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:

More News from Our Weird World...

It's been a while since I've posted anything, much less the stranger side of the news. Here are a few of the oddest stories I've encountered during my study break.

This Water is as Hot as...

Everywhere, people are trying to save money, especially in government. In Redditch, Worchestershire, the council discovered it can save £14,500 annually in pool heating costs for Abbey Stadium by using a greener (and creepier) heat source. Ongoing discussion revolves around the crematorium next door and the heat wasted from incinerators which could do the job quite nicely. "I'd much rather use the energy rather than just see it going out of the chimney and heating the sky," council leader Carole Gandy told the Guardian. "It will make absolutely no difference to the people who are using the crematorium for services."

Next Time, Remove the Price Tag...

Welsh asbestos remover Neil Simons was sentenced to five years in jail following a string of robbery attempts in Llandaff, Cardiff. Simons first robbed a gas station brandishing an ax and wearing a Halloween mask. . . which he purchased from the same station three days prior. A second robbery attempt nearby was interrupted by a customer. Simons, 30, told the court he felt shameful for his actions, becoming desperate to pay off a £20,000 debt (including money demanded from a drug dealer who had sold him cocaine). Public defender Kieron Malloy told Wales Online “The fact his son bought the mask then returned to the same petrol station wearing it, shows it wasn’t a sophisticated crime.” Here's the CCTV footage:


Getting High on Death...

White powder isn't always snow, flour, or even cocaine. Yet three robbers in Silver Springs Shores, Florida, saw a couple urns and thought they discovered the latter, so much so that they snorted what turned out to be the cremated remains of a man and two Great Danes. 19-year-olds Waldo Soroa and Jose David Diaz Marrero, along with Matrix Andaluz (18), stole electronics and jewelery from the home along with the remains of the owner's pets and father. Realizing their mistake and fearful of fingerprints, they tossed the urns into a nearby lake.

The Blood-Bound Gang...

If you're on Team Edward, it's no surprise that vampires are a sexy, popular topic. From The Vampire Chronicles to Twilight, the increased popularity of blood suckers has evolved into its own subculture, says Sociologist D. J. Williams. The Idaho State scholar (interviewed by Reuters) was consulted for a vampire documentary and has been researching this and similar alternative lifestyles for many years. The important aspect Williams points out is that self-identified vampires are largely misunderstood. (That in itself almost sounds a little emo.) People like Jeffrey Dahlmer give the community a bad name. "They see themselves as normal, regular people in normal regular jobs: they are teachers, lawyers, accountants, they may be parents," Williams told Reuters. "They have normal lives but there is this aspect to needing to take energy from time to time and in certain ways."

A Tale of Two Murderers...

A skull stolen from the allegedly-haunted Old Melbourne Gaol in the 1970s has surfaced again amid questions of its true identity. Originally said to be that of famed outlaw Ned Kelly who was hanged and buried at the gaol in 1880, others speculate that it could belong to murderer Frederick Bailey Deeming (alleged to be "Jack the Ripper") who was also hanged at the gaol 1892. The skull closely matched the death masks of both killers so researchers are pleading for descendants of Deeming to come forward and supply DNA for testing.

Paranormlolz...

Mondays can be rough. Every so often when I need a little pick-me-up and a good chuckle, I drop by ICanHasCheezburger for some feline amusement. And every so often, they can get a little supernatural. As a little break from too much seriousness here are a few favorites from the site.

What's New and Unusual...

So much has been happening, both in my life and worldwide, and I haven't had much chance to compose a long update here for quite some time. I thought about writing several individual posts on the various things but thought it best to condense it all into another "news in brief" moment for today. As for my own personal life, well... that major upheaval is best likened to the plate tectonic movements in the past several weeks. Major, major changes are happening too quickly at times. But once the dust settles, I'll give a more thorough update on those matters. For now, I'll focus on what's been going on while I've been asleep at the wheel of my blog.

Last week, director Tim Burton made the not-so-shocking admission that he does believe in the paranormal. Burton has had a few brushed with the unexplained and believes many people have had unusual experiences, yet they often don't discuss it or do their best to ignore it. He also mentioned that he finds cemeteries "peaceful" instead of creepy. As for his work, word was also announced concerning his newest venture. Plans are being discussed to turn Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (authored by Seth Grahame-Smith of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies fame) into a feature film. The new book follows the former present into his fictitious secret life pursuing blood drinkers. While the tale is odd it's quite well-crafted, not deviating from real history too far to make it absurd.

