Diary of the Watchmen

I’m Alive

Cedric — Sat, 19 May 2012 08:30:38 +0000

It's funny how when you look back on your life and think "how did I get here?", or maybe more importantly what led me to this point. The highs, the lows... all part of what defines us. I'm thankful for what I have whether its slim pickings or when I feel like a rich man. Some personal issues lately have led me to retrace my life choices. I thought is there one defining moment that led me to become a paranormal investigator and how has that choice changed/challenged me?

As far back as I can remember Ghostbusters of course caught my attention, but its not that simple. Shows like In search of...., Arthur C. Clarke's Mysterious World, Unsolved Mysteries captivated me, hell any mystery always has. Even though some of the shows were outdated even as I discovered them in the 80's, they had a impact to opening my mind to what ifs. I remember one of the first books I read by choice was a ghost story one my dad had. I also remember digging through his book collection for other books on what i'd later refer to as paranormal, found a few that I still have today (Shh, don't tell... lol).

As a kid I dreamed of becoming a "Ghostbuster" lol to the point that flash forward to my Uncle's Chet's funeral that my cousin made the comment something to the effect that I followed my dream. I had to laugh because i'm not quite busting ghosts, but I could be called a parapsychologist in the vein of Dr. Venkman...

I've been trying to hard my whole life to not forget where I come from, where I've been or who has influenced me. Part of me is still that shy kid who grew up in Hatfield, Pa. The other part is the one that has talked at Delaware Valley College doing lectures on the paranormal. I keep saying to myself i'd never have thought this possible when I started and that is true. I can be very quiet which is funny because at times I won't shut up... those who know me well have seen that first hand (both good and bad).

I guess the point of my rambling is that one never knows what is next in life. You only fail at life by not trying. I've been through per verbally heaven and hell in the last 6 months, but only thing constant has been my drive to follow my dream. It started as all I wanted to be is a Ghostbuster, then morphed into actually becoming a Ghost Hunter exploring local haunts and legends, eventually starting this website to document what we found, then stepping up to a Paranormal Investigator and starting www.paranormaldictionary.com. Now... well that's fun part.... because I don't know whats next.... And while G.I. Joe taught me "knowing is half the battle", the excitement of seeing what happens next and who i'll meet that'll change & challenge me is the other half....

Peace,
Cedric
cedric@midnightwatchmen.com

Paranormal Q&A with Joe Kline (Chapter 2)

Cedric — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:00:49 +0000

Who are you?

I'm Joe Kline, one of the founding members of the Paranormal Encounter Documentation and Research Organization, or P.E.D.R.O. for short.

Do you believe in Reincarnation? Who do you think you were in your past life (or lives)?

I personally believe it to be a possibility, but I don't think I'm sold on the idea.

What are your thoughts on Para Unity?

We personally work with other groups all the time. It's a good way to keep up on the latest theories and gadgets. Do we always agree on everything, of course not, but that doesn't mean there aren't things that we can learn from each other.

Have you ever investigated a Church? What are your thoughts on this?

Not an active church, no, but an abandoned ones and ones that have been repurposed. If the owner of the site is open to it, I say go for it.

When having a joint investigation with another team(s), how do you select the team(s) or members of other teams that you invite?

Usually it's just whoever is available at the time. We're always open to new people and new ways of looking at things.

What do you tell someone looking to join a team, what should they look for or ask?

We usually tell them to research and go on an open investigation so they know what it's really like.

Any advice to a group just starting out?

Be open minded and respectful. Enjoy what you're doing and don't investigate anywhere without getting proper permission first.

Do you think it's important to share findings with others in the paranormal community?

Yes, absolutely. They may give you insights into possible explanations, also it brings more investigators to a site. The bragging rights are pretty nice as well.

You run across a team that you feel gives a bad name to the field. How do you handle the situation? Do you confront them about it?

Usually we keep our distance. It's not our place to police the paranormal and groups like these usually don't stick around for the long haul at any rate.

Do you feel it is important to do a background investigation on the location (land/building) that you're going to investigate?

