate fragments, temporary files and other "dead" files that just take up space and slow your machine down. Again, third party utility programs offer different versions - and different programs are written differently and "see" junk files differently, SO, I often run 3 different cleanup programs in succession. The "default" that comes with Windows can be accessed by clicking "Start"... "All Programs"... "Accessories"... "System Tools"... "Disk Cleanup"...</div><div><br /></div><div>DEFRAG !!! As files and programs are written to your hard drive and removed, PC's are NOT built to automatically utilize hard drive space effectively. In other words, when you delete a file or remove a program, that space on your hard drive remains empty (fragmented). Even when you create new files, they will NOT fill in the empty spaces. Obviously, the more files you delete, the more fragments your hard drive will have. It is critical to remove these gaps in your hard drive as empty space is the kiss of death for a processor - it takes MUCH more time for it to search a black hole for a file...</div><div><br /></div><div>As with "cleanup" there are third party applications here but the Windows defrag utility is in the same folder as "Cleanup"... "Start"... "All Programs"... "Accessories"... "System Tools"... "Disk Defragmenter"... although, I don't care for it because it takes forever. </div><div><br /></div><div>It is imperative for the performance of your computer to run these utilities on a regular basis - at least once a week... and ALWAYS after uninstalling a program or deleting a great number of files. I actually ALSO have my defrag set to run every night at 3 am, just to keep my hard drive optimized.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Anti-malware</b> (spyware, adware) - ANOTHER critical utility for all PC owners. I'm sure everyone has some anti-virus utility to protect against viruses- I have the McAfee suite through Comcast, which, by the way, has it's own cleanup program integrated into it (one of the 3 I use). BUT, it is also crucial to have an anti-malware (anti-malicious software) program running too, IF it isn't integrated with your anti-virus utility - hell, even if it is (As mine is with McAfee), the more the merrier !!!</div><div><br /></div><div>You can thank the "wonderful" computer gurus of the world for developing and incorporating malware into programs and/or websites that when downloaded to your machine can (and WILL) wreak havoc.</div><div><br /></div><div>Although spyware and adware won't destroy your computer like a virus, certainly spyware can destroy your life, allowing a portal with which personal information on your computer can be accessed. Adware (ASSware) is more just a pain in the butt, causing ads to pop up at random related to whatever website or program infected you... been there done THAT.</div><div><br /></div><div>I currently have 2 utilities installed dedicated to preventing malware. One is also supplied by Comcast and is distributed by CA (Computer Associates). Feeling the need to again triple up here, I also have Windows Defender which is a totally free program, although I'm sure there are others - the point being... BE SURE YOU HAVE ONE !!!</div><div><br /></div><div>My preference is Defender over the CA version and I have it running continuously in the background (seems to take less resources over CA), although I do have the CA anti-spy program run nightly at 2 am.. just to be sure. Along with the anti-malware utility, Defender also integrates a "Software Explorer" which is a more user friendly way of controlling currently running and/or startup processes as described above. It also includes a software removal tool. And it notifies you if a program is trying to make a change to your system, giving you the opportunity to not allow the change.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, "I've done EVERYTHING above but my PC is still too slow".... </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Windows optimizer program</b> - All THAT being said, the most critical utility to have for maintaining PC performance is one of the many optimizer programs available. I haven't seen a free one (although, you CAN download a free trial) but $40 or $50 is well worth the investment. Certainly there are the means described above to help computer performance, but cleaning your hard drive simply isn't enough.... it's all about the registry !!! Explaining the function of the registry is a post in itself, but if you don't clean out and defrag your registry REGULARLY, all the efforts above could go for not. If you don't have at least registry optimizing utility.... GET ONE !!!! And adding and removing programs will fragment your registry, so not a bad idea to incorporate a registry scan into your uninstall process.</div><div><br /></div><div>Again, there are many optimizing suites out there. Also again, different programs offer different levels of functionality but the do integrate many of the tweaks above and and perform them automatically. I currently use a suite by Uniblue, which includes a disk cleanup utility, a disk defrag utility, a registry cleanup/defrag utility, and a driver updating tool as it is also important that you are running your hardware using the most current drivers.</div><div><br /></div><div>Within each of the modules there are also many options for optimizing specific applications like Windows and WEB BROWSERS, as well as optimizing your processor, physical memory, startup programs etc. </div><div><br /></div><div>BUT, the most important part of the suite is the registry optimizer...</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZLTuG5gSVHhcYKiogq7axFrsgXxaLuyXMvfF5vlkNyPAJkYBtSP_1hVP2RaD10uidke9EDTOMSe4NAR2CaE-fdG-8sRHA4RhN2ihl4CjhR00rOSCn87ssgvHBhByzOPjl0asGOsdo0g/s1600-h/registry.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 291px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399356460635993074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZLTuG5gSVHhcYKiogq7axFrsgXxaLuyXMvfF5vlkNyPAJkYBtSP_1hVP2RaD10uidke9EDTOMSe4NAR2CaE-fdG-8sRHA4RhN2ihl4CjhR00rOSCn87ssgvHBhByzOPjl0asGOsdo0g/s400/registry.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>and if you don't believe me, download a trial version of one and try it. Although the trial versions are set to only fix a certain amount or percentage of the errors it finds, you'll be amazed at the resulting performance of your computer.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's it for now. I stress once again... the REGISTRY... and seriously, if you think I'm kidding I tested my internet speed before and after making doing a scan and making a few tweaks... and gained up to 25% !!! But THAT will be lesson 2. I hope this helps.... if you have questions or would like me to research something for ya, just SCREAM at me.....</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452262611710537677.post-70890332831007151732009-10-31T19:19:00.004-04:002009-10-31T21:13:15.115-04:00- "All Hallows Even"<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-weight: bold; font-family:arial, serif;">Ah, Halloween.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#006600;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#006600;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.saint.org/blog/uploaded_images/happy-halloween-pumpkin-777055.JPG"><img src="http://www.saint.org/blog/uploaded_images/happy-halloween-pumpkin-777055.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 300px; " /></a></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">What a night for a paranormal enthusiast !!!.. "most likely getting it's origin from the</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> Celtic New Year called </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Samhain</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> (pronounced so-</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">wein</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">) which was observed on October 31 by the ancient Druids to celebrate the end of summer. It was believed that on that night, the veil between the world of the dead and the world of the living was at its thinnest. The spirits of all who died the preceding year would haunt the land in search of (living) people to possess and to escape the uncertain afterlife. To avoid possession, the living would dress up in ghoulish costumes and parade around in an attempt to scare off the spirits. The parade was also meant to distract the spirits and lead them out of the area.</span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:verdana, arial, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br />The name "Halloween" is a corruption of All Hallows Even which was the night before the Catholic observance of All Saints Day, a day for commemorating the saints. The Roman Church took events from Samhain and made it their own holiday." (from xprojectmagazine.com)</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, arial, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, arial, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; line-height: 19px; font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">"The colours black and orange have become associated with the celebrations, perhaps because of the darkness of night and the colour of fire or of pumpkins, and maybe because of the vivid contrast this presents for merchandising. Another association is with the </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack-o%27-lantern" title="Jack-o'-lantern" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">jack-o'-lantern</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">. Halloween activities include </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trick-or-treating" title="Trick-or-treating" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">trick-or-treating</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">, wearing </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween_costume" title="Halloween costume" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">costumes</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"> and attending</span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Costume_party" title="Costume party" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">costume parties</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">, </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost" title="Ghost" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">ghost tours</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">, </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonfire" title="Bonfire" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">bonfires</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">, visiting </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haunted_attraction" title="Haunted attraction" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">haunted attractions</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">, pranks, telling scary stories, and watching </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horror_film" title="Horror film" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">horror films</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">." </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; border-collapse: collapse; font-family:verdana, arial, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">(from wikipedia.com)</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:sans-serif, arial, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:sans-serif, arial, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">SOOOOOOOOOOOOO.. THAT'S what I did !!! Not having little children to take trick or treating, I took in a movie.. not just ANY movie, mind you... THIS ONE !!!!!!!!