Paranormal TV

Paranormal TV shows                       Segment 23

There has been an explosion of shows on TV dealing with the paranormal. There are good things associated with their popularity. It's making paranormal investigations more acceptable. Those of us who are paranormal investigators are not seen as kooks anymore. But in the same breathe when are they considered a bad influence on our profession as a whole?
In the begging of several shows, they seemed like a real group that went out and investigated because that is what they enjoy. After time went on and “Hollywood” came into play everything seems so fake. Not everything is paranormal. If you have to be told 3 times what the EVP said, throw it out. Not a good EVP. And don’t even get me started on orbs!! YOU ARE WALKING AROUND IN A OLD DIRTY BUILDING! You are going to kick up dust!! There are some better than others, but they are still interesting none the less.
We recently got to bring in “everyday” people for an investigation with us. Because of the TV shows we all watch, they were expecting to see something or hear something from the moment they walked in the door. It just doesn’t happen like that. Paranormal Investigations are normally pretty dull. We sit on dirty floors talking to ourselves, hoping for a response. On the shows take an 8-10 hour investigation and condince it into a 35-40 minute show. It is always interesting that way. Espically when you have 10 min of history 5 minutes of setting up, then another 5-10 minutes of evidence review. So that leaves you with 15-20 minutes of their 8-10 hour investigation.
There are some pretty good movies made, but we always have to remember they have Hollywood effects on them. Not the way we see them in the real world.
When watching anything on TV you always have to remind yourselves “it is just tv.”

Ghost follow you home? or from home to home?

Can Ghosts follow you home from an investigation or from home to home?                Segment 22

If you are like most of the members in our team, we believe that a ghost is the same as you and me. They still have feelings and beliefs. As a general rule, people do not go around following others. Or “breaking” into strangers houses. (of course some do, but that is a different story for another day!) Most spirits seem to be drawn to or attached to a building or area. They will remain there regardless of who is living there. Some of the occupants will know there is a spirit present and others, who are less sensitive, will not. The location could have been the spirits home, a favorite place or the scene of it's death.
There are a few exceptions to this, deceased relatives may return to visit the living and they are not bound by location. Even an earthbound relative who has remained here for reasons that link it to a living relative may follow that person. Spirits of close friends also fall into this category.
People who are sensitive to spirits may have encounters in different location. Often these people assume that the first place they lived was haunted and the spirits have followed them to a new home. What may be happening is that the person is sensitive to spirits and they are now seeing new spirits in this new location. Many people are unaware that they are sensitive and just assume that these places are haunted. Spirits are everywhere, and they are drawn to people who are sensitive to them.
Spirits can also be attached to objects. It could be a favorite chair, family heirloom, anything that person valued greatly in life. Antique dealers often come across items that people claim are haunted. If the spirit in your home is attached to an object and you take that object with you when you move, the spirit comes along too.
I have had experiences where one place in particular we investigate, every time we go there, I always seem to have a huge burst in activity around my house for the next day or two. I normally do not have anything in my home. We have also had other members have things happen after leaving this same place. So, the question is, it is something with this particular investigation spot that just amps it up when we get home, or does something attach itselves to us and come home with us? Then, where does it go when it leaves? Does it leave? I just don’t understand. What do you think?

Shadow People

Shadow People    Informational Segment 21

Shadow people are shadowy, silhouettes of human forms seen mostly at night, and are the most common form of ghost apparition people see. Shadow people seem to typically flee in the presence of people in physical bodies, especially if they realize they have been seen, and are reportedly viewed primarily out of the corner of one’s eye. Shadow people are not bound by walls or physical obstacles, as they may choose to move through them, while strangely, other shadow people seem to believe they have to go around physical objects.

What are they really? I don’t thin anyone knows. Some spectics think it is just your imagination,

Other than the naked eye, you can be lucky to catch shadow people with video and still cameras. In my experience, it is very rare to catch something on film (digital, whatever you use). You always have to watch that you aren’t inadverteley causing the shadow person with your flashes or IR lights. It can be easily done.
I found this website while doing some research. They have tons of stories from real people telling their shadow experiences. Neat to read.