Definitely, how else can you substantiate your evidence. A disembodied voice saying "I'm George Washington!" means nothing unless you can prove that there's some connection to the place you're investigating. Historical relevance of data decreases the chances of something being dismissed as coincidental.

Paranormal Q&A with Joe Kline (Chapter 1)

Cedric — Wed, 09 May 2012 16:00:37 +0000

Who are you?

I'm Joe Kline, one of the founding members of the Paranormal Encounter Documentation and Research Organization, or P.E.D.R.O. for short.

Explain your Methodology?

We try our best to remain scientific while not taking ourselves too seriously. We investigate because it's something we enjoy doing and we do our best not to forget that.

Favorite Haunts?

The Villisca Axe Murder House in Villiasca, Iowa; The Belvoir Winery in Liberty, Missouri; The Lemp Mansion in St. Louis, Missouri; Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville, Kentucky; and the entire town of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, especially The Elms Resort & Spa

Personal Experiences?

The strangest one for me was being straddled by something invisible in an old brothel we were investigating, although in all fairness I kinda asked for it since I had thrown down some money as a trigger object.

Why did you get into the Paranormal?

I had an intense paranormal experience at a young age. Myself and three others witnessed a full torso entity in broad daylight, it frightened the others, but I was intrigued and began getting every bit of info about the paranormal I could get my hands on to understand what it was that I saw.

What’s next?

We're definitely going to be doing investigations for a while. We're working on our second book and setting up more public investigations for the future.

Do you think that paranormal shows (radio/TV/Internet) give groups a bad reputation?

Yes and No. While the popularity of these shows has made it easier for people to understand what we do, it also sets up some high expectations. The shows don't tend to show the fact that a lot of the time nothing happens. In all fairness, I think the fiction stuff, like Paranormal Activity, is probably the worst offender in this department.

Who is the person in the paranormal field you look up to the most or want to be like?

For most of us in the group it's probably Tory Taylor, head of the American Ghost Society.

Have you made a page on www.paranormaldictionary.com?

No, not yet.

Name some Random Facts about you?

At 25, I'm probably one of the youngest people that does this professionally, and I've been doing it for over ten years. I love doing this kind of work, especially the public investigations where we get to share the experience with other people.

Are you a skeptic or a believer?

I'm kind of both, as odd as that sounds. I believe, but at the same time I try to be analytical about things. I want to know that any evidence I present is authentic and I have ruled out every other possibility beforehand.

Paranormal…. Wrestling?

Cedric — Wed, 02 May 2012 16:00:27 +0000

Wrestling's - "4 Horsemen"

Paranormal's - "Fort Worth Paranormal"

I'm sure the title of this has royally either has you interested or turned off but bear with me as the world of "professional wrestling" and the paranormal are not that far off... Again i'm sure some of you reading this are going "WTF!!! Are you crazy?", while I admit that it may not be far off it will make sense in a few just stick with me.

Paranormal and Wrestling probably seem totally different to most people, but in reality and with a closer investigation will tell you otherwise.... Both Wrestling and Paranormal have a huge fan base and followers! That is the simple and easy to see part now lets dig deeper, shall we? There is always another rock layer to be found to any thought process....

In wrestling you have huge promotions that used to be regionally based, for example the North East region was PA up to NY areas and South West was like southern California areas. Paranormal groups to have regions too... We have groups that are "bigger" like T.A.P.S. is mostly New England area, SJGR is Philly/NY/NJ areas and beyond, etc. Now Nothing is stopping any group wrestling or paranormal form doing their thing in other areas they are just more based out of these areas and have a stronger presence in their home "turf". Paranormal is starting to become the same way groups are getting bigger with lots of local ones and a few regional ones.

Stables in wrestling were powerful groups that joined together to cause havoc or save the day... We have that in the paranormal as well with larger groups like TAPS Family or Ghost Adventures Crew, which "unites" smaller paranormal groups with the more well known team.

Wrestling has the legends that came before the current superstars, paranormal has the same thing. Wrestling list is long.. Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Freddie Blassie, Andre The Giant, etc. Paranormal has John Zaffis, Harry Houdini, Hans Holzer, etc. They've influenced what came next as the new generation will do the same endless cycle.

