Author: John C. Fowler

You Know What Grinds My Gears??

you-know-what-really-grinds-my-gearsI 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.  😀

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
[email protected]

“Para Unity”

para-unityThe 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 about 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
[email protected]

Paranormal Q&A with Michael Carroll

Who are you?

My name is Michael Carroll and I am the founder of the New England Spiritual Team. We are a paranormal/historical research and investigative group, based out of Pawcatuck, CT. We scour the New England regions and beyond for claims of haunted/paranormal activity. We never charge for anything that we do or say…EVER!!

Explain your Methodology?

Unlike a lot of other groups, we don’t solely focus on equipment and “evidence”. We have a psychologist on staff and use her to figure out if there are any disorders that may be affecting the client, hence giving the impression upon them that there is paranormal activity going on. We do use digital cameras, digital voice recorders, K2 meters, digital thermometers, etc to try to document anything of interest. Upon checking out the “evidence” for just that, we really try to dissect it as much as possible. The simplest piece of evidence could just be a bug or mist and we are well aware of all possibilities.

Favorite Haunts?

Our favorite locale is The Emporium, in Mystic, CT. We have been going there for well over a year now. While we haven’t always found activity with each visit, the experience of being there is far and away enough to satisfy us and keep us coming back for more. This location is full of history, dating back to the Civil War, and of course, paranormal activity. We are the sole paranormal advisers for the client(s), meaning we check out groups/people interested in investigating there and let the client(s) know our thoughts on them, letting them in or not.

Personal Experiences?

While in The Emporium about 2 weeks ago, me and one of my members, Melanie were in one room. 2 other members, Kat and Hailey, as well as a colleague, Mike, were in another room directly next to us. No one was on the floor below us and the only person on the floor above us was the client. While conducting “quiet time” in which we sit down and don’t speak or move for about 10 minutes (opening us to our surroundings), me and Melanie heard footsteps going down the hallway to the left of us, going into another room in front of us. Hailey, Kat, and Mike were in the room behind us and heard the same footsteps thinking it was me or Melanie about to come in the room. We asked the client to walk around upstairs to try to recreate it but we didn’t hear her at all, nor did the equipment pick it up either. However, the equipment and video did pick up the footsteps heard, meaning they were right there and not upstairs. Plus, the client advised us there was a wall upstairs above where we heard the footsteps turn into the other room. So, unless she walked through a wall, there was no way it came from her.

Why did you get into the Paranormal?

My brother, Christopher, passed away a day before my birthday in 1983. We were 10 months apart. Granted, I was still 2 years old but that event has always haunted me, no pun intended. I have seen him and even spoken to him growing up. Many people told me that I was imagining it but I knew better. The desire to research and find truth behind it has lead me to forming my own group and finding comfort in others who know who I experienced was the truth and not imagination.

Whats next?

The sky is the limit. We have grown so much as a group and have so much more to do and achieve. Like mentioned before, we don’t charge ever and never will. We have merely spent and spent…and spent. I’m not ashamed of it nor do I regret it. the travels are amazing, the people are so nice, and the experiences are memorable. What we always say is “It is not just about the paranormal; but about the experiences as a whole”. I fully intend to have my son/daughter, when I have one that is, to run this ship into the future and beyond.

Favorite Haunts?

Any place. We have no clear favorite. Private clients are great because we get the chance to help people in their homes and that is rewarding enough to us.

Name some Random Facts about you?

I am online researching and more roughly 10-15 hours per day..well, I don’t really have any more random facts..I’m open so just ask!

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

No. Jealousy and jealous people give the paranormal a bad name. If they just stopped whining and trying to bring others down because they can’t do it on their own, the para world would be better for it. I use that negativity as motivation to never let them stop me.

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

Author Thomas D’Agostino. That guy is a solid friend of ours and my mentor. He is the coolest cat I know and I’d give anything to be like him. I have read all of his books and try my hardest to soak up all of his knowledge.

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

I think but I’m on so many things, I’m not sure lol.

Are you a skeptic or a believer?

Oh geez. If you are not a believer, then what are you doing here? You have to be a little bit of both in order to function correctly in this field. I’m a believer, btw.

Paranormal Q&A with Russ Stiver

Who are you?

I am Russ Stiver, Co-founder of Collective Paranormal Research Society out of Youngstown Ohio and also radio personality/host of Batteries Drained: Tales of an Investigator on www.paramaniaradio.com.

Explain your Methodology?

I approach every situation with an open mind, trying to figure out every possible way for something to be explained.

Favorite Haunts?

I have had the pleasure and honor of visiting quite a few locations, but I would have to say, Madison Seminary/Ohio Cottage in Madison Ohio is by far my favorite location.

Personal Experiences?

I’ve had to many to recount. I have had personal experiences from my first investigation at Mansfield Reformatory all the way up to my past investigation at The Cardome Center in Georgetown KY. My most memorable would have to be actually assisting in crossing over a spirit at Madison Seminary.

Why did you get into the Paranormal?

I was 13 years old and doing headstone etchings with my parents at one of the oldest cemeteries in the area. My dad was part of a group that went down to help restore and clean up OSR (Mansfield) and asked if I wanted to come along one night. Since then I have been hooked and doing as a hobby, but it has turned into more than a hobby for me.

Whats next?

I am currently on a support team for a huge investigation taking place in Maryland that will be filmed as a 2 hour special. As for CPRS, we are working on booking up our investigations for 2012 and planning our annual public Halloween event.

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

I respect the TV shows, but with respect does not mean like. Ghost Hunters paved the way for paranormal investigating to be less taboo in society. Different shows have taken that structure and have built off of that since then. Some good, some bad. I think the shows have gotten the foot in the door for a lot of people but it has also made a lot of people “weekend warriors”.

Name some Random Facts about you?

I am an accomplished poet, being published over 7 times in various magazines, books, and newspapers. I am an author working on releasing my first book entitled Batteries Drained. A long time friend and I have completed our first horror based movie script and have submitted the script in 3 (three) horror film festivals.

Are you a skeptic or a believer?

I am a believer. With what I have witnessed over my 10+ years in this field it is hard to dispute my personal experiences and evidence. I have always said, a skeptic is just a believer that hasn’t had an experience yet.