02 Sunday Nov 2014
Posted in In the News, Live Paranormal
≈ Comments Off on Breaking the News
Wes Forsythe
Breaking the News
Catch me every Friday night on Breaking the News with Wes Forsythe on Paranormal I-Con. I’ll be dishing the latest paranormal news at 9 pm EST on www.liveparanormal.com.
21 Tuesday Oct 2014
Tags
chad lindberg. john tenney, destination america archer paranormal radio, ghost stalkers, whispers estate
Ghost Stalkers
Did you catch the premiere of Ghost Stalkers? Produced by Ghost Adventurer’s Nick Groff, Ghost Stalkers follows John E.L. Tenney and Chad Lindberg as they investigate 6 under-hyped locations. The API Gals watched and will review the show this week on Archer Paranormal Radio.
Tune in and call in 619-639-4606 this Thursday, October 23rd at 7 pm EST on http://www.liveparanormal.com.
Missed it? Check out the clip: http://www.destinationamerica.com/tv-shows/ghost-stalkers.
Chad Lindberg
12 Sunday Oct 2014
Posted in Breaking the News, Cemeteries, Famous Locations, Florida Mysteries, In the News, Live Paranormal
≈ Comments Off on A Missing Corpse = Foul Play
Tags
arthur g. dozier school, breaking the news, coffin filled with planks, empty coffin, florida industrial school for boys, florida school for boys, paranormal i-con, thomas curry
Postcard of the Florida Industrial School for Boys
A Missing Corpse = Foul Play
Reports of abuse and killings plagued the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys for decades. Former detainees filed a class-action lawsuit. The State of Florida investigated determining that there was insufficient evidence to substantiate. The University of South Florida (USF) Anthropology Department received a grant to exhume the 31 known and over 55 unmarked graves. Dr. Erin Kimmerle, a professor at USF, also obtained an order allowing the excavation of another coffin in Philadelphia. Her team dug up the coffin only to find wooden planks instead of a body.
The Florida State Reform School opened in January, 1900 in rural Marianna, Florida. The state-run facility housed boys, aged 8-21. At its maximum, the school housed 500 boys. The school closed for “budgetary reasons” in 2011. These young men committed minor crimes from truancy to theft and were sent to the school in an effort to restore them to community life. Along the way, something went horribly wrong.
Undergoing four name changes in its 111-year history, the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys sits on 1,400 acres. Numerous buildings and cottages dot the landscape. Former residents described the grounds as beautiful—much like a college campus. Facilities included a pool, cafeteria, farm, dairy, and hospital. Two cemeteries, one for Caucasians and another for African Americans, exist. However, only 33 graves are marked with crosses. Through radar, another 55 additional unmarked graves were located. An additional 22 boys who died at the school are unaccounted for. Numbers vary; however, some 84-100 boys died while detained at Dozier. Unfortunately for some, the school became a place of torture.
Radar
In 1925, 17-year-old Thomas Curry was sent to the reform school. He remained for 29 days. A ledger entry at the school denoted Thomas was “killed on the RR Bridge Chattahoochee, Florida.” The Old Cathedral Cemetery, in Philadelphia, listed his death as “killed by train.” Curry’s death certificate, discovered in 2008, stated death was caused by a crushed skull from an “unknown cause.” No one from the school reported Thomas’ death to the State of Florida. A wooden coffin was sealed and transported to Philadelphia for burial. The coffin was interred above Thomas’ grandparents. There is no tombstone.
When the coffin was opened, wooden planks were discovered. No body. No skeleton. No personal effects. Where is Thomas Curry?
Coffin filled with wooden planks.
Although a state investigation (2008-2009) failed to find sufficient evidence supporting reputed abuse, this discovery—or lack thereof—should reopen the investigation. Bodies were illegally buried. Bodies were improperly handled. Boys disappeared. Former detainee Roger Kiser called Dozier a “concentration camp for little boys.” The idyllic images of the school posted online in the Florida archives clash with the testimony of 300 men. A missing body highly suggests foul play.
Tune in Friday, October 17th at 9 pm to “Breaking the News” on Paranormal I-Con on www.liveparanormal.com. The Haunted Librarian joins host Wes Forsythe as they discuss the latest paranormal news.
10 Friday Oct 2014
Posted in In the News, Live Paranormal, Radio Show
≈ Comments Off on Guess Who’s Dishing Paranormal News on Paranormal I-Con?
Wes Forsythe
Super HUGE announcement. I’ll be dishing and discussing paranormal news and events with Wes Forsythe on Paranormal I-Con, Fridays at 9 pm EST on http://www.liveparanormal.com. I start tomorrow, October 10th, and will rotate weeks.
Tune in and find out the latest para news. Plus, we’re pretty chatty people. Never know what may come up. Who’s excited? This GAL!
Wes Forsythe
05 Sunday Oct 2014
Posted in In the News, Memento Mori, Movies, Paranormal, Photography, SyFy Channel
≈ Comments Off on Highly Anticipated Dead Still Delivers October 6th
Dead Still
Highly Anticipated Dead Still Delivers October 6th
The Booth Brothers’ new movie Dead Still focuses on the Victorian practice of taking mourning portraits. Main character Brandon Davis, played by Ben Browder, inherits the antique camera previously owned by his great-grandfather who took photographs of recently deceased people. Popular in America and Europe, postmortem photography were a form of memento mori.
Translated as “remember thy death,” memento mori is artwork capturing death, either literally or figuratively. Drawing, carvings, paintings, and eventually photography depicted dead people or the personification of death through symbols. Death is unavoidable. By remembering we ultimately die, we live.
Around 1840, wealthy families were able to hire photographers to capture the deaths of loved ones. Popular from 1840-1860, daguerreotypes provided developed images on thin sheets of silver-plated copper. Within the next two decades, advances in photographic development made personal photography affordable. By the 1860s, tintypes replaced daguerreotypes. Middle-class families were able to summon photographers to their homes to take mourning photographs. These pictures were often the only tangible reminders of their family members. These pictures were meant to be private and viewed only by the family.
Photographers portrayed the dead person as if still alive. These “postures of life” incorporated symbols of death. Roses held downward, flowers with stems broken, morning glories, pocket watches, and children’s toys were some of the items staged with the dead person. The photographer took photos close-up or full-length capturing either the profile or full-face of the dead person. Often the eyes were closed; however, some photographers painted “eyes” on top of the eyelids. The viewer was directly confronted with the dead person. Later, large floral arrangements were used to lessen the impact. Children and infants comprised the bulk of the work because of high mortality rates. Most of the surviving postmortem photographs are of infants and children.
The popularity of postmortem photography declined as morticians and funeral homes undertook more of the burial duties. However, small ethnic communities still partake in this practice.
The Booth Brothers purchased an antique camera and decided to make it the focal point of their next film. The camera is a gorgeous prop—and still operational. The camera sits atop a beautifully crafted stand. In the movie, the camera is passed down through a family and eventually being used for wedding portraits. However, members of bridal parties start dying soon after their photography was taken. Ultimately, Brandon’s son becomes trapped inside the camera taken to an alternate dimension. This area is home to “The Negative” and “The Hidden Mother.” Set your DVR and TiVo to record Dead Still, Monday, October 6th at 9 pm EST. Then tune in to Archer Paranormal Radio as the API Gals discuss the movie and their favorite Booth Brothers’ productions.
Dead Still Creatures
24 Wednesday Sep 2014
Posted in Famous People, In the News, Live Paranormal, Scarefest, SyFy Channel
Tags
adam berry, amy allan, amy bruni, booth brothers, chad lindberg. john tenney, dustn pari, ghost stalkers, john zaffis, live paranormal, rob szarek, scarefest, wes forsythe
Entrance to Scarefest
Scarefest Newbie
I’m a Scarefest newbie attending the annual Horror/Paranormal Convention in Lexington, Kentucky, September 12-14 for the first time. It is the largest horror and paranormal conference in the South. The venue was amazing and convenient.
The Platinum Package was well worth it. I saw Jake Busey and Corey Feldman before it all started.
Crowds were small on Friday. I browsed the 200+ vendor booths, chatted up my favorite paranormal people, and made the following observations:
Dustin Pari
Amy Bruni
Adam Berry
Amy Allan
Ghost Stalkers
I spent Saturday shuttling from one session to another. Thankfully, I held a Platinum Pass, allowing me to by-pass most long lines.