Here is an example of 2 shadow people being caught in a picture. Our group did not take this picture. I found it on the internet for an example.

 Remember, you have to use your best judgement to know if they are real or faked. Unfortunately there are some unsavory people out there that think it is funny to fake anything paranormal.  What is your opinion?our eyes seeing things in a fraction of a second that aren't really there - illusions... real shadows caused by passing auto headlights, or some similar explanation. And without a doubt, these explanations probably can account for some if not many experiences. The human eye and mind are easily fooled. But that isn’t always the case. Ghosts? Could be, but when you see a appariton of a ghost they are normally white mists or you can see clothing or distince facical features. Shadow beings are much darker and more shadow-like. In general, although the shadow people often do have a human outline or shape, because they are dark, the details of their appearance is lacking. Some have also claimed to see red eyes in shadow people. Another option would be to call them demonic. It would explain the darkness and possible red eyes. They are often reported in darker, scarier areas of the haunted places. I guess we will never know the truth.http://www.shadowpeople.org/ http://s2.hubimg.com/u/3279389_f520.jpg

Ovilus

Ovilus: What is it? Does it work?                                 Segment 20

The Ovilus is an instrument that was designed to interpret different energies that it assimilates into words. It will begin to speak using environmental energy to repeat words from the 512 word dictionary. So if you are using the Ovilus at an investigation and notice that it uses some words over and over that is because it is picking up the same energy that is being translated into that word. It doesn’t mean that it is using the word randomly. Then as you ask questions listen to the response. Filter out the common words that it is using over and over and listen for more specific words that may relate to your investigation.

The Ovilus is one of many paranormal field experimental devices created by Bill Chappell, a retired electronics engineer and the founder of the digitaldowsing.com website. He states the device works by measuring changes in the “environmental” energy fields around it. It modulates the energy changes into audible speech using a synthesizer chip, an extensive English word dictionary, and a function that phonetically sounds out words. Mr. Chappell calls this process ECM or “Environmental Communications Mode” and states his devices do not employ any arbitrary techniques to produce results such as random generation, sweep functioning, or programmed algorithms.

The Ovilus is a small, lightweight device that is portable enough to be taken anywhere during an investigation. It is powered by a 9-volt battery and has two audio-out jacks so headphones, external speakers, or audio recorders can be used simultaneously with the device. The Ovilus also features a bright array of LED lights to graphically display various readings, a feature useful for low light use.
The device has seven modes of operation. It includes a dictionary mode containing 512 stored words, phonetic mode (sounds out words by syllable), a combination mode (both dictionary words and phonetics) and a “yes” or “no” mode. It also features an electromagnetic field (EMF) mode that verbally outputs EMF levels in milligauss, a level mode that only graphically displays EMF levels, and a dowsing mode that simulates virtual dowsing rods.

Due to the random nature of the replies, many paranormal research groups have stopped using the Ovilus because too much is left to chance. It is posited that you could pull random words out of a hat and get the same response as what comes out of the Ovilus. In our groups experience it just says to many random things. How do you know when it is a real responce or some electrical current flowing through a near wall?? Don't feel it is reliable enough.

Franks Box

What are they? What do they do? Do they work?                          Segment 19


There are two controversial pieces of equipment out there I wanted to touch on. Some people don't like them and think they don't work, others live by what they say.... What do you think?


Franks Box 

The Franks Box is also known as the telephone to the dead. The Franks box is basically a device that can scan either AM or FM radio frequencies, allowing you to here the frequencies as they are being scanned. In theory for a ghost to communicate with you, one of the ways is through EVP by using the electronics in your audio device to pick up its' frequency. The problem with this approach is you need to play back your audio to listen to the voices, were as the Franks Box, while scanning different frequencies and having speakers hooked up to it allows the ghost to communicate with you as you are asking questions to it.


