Unpatriotic Tendencies...

I often think I was born in the wrong country.

I'm not a church-going Christian. I don't salivate over an automobile (or even care for them). I agree with Socialist views. I can't stand NASCAR and barely tolerate American Football. I detest handguns. I believe in the importance of historical preservation.

Joseph McCarthy would have had me burnt at the stake.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not part of some underground militia movement. I just don't see the "greatness" of a bankrupt, arrogant country run by idiots. I constantly hear that "America is the greatest country in the world", but where's the proof? What evidence backs that up? Has anyone who says these things actually read a newspaper in the past decade?

Probably not. They're too busy drinking beer, watching NASCAR, bitching about the price of gas as they fill up their Hummers, and waving that flag to bother reading anything aside from the welfare check they received in the mail.

I know I sound overly cynical, but at times, I can't help it. No, I don't think all of America is stupid. Still, ignorance in this country is more widespread than the Black Death... and unfortunately, there aren't enough casualties. If you look at our origins, it's a shame to see what we've become: a herd of cattle trudging along in our daily lives and gabbing about American Idol and YouTube. You know: the important things.

Sometimes, I see this country in the same light as I view the first class passengers of the Titanic. The ship is going down but who cares? Someone should be shoveling the ice off the deck. Rounding up the undesirable steerage passengers and putting them back into their coral. Fetching another glass of wine instead of worrying about lifejackets. After all, she's unsinkable. Isolationism rules!

We forget how difficult it was to create the vast experiment now known as the United States of America. And that’s what we still are: an experiment. We’ve grown comfortable even though we are a very young country. Instead of heeding the advice of our predecessors, we forge ahead like a reckless teenager. We know everything. Parents are stupid.

I’ll admit that everything about America isn’t junk. There are plenty of good qualities: freedoms, liberties, independences. Things we take for granted and forget are always in jeopardy. Ideals believed in so highly that our soil is stained by the blood of our ancestors in their pursuit of these goals.

But if that hallowed ground comes in the way of a new Super Wal-Mart, it’s not so important. We can’t let those things get in the way of progress, right?

I think that’s by biggest issue with this country: we’re apathetic. In the safety of our small, cloaked world, we ignore the things which truly upset or endanger us. We gripe about the high cost of gas when we pay less than most of the world and remain helplessly dependent on fossil fuels. We moan about politicians yet many Americans don’t vote or protest to change the status quo. We whine about jobs lost overseas yet buy everything we can that’s manufactured in China. We’re complainers, not doers.

I do hold out some hope for this country. I’m not that much of a pessimist. Yet before things begin to change, they must become increasingly worse. We believe some things are worth fighting for only when we have no other option. And by then, the internal struggle to regain the America we once knew will rage on for decades.

I may be around for that battle. Or I may have moved on to more foreign surroundings. Either way, it will be interesting to watch it all unravel on Fox News.

Too bad phoning in a vote won’t really matter.

The New "Ghost Show" in Town...

So, I'm a bit behind the times. I barely watch television anymore, so I'm ignorant when it comes to the latest show episodes... though I usually try to keep up-to-date on what is actually out there. Finally on Thursday evening, I had a chance to watch the new A&E series, Paranormal State.


All I had known of it was heresay. Positive remarks. Negative feedback. Praise. Bitching. I reserved comment until experiencing it for myself, and just like many other shows I do have positive and negative views of it. Overall, though, I do think it's one of the better paranormal shows on television.

I truly wish I had taken the initiative and created a paranormal student group at Kent State when I was attending there. Kudos to these people for making the bold step. Their main goal is helping people, as it should be. They occasionally use psychics, though the group leader Ryan Buell admits he's very skeptical of psychics. He also combines religion with his work. These are my points where I skew in two different directions.

Psychics: everyone has an opinion of them. From Miss Cleo and Sylvia Brown to John Edwards and Chip Coffey. They're everywhere. They sometimes make bold statements. And often, there's a lack of definitive proof behind their statements (not by all of them, mind you... though no psychic has more than 60% accuracy on average). It's a touchy subject and I try to remain neutral on matters of psychics. I'm open to their thoughts and ideas, yet I need something firm to grasp on to before trusting any one psychic at their word.