</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:sans-serif, arial, helvetica;color:#006600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:sans-serif, arial, helvetica;color:#006600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px;font-size:medium;"><br /><div><center><object width="420" height="339"><param name="movie" value="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/xaiiog"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/xaiiog" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="339" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></object><br /><b><a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/xaiiog">Paranormal Activity - Trailer</a></b><br /><i>by <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/dreadcentral">dreadcentral</a></i></center><center><i><br /></i></center><center style="text-align: left;">I purposely<i> </i>didn't do a lot of research prior to seeing the film so that I could watch it without any bias whatever. All I knew going in was that it was a "no-budget, bad mockumentary of a horror movie" that was produced in 2007 and premiered at the Screamfest Film Festival that year. I now know that isn't <b>entirely</b> true. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">Now, I'm no film critic but "no-budget" was obvious as the film quality and editing were lacking - unless that was the intent. Not to mention, the movie takes place in a single location - which is apparently the director's own home (very nice one at that). AND, there are only 4 (5, if you count the spirit) in the cast.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">But, as an amateur paranormal enthusiast, I really liked this film and am glad they dusted it off (kudos to Paramount !!!) Apparently I'm not the only one. Certainly the timing of the general release 2 weeks before Halloween has a lot to do with it's success, but I'd bet that no one would have imagined that as of October 30th gross sales would be over $66,000,000 (whew, split THAT 4 ways) and it has achieved the status of most profitable independent film ever. I believe it.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">I won't go into detail for those that haven't seen it, but the basic plot is a young couple moves into a new house that is seemingly haunted (ho hum, right?). HOWEVER, it isn't the house that is haunted.... It's the girl !!!!!!! (sound familiar ???) Some time into the story the girl discloses that she has experienced paranormal phenomena ever since she was a child. The entire movie is shown through the viewfinder of the boyfriend's video camera, which he has purchased to try to videotape the activity.</span></span></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">Although I'm a novice at this stuff, the depiction seemed very accurate based on my research so far. The hauntings follow an escalating pattern much like the list I described in my last post... starting as "common phenomena" - noises, doors moving, objects (keys) being moved - advancing to "moderate phenomena" - seeing shadows, witnessing doors being closed, hearing voices (EVP) and culminating in "extreme phenomena" - negative energy, slamming doors, footprints (the boyfriend covered the floor with powder), physical contact and even possession.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">As I watched (and analyzed) the movie, I was definitely in belief that this pattern was accurate. I was also thinking that I'm glad that MY ghost hasn't advanced further up the "activity list". And I certainly hope that it doesn't now.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">The one criticism that I do have is with the "scientist" that the couple contacted for help. Although referred to as a "psychic", he stated that his area of expertise was with ghosts and told the couple they had a demon, so he couldn't help them. There wasn't really any foundation at that point as the activity was "only" in the common stage. I guess the lay person could read into the fact that he was a psychic so he knew, but a mention of credentials and/or background could go a long way here. He DID ask all the classic questions as I previously outlined....</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">In researching the movie now that I've seen it, it appears there were 3 possible endings. In reading the other 2 scenarios, the film ends the only way it could have to retain it's credibility.... I wouldn't say it's a "horror" movie (although I DON'T scare easily) as all the critics call it, but it's definitely a classic "paranormal activity" movie - A MUST SEE !!!! .... and, get ready for a sequel....</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">HAPPY H(A)UNTING !!!</span></b></center></div></span></span></div>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452262611710537677.post-91202411820473597882009-10-30T07:56:00.011-04:002009-10-31T03:59:54.487-04:00- My House IS Haunted (???)<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Find out if YOUR house is haunted !!!</span></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://olimarindizzywood.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/haunted-house.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 320px;" src="http://olimarindizzywood.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/haunted-house.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div><br /></div><div>I have never denied thinking that "I have a ghost", but never considered my house to be HAUNTED. I mean, "my" ghost doesn't haunt me, it just makes itself known that it's still here upon occasion - by typical means.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, as I am trying to learn about the paranormal, I am already finding that my efforts are not going to waste - after only a week. A brief definition of "Haunted House" can be summed as <i><b>"a residence believed to be inhabited by ghosts"</b></i>. hmmmmm.... </div><div><br /></div><div>A more detailed meaning goes something like this, <i><b>"A haunted house is a house that is believed to be a center for supernatural occurrences or paranormal activity by ghosts, poltergeists and/or demons"</b></i>.... <b>BELIEVED</b> TO BE ?!?!?! When then, hell yeah mine is !!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Now I'm NOT trying to be skeptical of these so-called definitions but I am a self-proclaimed realist and have an extremely analytical mentality - which by the way is already evident to myself in the posts I have written, causing thoughts of being a "debunker" to cross my mind.... but I'll get into that in great detail in a future post - HA, hopefully I don't debunk my hobby altogether !!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, even the detailed explanation posed a dilemma with my analytics. I needed more !!! Let's start by defining the definitions a bit... just so we understand what we're talking about here... from <b>CrimeBrat</b>...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(27, 112, 58); line-height: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic;">Ghost</span><span> - </span>The soul or spirit of a dead person, reflecting the appearance of his or her living body but less substantial. Ghosts may exist in a state of semi-awareness or be completely<span> </span>cognizant of their loving observers.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(27, 112, 58);font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:130%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;font-size:14px;" ><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(27, 112, 58); line-height: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Poltergeist</span><span> - </span>A ghost that manifests its presence through noises, rappings, the moving of objects, and<span> </span>the creation of disorder. The relocation of furniture is an indication of poltergeist<span> </span>activity.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(27, 112, 58);font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:130%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;font-size:14px;" ><br /></span></span></div><div>... while a <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Demon</span></i></b> (hmmm, eerily similar to the word Damien) could be considered a negative or evil spirit, ghost or poltergeist. (although some beliefs point toward the existence of "good"demons).</div><div><br /></div><div>Now we're getting somewhere !!! I now understand that more-so than a ghost, I have a poltergeist in my house... I've definitely experienced noises, footsteps and "missing" objects... and I'd swear that when I type on my keyboard, different words appear than what I actually type... hell I've even caught a glimpse of said poltergeist... looks nothing like Slimer, by the way. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, My House IS Haunted !!!! BUUUUUUUUUUT... wait a minute !!!!! [insert analytical senses here] I've been experiencing the same phenomena for many years... in SEVERAL different houses. So how could my HOUSE be haunted ?!?!? Once again, CrimeBrat to the rescue....</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(27, 112, 58); line-height: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic;">Haunting</span><span> - </span>The manifestation of a ghostly presence attached to a specific <b>person</b> or location.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>NOW, I understand... it isn't my HOUSE that is haunted... it is I that am haunted !!! THAT'S a relief !!!! UHHHHHHH... So, now I am CERTAIN that I personally am haunted by a "pesky" poltergeist... certainly not a demon as I have experienced NO evil phenomena... YET !!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Since embarking on my "hobby", I have already received several messages indicating experiences with paranormal phenomena in <b>their</b> houses. I have compiled a (check) list of some signs that your house may be haunted so you can evaluate your own personal situations.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">"Common" Phenomena:</span></span></b></div><div><ul><li><b><i>Unexplained noises</i></b> - footsteps, scratching, bangs, knocks etc. <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">*</span></span></li><li><i><b>Doors and cabinets opening and closing</b></i> - not personally witnessed, but if you do <b>see</b> this then... <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">*</span></span></li><li><i><b>Lights, switches, electronics or appliances turning themselves off/ on</b></i> - again, not often actually seen but... <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">*</span></span></li><li><b><i>Disappearing, "lost", reappearing items</i></b> - "borrower's phenomena"; items disappear from someplace you KNOW you left them.. then reappear exactly in that spot <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">*</span></span></li><li><i><b>Unusual Pet Behavior</b></i> - animals have sharper senses than humans...