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    Supernatural Spotlight: Dean Radin


    2008 - 12.01

    Posted in authors, books, dean radin, paranormal, parapsychology, psi, science, spotlight | Comments Off

    The paranormal community constantly battles skepticism and doubt. Belief in anything which isn’t widely accepted by both the scientific and academic worlds is met with criticism and doubt. Without definitive science, even weathered paranormal investigators can fall victim to disbelief and jaded outlooks.

    So, you ask, is there anything that science can say to give us a glimmer of hope that the supernatural exists?

    Don’t ask me. Ask Dr. Dean Radin, Senior Scientist at the Institute of Noetic Sciences.

    Radin, 14 (he was born on February 29), is a bona fide scientist with a doctorate in psychology. His work ranges from physics to research in consciousness. While he takes his work seriously and maintains a professional, scientific view of the world, he also believes there is more to parapsychology than we give credit.

    At a spoon bending gathering in 2000, Radin experienced unusual malleability in the metal. Not content to simply bend a spoon at the neck, he attempted to alter the spoon at its strongest point: the bowl. To his surprise, it bent nearly in half quite easily between his thumb and forefinger. Knowing the amount of force required in the eyes of science, it concreted his long-held belief and understanding in psi phenomena.

    Amazingly, Radin believes he has discovered a coexistence between science and parapsychology. If you want to find out about his work, be sure to read his 1997 book The Conscious Universe: The Scientific Truth of Psychic Phenomena. His newest book Entangled Minds: Extrasensory Experiences in a Quantum Reality further explores scientific reality and parapsychological experiences. Even harsh skeptics can’t help but take notice.

    So, is there truth to our belief and hope that the rational world of science isn’t so bland and concrete? Perhaps. But don’t take my word on the matter. Read the books and find out for yourself.

    Supernatural Spotlight: Jeff Belanger


    2008 - 10.30

    Posted in authors, books, hauntings, jeff belanger, massachusetts, paranormal, spotlight, television | Comments Off

    Back what seems like eons ago, I belonged to several paranormal message boards and kept up on them a quite regularly. One of my favorites that I followed very closely was Ghostvillage. While I haven’t found time to be as active as I was, I still stop on every so often to see what’s happening. The creator, Jeff Belanger, still operates the site but he has become a bit of a phenomenon himself.

    From webmaster to prolific author, Belanger has churned out a series of books on both the paranormal and odd history. And it may not be surprising that his website was the catalyst. The Worlds Most Haunted Places: From The Secret Files Of Ghostvillage.com launched his paranormal literary career, though he had been a writer long before it was published. He received his English degree from Hofstra University and was the editor of a Connecticut newspaper for a spell.

    But like many of us, ghosts were a fascination of Jeff’s from a young age. His first investigation was at the age of 10 during a sleepover at a haunted house. The lure of hauntings never went away and Belanger is now considered a leading expert in the field of the supernatural. Even so, he maintains a good sense of humor and level head, earning him many fans and lecture engagements.

    Ghostvillage.com began in 1999 and has grown to an enormous size. Jeff has been featured on countess radio and television shows and mentioned in dozens of print media sources. Now, he is a full-time writer living in Massachusetts with many projects on his slate. There are plans for a paranormal thriller novel and even a children’s book in the works. He is also the writer and researcher for the new series, Ghost Adventures, starring Zak Bagans.

    His newest book, Who’s Haunting the White House?: The President’s Mansion and the Ghosts Who Live There, is currently available in bookstores everywhere. If you’re looking for some spooky reading material, this is one author to check out!

    Supernatural Spotlight: Sherri Brake-Recco


    2008 - 08.18

    Posted in authors, books, ghost hunting, ghosts, ohio, spotlight, tours, united states, websites | Comments Off

    Over the years, I have met and worked with many paranormal investigators. Only a select few have been gracious and kind, and made working with them a pleasurable experience. In 2005, when I local newspaper asked to accompany me on an investigation, I assembled a makeshift crew of the best people I knew locally.

    That night on the Towpath Trail, I had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with a delightful investigator and dowser, Sherri Brake-Recco.

    Sherri has over 25 years of experience investigating hauntings. A Civil War reenactor for over a decade, her keen interest in genealogy and history drew her into the supernatural realm.

    Back in 2003, Sherri began conducting ghost walking tours in the Canal Fulton area. She achieved so much success that she formed her own ghost tour company, Haunted Heartland Tours, the following year. It is currently ranked one of the Top 10 Ghost Tours in the country.

    While her tour company keeps her beyond busy year-round, she still finds the time in her hectic schedule to teach classes on a wide range of paranormal subjects and give presentations and lectures at various libraries and events. And now, Sherri will be adding a new title to her roster: author.

