Ghost Hunting Theories

The above is film footage from a police officer’s dash cam of what was believed to be a chupacabra. For those who might not have heard of these supposed creatures, they’ve been reported in numerous places and a great deal in Puerto Rico and Texas. This creature has short front legs, long back legs, and a head that appears rather horse-like.

It’s been discussed that perhaps what is being seen is a combination of a wolf and coyote, but neither creature has a disproportionately large head or particularly short front legs.

When I see this dash cam film, I’m taken immediately to another creature that had a horse-like head, short front legs, and a marsupial-like tail…the thylacine, better known as the “Tasmanian Tiger” (the largest known marsupial carnivore) found on the island of Tasmania near Australia and believed to be completely instinct by the 1930s.



(Film above: The last known Tasmanian Tiger). No, I’m not suggesting somehow a Tasmania Tiger has made its way to America, but is there a possibility that this creature seen and sometimes found dead on ranch land in Texas is some form of carnivorous marsupial we didn’t know was here? Something along the same concept as Bigfoot is a family member who made it across the Alaskan land bridge and evolved in the Americas?

Jeez, like I don’t already run into weird info all the time, but I was looking up the other day what was along the 33rd parallel. I’ve written about this before, but it’s believed that the #33 is important to freemasons and the 33rd parallel seems to be tied to some of the most trouble and death-prone and violent places in the world such as Iraq, South Africa, Monocco, India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Israel, Tunisia, Libya, Algeria, Beirut, Syria, Jordan,(and death row chambers as well—more on that later). Well, while looking them up, I found some other interesting information. When I see patterns, I always wonder why…

The Freemasons for some bizarre reason seem to have Masonic temples within a couple miles of a great many of the death rows in our country. Not that it’s that unusual, mind you, except when you consider most death rows are put off the beaten path so locals don’t get too insulted. I’m sure there’s probably Starbucks within a few miles of most death rows, but Masonic temples aren’t exactly on every corner. You wonder just how many there are? Here’s only a few of them:

Oregon State Penn: Masonic Temple 1.69 miles away
Florence Prison, AZ: Masonic Temple 1.2 miles away
Huntsville, TX: Masonic Temple 0.9 miles away
Raleigh NC: Masonic Temple 3.3 miles away
Carson City, NV: Masonic Temple 2.26 miles away

As well, I noticed the amount of Air Force Bases along the 33rd parallel is strangely high:

Roswell NM
Riverside CA
Sherman TX
Greenville Mississippi
Columbus Mississippi
Biloxi Mississippi
Sumpter SC
Myrtle Beach, SC
Bermuda
Fukuoka Japan (was the site of an afb)
Atlanta GA
Augusta, GA
Baghdad, Iraq


And, guess what? Considering how few death row chambers we have, there appears to be a strangely high ratio on just one parallel latitude; 33rd:

Florence AZ
Jackson, GA
Parchman Mississippi
Columbia, SC

Of course, what all this means is up to you, but I’ve given some puzzle pieces. I’d be curious to hear what your theories are on it…

The newest on the docket for ghost hunting shows is “Ghost Lab” on Tuesday nights on Discovery Channel. I admit that I sighed and rolled my eyes, especially after hearing these guys had one year’s experience. Huh?

I admit to being thrilled when “Ghost Hunters” show came to TV. I was out in the field ghost hunting by debunking and coming up with theories much as they did. I didn’t realize there were like-minded hunters. I really hadn’t researched the field so I wouldn’t be too biased to believe one way or the other about the best way to go about it. I was mostly possessed by experiencing more phenomenon and documenting it or explaining it away.

Unfortunately, the problem with “Ghost Hunters” is that nowadays, after all these years of running, it’s not only stale, but it’s inbred. Same people. No experts helping out. No new equipment or theories. Same five or six people sitting in the same places, doing the same things, saying the same things, and looking positively bored out of their minds. They don’t seem at all excited about ghostly encounters any longer. The bloom is off the rose. In fact, I don’t even record the show anymore. They need new blood, they need new theories, they need new equipment, and for pete’s sake, they need to talk to experts so they don’t sound like fools talking about things they don’t know anything about.

So, I did give “Ghost Lab” a try. I’m glad I did. Admittedly, they are an example of your typical ghost hunters in the field nowadays, the kind of guys who would (if not ghost hunting) chase storms. They like the tools, they like to think they’re tough in dark scary places, and like to think they’re kicking ghost butt. They’re loud, they’re know-it-alls, and they (for God’s sake) wear matching T-shirts (the epitome of indignities). I consider them the Nascar pit crew meets SWAT team of the ghost hunting field.

That said, the idea behind it is a very sound one. In an ideal world, the team would be made up of scientists and engineers and maybe a meteorologist and geologist, but we’re stuck with this “I’d rather be grilling and drinking a beer in the backyard” good old boys team from Texas (oh, and one girl for bait, what else?)