And of course, the ever-debated religion. Buell wonders why so many paranormal investigators shy away from religion. I can't speak for all of them, but personally I have many reasons: my own questioning about who is right about what (I don't think any one religion has all the right answers), past interactions with different religions (mainly religious jealots who attached certain stigmas in my mind about some religions, though I never allow that to turn to hatred or closed-mindedness), and sensitivity. The latter is my main concern when I've done my own investigations. Different people (be them group members, clients, ghosts, etc.) have differing religious views. I don't like to step on toes or offend people by using one denimonation over another. Sure, religious beliefs may come in to play. They may explain why a spirit acts how he or she does or why a client is upset. But if there's no religious affiiation (or a client is athiest), is it right to enforce a view? Must everyone have a label? A scarlet letter?

Aside from this, I think the show is truly worth watching. Bringing in counselors and psychologists is an astounding step that more groups should consider. There's more than just the spirirual world being effected and it takes different approaches. It's not just about gathering evidence, praying, and going home. Some people need other forms of help. Help outside of the supernatural realm. We aren't here to make people feel better by hearing what they want to hear: we're here to make things right how they need to be put right.

Of course, the good folks at Penn State PRS welcome dicsussions and debates. More of us need to be open to these things. How can we ever expect to learn if we don't converse more and let our differences mingle? Does anyone know the whole story? Isn't sharing information and experimenting what this profession is really about anyway?

Bake Me a Cake as Fast as You Can...

They say it's the thought that counts.

When you're a perfectionist, little things like that are worse than a mosquito buzzing in your ear.

I should have learned my lesson from Chef Duff at Charm City Cakes: buy pre-made frosting. But no, silly me... I ignore the negative reviews of the recipe and charge forth. The cake itself came out wonderfully. Making the rolled fondant frosting last night instead of today? Well, that was a bad decision. As was using all the powdered sugar called for. And substituting simple syrup for corn syrup. And trying to be different and unique instead of simple and plain.

Still, with the hours of aggrivation, I will admit it does look like it's intended replication. I still have 5 more hours to worry about a few small details. I don't foresee any major disasters, though they wouldn't surprise me. Still, it's just cake. All that matters is that it tastes good and shows some thought and care. After a few cocktails, everything looks better anyway, right?

In about 7 hours, all will be forgotten. The cake will be a devoured pile of crumbs and a memory to laugh about. After all, it really is the thought that counts, right?

Happy birthday, Bill. I hope it's one of the best ones yet!

Love Is (Or Isn't) in the Air...

It's that time of year again. February 14th is tomorrow.

Depending on who you are, one of several thoughts come to mind: the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, spending time with the one you love, giving or receiving roses and chocolates, or loathing the reminder that you're still single.

This year, my Valentine's Day will be spent in a different way: celebrating my friend Bill's birthday.

It's a day of mixed emotions for me. While I do cherish my friendship and know I'll have a good time with good people, it won't be a stereotypical holiday for me. There will be no dozen roses. There will be no cards... no boxes of chocolates. No, there won't be that kiss or those three words everyone longs to hear.

Then again, I've never had a Valentine's Day similar to those fantasies.

Last year, I was just becoming single again around this time. Some people might think of that as a sad moment, but for me it was a relief. The rocky three-year relationship had taken its toll on me and my life. I felt more boxed in than a Whitman's Sampler. Now, I'm free or that episode of my life. But with that freedom comes a certain amount of loneliness and resentment.

Everyone wants to be loved. Some people go to extremes to have it. During moments of desperation, we forsake our own happiness... our individuality... for a pair of arms to wrap around us and feel momentarily comforted. We forget the negative aspects of bad relationships in the hope that there is a silver lining to the dark, gloomy cloud.

We forget what love is.


Love isn't about gifts of roses and chocolate. It isn't candlelit dinners for two. It isn't a house with 2.5 children and a white picket fence. Love is comfort. It's not needing to explain yourself a million times or striving for that little reassuring word or action. It's unconditional support and nurturing. It can't be wrapped with a bow. It can't be asked for.

In my life, I have felt love. I have been in love. Though it can be fleeting at times, it's always a possibility... but never a guarantee. I honestly believe everyone has a chance at love if they keep themselves open to the possibility. It just happens.