    The History Press has signed her on for a book, Haunted Stark County, which will be released some time in July of 2009. If all goes according to plan, another book, Haunted Tuscarawas County, will follow the proceeding year.

    Keep an eye out for these titles because they’ll be here before you know it. And if you’re ever looking for a little haunted excursion to a cemetery or haunted landmark, be sure to give her tour a try…

    Supernatural Spotlight: Jeanne Barrack


    2008 - 06.30

    Posted in authors, gay ghosts, new york, pennsylvania, spotlight | Comments Off

    As Abraham Lincoln once said, “…sexual contact is a harp of a thousand strings.“

    I’ve been meaning to write about Jeanne Barrack for quite some time now, but I haven’t had the opportunity to write one of my regular Monday posts in weeks. She stumbled across me entirely by accident through this blog… and I’m quite glad she did!

    Barrack is a former New Yorker (and I won’t hold that against her), music therapist, singer, and romance novelist. She married her high school sweetheart and, after chasing dreams across the country, settled in the mountains of Pennsylvania.

    When we typically think of romance work, images of Fabio carrying a frail, scantily-clad woman pop into our minds. Yet, Barrack has broken that mold and aimed her sights on the paranormal. One of her latest books, The Sweet Flag, tells the tale of a gay ghost hunter and his encounters with the ghost of a gay Civil War soldier.

    Make no mistake: this tale is certainly not for the faint of heart. She certainly knows how to get into the mind of a gay man… If you’re looking for something supernatural as well as steamy, this is definitely a must-read!

    Supernatural Spotlight: Daniel Hecht


    2008 - 06.02

    Posted in authors, books, daniel hecht, new york, spotlight, united states, vermont | Comments Off

    Every so often, it’s nice to escape reality and lose yourself in a good book. And if you’re looking for something interesting to read with a paranormal slant, you might want to look for Daniel Hecht in your local bookstore.

    It has been several years since I received that unexpected email from the author, notifying me about a new series he was writing. Although he is a fiction writer, he carefully researched paranormal investigation techniques and practices and had assistance from several experts to be as realistic as possible. I was asked for an opinion on his work, and was quite impressed.

    Hecht wasn’t always a writer. The New York native actually began as a musician. It wasn’t until 1988 that the writers bug caught him and changed his paths. Though he now writes full-time, his interests are varied. He is also the executive director of the Vermont Environmental Consortium, working to preserve the natural landscape of the state he currently calls home.

    His paranormal book series centers around Cree Black, a female ‘ghost hunter’, empath, shaman, and healer. She is both ordinary and extraordinary. As she and her associates travel around the country, they find themselves dealing with paranormal events and trying to solve the mysteries surrounding them.

    The series will eventually expand to fifty novels, but there are only three published at this point: City of Masks, Land of Echoes, and Bones of the Barbary Coast. From New Orleans to San Francisco, Hecht brings the past to life… and tantalizes us all with the world of the dead.

    If you love a good thriller, I highly recommend them all.

    Queer Paranormal Road Trip: Trax Bar


    2008 - 05.30

    Posted in california, gay, gay bars, haight, hauntings, paranormal, san francisco, spotlight, united states | Comments Off

    Known for being the “gay mecca” of the world, San Francisco is rich with history. The infamous Haight-Ashbury neighborhood saw the rise of the “hippie culture” in the 1960s… and has its share of spooks.

    Right on Haight Street, you can find Trax Bar, a local gay watering hole in the middle of it all dating back to 1974. With it’s “easy to get to, hard to leave” slogan, you can tell it’s worth a visit. The drinks come cheap and the fun never ends. Yet there seems to be other spirits in this establishment, beyond those shelved behind the bar.

    The bar itself dates back to the 1940s, when it was known as The Question Mark Cocktail Lounge. An old photograph discovered by workers hangs in the foyer, showing the original pub during the one-year anniversary. When the owner saw the picture, he noticed something familiar about it. He had seen the man who was pointing at the camera before… inside the bar.

    There have been haunting rumors surrounding Trax for quite some time. Customers and employees have reported strange sightings. An ethereal man has been seen sitting at the end of the bar, watching the patrons. The same apparition has been spotted walking through the bar, into the office, and out the door. He doesn’t seem to be an unfriendly presence, just a casual observer.

    Perhaps a former patron who loved the atmosphere? Or even an old manager who refuses to leave?

    Nevertheless, Trax has earned a spot on the Haunted Haight ghost tour and has more than it’s share of visitors. If you can get beyond the drink specials, drag queens, and loud music, you just might find yourself face to face with the mysterious figure yourself.