Now the for me the most important similarity... Whats seen/perceived by people and whats actually happening on TV/SHOW/INVESTIGATION! Wrestling plans out the event/show like like the paranormal does for its investigation/hunt. What's seen on TV is not everything that happened which is true for both. There is behind the scenes things in the wrestling and paranormal that do not make the "air" so to speak. Setting up how the match "works" for wrestling and the true review for paranormal investigations/hunts.

In the end their are allot of similarities between wrestling and the paranormal, maybe that's why SYFY has both wrestling and paranormal shows... or maybe its just a decision to make the most money.. .who knows its a business.... And we all know business' make some unique choices to stay on top... hey so do paranormal groups.... well that thought might be for another blog... another day....

Peace,
Cedric
cedric@midnightwatchmen.com

Paranormal Q&A with Audrey Hamilton (Chapter 2)

Cedric — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:00:06 +0000

Who are you?

I am a former member of Meadville Paranormal Investigation Team (M.P.I.T.). I recently moved and have not yet found a new team to join, so I guess I would be considered an independent investigator. I am not going out and doing investigations alone, but am happy to lend my services to other teams on any part of an investigation from start to finish.
I also created the Paranormal and Supernatural Networking group on Facebook.

Explain your Methodology?

I keep an open mind, trust my instincts and try various methods when doing review.

Favorite Haunts?

Madison Seminary (aka Ohio Cottage) in Madison, Ohio

Personal Experiences?

I would have to say my favorite experience that will stick with me for a very long time to come, is when I investigated Madison Seminary with members of the Collective Paranormal Research Society (C.P.R.S.), and the 3 people I was investigating with had an amazing experience where we assisted a spirit in crossing over.

Why did you get into the Paranormal?

I had personal experiences at a young age and when I was asked to join MPIT, it seemed a common sense move for me.

Whats next?

For now, I will continue to assist other teams where I am needed and do what I can to expand my knowledge on things in the field as well as to attend public investigations so I don't become too rusty. At some point down the line, I will look into joining a team.

Do you think that paranormal shows (radio/TV/Internet) gives groups a bad reputation?

After the first shows came out and the producers recieved the ratings, the paranormal became more accepted in the society. One thing that people need to remember is that these shows are for entertainment purposes and many things seen on them (for example the blood letting ritual that was recently featured on Ghost Hunters International) should NOT be attempted as the act and it's results can be highly dangerous. People also need to keep in mind that because these tv shows are for entertainment purposes, things can be exaggerated or orchestrated in certain ways in order to get more ratings. However, I have watched a few shows to learn about their techniques in various situations.

Who is the person in the paranormal field you look up to the most or want to be like?

There are people out there doing it to help advance the field and help clients, and there are people that are doing it for the wrong reasons. I feel there is something to be learned (good or bad) from everyone in the field, so I do not think that there is any one person I look up to more than others. However, I do appreciate those that have taken the time to offer their insights and show me other methods in which things can be done.

Have you made a page on www.paranormaldictionary.com?

No. I feel it is silly to create a page on such a forum for myself.

Name some Random Facts about you?

I have had my poems published in various anthologies and newspapers. As a Freshman and Sophomore in High School, I wrote for a Teen section of my local newspaper, which led me to begin doing promotional work for upcoming local musicians.

Are you a skeptic or a believer?

I am an absolute believer.

Official Facebook Fanpage - https://www.facebook.com/ParanormalAudrey

Are E.M.F. Meters Effective Ghost Hunting/Investigation Tools?

Cedric — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:00:09 +0000

First off lets be honest, not one tool is 100% certified for ghost hunting/investigation, because as most of us know their is no governing body for the paranormal (well except for those we "chase" in the after life!). So with that out of the way.... Are EMF meter's effective Tools??

Well the simple answer is what do you believe or subscribe to? Are spirits possibly made of or use ElectroMagnetic Field? Or do they not.... Well if they don't use EMF, then yes EMF meter's are useless, since I don't personally believe this we'll go with spirits are possibly made of or use ElectroMagnetic Field.

