Parafest 2013 Recap

Enjoying my #parahangover after spending an incredible weekend in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to attend Parafest 2013, which was held at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center.

When I arrived it was early in the day. I took full advantage of this and made a beeline over to where the two Tango's (Dave and Bruce), Steve Gonsalves and Grant Wilson were set up. These guys were great! They were easy to approach, funny and enjoyed meeting their fans. I took a number of pics with them, and got my 8 year old son an autographed photo of Dave and Steve. This got me the Coolest Mom of the Year award when I got home. 9 seasons in and these guys do it with the same dedication and passion as they did the day it all started. Ghost Hunters returns to SyFy Oct. 9th 9/8C.

Brian J Cano (Tech Specialist) and Jason Gates (Investigator/Researcher) from the SyFy show Haunted Collector were also in the house! Brian grew up in Staten Island, NY. There, his exploration into the unknown began at old and abandon buildings near his home. Armed with a plethora of high-tech gadgets and gear, there's no place Brian won't venture into to capture evidence to support the claims of paranormal activity. When not working on cases for the show, Brian produces and edits a paranormal documentary series called SCARED.  Jason spent his early years in Colorado and Idaho. He loves to play a good drum kit, being outdoors and connecting with his fans. Both Jason and Brian have infectious smiles that keep one coming back for another; I am guilty of passing their tables at least 5 times to speak with them and see those smiles, lol!  These two guys were super cool, a lot of fun and do the best photo bombs!

Here is the crème de la crème of my weekend - I finally got to meet, the best of the best, the Booth Brothers! Regular readers of this blog know how much I admire these two amazing souls and how supportive I am of their films. Soon they will be heading to New Orleans to begin filming their latest horror movie. Keep your eyes open for future posts about this movie folks. Philip gave me a quick synopsis; I can not wait for the film to come out in 2014.

Actors and actresses from shows: The Walking Dead, True Blood and Supernatural were also there to meet and greet their fans alongside numerous other celebrity favorites.  I had the pleasure of meeting Lew Temple (Axel, Walking Dead), IronE Singleton (T-Dog, Walking Dead), Kristin Bauer van Straten (Pam, True Blood), Ernie Hudson (Winston Zeddemore, Ghostbusters) and Richard Kiel
(Jaws, The Spy Who Loved Me)

As I write this post, my voice is hoarse and a good nap is in order - two signs that much fun was had! It was an absolute pleasure and honor to spend quality time with everyone; with those whose work I admire. Each of them were genuine and most grateful for their fans.

The venue rocked! All the fans in attendance were awesome! High fives to the organizers of the event, Paradox Entertainment, and to all the kind volunteers. You all did a great job.

Ghost Hunters-EVPs

Here is a clip of an excellent EVP captured by the TAPS team during a recently aired episode of Ghost Hunters. It is always nice to see what is happening at the moment recording takes place.

Top 5 Ghost Videos

Over time, as many of you know, I have posted videos of strange and unexplained ghostly footage. Here are my top 5 ghost videos which I believe to contain the most credible footage out there. Enjoy friends!

Gettysburg Ghost Footage- Do you see the human shaped figures moving about in the trees? Copyright Delia and Tom Underwood

St. Augustine Lighthouse- One of my all time favorites from Ghost Hunters.

Ghost Adventures- If only they did not run! Still great footage though.

Fort Mifflin Reveal- Another great investigation by TAPS.

Black Forest Haunting- For this one you have to click the link I provide at the end of my post. It's worth the read.

Cashtown Inn, Gettysburg

This weeks episode of Ghost Hunters is sure to be a hit with viewers, myself included. The teams investigation of the historic Cashtown Inn will air this Wednesday on SciFi at 9/8 C.

For anyone who is interested in paranormal happenings, Gettysburg is synonymous with ghosts. After all, one of the bloodiest battles in the American Civil War took place here killing 51,000 people in just three days. Image the pain, suffering and horror that took place in such a short period of time.

The Cashtown Inn served as a Confederate headquarters for General A. P. Hill and his soldiers during the battle. Except for this period during the Civil War, the Inn has provided food and lodging to travelers since 1797.

According to many accounts, the Cashtown Inn became inhabited by the ghost of an unknown Confederate soldier since the time of the battle (1863). Visitors have reported hearing heavy footsteps, being touched, the smell of cigar smoke and hearing children's voices. Some visitors even claim to have captured ghostly faces in one of the windows.

