The Uncovered Ghost...

The more people I get to know the more haunted places I hear about. There are so many paranormal investigation groups out there. SO many. But luckily there are thousands of rumored-to-be-haunted spots across the United States as well as around the world. I was checking out a few abandoned locations the other day I heard about recently and found something I wasn't quite expecting.

In the Finger Lakes region of north central New York State just outside of Syracuse is an area known as Split Rock. It was the site of a an open pit limestone mining operation beginning in 1881 known as Split Rock Quarry. After its abandonment around 1912 another company set up operation there where phenol was refined into picric acid to create TNT. On July 12, 1918 an uncontrollable fire broke out reaching the munitions plant and causing an explosion that rocked the area, killing around 65 workers and injuring at least 50 more employees. After World War I business faded and the factory was abandoned but the site still draws people interested in catching a phantom from the disaster.

The victims from that night were dyed a yellowish-green tint from the acid and according to legend you can see glowing figures of the same color around the mine and rock crusher still to this day. While some were burned alive by the acid, others were buried in the rubble when the blast rocked the mine. The rock crusher itself is said to hum on some nights as though it is still in operation. Visitors report strange lights and glowing figures. Allegedly, at least one exorcism was performed at the ruins to remove the confused and unhappy spirits. Even during the day there have been reports of footsteps, cold spots, voices and the sensation of being watched from the mine tunnels.

During an investigation on July 30, 2009 Corey Vander Sluis and the rest of his team from The Ghost Finders Association of Central New York experienced a lot of activity and captured some interesting evidence, the most compelling of which was an apparition in an old mine shaft. The figure can be clearly seen standing in the ruins and "looks to be free floating, but has legs as well. The head is barely visible, but a distinct torso is easily seen."

Now perhaps it's just my vivid (and demented) imagination, but look at the "apparition" in question shown to the right. Aside from the Botticelli Birth of Venus pose it has, am I the only one who sees that it appears to be naked? I am, of course, assuming it's a man. The photo quality is a bit too grainy to see any—ahem—clear evidence of that. It's certainly plausible that working in a cramped, hot environment workers might wear few articles of clothing or that the acid and flames from the explosion could have burned off anything covering a torso. He also seems to be orange-yellow in color, common for the "canaries" as workers of the time dealing with picric acid were nicknamed.

There have been a few rare stories of nude ghosts in the past including a Roman soldier in England and the "Octoroon Mistress" of New Orleans. But catching one on camera? I wonder if that qualifies as para-pornography.

To the Death and Beyond...

Another Flickr find to end the week: this semi-spooky capture of two boy "ghosts" battling it out in briefs.

Ghost Fight at Midnight
Originally uploaded by jonnyrewind

Who knew a ghost fight could be so homo-erotic...

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.

Ballsy Specter or Unfortunate Urology?

A rather creepy photograph has haunted Wales for nearly 14 years. While many may be unaware of it, one lucky gentleman has had his private bits immortalized by a rather comical article written up in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine.

An ultrasound performed in 1996 at Royal Gwent Hospital on a 45-year-old patient was far from normal. Doctors were attempting to locate an undescended right testis in the patient, yet it wasn't found. Instead, in the patient's sac where a normal testis would be found was a rather peculiar image. The radiologist J R Harding (quite a fitting name) described it as a "screaming ghost-like apparition". But you can feel free to judge for yourself:

As Harding stated, "If you were a right testis, would you want to share a scrotum with that?"

View the PDF of the original article here

Creepy Queer Photo Ops...

It's been too long since I posted any interestingly delightful images. So here's a little something to disturb or brighten your day...

Creepy Queer Photo Ops...

Sorry again for the prolonged silence! Busy, busy, busy! meanwhile, here's a little Flickr find that caught my attention. Makes me think of a haunted gay club... this really should be titled "Demon is a Dancer".



Hopefully, I'll have some more updates to fill everyone in on very soon. I'll be gone later this month to a wedding, so I'll try to find time whenever possible to let you all know I'm still alive...

...or am I?

Flair Apparent...

Some of you may be aware of recent news pertaining to a scientific contest of sorts, seeing what people think of submitted "ghost photographs". The study, led by psychologist Dr. Richard Wiseman, allowed viewers to vote on which "supernatural" images were most convincing that ghosts exist. The winner was a ghostly image in a window of Tantallon Castle in Scotland. Another 30-year-old photo was later submitted showing a figure in approximately the same window by a different tourist. Both images appear to be unaltered.

But that's not why I mention all this. It's what a 'reporter' said about the whole thing that really made it interesting...

Leave it to ChristWire to bend reality askew and leave you thinking, "oh, no, she didn't..." An article posted on the site made a few absurd remarks that seemed all too appropriate for this blog:

"Of all pictures submitted, the one that troubled viewers the most was that of a gay spirit that was seen spooking about Tantallon Castle in Scotland. The specter’s sexual preference is obvious as it is wearing very flamboyant clothing, much like you would see a man in San Francisco. The photograph is said to be taken by a gentleman named Christopher Aitchison...

