Sue St.Clair and Matthew Didier's Paranormal Blog

I was up very late the other night suffering a bout with insomnia, and ended up watching the movie Three Men, and A Baby. It had been years since I saw it, and while it is ok it is more memorable to me because of the ghostly folklore attached to it.

If you haven't heard it before the story went that when the character Jack's mother comes to visit the character Mary, you can see in the background what appears to be a little boy standing in a doorway.

The rumor was that this image was the ghost of a little boy who died in the apartment in which the film was shot. The rumor was false. All of the interior scenes in this film were shot on a sound stage in a studio.

The ghostly image is actually a cardboard cut-out of the Jack character wearing a tuxedo and was just a prop.

Beautiful Dunsmuir House pictured above is located on a 50 acre estate in Oakland, California. The house was built in 1899 by Alexander Dunsmuir for his new bride, but tragically he died before it was completed so never got to share it with her.

Dunsmuir House was also the location of Burnt Offerings, one of my favourite horror films as a kid. I recently saw it again as it has been playing on the Drive-In Classic channel, and it got me to thinking about certain beliefs within our study.

The film is about a fictional family who move into a haunted house that rejuvenates itself with each death that occurs inside of it, and is based on a horror novel by Robert Marasco.

The house is not haunted by spirits, but has seemingly taken on a life of its own and is possessing one of the occupants. In other words it is the house that is the entity. Cool idea eh!

I do have to wonder about these older films (this one was released in 1976) and how much they have clouded the thoughts, and ideas on ghosts, and hauntings today?

As an example we get lots of queries about specific houses that are either Gothic or Neoclassical-Revival architectural styles, and never questioned about modern buildings, yet it is from the latter that we get far more ghost, and haunting reports.

Perhaps films such as Burnt Offerings have skewed the general public's idea on what a haunted house should look like, and what goes on inside of them. I should make mention that Dunsmuir house was purposefully made to look run down, and decrepit at the beginning of this movie....more like the classic "abandoned" or neglected house...and don't get me started on that.

Just more musing on a rainy Thursday morning.......

Image Credits: Wiki (please see links for further details)

This looks like it is going to be must-see viewing for UFO enthusiasts, and those just interested in this fascinating topic.

Have a look at the trailer. The movie’s web site states, “Air Force Generals, astronauts, military and commercial pilots, government and FAA officials from seven countries tell stories that will challenge your reality. Their accounts reveal a behind-the-scenes U.S. operation whose policy is to confiscate and hoard substantiating evidence from close encounters to the extent that even Presidents have failed to get straight answers. I KNOW WHAT I SAW exposes reasons behind government secrecy from those involved at the highest level.”

Film maker James Fox is the producer of Out Of The Blue an excellent documentary on the subject so I do have high hopes for this one.

Is Michael Jackson's ghost or spirit now haunting his beloved Neverland Ranch? That is what I believe this video clip is being used to ask. It was originally posted to our PSICAN message board by one of our long time friend, and investigator. She adds to the question with poor taste, a fake, or something to ponder? Or possibly all three?

What do you think? I'll post my opinion later.

I recently had the pleasure of watching a brand new television series out of Britain called Being Human. The show is about a vampire, and a werewolf who work as hospital orderlies (were else would you expect to find a werewolf, and vampire working?) that decide in order to have a more normal life they will rent a house together. They do find a home, and the flat they rent turns out to be very haunted.

The show goes through the trials, and tribulations of a werewolf, a vampire, and a ghost who happen to live together trying to achieve some sort of "life" hence the title of the show. Did I mention this is a drama????

It is one of the most popular shows on BBC’s iPlayer, and if you watch it you'll see why. Brilliant writing, and acting put this series way ahead of any other in the paranormal genre today in my opinion. If you have an opportunity to watch this show I highly, highly recommend it!

And yes, they got signed on for a second season!!

Late last week I spent a pleasant afternoon discussing all things paranormal in the company of my friend and colleague Canadian historian Chris Laursen. In the Fall Chris will be moving out to BC to begin work on his ph.d and he will be sorely missed around this neck of the woods.

Currently Chris is working on a project, and would greatly appreciate and research leads on mediumship, and the cinema pre 1940s, and of particular interests any silent films of mediums or mediumship. If you can help, or have any suggestions please leave a comment, and we will make sure Chris sees it. Thanks in advance!

History of a Haunting: ANOTHER Media Letdown Before Production Even Starts...

Tori Spelling was interviewed on The View a while back... she laughed when people seemed genuinely not to realise that most "Reality TV Programming" is scripted. Considering Ms. Spelling had a couple of seasons of "Reality TV" of her own under her belt, I'd consider her kind of an authority on the subject... at least, in some corners.

I'd like to think... and I do think... that some "Reality TV" is indeed "real"... or, at least, most of it is not scripted or set up. After all, in many cases, it's presented as informational in terms of taking the audience from simply a "viewer" to a literal observer.

There are many, Many, MANY different paranormal "Reality TV Programs" on TV... and being where we sit, we can say there are at least six different ones being shopped to television networks in Canada as you read this... and no, we're not one of the people trying to star in or make one of these programs. This said, they do all ask if we can "help"... and we try as we can to assist them.

One of the newest shows we've heard about is "History of a Haunting", which is yet another show where they're hoping to showcase "known historic sites" (fine) and "private homes" (always difficult as many home owners do not want to have cameras whipping about their home, not the least of which reason is simply their property values when trying to re-sell... and the hordes of "thrill-seekers" who would want to tour the "haunted house" with or without the owners permission...) and then do the history, reports, psychic investigation, and possible clearing of said site.

Better yet, according to their FaceBook page, they are looking for families to feature in their show... because nothing will serve your child better with fellow classmates than being known as the kid who was on TV because he or she lives in the haunted house... well, save buying them something like this for transporting them to and from the school.

On their FaceBook, they say the following...

"Combining true and visual history with real-life people and real-life hauntings - and throwing lore, mystery, suspense and technology into the mix.. the outcome is sure to be a first..."

"These are real people, real situations, real hauntings. REAL RESULTS."

That last bit? Sounds like things are a foregone conclusion, doesn't it? Hmmm...

Another thing on their FaceBook that is a little... well... questionable is the following quote...

The greatest Canadian paranormal series on the planet!

An amazing claim since they haven't aired a program yet!

Still, it doesn't SOUND too horrible... well, not enough for a full blown rant from us... but wait for it, 'cuz here it comes...

REMEMBER: This is real people and real situations... which makes one wonder about this item...

http://www.actorspages.org/notice_details.php?pd_id=6213

Yup, they're CASTING for an ACTOR in their REALITY PROGRAM!

History of a Haunting filming in HD is already in production and is Now Casting for 1 lead explorer in this reality based Paranormal Series. The series will be filmed entirely in Ontario's Niagara Region. Series lead explorer, Will lead the exploration through Private residences and Local establishments. If you enjoy the Paranormal and enjoy the odd fright while being eager to get down to the bottom of things this is the role for you! Series regular, casting for an individual that exudes charisma, emotion, quick wit and reactions whom is able and willing to work in a team environment and displays a solid on camera presence.

Un-hunh...

It gets better though...

From the original FaceBook "Open Audition"...

“Exploration Team Leader” (Non-Union Leading Role; Gender Male/Female age 19-30)

Attractive and fit (not frumpy) male or female who is a strategic thinker, knows how to execute a plan and manage change. Has some knowledge of the paranormal. Well spoken and articulate. Someone who is motivated and displays leadership in a team setting.. Must be likeable and relatable. Strong expressive communication skills. Must possess the ability to improv and have a solid on-camera presence. Previous acting experience is preferred. If you have an interest in paranormal activity and spirit presence, we would like to see you.

(Screen shots of the mentioned pages are available if needed...)

Geez... Attractive and fit, not frumpy? Let's see... WHO would that rule out...

Hans Holzer? Too old... kinda saggy.

Loyd Auerbach? Balding... and wears glasses.

Heck, Sue and I wouldn't fit the mold!

Even an alive and young Harry Price would probably be too portly!

This would even discount people like Sylvia Browne and James Van Praagh if you wanted to include them!

Imagine this... would you, a person who we safely assume is interested in this topic, "fit" their criteria? Would you pass the bathing-suit competition? After all, it's all about "REAL"... What was that quote above? real people, real situations... well, I suppose it'll be REAL actors with REAL character development to tell them how to look into something we all love...

BECAUSE when you want information, you want your passion to be explored... HECK, you want YOUR home and YOUR family to be looked into, why go with unsightly people with experience when you can have an ACTOR!

THAT'S REALITY!

Thank God "The Surgery" and like medical reality programs didn't work this way... imagine the poor patients!

"I'm not a doctor in real life, but I play one for less than scale wages on TV! Now, let's make the first incision with the sharp pointy thing!"

Now, I'm really NOT comparing our efforts to medical doctors, but I do think we, the interested people looking for and loving information on our favourite topic, that we deserve better than this lot.

Call me weird, but I'd like a bit of "reality" in my reality television... especially when it's a topic I (and probably you,) hold so dear to my heart... because if I wanted "good looking fake television people" telling me about the paranormal, I'm willing to bet that there's plenty of better produced and written "entertainment" available already on the big networks...

...and MOST people with an IQ better than an average empty beer bottle knows that WE, the people interested in and even working within this field, for the most part, are not as aesthetically pleasing as Jennifer Love Hewitt.

So, JEERS to this obviously rotten and bogus "real show" with their whacky claims ahead of production and their "We Can Train an Actor to be a Ghost Investigator in Two Weeks" attitude.

We ain't buyin' it... and neither will the core audience you hope to attract.

Sorry to say, we're ALL smarter than that.

--------------------

Super Bonus-y Update - April 29th, 2009: Thanks to PSICAN's own Maria G, we NOW know that not only most investigators' wouldn't make the cut, but it looks like they're concerned that the "Real" witnesses might be lacking oomph too! They're looking for writers!

"Looking for a Writer who has a knack of scary writings"
If you like things that go bump in the night and write about them, we may be looking for you! Canada's newest and most authentic and surprising ghost episodic televised show is coming to your local channel. History of a Haunting is looking for a bright, in your face writer with experience writing horror and suspense. Help us make the ultimate in paranormal shows a reality. Send samples of writings. If you specialize in demonology please indicate so. Please drop us a line at HistoryOfAHaunting@gmail.com"

Gotta love the "specializing in demonology" bit...

So, "Real" actors will be going to "Real" people with "Real" fictional accounts where, because of the foregone conclusions involved, they'll have "Real" results?

Insulted yet? You should be.

Addendum: All the claims about the casting call et al have been verified by people on the production team... but the "writing ad" above is being disputed.

-----------------------------------

Addendum, May 17th, 2009 Since writing this post, many things have come to light... not the least of which is that all our concerns above, save the "employment ad" for the script writer were confirmed by the producers... and even the above script writer ad is "disputed", not negated...

The "shows" medium has been seemingly caught using fake personas to "defend" the show on message boards where questions were being asked... and he was not at all very nice about it... and the same username he was caught with was used to e-mail commenters on this blog with borderline threatening comments...

Full details about this "catch" are available at...
http://tspforum.tickie.net/index.php?topic=496.msg3013#msg3013

As of today, the untrained actors hired to pretend they have experience (according to the casting call, remember, actual experience investigating the paranormal or study therein was only preferred, not required...) to be team leads and to help people in need have been announced... and no, no one in the "paranormal community" (as such,) that we know knows these new people.

A web search of the new "team lead" showed zero notes online of his interest in or experience with anything paranormal at this present time. As with everyone involved with the show, however, he is involved with the "Niagara Arts Community" which is fine... it's just that most people interested in the phenomena do seem to feel "paranormal studies" and "art" are mutually exclusive topics... granted, the folks involved with this show very obviously do not feel this way.

Need more proof of how wahoo this will be? Maria G has (absolutely) correctly tipped us that one of the new people on the team is known as "Cannibal Cam"... who is known in the "horror community"... that would be the fictional one which, again, we don't mind... but he's not known at all within or for the actual study of ghosts and hauntings. That we can state without question.

This program's filled with a lot of people known for fictional character development and "story telling/creative" abilities... and not a lot of legitimate investigators or researchers... and by dint, those that do report to have an interest in the study working for the program only show how much they're willing to "sell soap" instead of further the knowledge of our favourite topic.

Added to this is they have "hired" two "REAL GHOST INVESTIGATORS"... They are a couple of professional (in other words, they charge for their services,) ghost/demon clearers who's biggest web presence (according to a quick Google search,) is a couple of ads posted on Kijiji... (Yes, they invoke the magic word "demons"... surprise...) and oddly enough, their "ad" on Kijiji strongly advises AGAINST doing the one thing that most people can do that, oddly enough, never costs money... best to hire them first in their eyes. They use "fear tactics" (warning of dire consequences,) to those that try other FREE methods to deal with their problems without hiring and paying them for their service.

Folks, if someone tries to scare you into a paid house clearing, the ghost or demon is not what you should be scared of... RUN from those that use fear to open wallets.

I cannot stress this enough... as a genuine paranormal investigator... as someone with over a dozen years experience... and after consulting many other's in this field... hell, as a FAN and someone with a passion for this subject... IF you are considering letting these people help you, PLEASE DON'T.

They are questionable with a capital "Q" and have failed to convince anyone of their sincerity beyond "fame and fortune" with this topic...

...and now, they've brought on board "fake" team leads and extremely questionable psychical help...

More and more, this "product"/"creation" is looking something like Tobe Hooper producing a "ShamWOW!" infomercial for very questionable services offered by extremely questionable people... and to what end?

We can really only see one... "Fame and Fortune" for these folks... at the expense of real history, real science, real folklore, real witnesses, real educational possibilities, real passions and interest...

...which, I'm betting to these folks, though they won't admit it, is a small price to pay for their fame, fortune, and indeed, marketing.

Caveat Emptor.

Complete "Summing Up" is available at:
http://www.psican.org/messagecentre/viewtopic.php?p=41380#41380
...you will need a membership.

A great "smack down" on this is at"
http://tspforum.tickie.net/index.php?topic=496.msg2922#msg2922
...which is open to the general public.

Dr. Who spin-off Torchwood

Science fiction and fantasy dramas like Doctor Who and Torchwood may be behind a rise in UFO sightings in built up areas of Wales, an expert has said. Here is a snippet from the BBC:

Nick Pope, the Ministry of Defence's (MoD) former UFO project head, was commenting on figures released by the MoD which show sightings have gone up.

He said other sightings reflected the growing popularity of Chinese lanterns.

In 2006, 97 UFOs were reported across the UK. This rose to 135 in 2007 and 285 in 2008, with 18 Wales sightings.

These sightings in Wales included bright white objects over Anglesey, black disc shaped objects in the skies over Neath Port Talbot, objects moving like a football over Pontypridd and a UFO in Old Colwyn, Conwy, which was "bigger than a helicopter".

Read More

What do you think? Can a TV show inspire paranormal encounters?