So what did Ghost Hunters find? I look forward to finding out, and I urge the skeptics to watch this episode.

Cashtown Inn plans viewing party

Fort Mifflin Reveal

Here is the reveal from Ghost Hunters' investigation of Fort Mifflin. The team, once again, were able to capture compelling evidence that proves the existence of paranormal phenomena. Great job guys!!

Ghost Hunters Returns

Ghost Hunters returns with another season tomorrow night at 9/8 C on SciFi.

"The new season kicks off with a harrowing investigation of the legendary Fort Mifflin in Philadelphia, once the site of bloody battles in both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Today, both visitors and employees of the Fort tell chilling tales of their brushes with the afterlife.

Some claim to have seen apparitions of soldiers, while others report hearing a woman's terrified scream coming from an empty room. Now, the TAPS team has the opportunity to conduct the first investigation into newly discovered Casemate 11, an underground holding cell for those condemned to hang. There, Jason and Grant experience a bizarre series of events and uncover some of the shows most compelling paranormal evidence to date." Daniel Sargeant - ACED Magazine

Rasnov Citadel Fortress

Referred to as the "Fortress of Fear", Rasnov Citadel is a 13th century Romanian fortress built on a rocky hilltop in the Carpathian mountains. Its purpose was to protect nearby villagers from foreign invaders, mainly Turks. Rasnov Citadel is the largest peasant fortification ever built in Eastern Europe. Within its walls are the remains of buildings that were once used as a school, chapel and homes for those seeking refuge.

Today, travelers to the site can visit a museum holding hundreds of year old weaponry, tools, books and clothing. One of its most known artifacts is a skeleton buried below a glass floor.

Reports of paranormal activity include sightings of dark moving shadows, unexplainable sounds and cold spots. A paranormal investigation was recently conducted here by the team of Ghost Hunters International. If you are a fan of this show, you can catch their findings at Rasnov Citadel this Wednesday on SciFi.

Elvey Farm Hotel

Located in England's most haunted village, the Elvey Farm Hotel is believed to be haunted by Edward Brett, a former farmer who committed suicide on the property. Owners and guests of the hotel have seen an apparition on the grounds on a number of occasions. Phantom smells and the sound of voices are also among the reports of paranormal activity at this location. Ghost Hunters International did an investigation at the farm recently and their findings will air tomorrow night on SciFi.

Belgrave Hall

In early 1999, Belgrave Hall made headlines around the world when a security camera caught two ghostly apparitions on film.

"LONDON (AFP) - Security cameras outside a former country mansion in England, recorded ghostly apparitions one night last Christmas, including one that seemed to be a woman in Victorian dress, The Daily Telegraph reported Wednesday.... The two ghostly shapes were filmed at 4:48 a.m. on December 23. The museum's security lights were triggered by a flickering heat source. Five seconds later the cameras captured a brilliant six-foot (two-metre) high white apparition. After another five seconds, the spectre disappeared before a swirling mist came over a nearby wall."

Museum curators have experienced paranormal phenomena over the years and are convinced that their workplace is haunted by former residents. The gardener for the museum saw an apparition form right before his eyes and descend down the stairs before vanishing.

Ghost hunters from around the world come to investigate Belgrave Hall in hopes of recording paranormal phenomena. Recently Ghost Hunters International did an investigation of the 18th century home. Their time spent there will air this Wednesday on SciFi.

Lucideo Abbey & Nanteos Mansion

Fans of Ghost Hunters International be sure to watch the teams investigation at Lucideo Abbey & Nanteos Mansion tonight on SciFi at 9 pm ET.

Nanteos Mansion is believe to have a number of ghosts residing there. "These include the spirit of Elizabeth Powell, the late wife of William Powell, who wanders the hallways looking for her lost jewels; a phantom horse and carriage that pulls up to the front entrance in the middle of the night; and a candlestick-bearing lady whose appearance on the staircase is meant to forewarn of a death in the Powell family. An 18th century mansion that boasts many spirits who frequents its halls, attics and corridors. The most famous is Gruffydd Evans, a legendary harpist. Other spectral visitors include a family of spirit folk, an unseen servant boy who can be heard whistling while wandering the corridors, the sounds of an invisible horseman and nocturnal furniture removers." (Travel Trade Wales: Haunted Wales)

We'll find out tonight if the cast of Ghost Hunters International captured proof that paranormal happenings are going on at these two places.