This photograph is scientifically verified as authentic and proves once again that gay spirits roam the Earth, and can lure people to the sinful traps of homosexuality."

Obviously, someone understands NOTHING about formal attire pre-1960. Haven't most people bothered to look at a painting of Shakespeare or glanced at a few woodcuts while being taught about medieval times? And then, there's the assumption that it's male and not female. But honestly, do those few hundred years before the earth and humanity were magically molded into shape by god almighty really matter?? It's as absurd as dinosaurs. Right? I mean, come on. Scientists really need to stop planting these frauds to put down Creationism...

As if we didn't have enough hassle from the Moral Minority when we're alive. Now, when we're dead, we're still trying to earn our toasters?? Oh yeah. That's right. We're supposedly possessed by demons anyway. I'm just glad the pope doesn't dress flamboyantly...

Oops. Nevermind. The ghost of Liberace called. He wants his wardrobe back.

Peeking Through the Lens...

Those of you who know me well know that I love photography. I may not do it as often as I'd like, but I enjoy being behind a camera. I did fight the digital revolution (and still prefer 35mm), but digital is easier when you're dealing with the internet. Scanning regular images, as well as all the expense involved, makes it something I save for what I deem most important. Some sightseeing and paranormal adventures require tangible photos worthy of frames. The rest, well, I'll settle for a digital.

I've been a member of Flickr for a few years now, I think. It was only recently that I actually bothered uploading any photos onto the site. It's easy and a good way to get some exposure for any images you've captured... and, for some, a way of sharing other people's photographic work. For me, it's a way of sharing some of the things I've photographed (and bothered saving the images for) with new people, friends, and anyone else. I'm very picky about what I place on it.

But today, I finally uploaded some new images from this past weekend. I had the great pleasure of going to a small family gathering (not my family) in Valley View at one of the "haunted" places in the Cuyahoga Valley: Edmund Gleeson House. I was invited by a Gleeson family descendant who still lives nearby, and took the chance to get a sneak peek inside the rehabilitated home. I met the owner, listened sheepishly as the Gleeson descendant went on and on about my book to everyone (she even gave they mayor of Valley View a copy... I shook his hand), and poked around the old farmhouse. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I went for it.

Everyone was pleasant. A few of the teenagers in the room immediately wanted to know more about the "ghost". The other Gleeson house down the road (occupied by the descendant) is also haunted, apparently. I maintained my usual speculative distance from any firm answers about the hauntings. I've never experienced anything nor have I investigated anything, therefore it could just be legend. We had an interesting discussion of local legends, like "Hell Town", as well.

I didn't overstay my welcome and had plans, so the visit was brief. But I did get to snap a few photos inside before leaving. I gave the owner a copy of the book as well, for curiosity's sake. The National Park Service did an incredible job on the home. I would have taken more photos, but the place was packed with guests and family and I didn't want to intrude too much.

To see these and some of the other photos from the Cuyahoga Valley (as well as other random images from the past few years), just go to my Flickr photostream.

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...

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Groans...

Give someone a ghost photograph and they'll be amused for a brief while; teach someone to take paranormal photographs and they'll discover new levels of self-induced paranoia...

Or so I've learned.

The number of "Oh my god! I took a picture of Satan in my oatmeal! Do I need an exorcism?!" photos I end up receiving can, at times, be mindboggling. Blurry, dim, and/or erroneous digital pictures can create a fount of possibilities in our minds. Of course, most of the time it really is all in your head. Hand me any picture taken anywhere and I can point out at east one "face", and probably a dozen other objects - from skateboards to dragons to tubas. Are they paranormal or paranoia? Well, hopefully neither... but often the latter.

Then there are the dozens of "orbs", usually taken in either basements or attics (coincidence?), I muddle through, trying to find the politest way to reply. Dust... oops, I mean "orbs"... happens. Old, dirty houses have dust! Even your cleanest home has particles flying around in the air. And outdoors, pollen and insects are an orb hunter's dream come true! Don't believe me? Experiment a little Shake a flower or an old pillow gently in the air and snap a photo.

So, to the many people capturing remarkable digital photos of orbs, faces, devils, witches, ectoplasm, faeries, dead celebrities, and alphabet soup flying through the air, I have one bit of advice: test out a few mundane possibilities before dialing 9-1-1. Photograph shadows, breath, dust, insects, and deer before giving yourself cardiac arrest.

The Curious Case of a Michigan Haunting...

I was recently referred by a friend to a woman living in rural Michigan with strange tales about her haunted home. For the past two years, she and her daughter have experienced countess unexplainable phenomena in the 130-year-old house. While she has been too terrified to attempt any audio recordings, she has taken hundreds of photographs hoping to gather some evidence to support her claims.