</li><li><i><b>Feelings of being watched</b></i> - not an uncommon feeling but combined with other activity can certainly be an important factor <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">*</span></span></li></ul></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Moderate phenomena:</span></span></b></div><div><ul><li><b><i>Unexplained Shadows</i></b> - catching glimpses of shapes or shadows out of the corner of your eye for no apparent reason. <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">*</span></span></li><li><i><b>Mild Psychokinetic</b></i> - actually <b>witnessing</b> a door close or switch or appliance turning off or on</li><li><i><b>Feelings of being touched</b></i> - feeling something brush by, touch your hair or even a hand on your shoulder - or a nudge <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">*</span></span></li><li><i><b>Hearing voices</b></i> - hearing a voice (or music) from no apparent source... could be a whisper, cry or even your name being said <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">*</span></span></li><li><b><i>Cold/Hots spots</i></b> - sudden and sometimes extreme changes in temperature; a cold draft or warm breath on your neck, for instance <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">*</span></span></li><li><i><b>Unexplained Odors</b></i> - cologne/perfume, cigarette or other odors from no apparent source</li></ul></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Extreme Phenomena:</span></span></b></div><div><ul><li><b><i>Severe Psychokinetic</i></b> - witnessing moving or levitating objects</li><li><b><i>Apparitions</i></b> - physical manifestation of a spirit; mists, transparent forms or even solid forms that disappear <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">*</span></span></li><li><b><i>Physical assault</i></b> - pushes, slaps, punches; even causing bruises of other injury</li><li><b><i>Direct contact</i></b> - a spirit addresses you and even speaks to you personally, knowing your name</li><li><i><b>Negative Energy</b></i> - negativity, depression, dizziness, head-aches, extreme mood swings; even nightmares ( can also be attributed to other reasons INCLUDING carbon monoxide poisoning)</li><li><b><i>Other physical evidence</i></b> - writings on the wall, footprints, handprints; light orbs or apparitions showing up in photographs <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">**</span></span></li></ul><div>So what to do NOW ?!?!?! Analyze your own experiences against the list above. Obviously, the more the "merrier". It is believed that if you have experienced 7 or more (LESS if you've experienced the Extreme) then there is a good possibility that your house (or you) may be haunted. The same holds true for buildings, woods, etc.</div><div><br /></div><div>HOWEVER, do NOT rush to grab your phone and call your local paranormal research group. They are very busy and take this very seriously. Although each service has their own approach, they all have a standard questionnaire which they will initiate to try to debunk (find a reasonable explanation for) the validity of your claims. Their objective isn't to doubt you but to gain a better understanding of your situation... and to help you gain a better understanding too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Your first course of action should be to try to find a reasonable explanation yourself for the phenomena you have experienced - you know yourself <b>and</b> your situation better than anyone else. It will help to do some research on the history of the property and it's location - you WILL need this info if you decide you need to call the experts. You may be surprised at the phenomena you can rationalize yourself - doors closing due to faulty hinges or drafts.... noises/falling objects being caused by plumbing, house-settling, mice, even minor earth tremors.... disappearing objects just being forgetfulness... shadows being cast by passing cars.... or simply an over-active imagination.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you CAN'T rule out the experiences by rational explanations (and your situation isn't EXTREME), you will want to keep a journal to record the hauntings - which may also be needed by the experts. In the journal be sure to record as much information as possible both of the experience and the conditions at the time... time of day, your physical location, others involved, weather conditions etc. The more information you record, the more help you will be to the experts, or to yourself in analyzing the experiences.</div><div><br /></div><div>NOW, if you feel you absolutely need to involve a research team, you should be prepared when you make that phone call. Along with everything mentioned above, there is a lot of specific information they will ask you for in order to "triage" your particular situation. Again, they are there to help, but no matter how grave (no pun) you deem your experiences, THEY ARE THE EXPERTS !!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, it would be in every one's best interest to not only have specific answers to the phenomena witnessed (hopefully from your detailed journal) but also, at the very least, readily have the answers to the additional questions they will ask. Such as (but not limited to):</div><div><br /></div><div><ol><li>How old is the site (building)?</li><li>How many floors - basement and attic - and number of rooms?</li><li>How long have you lived there?</li><li>What are your religious and "occult" beliefs?</li><li>How many occupants and pets? Including personal information about each... </li><li>Is there a sacred or Native American history?</li><li>Is the site near power lines, earthquake fault lines, crop circles or underground water?</li><li>What is the bedrock composition of the area?</li><li>Has there ever been a tragic death, murder or suicide at the location? </li><li>History of previous owners? </li><li>Has there ever been a Ouija board used at the site?</li><li>Are there other witnesses (to confirm and/or further describe)?</li></ol></div><div>Again, there will be more that they ask you and the more information that you have readily available, the better....</div><div><br /></div><div><b>NOW, Certainly there are more signs of being haunted but the ones listed are very critical. And for the record, I put an asterisk (<span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">*</span>) after each phenomena I have personally experienced on a regular basis, from house to house. I haven't even counted BUT... I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">KNOW</span> I'm haunted, are YOU !!!!!!!!!</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Oh and, in case you wondered about the item above with the (<span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">**</span>)... perhaps this will explain THAT !!!!!!!!</span></b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIM1EClLj_bo-kTDzBJQUCl9RrzOPGwrL6Q7phbN_0hJeWVkNLR_IpCqEwsIpBV3AW9e5Ja0Wxc8WMKVNf3OyFJ7LX0VbofqoNhw0Y3cCNwn7yBeh6_dn5iRW8yxSTQEHXyjo8lPxlBk/s1600-h/ghost2.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIM1EClLj_bo-kTDzBJQUCl9RrzOPGwrL6Q7phbN_0hJeWVkNLR_IpCqEwsIpBV3AW9e5Ja0Wxc8WMKVNf3OyFJ7LX0VbofqoNhw0Y3cCNwn7yBeh6_dn5iRW8yxSTQEHXyjo8lPxlBk/s320/ghost2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398436062380728546" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">True, I have blocked out the faces of my son's friends for identity purposes, BUT that apparition was NOT invited to this photo shoot !!!!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">HAPPY H(A)UNTING !!!!!!!</span></div><div><br /></div></div>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452262611710537677.post-57548172960594276722009-10-28T14:39:00.010-04:002009-10-28T19:14:43.809-04:00- Wednesday's Word - "Paranormal"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://brightestblue.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/paranormal_state_logo_resized.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 388px; height: 253px;" src="http://brightestblue.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/paranormal_state_logo_resized.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />In doing my research I am stumbling upon many words that I thought I knew but are realizing that their meanings go much deeper or I flat out misinterpreted them due to my own ignorance. So, I decided to start a theme for a weekly post... uh, "Wednesday's Word", in which I will take a word and dissect it until I have a much better understanding as to what I am talking about.<div><br /></div><div>In order to "start at the very beginning", I deemed it appropriate to apply my "research skills" to the word... PARANORMAL... As the precipitous for this blog and part of it's very description, I felt it necessary to personally understand EXACTLY what it meant and share that as I have been referred to as "Jason" (uh, of Friday the 13th infamy) and I added an icon of an alien, which absolutely aroused my need to be sure I know what I'm talking about on here.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let's first take a look at the make-up of the word itself.... "para" - Latin for "above" or "against"... "normal"... uh, we all know what that means. So, "paranormal" literally means above (or against) what is normal.... But, if I drank a 30-pack in 30 minutes, is THAT paranormal???</div><div><br /></div><div>So, would that make paranormal a synonym for "abnormal" - "<b><i>deviating from what is considered normal or average</i></b>"? But, WTF is "normal"? And whose standard of what "normal" is do we go by, being that everyone has their own interpretation of what THEY consider normal? A brief definition of normal is "<b><i>in accordance with scientific laws</i></b>"..</div><div><br /></div><div>Again, I thank CrimeBrat for supplying me with that glossary of many of the common terms associated with the theme of my new "hobby", INCLUDING, "paranormal"... as, on the surface paranormal seems similar to abnormal, BUT the true meaning lies deep within.</div><div><br /></div><div>"<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(27, 112, 58); line-height: 18px; word-spacing: 1px; font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; ">Paranormal</span><span> - </span>The realm of occurrences and phenomena removed from those which people are<span> </span>exposed in everyday experience."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:130%;color:#1B703A;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;font-size:14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div>Allow me to expand on that definition by adding... "<b><i>seemingly outside normal sensory channels</i></b>" or EXTRASENSORY", which means "<b><i>being outside the normal range or bounds of the senses</i></b>"... and "<b><i>NOT in accordance with scientific laws</i></b>".. or as Wikipedia explains "<i><b>unusual experiences or phenomena alleged to be outside science's current ability to explain or measure</b></i>"... HA, NOW we're talking... THAT would seem to be much more accurate than abnormal !!!!!!!! Hmmmmm...</div><div><br /></div><div>So, now I had the meaning of the word but I still had a limited understanding as to what "occurrences" could/should be considered paranormal. Certainly "apparitions" (future Wednesday Word) and "witchcraft" (ANOTHER future Wednesday Word). But, my limited knowledge made me think that UFO's are considered paranormal phenomena too. </div><div><br /></div><div>Soooooooooooooooooo, wanting to be as accurate as possible, I needed to search further to find out what is "commonly" known as paranormal phenomena. That research allowed me to compile the list (from several sources) as to what is commonly included under the umbrella of the term PARANORMAL... here's a compilation that I came up with, including, but NOT limited to:</div><div><ul><li>Astrology</li><li>Aura</li><li>Clairvoyance and Prophecy</li><li>Channeling</li><li>Dowsing</li><li>ESP</li><li>Faith/Spiritual Healing</li><li>Hypnotism</li><li>Demonic Possession</li><li>Distance Healing</li><li>Ghosts/Spirits</li><li>Graphology</li><li>Homeopathy</li><li>Levitation</li><li>Numerology</li><li>Palmistry</li><li>Haunted Houses</li><li>Phrenology</li><li>Physiognomy</li><li>Precognition</li><li>Psychic Surgery</li><li>Psychokinesis</li><li>Psychometry</li><li>Pyramid Power</li><li>Qiqong</li><li>Reality Shift</li><li>Reflexology</li><li>Reincarnation</li><li>Remote viewing</li><li>Spontaneous Combustion (human)</li><li>Telepathy</li><li>UFO's and Extraterrestrials</li><li>Witches and witchcraft</li></ul><div>Well, that's a pretty impressive list. Honestly there are several I've never heard of. And certainly scientists have done their best to "DEBUNK" (another future Word) many of the subjects involved. Obviously specific topics fall under the headings above like, Bigfoot, Yetti, the Lock Ness Monster, Tarot Cards, even the Bermuda Triangle, etc... DAMN, what HAVE I gotten myself into???... perhaps I need to specialize... BUT, suffice to say, if science can't rationalize an experience, it is considered paranormal...</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, certainly we're all at least familiar with the popularity of the paranormal as Hollywood has "glorified" the topic in a long history of movies dedicated to the subject dating back to at least the '50s.... everyone's out to make a buck.