There is other book news to report as well. Stacy Horn's wonderful book Unbelievable: Investigations into Ghosts, Poltergeists, Telepathy, and Other Unseen Phenomena, from the Duke Parapsychology Laboratory telling about the history of parapsychology at the Rhine Research Center has been released in paperback. While I still prefer the hard-bound editions of books for my own shelf (when they're actually available) it's nice to have the option of paying less in our current economy.

Some Massachusetts residents are up in arms over maple syrup. In at least three cemeteries both in and around Lancaster, maple trees were found with sap buckets hanging off. The culprits weren't zealous manufacturers but Lancaster Cub Scout Pack 9, who was given permission to tap maples for a special project. The town officials, however, were unaware that cemetery trees would be targeted. Perhaps it sounds a bit creepy, but I would think it a harmless act. People might even pay more for the spooky syrup! It's not the only time anyone realized that a quiet spot such as a cemetery would be superb for undisturbed sap harvesting. In Quebec, a Google Earth view revealed similar sap buckets at a Sutton cemetery.

Finally from the southern hemisphere, selling spooks has once again made the headlines. A woman in Christchurch, New Zealand auctioned off two bottles containing "ghosts" on Trademe. The spirits, said to be those of a little girl and an old man, were "captured" during an exorcism and placed in bottles of holy water, presumably to keep them fresh? After their containment on July 15, 2009 no further activity was reported in the house. The glassed ghosts sold for nearly $2000.

Ghosts and Goblins Get Down and Dirty...

Everywhere you look these days, paranormal and supernatural themes are quite popular. Some of the most talked about books and movies feature ghosts or vampires. Even on television, the inundation of witchcraft, hauntings, and monsters is extremely obvious. As a society, we love the mysterious, the unknown, and the surreal. And it reflects in everything... including subjects of a more adult nature.

Yes, believe it or not, even pornography has crossed over into these supernatural realms in the past few years.

I debated for a long time whether to touch on the subject here at Spooked! I've always tried to keep subjects humorous yet not too risqué. But in all honesty, we tend to be very sexual beings and at the same time, you can't help but laugh sometimes as these films. So now, I'd like to take a moment to finally give those of you who enjoy such things a little interesting insight into the world where porn meets the paranormal. And for those of you who wish not to subject yourself to such material, feel free to stop reading now and skip along to a different post.

Continue Reading...

News That's Beyond Bizarre...

To end the week on an interesting note, here are some unusual stories from our weird world. And that's no hat trick...

The Whisperer and the Ghost...

Yes, Jennifer Love Hewitt, star of Ghost Whisperer, does believe in ghosts in real life. In fact, she recently had a conversation with her dead grandmother, thanks to psychic James Van Praagh. She told OK! Magazine, "She just wanted to say hello and tell me that she was looking out for me. It was really nice." I'm sure Hewitt was an easier audience for Van Praagh than Barbara Walters.

Please, No Pictures...

The hunt for Storsjöodjuret, the infamous lake monster of Sweden, continues. But there is one slight snag for cryptozoologists: cameras have been banned by the council from being used on the shores of Lake Storsjön. Under-water surveillance has passed through local ordinance four times, but if you're planning an impromptu jaunt with a digital, you had better think twice. Who needs evidence, anyway?

Those Bloody Lesbians...

Perth was shaken in 2006 by the slaying of a 16-year-old girl. The two assailants, Jessica Stasinowsky and her lover Valerie Parashmuti, both pleaded guilty this week to bludgeoning their roommate to death with a concrete block. Apparently, the deed turned them on and they proceeded to make out while standing over her body. Parashmuti, 19, belonged to a vampire cult which engaged in the ritualistic drinking of blood. Their motive? They thought the girl was "annoying" and believed she was flirting with the girls significant other. Thus perpetuating the belief that lesbians are tough, vicious creatures...

Was Darby O'Gill Delusional?

If you're seeing faeries outside of the nearest gay bar, you might be suffering from Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS). British doctors estimate as many as 100,000 people in England may suffer from CBS. The disturbance causes hallucinations of people, objects, and even little winged human figures while the sufferer remains otherwise of sound mind. Scientists say it is caused by a lack of visual stimulation, not mental illness. Theories for ending CBS vary from stimulating the fingertips to holding your breath to (in extreme cases) medication. In the case of visual hallucinations of leprechauns, I might recommend looking for that pot of gold anyway...

Lavender Bloodbath Television...

If you're looking for some paranormal television this evening, you might want to check out a gay ghost investigation!

Tonight, the series Ghost Hunters International will visit a couple haunted relics in eastern Europe, including Čachtice Castle, alleged haunt of the sadistic, lesbian serial killer Elizabeth Báthory who bathed in the blood of virgin women to "maintain her youth". Vampire legends are often linked to some of her dastardly deeds. She died while imprisoned in a castle tower in the 16th century.