This device was created by Frank Sumption several years ago as a means to further his interest in EVP research. Frank began experimenting with EVP in the year 2000 which led to using a computer program called EVP maker invented by the German researcher Stefan Bion. 
The problem with using the Franks Box is that the AM and FM frequencies are picking up broadcasts from all over the area, such as news or music that is normally broadcasted over AM or FM stations. Through the Franks box it may also pick up 2 way radio, and CB radio frequencies, that can also alter your results. So, while it is a good concept, unless you are in an area that is pretty remote and cannot pick up other interferences, it is pretty much useless. (my opinion) Yes, you may pick up something, but how do you know it wasnt someone on the radio that happend to say soemthing that went along with your question. Happens more than you think.


After receiving various messages from "computer savvy" spirits relaying messages for other spirits who were not so technologically advanced, Frank came up with the idea to create a device that hopefully all spirits could use. His design was apparent to him almost immediately, but the actual construction of the device has led him to create at least 25 different models to date. Each box is unique in design and construction, but is based on the same principle.
Frank's spirit receiver starts off with a standard white noise generator which is fed through a random voltage circuit of Frank's own design. The random voltage is linked to an AM radio receiver which reacts to the voltage by tuning to a specific spot on the radio dial. This is known as voltage tuning and is a common function of late 80s and early 90s radio receivers. Though various radio stations are turned in for a split second every so often along with regular static, the devices also allows the spirits to interact with the device and create their own vocals through the receiver and for lack of a better term, talk through the device.A newer version of the box simply tunes back and fourth through the AM band which Frank is calling the "Sweep" method. At first, he believed that the random voltage design is what allowed it to work but after using the sweep method, he has since changed his mind as it seems to do a better job.


Frank has made his plans available on the Internet for anyone who is interested in experimenting with his device. He also makes available his own receiver plans for those who want to take it a step further and create the entire box from start to finish.Frank has created at least 25 versions of the box to date and handed them to several individuals for ongoing tests. The initial results have been pretty positive and many people have experienced some kind of communication which they would regard as evidence that the box really works. Unfortunately, the difficult part about Frank's design is his using the AM radio band as the medium for receiving the voices. This is one fact that makes it easy for any skeptic to debunk the operation of his device. For starters, the device will receive little snippets from various radio stations as it scans through the AM band. At any given minute the device could spew some various words from passing stations that could be put together as a sentence and claimed to be from a spirit when in fact its just audio matrixing. Another possible scenario includes a few parts from Radio Shack and a couple of minutes of assembly could yield a small yet powerful enough transmitter to broadcast over the AM band and inject various words and phrases into the box directly.


Definite care should be taken when operating the device to ensure the above scenarios are not part of the equation. Using recorders and other tools, such as an EMF detector, can help legitimize the results. EMF detectors should be placed far enough away as not to cause interference with the box or produce false readings on the detector itself.

What are Apparitions?

Apparitions                               Segment 18

An apparition is defined as the supernatural manifestation of the soul of a deceased person or animal, typically referred to as a ghost. Apparitions are visual experiences. The one thing that is known about apparitions is that no two are exactly alike. They are as complex and diverse as each living person. Every apparition will have it's own cause, origin and meaning. The visual appearance of any spirit, ghost, or unusual phenomenon that doesn’t necessarily take on the shape of a human form nor does it show signs of intelligence or personality. Usually they have a translucide human form that let appear the clothing of their period. They can also appear as incomplete, disfigured or headless. Most often, they show up and faint in a second. Ghosts can come in a variety of forms: children, men, women, animals and demonstrate various feeling. Some will pass without even noticing you, other remain hidden and seem just to focus on frightening you. Some will try to chase you out of their refuge, other will seek attention and even help or guidance. There are a few different kinds of apparitions.

Atmospheric Apparition This type of ghost sighting is not actually believed to be a real ghost, but instead a visual “imprint” that got left behind in the environment from a past event. These events typically include, but are not limited to, violent and tragic events. The ghostly scenes are played and replayed with both picture and sound. A particularly strange aspect of atmospheric apparitions is that the visual picture fades down over time. As the years pass the ghosts are reported to become more and more transparent until there is no picture left at all. Over time, the sound too eventually fades away.