As is often the case, many of the images relayed to me by the owner are too difficult to judge as "paranormal" in nature. She does not use a flash, afraid that it could adversely effect any ghostly phenomena, therefore many of the images are darkened beyond recognition. Yet one stands out above the rest. After her dog began reacting to some unseen presence, she snapped a photograph in her living room in the direction of her dog's agitation.

What appeared on the left side of the image was the figure you see here* to the left of the text. No one else was in the home at the time. It might appear menacing to some, though I feel it could easily be a teenage boy dressed in Goth clothing.

As I help her find a local investigation team to explore her case, I can't help but wonder about the effects of camera flash in investigation techniques. Perhaps she's on to something. Would the same results have occurred with a flash? Everyone has their own unique methods of capturing evidence. It might be something interesting to try in the future... even though I loathe the digital camera and its use in investigations.

So, just what else have we been missing while blinding each other with brilliant halogen flashes? Instead of highlighting dust "orbs" and mosquito "faeries", could we be missing the good stuff?

*The image was brightened for this post for clarification.

The Difficulties in Snapping a Picture...

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not an expert digital photographer. I still prefer the "old school" 35mm camera over modern technology. But while wandering Woodland Cemetery last week, I saw a perfect photo opportunity and captured the moment.

It took a few tries, but I finally managed.

Digital is the opposite of 35mm when it comes to lighting. Most pictures end up bleached. But this one (after three other tries) came out perfect. I just had to share it, since it brought out my long-dormant artistic side.

Click on the image to view it full-sized (1024 x 768).

How Much Is That Specter in the Window...

This weekend, a long-time friend of mine contacted me with an interesting tale. A friend of hers has looking into buying a home in northeastern Ohio. She paid a visit to a nice old century home in a small town and snapped a few photographs of the outside. She decided against going inside, because there was a foreboding sense to the house. Her four-year-old son told her he didn't want to go inside because of "the monster" in it. He described a ghoulish-looking figure in the window. Later, on reviewing the photos, a face exactly as he had described turned up in one of the windows.

Here's a cropped close-up of the window:

Apparently, the Realtor admitted that the house was, in fact, haunted. The current owners were selling it at a loss because they didn't want to live with whatever paranormal activity was occurring. Interestingly enough, I did a little digging (figuratively-speaking) and found a very rough date of construction (within 10 years; the real estate estimate was off by two decades) and a very old cemetery bordering the back yard.

Honestly, the house is gorgeous and has many original features that would make it a wonderful investment for any homeowner. But then, there's the spook issue. Is it genuinely haunted? I can't say for sure. Is the photo genuinely paranormal? Windows are always a tricky and touchy subject, but it doesn't appear to be a reflection from the apple tree.

It is quite coincidental to be looking at homes this time of year and happen upon a haunted house. It's also not very common for a real estate agent to openly admit the supernatural qualities without any reservation. If it were me, I would take the house. But then again, I wouldn't mind a little paranormal roommate. I'm sure there's an interesting story in here somewhere, but we shall see if it reveals itself...

Creepy Queer Photo Ops...

I stumbled across this illustration while doing some research last week, and given its supernatural (and homoerotic) nature, I thought it fitting for this blog.

The artist is a creative and talented man named Valerhon. Mythological themes run throughout his body of work, yet I find the darkness intriguing. You can check out his blog for more information and to view more examples of his work. I know one picture, titled "Blessing of the Sidhe" will get the attention of a certain someone...

This painting is entitled "The Immortal".

Click on the picture to view the full-sized image. But I should warn you now, there is full frontal nudity involved...

Creepy Queer Photo Ops...

Who knows what evil lurks within the... um, rears of men? Gives a whole new meaning to "enter at your own risk"!

They're Always After Me Lucky Anal Probes...

Floridian Lloyd Deneau, 41, was recently on a vacation to Lake Tahoe, on the California/Nevada border. Like most tourists, he took plenty of photographs.

One seemed to turn up something interesting.

Dubbed by his children as the "leprechaun-alien", the wee three-foot creature turned up in a photograph of the wooded wilderness. Lloyd swears there was no one or thing there at the time he took the photo. It was only after downloading the photos to his computer that the anomaly showed up.

"I have a military background and don’t really believe in aliens," he said, "but I can’t explain this."

Leprechaun, alien, elf, or baby bigfoot? Everyone is speculating yet no one seems to be certain. But I highly doubt the real answer involves a pot of gold...

Bend It Like Beckham?

Sometimes, it's the little things in life that make it more amusing. And sometimes, we all need a little giggle to make our day better.

British comedian James Corden decided that a classic image of David Beckham from an underwear ad could be done a little better...

Heat Magazine gave us all a peek this week.

Here is the original photo:

And here's Corden's rendition: