Category Archives: Paranormal

Ghost Cop: Investigating with Stacey Jones

19 Sunday Apr 2015

Posted by in API Gals, Ghost Hunting, Ghost Tours, Hospitals, Investigations, Paranormal, Paranormal Groups

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Stacey Jones, Ghost Cop

Stacey Jones, Ghost Cop

Ghost Cop: Investigating with Stacey Jones

People have been investigating paranormal activity for hundreds of years. Yes. Hundreds of years. Don’t let the expansion of cable networks and the influx of paranormal reality TV shows fool you. Likewise, there are people who have spent decades investigating. Further, some of these people like to share their tips, techniques, and antidotes with others. One such person is Stacey Jones, the nation’s leading paranormal investigator.

Stacey started investigating in 1984 while a police officer in New York. She founded the Central New York Ghost Hunters (CNYGH) and was lovingly christened the “Ghost Cop.” She has investigated over 1,000 haunted locations, has been featured on two A Haunting episodes, and has appeared on various paranormal reality TV shows. Her tale is cautionary; her teenage son attracted a nasty spirit on a seemingly benign cemetery investigation. It took 12 months to exorcize the demon from him. Her other stories are just as riveting.

She has since retired from the police force and team investigating. Instead, Stacey frequently shows up at public investigations and dives right in. She joined the Archer Paranormal Investigations team (API Gals) and some of our friends on our investigation at the Old Hawkinsville State Hospital, also known as Taylor Memorial Hospital. And we were thrilled to the point of giddy to share the evening with her.

Stacey brings over 30 years of experience and common sense to an investigation. She is a life-long researcher and reader of the paranormal, religion, and history. She knows a lot. I mean a lot. She is highly likeable and engaging. She treats everyone, living and dead, with the utmost of respect. She does not confront or threaten or yell. The only obscenities are aimed toward herself. While dumping some of her equipment into her folding chair, Stacey deftly balanced the chair with her coffee while proclaiming herself, “the laziest bitch investigator today.” Not quite! She is hardworking—listening, analyzing, and contemplating where the activity may originate from.

Some of our friends were investigating for the first time. Stacey patiently displayed her equipment, encouraging them to try them out. She provided tips and techniques. She took the group under her wing and started searching for evidence. On short breaks she entertained us with battle stories and commentary. She doesn’t namedrop. Nor is she boastful. Deep in her heart, Stacey is a teacher. She relishes explaining the how-tos and whys. I learned quite a bit!

Whenever possible, investigate with an authority. Paranormal “celebrities” have packed tour schedules. Check online for upcoming investigations. You will learn new investigation techniques. Stacey likes to holler, “Hello. I can’t see you.” Love that! What a great way to engage with a spirit? It’s non-threatening and allows them to come forward—if they so choose.

Stacey Jones and John Zaffis

Stacey Jones and John Zaffis

You will glean information. They bring different equipment, and you may get to test them out. We tested out the Bionic Ear. 2L Lisa immediately purchased the following morning.

They also reinforce techniques you may already utilize. For instance, Stacey doesn’t confront, she remains respectful, she thanks them, and she prays before and after an investigation. These are all things that the API Gals do. Guessing I’m going to be getting another folding chair to traipse across abandoned buildings and cemeteries so I can be like Stacey.

For more information on Stacey, please view her Website http://ghostcop.org/. I look forward to investigating again with Stacey. It was a wonderful experience. Even the torrential downpour couldn’t dampen our excitement. Just like 2L, I love me some Stacey Jones!

Hawkinsville State Hospital Sells Out–Again

06 Monday Apr 2015

Posted by in API Gals, Famous Locations, Ghost Hunting, Historic Places, Hospitals, In the News, Investigations, Paranormal, True Ghost Stories

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Hawkinsville Investigation is SOLD OUT--Again.

Hawkinsville Investigation is SOLD OUT–Again.

The spots filled quickly. Then 3 spots opened. But they were scooped up. Twelve days and counting!

ParaUnity: Why We Can’t Get Along

13 Thursday Nov 2014

Posted by in Ghost Hunting, Paranormal, Reality TV, Terminology

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ParaUnity

ParaUnity

ParaUnity: Why We Can’t Get Along

Very few people earn a living in the paranormal field. The perception that only investigators who are on TV are the “professionals” in this field is misleading. Actually, it’s untrue. Plenty of people know as much as or even more about the paranormal than those on TV. Although most of us are not “professional” paranormal people, we do act professionally.