By Sunday I was exhausted. I was unable to attend every session. That’s why I’ll be back next year. For more information visit the Official Scarefest Website, www.Scarefestcon.com.
24 Wednesday Sep 2014
Posted in Animals, Famous People, In the News, Pets, Psychics, Reality TV, Scarefest
Tags
Amy Allan & Bella at Scarefest.
A Genuine Amy Allan
Amy Allan stood nervously in front of the 100+ people at Scarefest and was amazed. She was utterly surprised that all of these people wanted to listen to her. She was very popular and her Q & A quite informative.
Amy Allan is the psychic medium star of Travel Channel’s Dead Files. Together with retired police detective Steve DiSchiavi, Amy tours predominately residential houses helping the occupants understand the possible paranormal events occurring. The show is very popular.
Amy Allan comes from a lineage of psychics. Though Amy admits to difficult teen years, she eventually embraced her gifts and studied under Dr. William Roll. Early in her career, Amy apprenticed with Dr. Roll in the Haunting in Georgia case.
Initially approached in 2003, Amy declined an offer for the TV show because of contractual obligations with CBS. However, things changed by 2007 and Amy agreed to join the show…but on her terms. Amy works within a scientific background and demands certain methodology to ensure that the cases are not compromised. She is adamant that the rules be followed so that the results and data are not faulty—basically to preserve integrity.
Walk-through investigations take between 3-6 hours. They are physically draining. Afterwards, Amy meditates, orders a lot of food to help with grounding, takes a bath with oils and salts, and then she sleeps—a lot. Psychic work is tough on the mind and the body.
Amy travels “with a lot of dead people” who surround her and protect her during the walks. Amy calls her spirit guides “amazing,” stating “They have my back.”
Prior to arriving at a location, Amy conducts a partial opening. Understandably, the walk-throughs are edited and pared down.
Some additional factoids:
Amy continued the Q & A session by telling the crowd the importance for the living to release the dead, especially children. Amy educates the attendees. Dead Files incorporates skeptics with a psychic medium supported by research. The most important aspect is to isolate the medium from the researcher. This eliminates contamination. Despite Internet gossip, Amy does use paranormal equipment. She would like to see it used more in scientifically controlled environments. Amy encourages paranormal groups to do more than use the tools; incorporate them into longer research endeavors.
Amy Allan was genuine and entertaining. Asked whether Dead Files was renewed for another season, Amy merely smiled. Wink. Wink.
18 Thursday Sep 2014
Posted in Famous Locations, Ghost Hunting, Haunted Houses, In the News, Media, Paranormal, Real Estate, Reality TV, Reviews, Scarefest
Tags
chad lindberg. john tenney, destination america, ghost stalkers, haunted librarian, scarefest, vortex, whispers estate
Ghost Stalkers
Chad’s the “Man” for Ghost Stalker Premiere
Scarefest 2014 attendees screened the pilot episode of Ghost Stalkers, starring Chad Lindberg and John E.L. Tenney. Produced by Ghost Adventurer’s Nick Groff, Ghost Stalkers follows Chad and John as they tool around in a Coachman RV and investigate six highly active haunted locations. The “Whispers Estate” was profiled in the first episode.
Built around 1894, the “Whispers Estate” was originally owned by Dr. George and Sarah White. They sold the 3-story Victorian house to Dr. John and Jessie Gibbons, who adopted orphaned children. One child was Rachael. At age 10, Rachael started a fire in the first-floor parlor. Badly burned, she died within a few days. Other family members died in the house. Paranormal investigators believe some are still attached and haunt the house.
The current owner, Vann, rents the house out for paranormal investigations. The caretaker, Gwen Zeigler, has a profound attachment to the property. Both believe that a vortex exists in the parlor.
The 30 minute preview consisted of Chad’s lockdown in the house. Both Chad and John spend a night at the location while the other monitors the cameras from inside the RV. Although neither stated how each episode concludes, I would image that there is some sort of evidence review incorporated into the show.
At this location, Chad experiences strange anomalies prior to his lockdown and during. He hears disembodied voices and footsteps. He even captures an EVP recording. At one point Chad begins to breakdown and to question his ability to complete the lockdown. Chad replays the digital voice recorder and hears “Chad…Be a man.” With that challenge, Chad finds his courage and proceeds.