Her ghost is rumoured to haunt the place of her death.

Figures. The bastards didn't invite me.

You can tune in tonight on the SciFi Channel at 9:00 PM.

Jeepers Creepers, Where'd You Get Those Peepers?

Over the past decade or more, stories of particularly strange encounters with not-quite-human people have been whispered around the globe.

The storytellers are very diverse: a bank executive in Sydney, Australia elevator; a couple at a rest area in Michigan; a Portland, Oregon apartment manager; an anonymous Starbucks customer in an undisclosed location; and most-surprisingly a newspaper reporter in Abilene, Texas.

To the casual observer, the individuals they met or saw wouldn't seem very unusual. Though upon closer inspection, they all had one very odd thing in common: their eyes. They were pure blackness, lacking a pupil or iris.

Websites often refer to these people as BEKs (short for "black eyed kids"). Generally, they are children, between 10 and 18, and are entreating entrance. Be it a ride in a car or coming inside a home or apartment to borrow the phone, they generally grow impatient if denied. Witnesses have noticed a strange, uncomfortable feeling around them... even compulsion, as if under hypnosis.

But who are they? Several theories exist, from the mundane "people wearing black contact lenses" to the obscure, more paranormal "alien hybrids", "demons", and "vampires". The fact that they cannot enter a vehicle or dwelling without the owner's permission lends credence to the similarities with vampire legends. Whatever they are, the people who have reported the encounters have been terrified and shaken by their experiences.

Are they real? Many people say that it's simply an urban legend. Indeed, there is no evidence backing up these stories, which makes them difficult to prove. They were all chance encounters, usually without other people present. No photographs were taken. No traces were left behind.

The most credible encounter was that of Brian Bethel, a newspaper reporter who encountered two strange children outside a movie theater in Texas. his 1998 tale has been the cause of much speculation... and even controversy. Some allege that the tale is fiction, while Bethel still stands by his story. And yes, he's even on Blogger.

The only real way to know for sure is to experience one first-hand. After all, seeing is believing...

Blood Baths, Lesbians, Dracula, and Transylvania

I've always been fascinated with Eastern Europe. Perhaps it stems from my heritage (my great grandfather lived in an apartment in Bratislava, Slovakia before coming to America). Or it could be the result of the countless images of werewolves, old crumbling castles, and vampires haunting my nightmares at an early age. I even dated a Romanian named Dani during my college years (yes, he was from the region known as Transylvania... his hair, voice, and sense of humor were all dark... but he wasn't a vampire, sorry).

Often, our most iconic images are not so much based in reality but a blend of fact and fiction.

Dracula, as we are familiar with him in our culture, never actually existed. His image stems from three sources: superstition, Vlad Dracul, and Elizabeth Báthory.

A strigoi, in Romanian mythology, is the evil soul of the dead capable of transforming itself into an animal or specter to haunt and terrorize the countryside.There were a few different forms: Strigoi vii were living vampire witches, while Strigoi morţi were their undead counterparts. Both fed off the life force (be it the soul or blood) of their victims and could only be destroyed during their feast.

Vlad Ţepeş ("Vlad the Impaler", Vladislav III Dracula , or "son of Dracul", Prince of Wallachia) was a fair and well-loved ruler in Romania during the 15th Century. His nickname stems from his preferred method of punishment. Tales of Vlad drinking the blood of his victims circulated around Europe, though these words came from the lips of his enemies. After escaping Poienari Castle ("Dracula's Castle" as it is now known, where his first wife leaped to her death in the Argeş River below), he returned in 1475 with Stefan Báthory to reclaim the throne, only to be killed in battle during the winter of 1476. His body has never been found.

Speaking of the Báthory family, there's yet another possible origin for the vampires of legend: Báthory Erzsébet, better known as Countess Elizabeth Báthory of Hungary. Elizabeth was a lesbian and always surrounded herself with beautiful, young women. As age and fading beauty began consuming her thoughts, she devised a plan to keep herself young.

She would bathe in the blood of young women. Well, torture and mutilate them first... just for fun.

Everything seemed to go quite well, under the guise of schooling young peasant girls from the countryside. But soon, the rumors of her misdeeds reached government officials. To avoid a public scandal, she was sentenced to house arrest. Čachtice Castle in modern-day Slovakia became her prison for the remainder of her life. She passed away on August 21, 1614 while still bricked into the single room.

Over the many centuries, these and many other tales became twisted and molded into the character we know today as Count Dracula. Transylvania and much of Eastern Europe still retain their superstitious beliefs, but most of the negative reputation is unwarranted.

But who knows... if you ever find yourself wandering the Bohemian countryside after dark, you just might encounter a spook or two... or even a lesbian vampire...