Whether they are made of or use EMF is a whole debate in of itself! Magnetism can move objects, look at how rail guns work or Maglev (Train systems that use magnetic levitation to suspend, guide and propel vehicles from magnets rather than using mechanical methods, such as wheels, axles and bearings). So magnetism can move things. We can measure magnetic field strength, so if a spirit uses any form of magnetism we can measure it with an EMF Meter and "know" if they are with us on a case!

Flip side or non paranormal side we can use EMF Meter's to find "hot spots" in a place that may be causing the issues reported. High EMF can cause in some people hallucinations, paranoia, headaches, etc. Which may be where all the reports of paranormal activity come from.

EMF Meter's are useful on hunts/investigations for a multitude of reasons, they've become a stable of almost all paranormal enthusiasts tool kit. For some the very first big piece of tech they bought after a recorder and camera. Some EMF meter's have more flaws then others, but for us you can read about them here in Paranormal 101 - EMF detectors our review of our EMF Meters!

Peace,
Cedric
cedric@midnightwatchmen.com

Paranormal Q&A with Dave Newman

Cedric — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Who are you?

Dave Newman cofounder/director of Fairless Hills Paranormal Group foundes in 2008.

Explain your Methodology?

My group uses the basic scientic methods using measuring tools such as emf meters, we approach each investigation with a open mind and a little bit skeptism.

Favorite Haunts?

My favorite haunted places are Bolton Mansion and Fort Mifflin.

Personal Experiences?

While at Bolton Mansion I was able to catch an object being dropped from the ceiling on camera and at Ft Mifflin I experienced a black mass in casemate 5 coming torwards me before dissappearing.

Why did you get into the Paranormal?

Our group was formed because when you mentioned what you were doing (ghosthunting) a lot of people were interested, so we created the group. Later after our group was established our focus turned to helping people.

Whats next?

Since our group is still growing we are still focused on helping others and learning. So as of right now we are still investigating new places and helping new and old clients with no major future plans.

Strongest Evidence with link to it??

Our Bolton experience can be found on YouTube the link can be found by going to our website www.fhparanormal.com.

What’s your most asked Question by people?

The one question that always seems to come up at every event, class or investigation is " why do you investigate at night".

Dream Case/Investigation?

My goal is to investgate the St.Augustin Lighthouse.

Do you think that paranormal shows (radio/TV/Internet) gives groups a bad reputation?

I think the shows helped the field by introducing it to the public but I also think it hurts the field when they make up and fake evidence.

Tell us a strange but true fact bout your group?

Our group is built with a bunch of people that are not judged on what they know but how well we mesh. We believe you can teach someone how to investigate but if they need to mesh well with the group.

Paranormal Q&A with Jenny Gurney

Cedric — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:00:57 +0000

Jenny Gurney with Barry Fitzgerald

Who are you?

I am Jenny Gurney, a member of F.R.E.A.K.S paranormal team out of Minnesota. F.R.E.A.K.S stands for Friends Researching Entities and Known Spirits. Im a huge paranormal buff, I read and watch anything paranormal to learn more and various topics within the field. I am also the host of Paranormal HotSpot radio show on http://www.pprsteam.org/pprs-network/paranormal-hotspot!

Explain your Methodology?

I go into every location or situation with an open mind, and try to explain and learn more about the paranormal. I often let the location “tell me” where to set my equipment up.

Favorite Haunts?

My favorite two haunts so far in my first year of investigating have been Villisca Ax Murder House in Villisca, Iowa and St. Anthony Main in Minneapolis Minnesota. Two very different locations but each has given me the best personal experiences.

Personal Experiences?

At St. Anthony Main in Minneapolis Minnesota, in the basement of the store front, I had my hair pulled more than once in a span of 30 minutes during an overnight investigation. I have also been scratched in that basement by the cage room. While at Parasota Investigation which was held at St. Anthony Main, in the Event Center, I had all my energy drained from my body but once I left the room, I was fine and had all my energy back. I have been back to St. Anthony Main several times since Parasota and have done their ghost tours several times. I have also done one other overnight investigation there. St. Anthony Main has never and will never disappoint me.

While at Villisca Ax Murder House, we had an extreme non-paranormal experience but that happening gave us some AMAZING paranormal evidence. When walking into the house, myself and all the teams members present had a negative feeling that we should not have been there. Not even 30 minutes being at the house, it started to hail, about softball size or bigger at some times. Because of the hail, the original windows (100 + year old) on the north side of the house, started to break and the glass was flying in at us. After it stopped hailing, all the team members went out to the barn where we waited for Johnny Houser to come to clean up the mess and board up the windows, we kept seeing stuff moving in window of the main floor bedroom (where the neighborhood girls slept). Luckily we had a recorder in that room running. We got some amazing evidence from that hour from no one being in that house. The rest of the night was very active. We got some amazing evidence from that night.

Why did you get into the Paranormal?

Honestly, watching all the paranormal shows got me really interested in the paranormal field. When I heard about Brandy Green’s event, Parasota in 2010, I knew I had to go to that event. That event is what really got me into the paranormal field. I met some amazing people, who are now my friends. That also how I met the team I’m part of, through an events. I have gone to both Parasota held by Brandy and a couple other paranormal events held in Minnesota.

Whats next?

I’m hoping to make it back to Villisca Ax house this year for another overnight investigation but on a clear night. One location I’m hoping to make it to this year is Waverly Hills in KY. In a couple weeks, I will be heading to WI Rapids to investigate the First Ward School House that my friend Justin Libigs of Relatively Haunted, owns. I hope to continue my radio show, and get some more amazing guests on it.

Do you think that paranormal shows gives groups a bad reputation?

No, I don’t think that a paranormal show gives groups a bad reputation. I personally watch the TV shows because of the locations they investigate. Ghost Hunters paved the road for paranormal TV, and now you have Ghost Adventures, Paranormal Challenge, and various other shows popping up. I might not like some of the ways they investigate but I learn from them. Some of the shows are good but some are not but I give every show a shot.

Who is the person in the paranormal field you look up to the most or want to be like?

This question is so hard for me to name only one because I have met so many great people in the paranormal field that I look up to the most. The two that pop into my head right away is Sarah Harmon, aka Paranormal Sarah. Sarah Harmon is one of people I first met in the paranormal field, and from the start she has always given me a great amount of support no matter what is happening in her life. She has taught me so much about the paranormal field. Another person I look up to in the paranormal field is Russ Stiver. He has taught me so much about the paranormal field though just chatting with him on Facebook or Skype.

I wanted to also thank Tiffany Johnson, Scotty Roberts, Joe Couto, Kale Kelly, Michael Carroll and Charlette Stepp for always being there for me with great amount of support and wisdom when I need it the most and just being great friends.

Have you made a page on www.paranormaldictionary.com?

I’m going to be setting one up very soon for my paranormal radio show.

Name some Random Facts about you?

I have met Barry and Kris from Ghost Hunters International, Brandy Green, Andy Andrews and Robb Demarest formerly with GHI, The Klinge Brothers, Steven LaChance, John and Chris Zaffis and Brian Cano and many more amazing people.

I do not like horror movies at all; they scare the crap out of me.

I’m an amazing photographer, and that is my favorite thing to do. I never leave my house without my camera when going on road trips.

Are you a skeptic or a believer?

I’m 100% believer in the paranormal. I have experienced enough to say there is something out there.

https://www.facebook.com/paranormalhotspot ---- my radio show Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennys-Photography/172106349565072 --- my photography page

You Know What Grinds My Gears??

Cedric — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:00:09 +0000

I call this blog 'Diary of the Watchmen' because I wanted to share all of our experiences in the world we know as paranormal. I try to share the investigative/event end more than my experiences with people in the field/hobby we all love, but lately honestly I've ran into so many closed-minded people its a embarrassment! It required me to post in not so many words on Facebook this: "We support the idea of Paranormal Unity, backing each other, sharing ideas, finding the truth, healthy debates, nonjudgmental views and teamwork. Unity is like a family sure there a few black sheep, but they still family... Don't banish them - help them! We are tired of seeing self and/or group centered views... lets all move forward together to something better shall we?"

I've seen these two groups bash each other on their pages over some financial deal they had in place and both parties think the other is to blame - fine but keep it off your pages! One said I had to post so others wouldn't get doped! My response was keep it on your personal page or hell private messages, you have a court case coming up what if your wrong? Sadly I was blamed for taking the other side.... But I stated so accurately on my way out of that post before it was deleted (They finally saw how unprofessional whole post was...) was: 'It's amazing to me that a group bashes another for whatever reason, and somewhere down below in the comments some idiot says: "We support Paranormal Unity, *insert group name* is with you on this.... " Isn't that not Unity? Just saying... Seen it a few times with different groups and different issues, Shouldn't unity be about working together, not a pissing contest or a friend poll?'

Secondly where do some of these 'para-celebs' come off thinking they are better than other investigators because they got lucky enough to be on TV? I had a "request" to put it nicely to fix someone's page on www.paranormaldictionary.com and if I wouldn't fix it to delete the page.... Problem was this 'para-celeb' approved the page in December when we talked, they even went as far in the email they sent me to say what needed corrected! Now they come complaining to me it's not what they want, well then sign up and keep your page updated and information you want up! That's the point of the site! I can lock pages down to verified users for these 'para-celebs' who have to maintain this image of perfection for their drones, er fans. :D

I know this comes off as complaining or a bitch fest, or maybe some jealousy but honestly I don't care. I have never kissed anyone's ass (para or otherwise), I don't plan on starting now.... I've got this far in life being me. Nothing else, not fake, not a charade, just me.

I love investigating the paranormal, making contact with spirits, and meeting new people... I do not enjoy, egos, assholes, those who use you or closed-minded people.

Peace,
Cedric
cedric@midnightwatchmen.com

“Para Unity”

Cedric — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:00:21 +0000

The term "Para Unity" has been thrown around quite a bit lately, from everyone who hates it to those who love/support it. Lots of strong feelings on both sides, which honestly is great! We in the para field are passionate people with many different backgrounds and lives, its what makes us a unique group overall!

Some things we need to realize with "Para Unity" is that one governing body in the paranormal just will never happen. Too many strong willed people! But we all can work together, share knowledge, listen to each other, then make conclusions on what we will believe from their. And most importantly except that not everyone will agree ~ look at Orbs! Understanding is important key to any form of unity.

Many theories have different names, but same definition, (Subjective Apparitions, can also be called projection as I refer to it as.) As such we need to understand each other, as most paranormal terms in a way can be considered our "language", without understanding we all get lost in translation with each other and a huge divide separates us, before we even begin! Knowledge shared is an important key to any form of unity.

Another thing that needs to happen for "Para Unity" to work is that we all need to stop being territorial... What does that mean? It means the owner, client, board of directors who ever runs or owns a home or business has the say who investigates it. NOT YOU OR YOUR TEAM! Sure you may have some input, but its ultimately their call. Respect is an important key to any form of unity.

Also, this all investigations are private crap has to go! If a client/business wants to keep it quiet you do, but otherwise you should not hide that you've been to a place unless an agreement is in place for such! Sharing of what you found whether its E.V.P.'s, Video, Picture, or Nothing..... Should be known! It will only help end speculation about a "haunted location's" true nature. Example: if similar evidence is found by groups at different times leads to credibility of the place! Honesty is an important key to any form of unity.

Last thing that I think some groups do is hide behind "Para Unity" to bash.... They may not mean to, but they do. Backing a friend is one thing, backing a friend with no shred of evidence and spreading lies or untrue statements is total BULLSHIT. It makes you all look bad, professionalism folks ~ its not that hard. And we all fair at that but its being able to say that yes I've messed up I have.... It's what you do after you except that you are not an end all to the paranormal world, but a link in the chain ~ you can be one of the strongest links or one the weakest links ~ that matters the most! Accountability is an important key to any form of unity.

And you may be wondering why I say "Para Unity" in quotations.. its simple because its just an idea.. It can go under many names, fly under many banners, but first we have to stop waving our flag proclaiming we follow "Para Unity". If its aobut us as a whole, stop the name dropping of your group, why don't you try something different and name drop someone who you respect or emulate? It's better to have ideas. You can change an idea. Changing a belief is trickier.

Peace,
Cedric
cedric@midnightwatchmen.com