Chad’s compromised emotional state is refreshing. His fear is real. Yes, I know he is a paid actor; however, his inability to control his voice and shaking hand earns my respect. When the “shit got real,” Chad reacted. [Note: See “Chip Coffey is not the Western Union of the Dead” for context.]
Equally real is the bat that appears out of nowhere. After filming, both inquired about the bat. According to Vann, no one has ever witnessed a bat in the house before. [Teaser: Seems a bat appears in all 6 episodes AND Chad’s favorite superhero is Batman. Interesting.]
Chad was respectful during his lockdown announcing, “I come out of love and respect.” I look forward to screening the entire episode. My early assessment is positive. I hope Chad and John break new ground. The 6 episode season highlights locations that have not been overexposed by other TV shows. This remains to be seen. Although John remained tightlipped, he did offer a teaser: former Maryland mental facility. Tune in, set your TiVo or DVR, or watch On Demand on October 19th at 10 pm EST for Ghost Stalkers, Destination America’s latest paranormal offering.
09 Tuesday Sep 2014
Posted in Famous People, Haunted Houses, In the News, Live Paranormal, Radio Show
≈ Comments Off on API Gals Poke Holes in New Jack the Ripper Book
Tags
archer paranormal investigations, archer paranormal radio, haunted flight attendant, jack the ripper, susan powell house
Jack the Ripper
This Week (September 11th) on Archer Paranormal Radio at 7 pm EST:
This week on the Archer Paranormal Radio:
Tune in to Archer Paranormal Radio every Thursday evening at 7 pm EST on www.liveparanormal.com.
Subscribe to our YouTube.com channel: Archer Paranormal. Follow us on Twitter: @JMSpear, @HauntedLib, and @MagnoliaPsychic. Check out The Haunted Librarian, www.thehauntedlibrarian.com and The Haunted Flight Attendant, http://hauntedflightattendant.com/. Check out our website, www.archer-pi.com.
15 Friday Aug 2014
Posted in Famous People, In the News, Religion
≈ Comments Off on God Welcomed Robin Home: Suicide and Heaven
Tags
Robin Williams, 1951-2014.
God Welcomed Robin Home: Suicide and Heaven
News of Robin William’s suicide rocked the Internet. Fans are still reeling from his death. Depression has been thrown into the national spotlight. But will anything substantive be done to heal them?
One person dies by suicide every 16.2 minutes. According to the World Health Organization, depression became the #1 disability in the world. Between 75-80% of all completed suicides are made by men. Interestingly, there are 8 to 25 attempted suicides for every completed one.
The good news: 80% of people who seek treatment for depression are treated successfully. The bad news: 15% of people who are diagnosed clinically depressed die by suicide. Depression is the strongest risk factor in suicides.
Another issue circulating the Internet is the topic: Do people who die from suicide get into Heaven? The short answer is Yes. Here’s my long answer:
First, let me offer this disclosure: I am not in the clergy; I am not an ordained minister. I am a practicing Episcopalian. Most importantly, I am a believer. And an ardent reader. There are some great articles written by many far more qualified to speak on this matter; however, I wanted present a layperson’s perspective. Call it my 2 cents.
God loves all His children unconditionally. He knows that we all suffer. But He forgives us.
Depression is a disease. Its effects are patient specific. Depression is a tricky beast that lies in wait for years. It may take up residence and stay for a lifetime. For the lucky, the beast may only stop in for a few years or ultimately be permanently evicted. However, without treatment, it will surely kill you.
People caught in the grips of this beast don’t act logically or rationally. The bouts are just that bouts. It’s where the brain battles the beast.
For Robin Williams, the beast won. The beast took more than a man. The beast took a comedic genius. Robin Williams was talented, quirky, creative, and one of the best humanitarian ambassadors in the industry. He will be missed.
God welcomed Robin home. Robin is at peace. The beast is gone.
My prayers go out to Robin’s family and professional family. They need time to grieve, to heal, and to seek professional help. Don’t let the beast get you. Seek help for depression. If you know of someone who may need help, be her family and get encourage her to seek help.
Nanu Nanu.
Note: For more information, please visit: http://www.save.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=705D5DF4-055B-F1EC-3F66462866FCB4E6.
Films of Robin Williams
The Haunted Librarian 
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