</div><div><br /></div><div>But don't be fooled by the difference between a paranormal movie and a horror movie. Although many horror movies involve the paranormal, not ALL paranormal movies are horror movies. "ET", "Close Encounters" and "Ghostbusters" come to mind... CERTAINLY all paranormal movies and also CERTAINLY are not horror movies.</div><div><br /></div><div>My thoughts gravitate toward the fact that horror movies prey on people's fears while paranormal movies depict theories and possibilities that are meant to provoke thought and "understanding", not necessarily fear, although definitely some of them are scary.... "Amityville Horror" (debunked) and "Haunting In Connecticut" (also reported as debunked) come to mind. That's my story and I'm sticking to it... unless someone will debunk my theory... and I may be partial because I don't scare easily.</div><div><br /></div><div>Certainly, this is a small sampling of Hollywood's depictions. You all know what they are and all have the ability to draw your own conclusions. The purpose of this site is to shed some insight on MY own personal beliefs, research, education and experiences... and for the record... I DO BELIEVE !!!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, as the latest movie, "Paranormal Activity" is currently at the theaters, keep that in mind with me as I am definitely feeling the need to view it.......</div><div><br /></div><div>As always there a number of sites that contributed to this post. Here are the most influential, as well as some other very interesting sites I found along the way. I encourage anyone with interest to look further....</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Resources</span></b>:</div><div><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paranormal">Wikipedia</a></div><div><a href="http://www.studiesoftheparanormal.com/index.html">Studies of the Paranormal</a></div><div><a href="http://www.dhyansanjivani.org/ghost-hunter/Paranormal-Subjects.asp">Ghost Hunter</a></div><div><a href="http://www.skepdic.com/fortean.html">Skeptic's Dictionary</a></div><div><a href="http://www.forteantimes.com/front_website/themag/">ForteanTimes</a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>On another note, I have been working hard for a few days trying to customize the site. In doing so I have used both the Firefox and Safari browsers. UNFORTUNATELY, different browsers apparently read "scripts" differently as when I viewed the site using Firefox, some of the elements looked different than they do using Safari (which is my browser of choice). I ask anyone that encounters something unusual (besides the subject matter) to please send me an email at soxfan3369@gmail.com so that I can look into it and correct it.... Thanks and </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;">Happy H(A)UNTING !!!!</span></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452262611710537677.post-2751555564061667902009-10-26T22:35:00.008-04:002009-10-30T07:33:04.658-04:00- Time to go to school !!!!!!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:cKw_NmPpHYkw-M:http://www.ctrivervalley.com/4-Connecticut-CT-in-of/historic-places-in-CT/images/Nathan_Hale_Patriot/nathan_hale_school_house_2A.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 131px; height: 201px;" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:cKw_NmPpHYkw-M:http://www.ctrivervalley.com/4-Connecticut-CT-in-of/historic-places-in-CT/images/Nathan_Hale_Patriot/nathan_hale_school_house_2A.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />First, I'd like to point out the photo. Up on the hill is the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse where Hale was schoolmaster in 1773 and 1774. The schoolhouse is in East Haddam, CT, serves as a small museum and is about a 10 minute drive for me from Colchester. Although I don't know of any paranormal activity (YET) at the school itself, the Nathan Hale Homestead in Coventry, CT is documented as being haunted. So, I figured this would be somewhat appropriate - plus I think it's a cool view of the school looking past the headstones at it...<br /><br />I received an email today from CrimeBrat... uh, GG.. GG must be clairvoyant because the reason she sent me this email was to supply me with a glossary of "ghost-hunting" terms. I found this ironic as I had started a list of terms I came across during research so that I could put together a list to share on here.<p class="MsoNormal">So, thank you very much GG for saving me the trouble. If you read this list, I'm sure there are many terms you've all heard - and some I've even used in my posts. BUT, now we can all have a better understanding as to what these terms actually mean. SOOOOO... time to brush up on your paranormal lingo !!!</p><p class="MsoNormal">I'd also like to note that I have added a new resource link that I stumbled across. My brief perusal of the site leads me to believe this can be an invaluable reference, educational and interesting tool whether you're interested in ghost-hunting or simply interested in learning more about the paranormal. Check out the CT Paranormal Research Society...<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Apparition</span><span style=""> - </span>A disembodied spirit visible to human beings.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Astral Plane</span><span style=""> - </span>A level of existence separate from, and in some sense higher than, the physical world,<span style=""> </span>according to certain philosophies and religious teachings.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic;">Cold Spot</span><span style=""> - </span>A place that is cooler than the surrounding area. It is thought by some to be an<span style=""> </span>indication of a supernatural presence drawing energy from its environment in order to<span style=""> </span>manifest.<o:p></o:p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Digital Infrared Camera</span></span><span style=""> - </span>A device used to capture images invisible to the human eye at the “hot” end of the light<span style=""> </span>spectrum. It is capable of feeding information to a computer, where its infrared images<span style=""> </span>may be stored on a hard drive.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic;">Digital Thermometer</span><span style=""> - </span>A device used to record the presence of cold spots and hot spots, sometimes during an<span style=""> </span>apparent paranormal event. Some digital thermometers record temperatures second-by-second for PC storage and graphical charting.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic;">Debunk</span><span style=""> - </span>To find a rational and logical explanation for reported experiences rather than assume that they are paranormal in nature..<br /><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic;">Ectoplasm</span><span style=""> -</span>A filmy, quasi-solid substance that supposedly issues from the bodies of mediums while<span style=""> </span>they are in trance states. Ectoplasm may issue from the mouth, the nostrils, the eyes, the<span style=""> </span>ears, the naval, and the nipples. In photographs, ectoplasm resembles muslin fabric<span style=""> </span>soaked in water.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic;">Electromagnetic Field Recorder</span><span style=""> - </span>A device used to record data on electromagnetic fields (EMFs) Its use is controversial<span style=""> </span>among ghost hunters in that EMFs from power lines, t.v. sets, kitchen appliances, etc.<span style=""> </span>surround us constantly, as well as the fact that it has yet to be categorically proven that<span style=""> </span>ghosts emit EM energy. On the other hand, some researchers say ghosts disrupt EMFs.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic;">EVP</span><span style=""><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> </span>- </span>"Electronic Voice Phenomena". Audio devices may record disembodied voices and other<span style=""> </span>supernatural sounds that are inaudible to the human ear without mechanical<span style=""> </span>intervention.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic;">Exorcism</span><span style=""> - </span>Ritual expulsion of invading spiritual or demonic entities from a person or dwelling.<span style=""> </span>The term was brought into common vernacular by the 1973 film <i style="">The Exorcist</i>.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic;">Floating Orb</span><span style=""> - </span>A spherical image, usually a translucent white though sometimes a reddish or bluish<span style=""> </span>hue, which inexplicably registers on film or videotape. Its presence is thought by some<span style=""> </span>to be an indicator of supernatural activity.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic;">Ghost</span><span style=""> - </span>The soul or spirit of a dead person, reflecting the appearance of his or her living body but less substantial. Ghosts may exist in a state of semi-awareness or be completely<span style=""> </span>cognizant of their loving observers.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Ghost Hunter/Investigator</span><span style=""> - </span>A person who attempts to gather evidence of ghosts or other paranormal activity. This<span style=""> </span>may be accomplished by means of still photography, video, audio, EMF recordings,<span style=""> </span>EVP recordings, or other media.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic;">Haunting</span><span style=""> - </span>The manifestation of a ghostly presence attached to a specific person or location.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic;">Inhuman Entity</span><span style=""> - </span>A demon or other spirit intent on causing harm to living beings. Also known as<span style=""> </span>negative entity.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Intelligent Haunting</span><span style=""> - </span>A supernatural entity that is aware of its surroundings and/or observers and is capable of interaction with them.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Materialization</span><span style=""> - </span>The procedure though which a ghost appears. Materialization can be sudden or gradual,<span style=""> </span>resulting in an entity that is indistinct or seemingly quite solid<o:p>.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Matrixing</span><span style=""> - </span>The natural tendency of the human mind to assign details to sensory input (perceived) through the visual, auditory, olfactory, or tactile senses) so as to create a familiar or easily understood pattern. In effect, matrixing is mentally “filling in the blanks.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Occult(ism)</span><span style=""> - </span>Of, relating to, or dealing with supernatural influences, agencies or phenomena.<br /><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Ouija Board</span><span style=""> - </span>A wooden board pre-printed with letters, numbers, and words used by mediums t0 receive supernatural communications.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Paranormal</span><span style=""> - </span>The realm of occurrences and phenomena removed from those which people are<span style=""> </span>exposed in everyday experience.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Phantom Smell</span><span style=""> - </span>Any scent which a supernatural entity is attempting to express itself. Typically, phantom<span style=""> </span>smells are reminiscent of flowers, cigarettes, or perfume, but they don’t come from any<span style=""> </span>identifiable source.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Poltergeist</span><span style=""> - </span>A ghost that manifests its presence through noises, rappings, the moving of objects, and<span style=""> </span>the creation of disorder. The relocation of furniture is an indication of poltergeist<span style=""> </span>activity.