I’m willing to overlook their personalities to appreciate the concept of taking a van fully equipped into a place and using new techniques, new equipment, and referring to experts. I’ve wanted to find ways to find out if emotions imprint in a place and if the combination of geology and electrical storms can stimulate activity, and what role waterways might have on activity. They come up with some inventive ways to try and test these theories and then show them off in a dramatic “Minority Report” touch screen way.

Dramatics and personalities aside, they are probing ghost hunting in a way we haven’t seen yet. And, even though I wish they used real scientists instead of the “Everyday Paranormal” team, I’ll settle for something new and fresh in the ghost hunting genre which is surely reaching the end of its popularity, thankfully. (Newbie teams out in the field have made it nearly impossible to access once friendly sites because of their antics, unprofessionalism, and sometimes outright trespassing ways).

“Ghost Lab” is worth watching. They blew some fresh air on the field of ghost hunting and are showing a trend that it should take in the future should scientists ever decide to jump into the fray. It can be so frustrating in this field. Admittedly, there’s plenty of anthropologists and primate experts searching for Bigfoot, even pilots and astronauts looking for UFOs but, alas, ghost hunting is the poor man’s field. Perhaps this show is just the thing to finally get the guys with the brains interested in figuring out the phenomenon to join ranks.

The "Ghost Lab" team admittedly gets very lame evidence, but they do come to some interesting conclusions about the phenomenon and the physical properties of it. I think their syndrome is a bit like “Ghost Adventures” in that they’re so damned abrasive and rude that they scare things off. I think the folksy shooting-the-breeze method of Jason and Grant has shown a much better response and should be the industry standard. I, too, have found it to be remarkably effective. I readily admit that ghost phenomenon seems to have the instincts of a dog and they can tell when someone is insincere and/or untrustworthy.

So, don’t watch the show for evidence, but please do watch it for the theories that I talk about on my blog being put to the test. I’ve got my Tuesday nights marked for Discovery Channel to see which theory they work on next. Enjoy the sample video above.

This is a continuation of my studies right now on what commonalities paranormal events have and perhaps try to discern where and how these things manifest. Today, we'll discuss NDEs.

NDEs, or near-death experiences, are most often associated with lack of pulse and breathing, pronouncement of death, and then reviving of the patient back to having vital signs again. During that period of time when the patient is “down,” some of these people have visions that are extremely real to them, in fact, quite life-changing. They believe it is an introduction to heaven (and in some cases hell). Attributes such as a dark tunnel, a bright light, other beings including deceased relatives, review of one’s life, and a bright warm light that is very tempting to go towards; all are common descriptions.

I talked about psychic skills in my last two posts on psychometry. Some of the key factors I believe included; genetics, emotional intuitiveness, blank mind, and synesthesia.

Let's talk about NDEs today and look for common attributes and see if we can begin along the way to make correlations between different forms of the paranormal and see if these tie together to form a paranormal highway and ultimately to see if we can find out what that highway is constructed of (what kind of asphalt holds the whole thing together).

There are a few issues I have with scientists who dismiss the experience of NDEs by the patient as malfunctioning and random firing of synapses in the brain during lack of oxygen and hypercapnea (high carbon dioxide levels). The fact is, the patient really should be in a coma-like state at this time. Should there be random firings or seizure-like electrical activity in the temporal lobes, certainly that would not account for very clear, lucid, story-like, and detailed imagery reported by patients. These are very dream-like encounters and we know from our sleep time just what dreams are like. It makes me wonder if dreams are nothing more than our souls experiencing some out of body time that is much needed each day.

As we looked for commonalities and factors in psychometry abilities, let’s look at NDEs. These are reported by people across the board; no particular religious preference, belief system, education level, or any genetic predisposition. So, the “who” is totally random. The how is during the lack of electrical activity in the body. There is both imagery, the sense of being out of the body, and a complete relief from being within the vessel of the body, as well as an overall feeling of peace and absolute love. So, this is both sensory, spiritual, physical, and mental.

In looking for correlations, there are a few interesting things I’ve noted. The use of psychometry involves a complete emptying of the mind. NDEs involve a completely blank mind. Is it at all possible that by emptying the “noise” in the brain, we can bring in the spiritual or paranormal realm to travel upon? NDEs feel and out of body experience, the reading of objects involves reaching outside one’s body to gather information from “outside.” Is this the moment of the soul traveling? Sifting through space and time? It would appear that genetics and emotional intuitiveness are not required here as they were in psychometry.

Now, we’re left to focus on blank minds and OBEs (out of body experiences) as common factors. The mystery continues. For now, I’d very much like you to read this. It is the most extraordinary NDE account ever and has never been disclaimed by those who have studied it. In fact, it has changed the course of many doctor’s practices in trauma situations, as this is a very powerful story.

Everyone, lock your seat belts, pull back the bar across your lap, and keep your arms inside the ride… it’s time for “Ghost Adventures” to start a new season on the paranormal-friendly Travel Channel. This time, it’s a double dose:

8 pm: A postmortem episode that recaps their fantastically wicked 7-hour live episode at Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum on October 30th.