The paranormal community takes repeated bashing from skeptics. So, why do we beat up on each other? We should stand together. Here are some helpful communication tips:

  • Think before you speak, tweet, or post.
  • Educate yourself before expressing your opinion.
  • Constructive criticism is okay. It’s actually quite beneficial. Keeps us on our toes, invites discourse and discussion. Blindly trashing someone based on emotional attachment is ineffective.
  • Don’t proffer an opinion without educating yourself on the issue. If you don’t know the answer, say so.
  • Conduct research. Research is vital.
  • Add to the discussion.
  • Support your opinions with facts.
  • Remain positive. Being positive does not mean you’re complacent. More sugar; less stick.

ParaUnity is attainable. The paranormal community can get along. We are a family—often dysfunctional—but a family.

Highly Anticipated Dead Still Delivers October 6th

05 Sunday Oct 2014

Posted by in In the News, Memento Mori, Movies, Paranormal, Photography, SyFy Channel

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Dead Still

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

Dead Still Creatures

Chad’s the “Man” for Ghost Stalker Premiere

18 Thursday Sep 2014

Posted by in Famous Locations, Ghost Hunting, Haunted Houses, In the News, Media, Paranormal, Real Estate, Reality TV, Reviews, Scarefest

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Ghost Stalkers

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.

 

Chris Dedman: Called for a Higher Purpose

15 Monday Sep 2014

Posted by in Conferences, Demonic Possession, Famous Locations, Famous People, Haunted Houses, Paranormal, Religion, Scarefest

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Chris Dedman

Chris Dedman

Chris Dedman: Called for a Higher Purpose

Speaking to a standing room only audience at Scarefest 2014, Chris Dedman announced his intention to study under Bishop James Long and to become a full-fledged Demonologist. Upon completion, Dedman will join the ranks of John Zaffis and Stacey Jones. Dedman cautioned: Do not enter this field of study lightly.

Dedman’s session titled “Demons & Possession” consisted of definitions and insights based on his grounded Catholic beliefs. Dedman warned of the thrill seekers who watch TV and rush out to Walmart, “the world’s largest ghost hunting store.” He emphasized not to provoke a potential demon. [Note: Something I constantly profess to deaf media personalities.]

Three Chilling Cases

Included in the presentation was an authenticated audio clip from the infamous Anneliese Michel possession case. In the clip, you can hear the afflicted young adult spouting off in Latin; the intensity and enormity of the demonic possession is quite evident. It is haunting.

Anneliese Micel

Anneliese Micel

Anneliese Michel (9.21.1952-7.1.1976) was a devout Roman Catholic German high school student when she began to suffer epileptic seizures at the age of 16. She was prescribed medication; however, she began hearing voices soon after. So began the possession of Anneliese. She, her parents, and two local priests believed that she was possessed by a demon. At the age of 23, she withstood 67 exorcisms over a 10 month period. During that time, her behavior became more erratic and bizarre and her health rapidly declined. She died weighing 68 pounds and with both knees broken from continual genuflecting. Her parents and the priests were charged with negligent homicide (topic for another blog). The possession of Anneliese is the topic of three movies and thousands of Internet postings.

The second case was from February 2008 and profiled on the popular paranormal series Paranormal State. “I am Six” was an unsettling case for all involved. Over 10 paranormal teams abandoned this case. Dedman reinforced the idea that teams who find themselves over their heads should call in help.

“I am Six” is a hot, debatable topic on the Internet. The case involved the supposed possession of Laura, a young woman from Quincy, Illinois. The “demon” called himself “Six.” Hence the title. Dedman met Chip Coffey on this case. Contrary to skeptical Internet criticism, Coffey did not travel with the crew and did not know anything about the case prior to his walk-through. Dedman’s lesson in this instance: Call in help. This was not a discussion about the merits of the case, Ryan Buell, or the TV show Paranormal State. [Note: When researching this topic, I was dismayed by the abundance of grammatical errors and factual errors by the skeptics. I’m not persuaded by your argument when you cannot write properly or research correctly.]