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Residual Haunting</span><span style=""> - </span>A scene from the past that continues to be played out over and over again, like a<span style=""> </span>recording, with the witness to the phenomenon essentially peering into a former era. The<span style=""> </span>ghostly participants in these time displacements often seem unaware of their living<span style=""> </span>observers.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Sensitive</span><span style=""> - </span>A medium or clairvoyant. A sensitive can see or feel people, objects, and events in the<span style=""> </span>realm of the paranormal.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Thermal-Imaging Digital Camera</span><span style=""> - </span>A device that records images of long-wavelength infrared radiation (i.e., heat) that are<span style=""> </span>visible to the human eye. The thermal-imaging camera facilitates the capture of images<span style=""> </span>in darkness, smoke, or fog.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Vortex</span><span style=""> - </span>An anomaly that sometimes shows up in still photographs taken at the site of a suspected haunting, appearing as a translucent white tube or funnel-shaped mass. Some researchers believe vortices may be portals to the spirit realm.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;">HAPPY HUNTING !!!!!!!!!!! </div>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452262611710537677.post-7486393488298004582009-10-26T11:06:00.006-04:002009-11-07T10:32:18.140-05:00- A Haunting in (Camp) Connecticut - Part 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/58/l_f11cb61a81fe50abe4bb3c4a8bf3fefa.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/58/l_f11cb61a81fe50abe4bb3c4a8bf3fefa.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Main sign inside the campground</b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n144/amandarocks7/Camp%20Connecticut%20Ghost%20Hunt/IM000915.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div></a><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">So..... I woke up this morning at 1:30 am... don't ask my why, but I've been up since... SOMETHING told me to get on the computer and find out what I could about Camp Connecticut. So that's what I did and that's what I did. I'm pretty happy that my super-sleuthing skills are up to par. Although many questions remain unanswered, I think I did pretty good for a "virgin"... DRUM ROLL !!!!!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As with everything in life, there are rumors, speculation and flat out made up stories with regard to the closing of Camp Connecticut - AND controversy... despite very little information being available.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When I first starting reading a message board, I got the impression that the camp was a day camp for kids. However, later in the thread it sounded more like a family campground - you'll SEE why - as a couple of the poster's on the board actually spent quite a bit of time there growing up in the 80's. Also, there were 2 posters that shed an ENORMOUS amount of light on the subject</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Facts:</span></b></span> This is what I know for sure... LOL</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>There is a former camp in Colchester named Camp Connecticut</li><li>Camp Connecticut dedicated (opened ?) in 1977</li><li>Camp Connecticut is OWNED by.... the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">"<b>IOOF</b>"</span>.... um, the Odd Fellows - one of the participants in that thread belonged to the organization and offered to get permission to take people through the camp.. although that post was last year and he never posted after that.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Basically that's all I can be sure of at this point. Certainly there were people discrediting the claim that the camp is haunted but there also several people who claimed to have visited both during the day and at night and either their imaginations played tricks on them or something really is going on over there.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Rumors:</span></b></span> Here's a few stories about what happened to probably close the camp</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>A (the) camp counselor went crazy and killed up to 60 children</li><li>A bus full of children caught fire and several of them died</li><li>A girl drowned in the pond</li><li>A girl was murdered in one of the fields</li><li>The owner murdered his daughter</li><li>Satanic rituals and activity</li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Happenings:</span></b></span> These are the claims of some of the visitors</div><div><ul><li>As in every paranormal hot-spot, claims of light "orbs" - red, blue and white</li><li>"Ghostly" mist floating above the ground</li><li>Dark figures crossing paths in front of them</li><li>Up to 40 apparitions at the gate</li><li>Screams and voices - most often involving a little girl</li><li>Cold drafts and cold hands touching them</li><li>"Phantom" truck drivers of a seemingly silent truck</li><li>Areas where flashlights flicker and/or new batteries die</li><li>Several claims of cell phones and cameras malfunctioning</li><li>Stories of ghosts following some of them home to haunt them</li></ul><div>Pretty standard stuff for people to claim as many of them seemed to consider themselves ghost-hunters. Many of them described the camp and all descriptions seem to coincide with each other, although I have purposely omitted any detail, so apparently there's a camp there with a pond and some structures.</div><div><br /></div><div>NOW for the good part... and you can thank me for having a MySpace account later. Although I never use it, I needed it to.... see pictures posted by visitors !!!!!!!!! SOOOOOOOOO... here ya go !!!!!!!!! keep in mind that these pictures were taken by 4 different people on 4 totally separate visits - not even in the same year...</div></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/4467/1021866mj9.jpg"><img src="http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/4467/1021866mj9.jpg" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 175px;" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n144/amandarocks7/Camp%20Connecticut%20Ghost%20Hunt/th_IM000902.jpg"><img src="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n144/amandarocks7/Camp%20Connecticut%20Ghost%20Hunt/th_IM000902.jpg" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 175px;" border="0" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/80/m_a9822e9458801340405b09ef0b6f4ee6.jpg"><img src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/80/m_a9822e9458801340405b09ef0b6f4ee6.jpg" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 175px;" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://b0.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/00934/09/54/934934590_l.jpg"><img src="http://b0.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/00934/09/54/934934590_l.jpg" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 175px;" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Check me if I'm wrong but that's kinda spooky mist... Anyway, I'll also share some photos from the same people that show what the camp looks like.. THEN, I have a treat in store...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/15/l_467658653d0c7c5b91bea027882e43ea.jpg"><img src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/15/l_467658653d0c7c5b91bea027882e43ea.jpg" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 175px;" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/57/l_ec7023308d0c27adfdabfb88ae34a874.jpg"><img src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/57/l_ec7023308d0c27adfdabfb88ae34a874.jpg" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 175px;" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/33/l_514f1d182f08c1b1775015a88249538b.jpg"><img src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/33/l_514f1d182f08c1b1775015a88249538b.jpg" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 175px;" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/25/l_b8129502bbd0173d11e4383335444911.jpg"><img src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/25/l_b8129502bbd0173d11e4383335444911.jpg" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 175px;" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Apparently there's some sort of outdoor "church", complete with pews, altar and pulpit.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now here's a treat... one of the visitors actually had her pictures on Photobucket... SO OF COURSE I GRABBED THE SLIDESHOW TO EMBED IT !!!!!!!!!</div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; width: 100%;"><embed src="http://static.pbsrc.com/flash/rss_slideshow.swf?rssFeed=http%3A%2F%2Ffeed111.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fn144%2Famandarocks7%2FCamp%2520Connecticut%2520Ghost%2520Hunt%2Ffeed.rss" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="480" height="360"></embed></div><div style="text-align: left; width: 480px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; width: 100%;">NOW, obviously this property does contain some structures, vehicles, STORAGE trailers - there are even outhouses as apparently there was never any electricity or running water to the camp.</div><div style="text-align: left; width: 100%;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; width: 100%;">AND, what there is NOW, is activity... but apparently human activity. A day sleuth reported that it looked liked it was being used as a logging camp. Others report it looks like a hunting camp - with MANY shell casings to be found - and being chased away by a man in a hunting vest... AND several report having visited day and night and there being active fires in one of the fire-pits. (and then NOT)...</div><div style="text-align: left; width: 100%;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; width: 100%;">Now, there was also someone that supposedly had an EVP recording taken while at the camp posted on his MySpace profile - although that was over 2 years ago and he must have removed it or I would have posted that too...</div><div style="text-align: left; width: 100%;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; width: 100%;">BUT, I'm not done yet !!! Along with obtaining the above during my few hours of pre-dawn research, I was reading a thread and one of the ladies from <a href="http://ghostlady40.webs.com/">Ghost Chat New England</a> posted that she had visited Camp Connecticut and had taken some video... WOO HOO !!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: left; width: 100%;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; width: 100%;">So I searched their archives and found the Google Video of a show they aired in early 2008. The narrative is basically a history of the Odd Fellows so you may want to turn the volume down... also these 2 ladies are a bit funny... but there's some good daytime footage of what the camp looks like if you want to <a href="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8719934634174461404&hl=en#">check it out</a>. (anyone know how to embed google vids?)</div><div style="text-align: left; width: 100%;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; width: 100%;">So, is my quest over ??? HELL NO !!!! I called this "part 2" NOT "the conclusion" - I'm a show me kinda guy and it'll take at least that and more to convince me that there isn't something unusual about this camp... Certainly there are accounts that seem to say there are things going on there and certainly ones that say there aren't. I think I'll just find out for myself, thank you very much.