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    Some Graveyard Politics…


    2008 - 04.30

    Posted in celebrities, death, movies, news, politics | Comments Off

    You don’t necessarily need to have a pulse to help out a political campaign. Roy Scheider proved that last week when the Obama campaign reported a $50 donation on March 10th, one month after Scheider died.

    Some of you may remember the actor as ‘Martin Brody’ from the movie Jaws. His famous line, “You’re gonna need a bigger boat,” wasn’t in the script: he improvised it at the last minute. He passed away on February 10th from what is believed to be complications from a staph infection.

    Campaign officials said the money came from an automatic credit card monthly donation program and the funds would instead be donated to another charity.

    As far as Scheider’s continued support of Obama, we’ll never know for sure. He’s not telling anyone…

    They’re Baaaack…. But Not to Cuddle!


    2008 - 04.30

    Posted in clive barker, humor, linda blair, products, stores, teddy scares, toys, youtube | Comments Off

    Remember when your mother told you to be nice to your toys?

    Sometimes, your toys remember these things. Including a line of plush bears called Teddy Scares.

    It’s a simple concept: forgotten teddy bears back from the dead with an attitude straight out of a horror movie. They were there for you for all those years, and you turned your back on them. Now, they’re not so cute, cuddly, and sweet.

    The creative folks at the Dave School created a short animation film for the creatures. I love the morbid humor and some of the casting of voices were simply perfect: Linda Blair as Rita Mortis and Clive Barker as Edwin Morose.

    Thanks For Noticing Me…


    2008 - 04.30

    Posted in life, people, personal, rants, thoughts | Comments Off

    So, this week I’m feeling “eh”. That’s the only word to describe it.

    I feel a bit swept up by things, like a house carried away by floodwaters. Left to the mercy of the current. Pulled in a million directions and tossed into debris.

    And that’s just the fun aspects of my life!

    While working at a small business years ago, I acquired the nickname “slave boy”. I was the only male employee so I was called upon for heavy lifting and “butch” activity. It was a joke at the time, but sometimes I still feel that way many times. The work horse dragged from the barn to plow the field, then shut back away behind the doors. Just toss a few oats at me and I’ll be happy, right?

    Well, no.

    That only leads to feeling beaten down. Broken. Awaiting the glue factory.

    Well, that sums up how I feel in some circumstances anymore. That I should just deal with everything and put on a happy face. Sure, I find humor in life, but that doesn’t mean I can just put on that happy face and be content with everything. Like most people, I need a sense of identity. A sense of self. A sense of feeling loved and valued as a human being instead of a quick pat on the head to shut me up.

    Drama is meant for the stage. Cheerleading belongs in a high school stadium. Patronizing behavior is best suited for day care. Facades are fine on houses and in Hollywood.

    Life should be an enjoyable experience, not a fun house. I’m still trying to sort through the mirrors to find which ones are true.

    The Gay Ghost: A Mockumentary


    2008 - 04.30

    Posted in boston, comedy, gay ghosts, humor, united states, video | Comments Off

    “They DO exist. And they’re fabulous.”

    Here’s another online discovery, brought to you via Super Deluxe. It’s a documentary-style look at the haunting of a gay ghost (with a frightening blond wig that makes him look like Bruce Vilanch).

    The three-part skit comes from Boston… and a little comedy troop called The Untrainables.

    Part 1: Homeowner Interview

    Part 2: Neighbor Interview

    Part 3: The ‘Poltergay’ Expert

    Buy, Sell, or Shuffle?


    2008 - 04.28

    Posted in astrology, business, economics, england, news | Comments Off

    Obviously, we consider banks to be rather meticulous with their money and cautious with what they do with it. Brits may not have as much faith anymore, considering some of the nations largest financial institutions are using an interesting method to play the market.

    Astrologers.

    And they aren’t the only ones turning to the stars. Even investment funds and retail companies are turning to the zodiac for major decisions. As the credit crunch worsens, a growing network of discreet astrologers are finding the times very profitable.

    And why do they do it? Apparently, it is working somehow. High and Mighty, a men’s big and tall clothing retailer, has successfully used readings to make business decisions.

    The key is planetary alignment. This principle has been around for centuries in heliocentric astrology. Hitler relied on it to plot moves (but didn’t factor it in with the Battle of Britain). Ronald Reagan and Boris Yeltsin planned their travels around the planets. Many celebrities seem to have certain similarities concerning which planets were rising and falling during their birth.

    Dr. Percy Seymour, a retired astrophysicist from Plymouth University, claims that after studying the planets for decades, they have a point. Magnetic fields are altered slightly as the planets rotate, and though it doesn’t control us “it can influence us.”