Haunted Ragged School Scotland

The Ragged School in Scotland is believed to be haunted by restless spirits from its past. Located next to Edinburgh Castle this school, which once housed Scotland's most destitute children, has been investigated by Ghost Hunters International and other groups dedicated to the paranormal.

It was Thomas Guthrie who envisioned the Ragged School. His idea was to bring in youths from the street who were impoverished and thus resorted to begging as a means of life. The school, established in 1847, provided children with free shelter, food, clothing and an education. Its concept quickly spread and other Ragged schools opened throughout the UK.

The owner of the building claims that something eerie is definitely going on and has himself heard the sound of children giggling on unoccupied floors. Ghost Finders Scotland did an investigation at this location had a number of paranormal incidents occur.

I am looking forward to seeing what Ghost Hunters International has found, if anything.

Chillingham Castle / Mary Scots Close

Chillingham Castle and Mary Scots Close were the first stop for Ghost Hunters International. Last nights episode premiered with some evidence of paranormal activity in the form of EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomenon). With all the hype this show got prior to it's premier, it seems as though viewers were let down a bit and wanted to see more happening. In defence of all paranormal investigators ghosts don't appear on cue and just because activity was not captured at that moment does not mean that the place is a dud. In places such as Chillingham Castle and Mary Scots Close, were there are hundreds of years of history, surely imprints have been left behind.

I do agree with what viewers are saying about the women in the episode. They were too frightened and jumpy at times affecting the way in which they conducted their investigation. It lacks professionalism. Hopefully this will not continue throughout each episode.

For those of you who missed it or are unable to get the show in your area, here it is.


Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5

Lucedio Abbey in Italy

The Lucedio Abbey in Italy is a place where torture, child molestation, murder and disturbing rituals were believed to have been preformed. Many say this one of Italy's most haunted places.

Lucedio Abbey dates back to 1123. During that time, Cistercian monks resided there and introduced rice cultivation to the area. Years later, the peaceful abbey became a place of such horrible acts that word eventually reached Rome. Under direct orders from Pope Pio VI, the Abbey was finally closed (it took 100 years) on September 10, 1784.

In the judgement room (room where all the monks made their decisions about sentences for people's crimes) a pillar mysteriously appears wet. People say that it "cries" because of all the cruelty it has seen. In another area of the building a strange fog has been seen forming numerous times for no explainable reason. Under the church is the crypt where all the abbots are buried. People say that an evil presence was captured down there and locked inside. It was believed that in oder for the presence to remain locked inside the crypt, it needed to be guarded. A number of abbots were buried in a sitting position in a circle. As if this was not strange enough, in time, all the abbots became mummified in a natural way.

Lucedio Abbey has been investigated in the past for paranormal activity. The once popular show Scariest Places On Earth filmed a family while attempting to spend the night there. From what I recall there was a lot of activity. More recently the cast from Ghost Hunters International did an investigation there and had their own creepy encounters while on the premises. We'll be able to see their investigation of the abbey in the second episode of the new upcoming SciFi show. (Ghost Hunters International will air Wednesday nights on SciFi at 9pm ET starting January 9th)

Ghost Hunters Investigate Cashtown Inn

Ghost Hunters Investigate Cashtown Inn

Ghost Hunters International

Ghost Hunters International will be airing on January 9, 2008 9/8pm C. The team, will include "veteran TAPS investigators Robb Demarest, Andy Andrews, Brian Harnois and Donna LaCroix, along with Barry FitzGerald (memorable from the Ghost Hunters' legendary investigations in Ireland) and newcomer Shannon Sylvia." (SciFi)

The first episode will be of the teams' investigation at the infamous Chillingham Castle in England. Numerous ghosts are said to haunt Chillingham - Britain's Most Haunted Castle.

I am really excited about this show!

Ghost Hunters Live at Waverly Hills

Ghost Hunters was live at Waverly Hills Sanatorium last night for their second annual Halloween investigation. Unable to watch the entire 6 hours, I made it through the first 2. On the second floor, where the ghost of a little boy is said to remain, a ball was recorded moving by itself on command. Also, sounds of footsteps and strange lights were seen by team members in the infamous body chute. Unfortunately for me, I missed whatever came next. I will be looking forward to the reveal which will be aired next week on SciFi.