The final case was Dedman’s appearance on Ghost Adventurers. The video clip depicted Dedman speaking with Zak Bagans, lead investigator, explaining a spirit box session at the infamous Ax Murder House where an entity said “Legion.” This is a term for demon and unnerved Dedman.

The Villisca Ax Murder House, located in Iowa, was the site of the brutal murder of 8 people on June 10, 1912. [Note: Again, I have problems with the official website of this location due to the number of grammatical errors and the inconsistency in the name “Ax” or “Axe.”]

Dedman’s humor masks the pain he suffers through his work. Once someone faces a demon, he is marked for life. Relationships suffer. Health issues arise. Lives change—and not for the better.

Protect Yourself

Dedman protects himself with a blessed St. Benedict medal. He recites the “Prayer to St. Michael, the Archangel.” He uses blessed salt to protect his environs. And he always puts people first. Proceeds from his booth sales go to the Catholic Church. Dedman is a man of God doing God’s work in very dark corners.

On a positive note: Dedman’s book has been picked up by a publisher and should be published in late 2015. For more information about Bishop Long’s Demonology course, please view www.demonologyclass.com.

 

Sarchie’s Deliver Us from Evil Thrills

18 Friday Jul 2014

Posted by in Authors, Books, Demonic Possession, Devil, Media, Movies, Paranormal, Pet Peeves, Religion

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Ralph Sarchie

Ralph Sarchie

Sarchie’s Deliver Us from Evil Thrills

Demonic possession cases are rare. However, every—and I mean EVERY—paranormal investigator needs to know how to distinguish between them and mental illness. Ralph Sarchie’s Deliver Us from Evil teaches the reader to do just that.

Ralph Sarchie is a veteran NYPD police officer. He is also a paranormal investigator trained by Ed and Lorraine Warren. A devout Catholic, Sarchie along with co-writer Lisa Collier Cool interweave fascinating case studies with practical advice. My copy is flagged throughout. This book dives right into an unbelievable case. The authors then step back and provide Sarchie’s backstory. The common thread linking the chapters is God. Sarchie’s a firm—and I mean firm—believer in God and the power of prayer. And I agree!

Beware the Night

Originally published as Beware the Night.

Some of the more salient points are: The psychic hours are between 9 pm and 6 am. Human spirits aren’t subject to exorcism. Inanimate objects cannot be possessed. Prayer works! However, Sarchie goes in depth with orders and stages and terminology. Hint: Read the book.

[Note: I would be remiss not to point out the one glaring typo: Super Bowl is two (2) words. This is a pet peeve of mine.]

The problem is that people don’t believe in the Devil. Even some of the clergy don’t believe a Devil exists. Sarchie makes a credible argument that an Unholy Trinity exists and is waging war against the Holy Trinity. His Unholy Trinity consists of Satan, Lucifer, and the Antichrist. Combined they are feeding off of innocent and uneducated souls. Only the Holy Trinity, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, can save them. Sarchie should know; he has assisted on countless exorcisms. He works in concert with the Catholic Church.

While reading the book, I was reminded of the movie The Conjuring. I can hear Ed Warren’s voice advising Sarchie in many of the cases. Shoot, even John Zaffis make a couple appearances. This book shows why it is important for paranormal investigators to help their clients. It reminds us that somewhere along the way we will encounter a case that is beyond our capabilities. We cannot handle it alone. We should refer those few cases to the professional exorcists. Do not attempt! Unfortunately, there will be the few who will not heed my advice. The Devil and his minions do exist, my friends. It is only through God that they are controlled and casted back to Hell.

Deliver Us from Evil

Deliver Us from Evil

Ghosts Wear Clothing—So Should You

04 Friday Jul 2014

Posted by in Ghost Hunting, Paranormal, Paranormal History, Pet Peeves, Research

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Chicago Tribune 11_04_1906-pg-2

Chicago Tribune 11_04_1906-pg-2

Ghosts Wear Clothing—So Should You

It’s a pet peeve. I don’t want to see shirtless middle-aged men mowing their yards—especially in my neighborhood. It’s disgusting. It’s the beacon: Middle Age Crisis Alert. Dude, you don’t look cool, sexy, or attractive. You look desperate. Put a shirt on!

