Weird World News...

It's time again to break from reality and take a peek at some of the more bizarre things that have happened in our world.

Three Cheesus Pizza...

The Holy Trinity might need to be re-written as dough, tomato sauce, and mozzarella. Last month in Brisbane, a pizza emerged from the oven at Posh Pizza bearing the likeness of Jesus.A fluke or miracle, the unlikely image quickly became the talk of the town. While many see Jesus, others see a variety of famous bearded men (including Viggo Mortensen and Christian Bale). ''It's open to interpretation as many of these crazy, out there things are,'' employee Maree Phelan, who made the pizza in question, told the Herald Sun. The store auctioned the vacuum-sealed pizza on Ebay, raising $153 ($164 US) for charity.

Your Plasma or Your Life!?

Aaron Homer, 24, was sentenced to three years of probation in an Arizona court last month for stabbing his roommate, Robert Maley. The incident occurred following an argument over sucking blood. Homer and his girlfriend Amanda Williamson initially claimed self-defense when police arrived following a report of gunfire at the apartment. The couple later admitted to stabbing 25-year-old Maley after he refused to let them suck his blood. Homer told police he became enraged when Maley made fun of the couple for being pagan and into "vampire stuff." (Police report available at Smoking Gun) Maley fled the scene, fearful of arrest on outstanding warrants.

Homo Erectus Flamboyantensis?

Have scientists found an early case of homosexuality? Here's what infoMania's Brian Safi has to say:

There's Ghosts in Them Thar Hills...

I'll confess I haven't been reading much lately. As a writer that's probably a very poor decision on my part. Yet occasionally, I do take the time for reading. And given that I'm slowly getting myself back in writing mode and preparing to start a new book (no, not the sequel at this point), it would be wise for me to get back into reading as well. Still, I can be picky with literature. And my limited bookshelf reflects that.

In any event, I did manage to pick up a new book this week and was pleasantly surprised with it. It's the first book by paranormal investigator Heather Woodward, founder of PISA Paranormal, called Ghosts of Central Arizona. The best part (and to me, a sign of a truly enjoyable book) is that I caught myself laughing out loud at moments. Over a ghost book. Who knew?

Heather has a very good head on her shoulders, especially for someone who considers herself a medium. That's not to say that all psychics can be flakes, but so many have an air of arrogance and tendency to be totally unrealistic. They know all. Everything is paranormal. So to read the writing of someone who has the ability to be skeptical and rational is refreshing, especially from someone with some form of psi ability. And the idea that she can find humor in both her own life and the paranormal realm is a wonderful thing as well (especially since those of you who read this blog probably have noticed I take very little too seriously).

Her book teaches ghost hunting basics while it explores the various haunted places in a few cities in the state. Not only does she talk about Mile High Grill & Inn (which I mentioned in a Queer Paranormal Road Trip post a while back), but onward to Sedona (known for its vortexes and its infamy as a "metaphysical mecca") and the Superstition Mountains (a deadly place with legendary gold).

Quite simply, it's an amusing book from an amusing person, both grounded and interesting. And with the overall not-so-serious feel of the writing, certainly something that anyone who likes this blog should take a look at...

Beyond the Tumbleweeds...

Rather than write a long post today about a haunting or paranormal tale, I thought I would indulge your eyes and ears in a more visual method. Thanks to the creative people behind Paranormal TV, I bring you a fascinating video about spirits of Arizona's southwestern desert canyons.

From Navajo legend to ghostly occurrence, I present to you the story of the Shinday in "Red Feather and the Spirits of the Dead":

Queer Paranormal Road Trip: Mile High Grill & Inn

Is there a cold pussy beside you in bed?

Hopefully, that means you're staying at the Mile High Grill & Inn in Jerome, Arizona. What once was yet another ghost town in the southwest has become a lovely, quaint little town. And what better reason to go than to stay at the lesbian-owned-and-operated (and reportedly haunted) hotel.

Owners Jet and Liz are aware of some strange happenings in their building. Unexplained sounds and misty shapes have been witnessed by visitors. The doors of an armoire in the Lariat and Lace Room have mysteriously fallen off their hinges several times. And then there's the feline spirit which frequently sits on the beds.

At one time, the downstairs restaurant was a hardware store. A man purchased a gun and was stopped by a sheriff as he was leaving. The man opened fire and the sheriff shot him dead on the sidewalk. Some believe his presence can still be felt in the stairwell leading to the upstairs hotel.

So if you find yourself in Arizona, looking for a little encounter with the supernatural, be sure to stop in Jerome for a bite to eat... perhaps even stay the night in one of the guest rooms above the Mile High Grill. Who knows. You just might have your first ghostly encounter...

To read one investigator's story, be sure to check out Buck and Michael's stay at the inn...

Oh... and don't worry, boys, they do have pure Angus beef burgers in the downstairs restaurant.

Supernatural Spotlight: Antonio R. Garcez

I don't have a single drop of Native American blood coursing through my veins. That does not mean I'm not extremely curious about the myths, lore, and history surrounding the early civilizations of the Americas. And oddly enough, I've had a few unexplainable experiences involving Native spirits during my life... experiences which still sometimes haunt me to this day.

In our modern times, the Eastern Woodland tribes of the Midwest are a distant memory. We are left with a few artifacts (arrowheads, mounds, and sparse monuments) acknowledging their existence in the region over thousands of years. The few whom were left were forced West in the early 1800s and late 1700s. Some descendants still can be found in the Southwest, though much of the original cultures are forgotten.

A few years ago, I stumbled across Antonio Garcez's website while browsing paranormal topics. It was sheer coincidence that someone mentioned his name and recommended his work. I bookmarked his site and ventured on with my research, soon forgetting the page in my hundreds of saved links.

Many months later, an email from the author reawakened my intrigue. He combines two of my favorite topics: Native American history and the paranormal. His books reveal hints of "entities" throughout Colorado, New Mexico, and other scenic, arid areas of the United States. On a backdrop of adobe homes and graceful canyons, the spirit world comes alive once more.

Not only is his website beautifully designed, but his work is truly outstanding. Before he came along, most books dealing with "ghost towns" failed to mention the supernatural aspects of these places. Starting in New Mexico, he began scouring the Southwest in search of ghosts. He spoke with regular people and discovered a fount of tales and plans to embark on further explorations around the country. There is even talk of television and film work based on his writing.

I have to admire the mavericks of the world who blaze new trails in the paranormal community. People like Garcez keep the field interesting...