9 pm: First episode of the season at Pennhurst State, a school for the developmentally disabled, a despicable place where the poor students were abused. If ever a place should remain haunted, this sounds like good conditions.

So, yank on the recliner handle, prop the popcorn on your laps, and the shot glass in your hand. (Remember, a shot for every time someone says “dude” or “bro.”) Here’s for Saturday morning headaches! Cheers!

Let me make this easy for you. We’re all on a budget. Hell, even those who are well padded are on a budget these days. It’s become the “in” thing. But, it doesn’t have to kill your Christmas. Just because you have nerds and goths on your list, doesn’t mean you have to buy expensive computer components and pricey video games. They are quite happy to get a gift that says “I totally get you.” (They so rarely feel that way, and I know because I am one).

These nerdishly delightful gifts will cover all kinds of nerds from SciFi to Steampunk, from goth to Dungeons and Dragons. The great news? They’re all under $20! In fact, I have my eye on, well, all of them!

For the World of Warcraft computer addicted type: Gargoyle Computer Buddy (photo above) He clings to the edge of your computer screen and taunts you to do your work with his sinister glare $14.95


For the goth dark one who doesn’t like humanity: Raven Lunatic T-shirt. It is gray with a simple black raven and “Raven Lunatic” written below $16.95

For the full-out Star Trek geek:Star Trek Uniform T-Shirts. These come in authentic colors for “engineering,” “science,” and “command”). $19.95

For the zombie movie aficionado who already owns all the movies:
Book “Zombie Movies The Ultimate Guide." This tells you all you didn’t know about your zombie movies $15.61

For the Larper’s or (Live Action Role Players):Elven ears: These realistic elf ears can make them look like their buddies in the game. $15

For the science geek: Space age ant farm: This isn't your old fashioned sand one the ants tunnel through space age gel.
$19.95

For the earth-loving Wiccans: Celtic Tree Necklace: A beautiful necklace with lush nature feel to it. (photo above) $13.95

For the anime types: Kawaii sushi tote bag: This is a cute natural-toned tote bag with cute sushi and the word “sushi” on it. $17

For the graphic novel freak: DVD “30 Days of Night." This is a chilling movie based on the graphic novel with the visual feel of a gothic novel. $9.99

For the lovers of vampires: Vampire wine: A simple black bottle of wine with the word “vampire” on the label—should set the mood. (photo above) $10.95

For the medieval freak: Jester shelf: An adorable wall shelf held up by a court jester—definite double-take in any home office. $18

For the fairy lover: Book: Fairy Houses and Beyond. A magical book about tiny constructed houses made of natural things like twigs and such for fairies—will inspire fantasies and garden design. $15

Who is the third who walks always beside you?
When I count, there are only you and I together
But when I look ahead up the white road
There is always another one walking beside you
Gliding wrapt in a brown mantle, hooded
I do not know whether a man or a woman
—But who is that on the other side of you?

T.S. Eliot “The Waste Land”

The John Geiger book “The Third Man Factor” recounts stories of people with this interesting experience: The Third Man Syndrome. This is a term used for people who in very dire moments of their life feel a presence helping them, comforting them, giving them courage. Some people liken it to a visit from a dead relative, a guardian angel, or some inner wellspring of parenting from within (aka, the voice of sanity). It’s been reported by a variety of people from firefighters to extreme sportsmen to arctic explorers. This entity actually appears to people visually as well as with auditory so that the effect is that an actual person is there.

There are many factors that can produce this sensation. We have within our brains a part that when stimulated makes us feel as if someone is over our shoulder. Admittedly, before my son had a meningitis-induced seizure, he was backed up against the wall, feeling as if someone was over his shoulder but he felt an evil intent. When that part of his brain was being stimulated by the illness, the sense of someone being there was not a savior feeling but a threat. This makes me wonder about the concept that the third man is purely brain-induced. The feeling of being watched is often associated with high EMF levels, providing evidence that our brain has that capability of having another with us, but once again that is not a pleasant entity (as anyone in a high EMF basement will tell you). Could it be the brain produces this “savior” in times of need, a splitting of the mind when we don’t feel we can handle something and we need to hand it to a protector? Perhaps a sort of mini-version of split personalities where each personality handles a different component of the psyche? Or could it be that we’re visited by a being from another dimension or the traditional heaven?

What third man is may truly come down to your own explanatory style. If you’re of a religious nature, you’ll believe that God has visited an angel upon you. If you are of an atheist style, you will likely attribute it to the hemispheres of your brain creating a sensation of someone outside of you, a malfunction under high levels of stress hormones. If you’re agnostic, it’s likely you’ll believe that something born from the evolutionary process in your body has produced a sensation that helps you when you need it, a kind of inner parent necessary if one became split from their tribe.

It really doesn’t matter why this mechanism is there or even what we can attribute it to, but most importantly is that there is something there for us when we are in our most desperate moments and a cheerleader, whether spiritual or internal, can give a person the endorphins or sense of clear thinking necessary to save his own life.

I won’t ask the source, I’ll only ask that it’s there if I ever need it.