This train of thought was spontaneously followed by the revelation: Ghosts wear clothing. Consider that for a minute. They do. And for good reason. I’ve never read an account where the ghost was naked. That’s because no one wants to see that.

Ghosts appear in the fashion of their time. That provides a valuable key to the observer in attempting to solve the mystery. Without clothing, the ghosts cannot visually represent their story. And paranormal investigators need all of the clues we can get. Clothing is a freebie. I love it when a client can discern specific pieces of apparel. The lace floor-length nightgown is indicative to a time past. The high collars. The wide hoop skirt. Given that most of our investigations involve Civil War era hauntings, the color and type of uniform helps.

Pay attention and ask about the clothing. You will be surprised how easy it is to research and to narrow your focus. Plus, it’s fun searching the Internet for period clothing and learning the history. Remember: Historical research is critical in all investigations.

Imploding Like a Rock Star

24 Tuesday Jun 2014

Posted by in Ghost Hunting, In the News, Media, Paranormal, Reality TV

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Ryan Buell

Ryan Buell

Imploding Like a Rock Star

The paranormal community has identity problems. We are constantly barraged by skeptics. We all do our homework before we investigate.* We check our facts. We test our equipment. We do a lot to ensure the evidence we gather is the best and most accurate obtainable. Just when we gain a little more credibility, something comes along and sets us back.

As I see it, the paranormal community is divided into 4 categories: 1) Professionals, 2) Professional Celebrities, 3) Celebrities, and 4) Amateurs. The bulk of the people fall into the first category: Professionals. These are the people working in the field. They are investigating, writing, and observing all things paranormal. These are the working-class paranormal peeps. They don’t get paid for what they love; they do it for the love of it. They act respectfully and professionally.

Some move from the first group into Group 2: Professional Celebrities. They are “celebrities” because their education and skills elevated them to experts in the field. They’re on television. Do the conference circuit. Write the better books. They are the “face” of the community.

The third group contains people who are “celebrities” but haven’t a clue what they’re doing. They may have good intentions, they may have gone to the dark side, they may have let “fame” go to their heads. Professionals know who they are and try to avoid them. Unfortunately, the general public sees them as the real-deal. They’re not. This group is very small; however, the paranormal community should be cognizant that it may grow with continued media exploitation.

The final group contains the Amateurs. These are the thrill-seekers. They hunt ghosts because the celebrities make it look easy. These are the people who dabble and get into serious trouble. They are the folks who get their kicks in the black arts. They’re also the fools who get drunk, trespass onto private property, and burn the plantation down. The media loves this group! For them, they represent the para-community. Unfortunately, this group is growing.

Recently, two former television paranormal investigators made the news. Examiner.com broke both stories. Brian Harnois, formerly of Ghost Hunters, is accused of scamming fans by not refunding money or providing products. For those who watched the early episodes with Brian, you should not be surprised. I’m not. I always considered him the drama queen of the show and a distraction. His situation is minor and I hope he gets it together.

The second one is more troubling. Ryan Buell, star of Paranormal State, is accused of booking tours, selling tickets, cancelling the show, and then refusing to refund the money. In addition, there was some confusion as to the actual participants, which could be viewed as misleading. Originally, Chip Coffey was scheduled to appear on the “Conversations with the Dead” tour; however, he withdrew for “professional and personal” reasons. Somewhere along the line communication broke down, and Chip Coffey’s name was not removed from the program. Hence the misleading issue. This has since been rectified. The bigger issue looms. How much are we really taking about? According to Coffey’s post on Facebook, it hovers in the six figure range. Six figures! That’s a lot money. That’s huge. Since the story broke, the “Conversations with the Dead” website has been updated, displaying make-up dates and the removal of Coffey’s name. I hope the tour happens. Until then, Buell’s controversy has become a major paranormal distraction. It’s time he fixed it.

Paranormal people on television have a larger burden than the regular reality TV star. Viewers know that Honey Boo Boo does not represent the State of Georgia; however, the distinction cannot be made for paranormal investigators on TV. They shouldn’t waste the opportunity or blow it. It’s like a rock star imploding. It’s hard to recover from.

 

*I’m presuming that ALL paranormal investigators do this because they really should. There are professional responsibilities involved. But I’ll save that argument for another blog.