    Either way, you’re guaranteed to have a good time!

    Supernatural Spotlight: Dougall Fraser


    2008 - 05.26

    Posted in books, california, gay, los angeles, psychics, spotlight, texas | Comments Off

    Is there such a thing as a gay clairvoyant? The answer is yes more often than you may think. And one of the better-known gay psychics is Dougall Fraser.

    Fraser lead a very different life from most people. He realized at an early age that what he could see was different than others around him. At the age of 8, he gave his first psychic reading. Over the years, he studied massage, psychology, meditation and healing to build on his abilities. He left New Jersey for Dallas, Texas in hopes of becoming a massage therapist. Those plans fell through, but his psychic work gained momentum. By the time he was 20, he was voted Best Psychic in Dallas.

    Being 6′6″ tall, overweight, gay, and a psychic made for turbulent teenage years. Yet Fraser learned to cope as many of us do through humor and a positive outlook. In 2005, he wrote down the memoirs of his earlier years in the book But You Knew That Already: What a Psychic Can Teach You About Life. He may not be any older than I am, but from the sound of it, he has lived enough to fill a book!

    Fraser now calls Los Angeles home, where he moved with his husband David last year. He is still a popular psychic consultant. He was featured on X Zone Radio in April and will be traveling back to Texas and New York City in the coming months.

    Whether or not you believe in psychic ability, he is certainly a fascinating individual. And of course, if you’re in the market for a clairvoyant, he’s certainly someone worth checking out…

    Supernatural Spotlight: John Kachuba


    2008 - 05.20

    Posted in authors, ohio, paranormal, spotlight, united states | Comments Off

    This week, it’s time to finally recognize author and fellow Ohioan John Kachuba.

    I actually ran across one of Kachuba’s books, Ghosthunting Ohio, a few years ago. Regretfully, I missed his nearby book signing in the town of Peninsula, yet we agreed to call it a draw, considering he left out my own paranormal website in the book (he has a good sense of humor about him).

    With his Haunted Heartland book series, he has since gone on to cover the state of Illinois and the rest of the United States with his new book, Ghosthunters: On the Trail of Mediums, Dowsers, Spirit Seekers, and Other Investigators of America’s Paranormal World. He treats his approach to the paranormal realm with a healthy dose of objective skepticism and a touch of dry wit.

    But don’t pigeonhole him as a ghost writer. His first books include How to Write Funny and Why is The Job Killing Me?, co-authored by his wife Mary Newman. He holds Creative Writing degrees from Antioch University and has taught courses at Ohio University and the University of Cincinnati. He has been widely published in various magazines and publications and is an instructor with the Gotham Writers Workshop.

    So, whether you’re looking for a little help with the craft of writing or an interesting supernatural tale, be sure to check out his work. Or even stop by his Cafepress store and pick up some merchandise. He might be coming to a library, bookstore, or radio program near you very soon…

    Supernatural Spotlight: Chip Coffey


    2008 - 05.12

    Posted in chip coffey, georgia, paranormal, paranormal state, psychics, radio show, spotlight, television | Comments Off

    Photo by Bob CervelliIt’s hard to throw a stone without hitting a psychic these days (I wouldn’t recommend it… some of them might take offense). Though many undergo tough scrutiny, a few names have managed to work their way into the limelight. Since I have mentioned him in passing on several occasions, I felt compelled this week to highlight Chip Coffey.

    Coffey is a medium, paranormal investigator, and writer from Elmira, New York whom many of you may be familiar with from his work on Paranormal State on A&E. He is clairvoyant, clairaudient, and clairsentient (able to see, hear, and feel psychic impressions, respectively).

    His abilities seem to run in the family: his great grandmother, Minnie Sue Morrow Foster, was a Native American shaman and medicine woman. Both Coffey’s mother and sister were visited by her ghost after her death in 1936.

    When he’s not trying to help the dead, he does his best to help the living as well. Coffey holds a Masters Degree in Counseling and provides spiritual support through various hospice organizations. InStyle Magazine called him “a cross between John Edward and Dr. Phil“.

    Aside from his many television and radio appearances, you can find Coffey on MySpace.com or check out his old blog on Blogspot. I personally find him very amusing (in a good way, of course)… and his sense of humor is very refreshing! He also teams up with psychic Patti Starr for Ghost Chasers International. He is currently based in the Atlanta area.

    Chip will be appearing this Wednesday morning (May 14th) on Sirius Radio’s OutQ in the Morning with Larry Flick at 9:00 AM EST.

    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…

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