    So, what do the planets say is in store with finances? Things will begin a slight upswing in April, but starting in August, the global economy is expected to be in for a very rough 4 or 5 years. October of 2008 will mark another crisis. And 2012 itself is supposed to be a crucial year of major catastrophe (ironic, since London hosts the Olympics in that year.)

    Why can’t we ever get good news from astrology?

    No matter what you believe, in all probability we are in for a difficult few years. But do I need a chart or book to tell me that?

    I Wish I Could Quit You!


    2008 - 04.28

    Posted in celebrities, ghosts, news, paranormal | Comments Off

    Heath Ledger might not be resting in peace after all…

    At least that’s what Michelle Williams, his former lover, is saying. She recently mentioned to friends that Ledger has visited her twice as an apparition.

    Williams was awakened one night to the sound of moving furniture. On another occasion, Ledger’s spirit expressed his condolences for leaving Williams to raise Matilda, their two-year-old, alone and without his assistance. Both incidents have helped her deal with her loss and find some peace.

    The press is scoffing at these statements, claiming that it’s merely a publicity stunt. They may be wrong, though: a few others including medium Bonnie Vent have seen Ledger’s ghost and are starting to tell their stories.

    This might be only the beginning….

    Supernatural Spotlight: Loyd Auerbach


    2008 - 04.27

    Posted in authors, books, loyd auerbach, paranormal, parapsychology, spotlight, united states | Comments Off

    This week, I decided it was time to highlight the man who inspired many paranormal investigators, including myself: Loyd Auerbach… author, parapsychologist, mentalist, professor, and lecturer.

    Indeed, Auerbach wears many hats.

    He received his Master’s degree from John F. Kennedy University in 1981 and published his first and best-known book, ESP, Hauntings, and Poltergeists : A Parapsychologist’s Handbook, in 1986. Only a few years afterward, I bought my own copy which I still have on my bookshelf today (no, not a very common literary choice for a nine-year-old). From there we went on to write a regular column for Fate Magazine and act as a member or adviser for many paranormal organizations across the country. Still, he is probably best known for his occasional appearances of television and documentaries involving ghosts and hauntings.

    His newest book, A Paranormal Casebook: Ghost Hunting in the New Millennium, was released in 2005. He is currently offering certificate courses (not like those “certified/licensing workshops” which plague us all, just to clarify matters) approved by the state of California for parapsychological studies.

    Whether you’re the beginning ghost hunter or an avid investigator, his books and work are not to be missed. With his three decades of work, “Professor Paranormal” has a lot to teach us…

    The (After)Life of the Party…


    2008 - 04.27

    Posted in birthdays, friends, life, paranormal, personal, rants, teenagers | Comments Off

    Another long weekend draws to a close.

    Yesterday was the party at Chris’ house. As we relaxed with some Heineken, the guests slowly arrived. Pizza, cookies, and snack food were devoured. Games were played. Laughter and good humor were openly shared. And there was cake too!

    Apparently, a few people felt that my isolated mood was brought on by my quiet birthday. Though I did enjoy the company of Evelyn and Bill tremendously, I would have liked seeing everyone else. Still, I knew that nothing ever works out to plan. Though the frozen ice cream cake definitely did life my spirits… I won’t lie! Even after 10 days of being 29, I didn’t mind the remembrance. A few issues and thoughts were hammered out and cleared up, making the mood far brighter than it has been in a while. Seeing many faces of the paranormal group definitely helps boost the camaraderie.

    After a late night and a miscalculation in temperature which brought me inside around 4:00 AM (note to self: sleeping on a screened porch isn’t wise this early in Ohio), we awoke very early for a comatose breakfast. We all went home to prepare for the other party. I showered, baked oatmeal cookies, and brewed some iced tea before joining Evelyn, her husband, and her son to a friend’s house for her son’s birthday.

    I’ll admit, he is full of energy! And he also seems to know how to push buttons very well, but I thought he was a nice boy. Perhaps a little eager for attention, but deep down a good seed. We dined on more pizza and snacks before heading out for some mock battles with padded “swords” (I only watched… especially seeing how forceful her son was!). We made it back for more ice cream cake (chocolate this time) and chatted for a while before we had to leave. Some people had prior plans and many of us were exhausted from the whirlwind of a weekend. I must remember to tell Ben there’s no need to be so formal. After 5 years or so, I think we’re past handshakes. I’ll get a hug some time!

    I’m in a chipper mood, though feeling a tad bit old from the fifteenth birthday party. Now more than ever, I’m noticing a bit more of the generation gap. Though I don’t feel “old”, I know I’m not young anymore! Just realizing that many celebrities I recall are lost on teenagers now makes my age show a little more. Then again, I was familiar with comedians, actors and singers from many generations before my own, so I feel ten times older then the average 29-year-old!

    Tonight is an early night for me. I’ll get a few things finished and get to sleep well before midnight. Another sign of old age: not being able to stay up late.