Tomorrow, I'll be surrounded by it. Perhaps not love in the romantic sense, but in that of true friendship. Sometimes, we all forget that our friends hold a certain level of love for us and that kind of love is far less fragile. I may not be arm and arm with my soul mate, but that doesn't mean it has to be a miserable day. Good friends, good music, good food. Perhaps a cocktail. That's far better than an evening alone with one person whom you know isn't right for you and you pray won't have another violent outburst.

If you're involved with that special someone, be sure to let them know tomorrow just how much they mean to you. If you're not, remember that you still have people in your life willing to shower love on you if you give them the time of day. Perhaps if you keep that positive outlook, you just might find yourself dangerously close to someone perfect for you before the night is over...

Call Me Now, for Your Free Paranormal Investigation!

I'll warn you now... I'll try my best to post an entry about last night without sounding too bitchy or sarcastic, but I may not succeed...

Bill, Chris, and I arrived at the private residence around 7:30. Of course, being there early is what I prefer. It gives the impression that you care and actually think something is important enough to set aside the time. Sure, sometimes people are occasionally late, but generally I think early is the best way to be.

Of course, it's only my opinion. Some people spend their lives determined to be late without a care about it.

Oops.. bitterness seeping in... better not let that negativity influence things... Oops! There I go again being sarcastic! Oh no!

The owner arrived around 8:00 PM, which was fine, considering the nice warm 11°F (-12°C) weather was perfect for a casual stroll down the lane. We amused ourselves by cracking jokes and keeping as sane as humanly possible, which is never a major feat in good company. The investigation was apparently scheduled for 8:15, and the last half of the gang arrived at around 8:21. It was a very lovely house... sparse, but in an elegant way.

We broke up into pairs and solos, scattering between the basement and 3rd floors with very little equipment and more psychics than a Montel Williams episode. I started in the basement with my camcorder and worked my way up to the 3rd floor. I would have loved to have spent some quality time in a few of the rooms by myself or with one other person, but I didn't quite have much luck with that. I thought I saw something in one of the rooms and a name popped into my head, but I'm very hesitant to claim any psychic abilities, so I just wrote it off as possible coincidence.

I was interested in trying to find something to film that could be definitive and paranormal. That was my goal. Though I haven't yet reviewed the tape, my hopes aren't very high. Instead, I ended up feeling more like the cameraman dragged around by the reporter to film a piece and go home. I snapped a few photographs... captured a few "dust orbs" and sat and watched, basking in the glory of expertise the likes of which the world has never known...

There I go again. I'm a bad man... I know.

The evening was ended with a makeshift seance to send some spirit or two 'toward the light'... though the comment was made that no need to verify the names historically were really needed... some people just know things are facts. Like thunderstorms being angry gods fighting in heaven.

Stop it! You're being bad again, hands!

After a house blessing with white sage, which sounded a bit like this:

We bless this house in the name of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
This house is blessed by the blood of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
I command any presences to leave in the name of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
The Lord, Jesus Christ, is my Lord.
I'm bosom buddies with Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Our Lord, Jesus Christ, saved tons of money by switching to Geico Auto Insurance.
Everything I do, I do it for you, Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ!
Amen.
... we finally made the long snowy journey home. I was exhausted. So were Bill and Chris. I crashed, only to be woken up at 7:30 AM by the downstairs dog barking up a storm. I wished I weren't so against firearms at that moment.

I will say that the investigation was unlike anything I'm accustomed to. Yes, it had its interesting moments, but perhaps I've always dealt with a more scientific rationale and view of things. Silly me for paying attention to Arthur Conan Doyle as a child: "Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the solution." Bollocks to that... what was I thinking?

No, I'm not saying that I think all psychics are hacks. Far from it. I have very dear friends who call themselves 'psychic', and some of them are good people with the best of intentions. of course, on the opposite end are the arrogant, pompous people who either deem themselves to be deities or omnipotent beings, high above the rest of the world. if there's one thing I truly hate it's arrogance. That and inflicting your personal views on others without the decency to even ask if they want to hear it. It's just as bad as ignorance... if not worse.

Some people will read this and laugh. Some will understand where I'm coming from. Others will scoff and be insulted. Of course, I know that probably the wrong people will view it as an insult. If you're a good friend of mine and ghost hunter with psychic abilities and you feel insulted, odds are it's not intentional. By that I mean Chris or Bill. LOL

As for a few other people I know who might stumble across this... well, it's open season... and I'm hunting wabbit.... hehehehehehehe.....