</div><div style="text-align: left; width: 100%;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; width: 100%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Add'l</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> Resources:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left; width: 100%;"><a href="http://www.ghostvillage.com/ghostcommunity/index.php?showtopic=4012">Ghostvillage.com</a> - this is the site where I read the thread on the message board</div><div style="text-align: left; width: 100%;"><a href="http://www.ioof.org/jurisdictions/connecticut.html">Odd Fellows CT</a> - offices - apparently these would be who to contact to gain legal access - "F" THAT !!!</div><div style="text-align: left; width: 100%;"><a href="http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=76832287&albumId=1335045">The Hunt</a> - MySpace profile that has an album with pics of the camp from his visit</div><div style="text-align: left; width: 100%;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; width: 100%;">And obviously Photobucket and Ghost Chat New England.</div><div style="text-align: left; width: 100%;"><br /></div>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452262611710537677.post-56961900367054012172009-10-24T02:13:00.006-04:002009-10-26T09:46:34.922-04:00- A Haunting in (Camp) Connecticut - Part 1<div style="text-align: left;">Earlier I mentioned that my curiosity of the paranormal had been heightened. This post will enlighten you as to why... or at least explain it to you. This is also the precipitous for my new blog.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mid last week I did a Google search - I don't even remember what I was searching for, but it wasn't paranormal related... YET.. Scrolling through the search results for what-ever it was I was looking for I spied the words "Camp Connecticut", "Colchester" and in the same summary the word "haunted"... WHAT ????</div><div><br /></div><div>For those who don't know, I happen to live in Colchester, CT, have lived here for 6 years and have never heard of Camp Connecticut, let alone HAUNTED Camp Connecticut. But, boy my mind was racing now !!! "I didn't know we have a haunted campground in town!!!"</div><div><br /></div><div>Several searches later I was able to determine that indeed there is an "abandoned" (more later) camp (or campground) in town and at least a few people say it is haunted. Being late at night, I was too tired to read the threads on the message boards but I at least needed to find out the location of this place !!!</div><div><br /></div><div>There was a bit of speculation (which would have been cleared up if I actually read the threads instead of scanning them for an address) as to which road this camp is on, leading me to think that it might not even exist, but finally I was able to determine it's supposed location.</div><div><br /></div><div>Needless to say the next day one of the first things I did was to drive to this location to at least confirm the camp's existence.... apparently they were right... YES !!!!!!!!! .... as I saw this sign...</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs235.snc1/8233_1239626960993_1538860965_611490_2863298_n.jpg"><img src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs235.snc1/8233_1239626960993_1538860965_611490_2863298_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 226px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and a dirt road blocked by a gate. I also saw many No Trespassing signs.. hmmm</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs235.snc1/8233_1240441701361_1538860965_613274_4783942_n.jpg"><img src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs235.snc1/8233_1240441701361_1538860965_613274_4783942_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 226px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And I must note that as I drove past the entrance for the second time heading back home, a hawk appeared, seemingly from nowhere. And when I say APPEARED, I mean this thing was like 15 feet off the ground - big muthah too !!! AND this hawk flew above my car down the road for a couple of hundred feet !!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Although it DID seem like unusual behavior for a hawk, I didn't read too much into it. I mean living in CT for 6 years I know how many hawks live here too, including the Red-tailed hawk that used to frequent my deck a few years ago. So no biggy right?</div><div><br /></div><div>UM... WRONG !!!!!!!!! Apparently my paranormal radar needs to be adjusted. I relayed this story to my friend GG, the witch (KIDDING), who is very active in paranormal research. Of course she had questions and I had no answers. We had a brief discussion about Native American history in town as it is theorized that there is a correlation between Native American areas and paranormal activity.</div><div><br /></div><div>We also questioned each other about the <a href="http://petervenkman101.blogspot.com/2009/10/significance-of-hawk.html">"Significance of The Hawk"</a> in Native American folklore, assuming that hawks play an important role. GG said she would research this. WELL, the next day I received an email from her and posted it verbatim on this blog... click the link above if you haven't read it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, NOW the juices are really flowing... I MUST find out about this place !!! AND it's right here in town !!! (less than a 5 minute drive from my house). Better yet, I need to SEE what's in there as re-visiting the threads, I read that there are abandoned trailers, buildings, a pond etc.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also read that someone thought there may be a back way into the camp (uh, to avoid getting busted???) All I needed was that tidbit and it was Google(map) time !!! So I found the location on Google Maps (I love how close you can zoom in) and sure enough there's a pond, fields and what appear to be "buildings". AND, in panning the map out (to try to determine access points) sure as hell, there's a brook, Judd Brook, that runs through the woods from the back of the camp to the <a href="http://pages.cthome.net/mbartel/ARRhome.htm">Air Line Rail Trail</a>, which is a well groomed walking/cycling trail that runs through town.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs248.snc1/9523_1240180814839_1538860965_612711_2144873_n.jpg"><img src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs248.snc1/9523_1240180814839_1538860965_612711_2144873_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 185px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>See where this is going - or where I am going !?!?!?! Armed with THAT, I knew what I had to do.. I had to walk the Air Line Trail, of course... which, by the way is state property... It was ans "Indian Summer" day out so I drove to the trail and walked the 2050 paces (I counted on the way back just "in case" I may be doing this at night) to Judd Brook..</div><div><br /></div><div>Now my heart is racing as I knew this brook led to the camp - although on the map it seemed like over 1/2 mile through the woods. I grabbed my Blackberry to access the map from it. Much to my surprise, Google Maps has a mobile application - WOO HOO !!! Of course I downloaded the application and found out that it's a "follow me" map, SWEEEEEEEEEET!!! showing where I was on it and the brook and the pond on the campground... AND it "followed me" as I walked.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, so now this is great, I've got the "testicular fortitude", I've the Google Guide and I've got a heart beating through my chest... PERFECT combination to enter the woods !!! SOOOOO... I did. Initially the path was groomed (or trodden) as it was still on state property, but that changed when I saw the last of the boundary markers.</div><div><br /></div><div>I followed the brook, from what I can determine by Google, about a third of the distance to the back of the campground, stopping every once in awhile to look and listen (although dumb-ass me left the binoculars at home - ok, this was my first "journey"). I saw nothing and the only sound I could hear was the brook running until.... AHHHHHHHHHH... </div><div><br /></div><div>{scroll down to find out}</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Um, it frigging started raining. WTF !?!?! Obviously AGAIN unprepared - I was out there in sneakers, a t-shirt and running pants - trying to blend in with the others on the trail, ya know? </div><div>So, I decided that Camp Connecticut isn't going anywhere soon and it would be in my best interest to not get soaking wet over it, and called it a day... BUT I'LL BE BACK !!!</div><div><br /></div><div>"Funny" though, when I returned to the Airline Trail, the sun was shining brightly... hmmmm, passing shower or a SIGN !?!?!?!.... maybe time will tell</div>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452262611710537677.post-22949265198160975662009-10-22T17:53:00.001-04:002009-10-26T09:47:38.900-04:00- Significance of the Hawk<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:4hlQ-JiyOhcRRM:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9b/Red-tailed_Hawk_Buteo_jamaicensis_Full_Body_1880px.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 215px;" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:4hlQ-JiyOhcRRM:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9b/Red-tailed_Hawk_Buteo_jamaicensis_Full_Body_1880px.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;">Hawks are visionaries and messengers. As a totem they help to open the higher chakras so that we may hear and see the visions and messages that Spirit and the Universe are always sending our way. There is never a moment when the Universe is not trying to get a message through to us but we are so often too busy or unaware of what it is we need to be watching for! Hawk helps us to not only be aware that we are receiving a message but how to interpret them. The realm of symbols is also the realm of Hawk for Hawk is able to soar high above the earth to soar on the breath of Spirit, to commune with Spirit and thus understand through the intuitive level what the message means and with their keen eyesight, how to implement it once they return to earth through seeing the broader picture below.<br />Many of the messages Hawk may bring are about freeing yourself of thoughts and beliefs that are limiting your ability to soar above your life and gain a greater perspective. If one remains earthbound, then the possibilities of life are limited! It is this ability to soar high above to catch a glimpse of the bigger picture that is one of the aspects of Hawk medicine that makes it so valuable: If one is undergoing a difficult passage to know that just over the next hill is freedom and liberation if one keeps going can be a Godsend in supporting the person to keep moving forward! Likewise, if the path is not appropriate, Hawk Medicine can alert one to this and point out a far more favourable path.<br />Hawk medicine unites Heaven and Earth. Because of their ability to soar, they are able to reach up to the heavens to extract needed information and bring it back to earth. Much of this information is also very practical for use on a daily basis! It is not only higher concepts or ideas that are relayed, but also information we need to make our material or mundane lives more prosperous and fulfilling. For those who have difficulty attracting financial well being due to false or negative beliefs about money and success, Hawk can help to understand the true spiritual intent and purpose behind money and guide one in establishing new beliefs that are more joyful and abundant in nature.<br />Hawk can alert us to those times when we should NOT take action because we do not yet have all the information we need. For example, someone is thinking of about becoming involved in a relationship, personal or business, yet they get the feeling that something is "not quite right". This needs to be heeded and Hawk sent forth to gather the appropriate information to help the person make the best choice. Sometimes the person finds that Hawk was telling them to steer clear for very good reasons!<br />Hawk can also help balance those who are more attuned to the lunar sides of their nature and have trouble expressing the solar side in pursuit of their goals. It helps the person to activate the positive aspects of their sun sign and to balance it with the lunar needs.