    Yes, it won’t be long now before I’m sitting on that rocking chair on a porch, yelling at the neighborhood ankle-biters for playing on the grass.

    Senility, here I come!

    Those Were the Days My Friend


    2008 - 04.26

    Posted in friends, investigations, ohio, paranormal, personal, rants | Comments Off

    Alas, I finally realize the days of investigating ghosts with a few friends, having a little fun and unwinding from life’s other stresses are far behind me. What was originally planned as a small romp to Lonesome Lock ended up being a dinner/venting fest followed by a long trek in the park with over a dozen people. Going “back to my roots” and leaving all the drama behind just wasn’t happening.

    Evelyn, her son, and I arrived at the Winking Lizard in Peninsula where we met up with Bill, Chris, and Ben. We grabbed some tables and waited for everyone else so our earlier discussions could commence. Once everyone showed up, the powwow began… and I was left in the corner of the other table. Yes, the “invisible boy” that I am remains my role. A hew people hashed out grievances while I discussed haunted places and ideas with Chris. I couldn’t help but eavesdrop on the other conversation here and there, but I was sure to remember my place in it all. Bill passed out the brief historical sketch which I whipped up at the last minute and things started to settle down.

    As the dinner portion came to a close, I was suddenly struck with a massive headache in my left temple. We returned to the parking lot where I realized I had left my bag back in the restaurant. I rushed back to retrieve it, only making the oncoming migraine ten times worse. And then, we set out on our journey… with myself following in the back like a tourist. I bumbled along until the gang reached a lock, slamming me with 20 questions: was this Lonesome Lock? What’s this over here? Why are we stopping? Ken? Ken?! Ken!!

    I sat down near the lock to get a little reiki to try to alleviate the throbbing pain. An angel was called upon to perform a miraculous healing. All I wanted was some extra-strength Tylenol. I attempted to relax and meditate a bit amid the chaos of voices swirling around me. The brief stop did ease my headache, though it wasn’t abated entirely. We pressed onward, stopping at the tracks to find the one spirit which lingered there. I filmed some footage in a vain attempt to capture anything, although several people were shouting about different things they were sensing. The pandemonium was a bit difficult to follow.

    One of the psychics mentioned to me casually that a psychic in Cleveland is badmouthing me and my book. She claims that I used several of her stories and am basically a rotten person. Later on, I had a chance to think in depth and I can recall two places she did mention to me which ended up in the book, yet I told her about every haunted location I knew of as well as gave her a brief history of each. Of course, she blatantly told me that my name would not be mentioned once on her tour. Even so, in the acknowledgments portion of my book I do mention her. I even Mentioned her tour. So which of us is the horrible one? Two out of 41 legends were relayed to me by her and I in turn thanked her and gave free press to her in my book. Yet my assistance went unmentioned by her.

    More drama to stir into a pot which is already overflowing.

    A few people left before we reached the lock. they had found a lost cat near the parking lot and wanted to feed the starving feline. We went on to the lock and beyond to the boardwalk over Stumpy Basin. Conversations are difficult to recall through the pounding in my head. Bill provided the much-needed comic relief. The return trip seemed much longer and we lingered in the parking lot until 1:30 in the morning. Finally, I arrived at home, crawled into bed, tossed and turned, and eventually fell asleep while waiting for the aspirin to kick in.

    Tonight’s a little shindig with friends, which will hopefully be more relaxing. I’m bringing along my book to point out and clarify where I thanked the Cleveland psychic for her contributions (which hopefully will find its way back to her and make her feel a little foolish for her statements). I’m still exhausted and sore. My back feels like I slept on a boulder, yet my head does not hurt.

    What I wouldn’t give for a massage or a 4-hour soak in a tub right about now…

    Just Say No to Food Discrimination…


    2008 - 04.25

    Posted in australia, laws, united states, vegemite | Comments Off

    Yesterday, I was killing some time with friends at World Market. We were browsing the international foods section when I felt compelled to seek out Vegemite. After a long search over countless aisles, I found Marmite, but no trace of the Aussie staple!

    Apparently, while a US ban on Vegemite was only rumoured years ago, no one imports it here anymore.

    Hello! It’s made by Kraft Foods! How fair is that?

    Supposedly, it’s because it contains folates, which the FDA only allows in breads and cereals (and, ironically, my sister was told to take by a doctor because it’s good for growing babies). Not to mention the other nutritional benefits of the brown goo…

    I did my own digging with the FDA and found that it lacks nutritional information and “the common or usual name of each ingredient”… but US customs makes no mention of a ban on their site.

    Not fair! I’ve wanted to try Vegemite for years! Perhaps someone in Oz will take pity on me and discreetly send a small jar. If it really is banned, I definitely want “illegal importation of Vegemite” on my criminal record, just for a laugh!

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