I do have to say the one thing that really annoyed me during the show was the overlay of "creepy" music. I found it loud and quite irritating. I was unable to hear if any "unexplainable" noises were occurring. Other shows dealing with the paranormal do this too. I guess producers try to set the mood. I wish they would omit the cheesy music already!

Tune In On Halloween

Staying in on Halloween? Tune in and check these shows out.

James Van Praagh , medium/producer of Ghost Wisperer, will guest star on Larry King Live on October 31 at 9:00pm ET on CNN. Earlier in the day CBS will be launching an online séance through its executive producer, James Van Praagh, on Wednesday, October 31 at 3pm ET.

Tune into the SciFi Channel at 9pm ET to watch the team from Ghost Hunters conduct a live 6 hour investigation at the Waverly Hills Sanatorium. If you missed the premiere of Ghost Adventures, you can catch the repeat at 2 pm ET on SciFi.

Ghost Hunters

Missed last nights season opener of Ghost Hunters? I did. Andrea has written a post about the episode and her thoughts about it over at her site Ghost Stories. My thanks to Andrea for the post.
I am excited about the new mini season and can't wait to watch the live episode on Halloween which will air from The Waverly Hills Sanatorium.

Haunted Hostels

Here is a list of five haunted hostels from different parts of the world. If you don't mind sharing a room with strangers and, like the thrill of sleeping in haunted locations one of these hostels may be for you.

Foulksrath Castle, Kilkenny, Ireland- ghost of a girl believed to have been killed by her father is said to haunt the "Cookoo Nest" room. The BBC sent in a team of British ghost hunters and recorded a number of ghostly sounds with their equipment here.

USA Hostels, San Diego, USA- numerous paranormal activity has been reported in this hostel which was once a brothel in the 18th century.

HI-Ottawa Jail Hostel, Ottawa, Canada- Want to sleep in a jail cell? This former prison will give those a chance who stay here the opportunity to visit death row and the gallows. A man who was hung here is just one of the ghosts said to haunt the former cell blocks.

The Pirate Haus Inn and Hostel, St Augustine, Florida, USA- In the heart of America's oldest city lies this very haunted hostel. Reports of paranormal activity by staff members include objects moving and sometimes breaking for no reason. Room 6 is where strange "blue lights" have appeared to guests.

La Casa de las Brujas, Guanajuato, Mexico- Ghost of a girl named Susan resides here. Her death was quite tragic at this site and she is said to haunt this hostel.

Source: Haunted Hostels

The Black Forest Haunting

Located northeast of Colorado Springs lies a heavily wooded area known as Black Forest. Within the thickest part of the forest sits a home on a 5 acre lot that has convinced local law enforcement, ghost hunters and a Hopi shaman that something supernatural resides there.

Back in the early 90's Steve and Beth Lee, along with their two sons, were renting a beautiful log home off of Swan Road. One year later, the family decided to purchase the home. According to the Lee's, this was when all hell broke loose. “One day we came home,” said Beth, “and it was like the Fourth of July in our living room and in our bedroom. We had all kinds of lights flashing through, and it sounded like people stomping across the roof. We would lay in bed at night and hear chains rattling. One night we woke up and heard orchestra music. Strange things started happening every day.” Numerous black shadows and orbs of light were witnessed throughout the home. The family regularly suffered burning eyes and throats from a mysterious chemical odor in the home.

The family installed a state-of-the-art security system to try and catch the presence in their home. The motion detectors would trip setting off the alarms, but each time there was no one physically there. Police were called to the property on a number of occasions, but each time they could find no evidence of a break in. Mr. Lee began filming the incredible activity on video recorders and film cameras. No matter what type of recording device was used the result was the same. Floating orbs of light, images of faces and outlines of animal and human figures were all captured.

A Hopi shaman was called to the property and said that the area is a "Rainbow Vortex"- an area that opens our world to the next. The popular show "Sightings" was also called in three times. They brought along the late psychic Peter James and Minneapolis ghostbuster Echo Bodine. The crew all had their own experiences while on site. Equipment moved and a number of strange images were captured by their cameras. Everyone concluded that there were very powerful forces on the property that deserved further investigating.

For more details about the investigations and the conclusion to this story, be sure to check out The Black Forest Haunting by Dennis William Hauck.

Check out the Video evidence taken by Steve Lee