Historical ApparitionThese apparitions are one step up from the atmospheric apparition. They typically haunt older homes and appear in solid forms acting natural. They are always dressed in period clothing and do not speak, communicate or acknowledge the presence of the living. They are seen in more than one location of the residence.

Recurring ApparitionRecurring apparitions are ghosts that occur in regular cycles over a period of time, usually once annually. This type of ghost sighting is one of the most popular. The date of manifestation usually occurs on an anniversary date or a day of special importance to the deceased. These apparitions can include both ghosts of people and animals. Reports of recurring ghosts include individuals who have committed suicide, murder victims, and entire phantom armies marching across battlefields.


Modern ApparitionsModern ghosts are the spirits of present-day ghosts. Not all ghosts are from ancient haunted places or of two hundred-year-old dead people. These ghosts are relatively new, looking and sounding like modern people. They still have all the same characteristics as the older haunts, (strange noises, odd odors, cold spots, etc.). Of course as decades of time pass the haunting will become more traditional and the apparitions will look dated. The times and styles will continue to change but the apparitions will not.

Crisis and Death Bed ApparitionsThese apparitions appear to loved ones or close friends just before or soon after their death. They are very common ghost sightings that almost never occur after more than four days after death. Crisis apparitions are most popular during periods of wars were hundreds of cases of the appearances of dying or dead service men thousand of miles away are reported. The crisis ghost appears one last time to fulfill a promise, say a final goodbye, or express eternal love to help ease the sadness of death for the living left behind.

Family Apparitions
These spirits attach themselves to a particular family, thus the name, family apparitions. They will haunt every member of the family through each generation until the family line
comes to an end. These ghosts include the spirits of deceased family members and animals. The appearance of these ghosts usually signals that someone within the family is about to die. Usually there are no prior health problems until the phantom manifests, then family members suddenly fall ill and die or become the victims of some other untimely death. These apparitions are considered to be dark omens and are the hardest ghost to get rid of. All charms, spells and even exorcism fail. It may be because these apparitions are not actually causing the deaths, just foretelling them in an eerie manner. The only escape known for this haunting is the end of the family line.

Photographic ApparitionsThese are ghosts that are not seen visually, but can be photographed. Most people are unaware that they have taken a picture of a ghost until they develop the film. The ghosts
appearing in photographs may appear in slightly transparent grayish forms wearing period clothing, or more commonly as bright white patches of concentrated energy. Blurred areas and unexplained smears on only certain areas of a photograph are believed by some to be caused by a nearby spirit. This phenomenon has taken a new twist over the past fifteen years with the revolution of the personal video cam corder. Ghosts or phantom like images have been recorded accidentally by regular everyday people and by
experienced ghost hunters.

An Out of Body ApparitionThe strange occurrences of Out Of Body apparitions are when people report seeing the ghost of someone whom is still alive and could not have been nearby at the time of the sighting. These apparitions appear in very much the same form as a regular ghost. They can be solid or transparent, acting similar to the real person. The person whose ghost was seen is not dying or for that matter is not even sick. They are perfectly healthy individuals who say they remember everything about their Out Of Body experience and give details that can be verified. Some people claim to be able to induce the experience at will, a kind of spirit jumping. Because these apparitions can appear to people that may not know the
individual in real life the apparition may be mistaken for a more traditional ghost. It is said that if the living soul stays Out Of Body too long then the body will die and the soul will be left a wandering ghost
　
　
　http://www.riverbendparanormal.com/photos.htm  Click to see 2 photos of apparitions we have captured 

Orbs Explained

Orbs Explained                         Segment 17

Orbs are believed (by many) to be ghosts in the form of balls of light. They are life forms that travel in groups and are believed to be the human soul or life force of those that once inhabited a physical body here on earth. Psychics claim to talk to them on a regular basis, and ghost hunters encounter them quite frequently. It is theorized that ghosts prefer the form of an Orb (ball of light) because it takes less energy thus being the mode of choice among the ghosts. The consensus is that small orbs take up the least amount of energy and apparitions and other fuller shapes take up the most. In the colder parts of the year, it seems that ghosts tend to find it easier to take on shapes other than orbs. That's when there is the most static electricity in the atmosphere. Those months being October through February. It is also believed that they are able to draw on our own energy when needed.

　

Orbs in pictures can be a huge discrepancy. As a generally accepted rule there are three questions an investigator can use to determine if an orb is genuine or if it is some sort of airborne particulate matter. These are:

~Is the orb in question perfectly circular? By definition an orb is a circular or sphere shaped object. If an orb in question is elliptical, oval, diamond shaped, etc. it is not a true orb.

~Is the orb three dimensional? Does it stand out from its surroundings and / or have depth in the photograph? If not it is probably airborne particulate matter or something on the camera lens.

~Is the orb self luminous - does it emit its own light?

Many “orbs” in paranormal investigators photos would be fortunate if they could be confirmed for at least one of the above traits. If an “orb” does not positively affirm all three traits it is not a true orb.

Classes of Orbs
HDO – High Density Orbs are the least common of the two types of orbs. Generally, these orbs are the only anomaly in a photo, are opaque (solid) in appearance and glow brightly from within. These orbs are usually of magnitudes two (2) and three (3).
LDO – Low Density Orbs are the more common of the two types of orbs and are generally what is thought of when the subject of orbs is mentioned as these can very closely resemble airborne particulate matter. The primary difference between these orbs and airborne matter is that, although they are translucent, they are light emissive. This type of orb is of a magnitude zero (0) or one (1).Orb Magnitude

Much like stars in the night sky, orbs can be measured by their magnitude (brightness) in a photo. Although this is really only a theoretical system for classifying photographic data for investigation purposes I believe that it will prove useful for those serious enough to explore it.

The basic idea behind orb magnitude is that investigators can now classify orbs so that they may be understood in relation to events such as solar flares, geomagnetic storms, etc. so that a pattern of activity may be established. Orbs rated by magnitude will follow an ascending scale from zero (0) least bright to three (3) most bright.

The most common “orb” photos are merely refractions of light on the camera lens. This occurs when the camera flash bounces back from something reflective in the range of the camera. When this happens, it creates a perfectly round ball of light that appears to be within the parameters of the photo but is actually just an image on the lens itself.Orbs don’t have to have a camera flash to be created. They can also be caused by bright lights in an area where the photo is being taken, by angles of light and by many types of artificial lighting. But are lights and camera flashes the only thing that can cause “orbs” to appear? Far from it! Other objects that end up in front of the camera lens and are mistaken for paranormal images are dust, moisture, pollen, insects, snow, rain, hair, ash and scores of other semi-microscopic particles

Dust is the bane of the paranormal investigator. There have been many controversies over whether an “anomaly” in a photo is a real orb or just dust or some form of airborne particulate matter. This has become especially true with the advent and wide spread availability of the high megapixel digital cameras on the consumer market. It should be known that orbs are without question the most common, and most commonly mistaken, photographic phenomenon that paranormal investigators find. This is partially due in part to the high resolution of digital cameras. With the higher mega pixel ratings on cameras there is a much greater tendency to unintentionally capture dust or other airborne particulate matter such as pollen in a photograph. As convincing as these dust particles may look we can not call every semi-circular shape that is found in a photograph an orb. True orbs, by natural law of organic geometry, are the most common and simply formed of all manifested paranormal anomalies. Because of this simplicity in form there is a great deal of controversy surrounding photos with orbs in them. Orbs are the most hotly debated and most precarious little slice of life at this point in the history of paranormal investigation and although dust, water droplets, snow, pollen, water vapor, mold spores and other such material can mimic the way orbs look physically there important differences that must be carefully examined and identified before an anomaly can truly be called an orb.