<br /><br />Hawk people have their own unique challenges in life. Often they feel misunderstood in that when they attempt to deliver an important message others may shy away from it or respond with anger. Sometimes the messages may not be what the other person really wants to hear and yet the Hawk person feels duty bound to relay the message, no matter the consequences. It is important however that Hawk people do be aware of how they are presenting the messages they receive. They need more than many others to try and deliver the messages as gently as they can, only becoming more forceful if their inner guidance absolutely says it is needed. Sometimes simply thinking through for a time what needs to be said can help Hawk medicine people find just the right words to use that will make all the difference and in this they should be encouraged to take their time and soar above for a while before speaking their truth.<br />Hawk medicine people like many who carry strong predator totems may be shunned by others who sense and fear their inner power. Others may sense that this is a person who can see straight through them and as many folks think in terms of judging things as being good or bad, they are afraid that the Hawk person will see who they "really" are and so they strike first in an attempt to keep the Hawk person at bay. Hawk people need to learn how to veil their energy somewhat, not as an attempt to deceive others but to allow people to get to know them and understand that Hawk has no interest in judging others. Often these people have seen so much of the best and worst in life that they find they have no need to judge. All is part and parcel of Spirit's plan and if Spirit sees fit not to judge, why should the Hawk person?<br /><br />Some Hawk people may have a tendency because of their vast ability to see clear through to the heart of things to become arrogant and this should be avoided because it keeps them earthbound as well as turning other people off! Often this starts as confusion on the part of the Hawk person who cannot understand why others seem unable to be as aware of the larger picture and their own issues and projections. Especially when the Hawk person also has Mercury in Aquarius or in Mercury in aspect to Uranus which further enhances their ability to see and know, they may fail to understand that others are not as well developed yet in these areas and blurt out what they see and know without thinking of how it may impact another person. If they can keep in mind that their talents and abilities are gifts they have been given and that others carry medicine that the Hawk person may be weak in expressing it helps them to stay focused on Spirit as the true messenger and that they are the Hollow Bones for the energy to flow through. No totem is better than another! Each is part of the larger tapestry and as such all are powerful and important.<br /><br />Some with Hawk medicine find they have difficulty attracting the "right life Partner". Hawk people may find that they tend to attract more "earthy" types who find the Hawk person's need to "soar" disruptive or unimportant. This may occur because at a deeper level the Hawk person is fearful of soaring too high and crashing to earth Icarus like. In this instance, the Hawk person's real issue is one of learning how to trust themselves and their medicine. Hawk people can pair well with more earth centered people because the earthy person can encourage the Hawk person to stay on earth long enough to bring some of their visions and ideas to fruition before soaring off to the Heights again. It can be very easy for hawk people to want to stay high above the earth and never bring their wonderful ideas back to earth where they and others can put them practice.<br />Since Hawks mate for life, the Hawk Person may need to accept that it may take them some time before they find the person meant for them yet when they do, it is well worth the wait! Otherwise the Hawk person may find themselves tied to someone and unable to free themselves easily because of the deep entanglements they have created with this other person. Especially if children are involved in the relationship, the Hawk person may feel an extra strong sense of duty to stay in the relationship for the "sake of the children" as in many cases I have seen where the Hawk person ended up as the sole provider for the family . What the Hawk person needs is someone who can accept and honour their gifts and talents, giving them the space they need to soar high above.<br /><br />In the Celtic tradition Hawk empowers a person to seek out their ancestral roots and to examine in depth that which is positive so that it may be integrated into the person's life and that which is limiting so it can be released. Tradition is only worth honoring when it supports joy and fulfillment in one's life! In this tradition Hawk also supports the solar side as stated above, helping a person to move forward in life and to seek out great quests to embark upon.<br /><br />In the Egyptian Tradition Hawk was associated with Magic and shapeshifting. Isis is said to have shapeshifted into a Hawk to save Osiris. Horus also carried Hawk medicine which allowed him to see the "unseeable".<br /><br />Among Native American traditions, Hawk served the role of Mercury, bringer of messages and portents of change. Hawk reminded the people they needed to be awake and aware.<br /><br />One of the greatest gifts a Hawk medicine person can give the world is their visions of a better and brighter future. Visionaries are always ahead of their time and it's not easy seeing what others are not ready to see. Often these people are not honoured and recognized for their work and efforts until long after they have crossed over. And yet their work lives on to touch and enrich the lives of people the world over! Honour the Hawk people you meet in your life. Encourage them to soar so they may bring their visions and messages back to earth that all may benefit. If you are a Hawk person yourself, understand that Spirit can you an especial task to hold the energy of what could be, of potentials that are waiting to be envisioned and thus expressed through the mass consciousness. Seek out other Hawk people who can support you in your life and never allow others to cause you to lose sight of what is really important to you! Trust in the messages that Spirit entrusts to your special care and know that the expression of your visions will bring blessings not only to you, but also to all others!<br /><br />Here is a brief expression of three specific Hawk medicines:<br /><br />Red Tailed Hawk - An intensified Life force, often those who carry this Hawk medicine have Pluto and Mars strong in the horoscope. These folks are able to achieve great things through persistence and sheer strength of will. This Hawk can also help a person understand and overcome obstacles to prosperity and abundance.</span></div>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452262611710537677.post-25429971434199677792009-10-21T06:38:00.014-04:002009-10-26T09:48:41.599-04:00- "Witchboard" - or JUST a game?<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Witchboard, Spirit Board, Talking Board, Ouija Board</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">, Mystifying Oracle</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"></span><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blogs.citypages.com/gimmenoise/ouija-board.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 209px;" src="http://blogs.citypages.com/gimmenoise/ouija-board.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />As I mentioned previously, the beginning of my personal experiences with the occult was with a Ouija Board. Although there are many variations of the fascinating tool, the one I remember most resembled the picture above - manufactured and sold by Parker Brothers as a toy, using the slogan, "It's just a game, ISN'T it?"<br /><br />Most everyone knows what a Ouija Board is, or has heard the name. Although there are many versions of talking boards, "Ouija" is the registered name (the patent and trademark having been owned by Parker Brothers/Hasbro since 1966... hmmmm, I was born in 1966...) of the most popular one, and can be used synonymously when talking about any of them.<br /><br />But, what's in a name??? Apparently nothing as the name Ouija has no seemingly spiritual connotations at all, although I will research this further. And actually there is speculation as to why the board is named this... the Egyptian word for "good luck"? the Moroccan city of Oujda? a combination of the French word "oui" (yes) and the German word "ja"... um, also yes...<br /><br />Here's just a sampling of the different looks the board can have....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.williamfuld.com/photos/446054_l.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 218px; height: 337px;" src="http://www.williamfuld.com/photos/446054_l.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Original US Patent - February 10, 1891</span></span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://robokitty.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/ouija2.jpg?w=200"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 282px;" src="http://robokitty.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/ouija2.jpg?w=200" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Truly beautiful !!!</span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.witchboards.net/kennard.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 216px;" src="http://www.witchboards.net/kennard.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;">This board is an ORIGINAL from 1891<br />and is part of Dan Whitaker's personal collection</span><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/65/D056449.png/333px-D056449.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 333px; height: 218px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/65/D056449.png/333px-D056449.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Drawing of the board that received US Patent #D056,449<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">for Toys - Issued to H. McGasson on Oct. 26, 1920</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">HAPPY ANNIVERSARY !!!</span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.dragonoak.com/Spiritboards/OwlSpiritBoard.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 238px;" src="http://www.dragonoak.com/Spiritboards/OwlSpiritBoard.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Owl Wisdom" made and sold by DragonOak</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><u>History of </u></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><u>The Board</u></span></span><br />There are theories that date the use of a form of spirit board to 1100 BC China, while others claim it was "invented" in ancient Greece or Egypt. The first patent was issued to Adolphus Theodore Wagner in London in 1854 as a "Psychograph, or apparatus for indicating a person's thoughts by the agent nervous electricity". Although I couldn't find a picture of what this first "modern" board looked like, I will not rest until I do.<br /><br />The board was officially patented and introduced to the United States in 1891. There is controversy as to who actually invented the board itself, but all indications point to the first patent issued to Elijah Bond (above). Although Bond received the first patent, the board and pointer were "re-invented" a little more than a year later by William Fuld.<br /><br />Fuld continued to improve the design, receiving 20 patents and trademarks in 3 countries, until ironically he died in 1927... ironic I say, as his death resulted from a fall off the roof of one of his Board factories. The business continued to be run by his children until they sold it lock, stock and barrel to Parker Brothers in 1966.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><u>The Board</u></span></span><br />Despite the many different appearances the board itself can have, all Ouija Boards consist of the alphabet, the numerals 1-0 (0-9) and spiritual symbols. The symbols appear to be more decorative than not, but if you're planning to make your own board, it is suggested that you research the symbols and only include symbols that represent personal feelings and beliefs. The patented versions also include "Yes", "No" and "Good-Bye" (or a variation).<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><u>The Planchette</u></span></span><br />The Planchette is a what makes it all happen. It is a small wooden or plastic pointer which is used to spell out words to formulate a message. Simple yes or no questions may be answered by the Planchette pointing to "Yes" or "No" respectively. When the Planchette points, or normally slides off the board at the word "Good-Bye", this is an indication that the "game" is over.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">How To "Play"</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://whoyoucallingaskeptic.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/may-1-1920-saturday-evening-post-the-ouija-board.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 144px; height: 161px;" src="http://whoyoucallingaskeptic.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/may-1-1920-saturday-evening-post-the-ouija-board.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>As depicted by this Saturday Evening Post cover from 1920, the board is placed between (usually) 2 people. My personal experience is that it "works" best when "played" by a male and a female. The Planchette is placed in the middle of the board. Each person LIGHTLY rests their fingertips on the Planchette and a question is asked. The Planchette will begin to move around the board to answer the question - by spelling the answer or by other means.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Just a game ?<br /></span></span>Obviously, talking boards have always been marketed as a toy - a "parlor amusement" or "party game". I imagine sales would have been slow if they were marketed as "Ghost Boards" or Seance Boards", which is what many (myself included) believe they can be. And it is this very controversy that helped heighten their popularity over the years.<br /><br />The "scientific" explanation of how the board "works" is derived form Adolphus Wagner's "psychograph" claim. It rationalizes that the questions are answered in a person's subconscious and their own energy directs the Planchette to answer the question on the board.<br /><br />The spiritual explanation is that the board is a tool for contacting the spirit world and acts as a means for those spirits to communicate with us. Obviously, it depends on your beliefs and mind-set, but I personally subscribe to this train of thought - and it would certainly explain the use of similar "devices" in ancient times by peoples of extremely spiritual civilizations.<br /><br />I won't push my beliefs on you but will share a question that the board answered for me. At 13 or 14 years old and all my family still alive, I was certainly "using" the board as a game - although I do recall being "somewhat" scared to delve deeper - but NOT nearly as scared as the friends I was "playing" with.<br /><br />Anyway, innocently I asked who I would marry. The "board" told me when (although I don't recall) and said that her name would be Noreva and that she would be from Norway. No, none of it actually came true BUT.... I find it hard to believe that my subconscious answered that question having never even heard the name Noreva until that point in my life.... and I surely would have chosen a Swedish Bikini Team member...<br /><br />Also worthy of note is that there are MANY documented stories by prominent people either warning of the powers of the Ouija based on personal experience and/or claim that the spirits you contact are "wolves in sheep's clothing" pretending to be friendly for the purpose of taking over your soul.<br /><br />Others praise it's power, - using the board to solve otherwise unsolvable crimes, write songs or poems (even books) or recovering from alcoholism and/or depression based on what the board told them.<br /><br />Mystical, mythical or simply marketing techniques? That's for you to decide. But, there must be a reason that Christian religions have denounced the use of and even the ownership of a talking board saying it's use is communication with demons., and claiming it is forbidden in the Bible. The movie "Witchboard" (of COURSE I saw it.. and NOT just for Tawny Kitaen) obviously helped precipitate such rhetoric.<br /><br />So, whether or not you're a believer is up to you. But, a word to the wise... if you ever own a Ouija Board..... DO NOT BURN IT !!! You never know what can happen...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://whoyoucallingaskeptic.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/dont-open-that-door.png?w=497&h=378"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 228px;" src="http://whoyoucallingaskeptic.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/dont-open-that-door.png?w=497&h=378" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Although there are a bazillion sites concerning the board (I had up to 20 tabs open at once), I'll share the ones that had the most profound impact on my research..<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ouija">Wikipedia</a> - OBVIOUSLY !!!<br /><a href="http://www.occultblogger.com/ouija-board-why-is-it-being-sold-as-a-kids-toy/">OccultBlogger.com</a> - although not very active posting, definitely was a help to get me started<br /><a href="http://www.dragonoak.com/index.html">DragonOak.com</a> - phenomenal display of hand-crafted boards, altars, wands etc - for sale<br /><a href="http://www.williamfuld.com/ouija1.html">WilliamFuld.com</a> - INSTRUMENTAL for anyone with an interest<br /><a href="http://www.witchboards.net/">Witchboard World</a> - Dan Whitaker's site and personal collection - even offers an iPhone app<br /><a href="http://www.allabouttheoccult.org/ouija-board.htm">AllAboutTheOccult.org</a> - um, YEAH I'll be visiting this site often<br /><br /></div></div>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452262611710537677.post-59086736822029860402009-10-20T15:21:00.010-04:002009-10-26T09:49:24.836-04:00- Introduction<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://nodders.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/slimer.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 170px;" src="http://nodders.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/slimer.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Welcome to the first post of my new blog. Hopefully it won't be my last. I was going to summarize this post as an "About Me" section in the side-bar... but who the hell reads those anyway? My name is John. I am 43 years old. I live in central Connecticut. Okay, intros done...<div><br /><div>Recently my curiosity was heightened with regard to paranormal activity so I decided that maybe as I look into these happenings further, it would be in my best interest to keep a journal - to remember what I've researched, what I have done, what I have witnessed and as a reference of the resources I have found.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rather than keep a journal on my local hard drive, I thought it might be fun to post it as a blog so that others can read it (uh, keeping me from having to relay my exploits umpteen times !!!). My hope is that interaction will occur with readers that will teach me more and/or provide me with more resources to use in my quest.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am far from what people would consider a "ghost-hunter" but perhaps I have found a hobby of great interest that I should pursue. I realize it could be time-consuming but I am not setting a timetable so that I can be sure to do adequate research - which I will also post.</div><div><br /></div><div>I believe in ghosts, UFO's, witches etc.. but that doesn't make me a freak, just open-minded. My hope is to gain a better personal understanding into what these phenomena are and why I actually believe in them... or if they are worth believing in at all.</div><div><br /></div><div>My fascination with the paranormal started many years ago, although I am not actually sure when. Suffice to say, I was a child as I remember being 8 years old or so and hearing the "older kids" talk about seeing a ghost in the woods. I wished I was old enough for my parents to let me go to try to see it too.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also have memories from when I was in my early teens. At that time in my life "my generation" of neighborhood kids took to using a Ouija board on a regular basis - of course I was the one that supplied the board. If you're a fan of "strange" happenings, a Ouija board is a must.<br /><br />Over the past several years I have become 100% sure that I have been living with a ghost, one that most likely has followed me from house to house. It's not an an evil ghost mind you - so far. But over the last decade or so I can recall numerous instances of hearing someone in my house when there is nobody home... footsteps across the floor above, doors closing, "strange noises" etc. - even objects "disappearing" and the re-appearing exactly where you left them.</div><div><br /></div><div>True, I have a vivid imagination so you could "chalk" it up to an overactive one... But, my thought pattern isn't geared toward hearing things that aren't there. I'd like to believe that I am a realist, first and foremost, and do not discount any possibility, including catching a glimpse of a "being" while tending to my garden this summer. It was just a flash but I could make out that it was "human", caucasian and was wearing a light blue shirt. This was not imagined - why would I be thinking about ghosts while weeding the garden???</div><div><br /></div><div>Immediately my thoughts wandered to several years ago when a Tarot Card Reader had done a reading of me over the phone. I had never met her before yet she knew things about me and my family that no one knew... including where I was at that moment, what my surroundings were and that the spirit of my father was also there - she even described where he was located in relationship to myself.</div><div><br /></div><div>Freaked out ??? Nope. Relieved was more like it to realize that indeed I did have a ghost. And even more relieved to realize that it was my father. So, obviously any occurrences since then have been "dad" at it again.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, there's a brief introduction into me and my thoughts. I have decided that it may be time to research and understand more about the paranormal. As I do so, I will share what I learn on here for the reasons described above. Perhaps some of you will find it interesting and will help in my quest.</div></div>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452262611710537677.post-40650646997770224752009-09-29T09:39:00.001-04:002009-10-29T16:53:14.631-04:00Contact Email<div style="text-align: center;">If you would like to comment or have a reference or story </div><div style="text-align: center;">but do not want to do so publicly you can send me an email:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">soxfan3369@gmail.com</span></b></div>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452262611710537677.post-52005415293986914702009-09-01T14:39:00.039-04:002010-01-01T09:50:22.782-05:00HOST files<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjteE6oRUnXlxumg9JYWLqykSEzty0WdpwEzasJ2XSIleiKZc3kJt_MP49TyK-9ja8UmrA3Zy-5al78HqUGnI8oogNs69YcQXAJFwzlO8X4UhrF8GrC05zm4qwnw8UF6BNlpCEZDlUdw_0/s1600-h/ATR+Black+Ghosty+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwjbu1gPCbUuHr5PbzjQ0AoDDxZ1orRQMULli0bv1nonxeqD7OXF_GbCz9arNy2FT-DzZLaXvd36htifrB24A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>John Silveirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714316255064517818noreply@blogger.com0