April 26, 2008

Hanz Holzer:  The Original Ghosthunter

by Bill Knell  http://www.opednews.com

In a day when ghost investigation has become a subject for reality television and those involved are more like cartoon characters than serious researchers, it’s prudent to take a look at a real Ghost Hunter. Hans Holzer has authored 160 books about the paranormal. Born in 1920, he has spent many years of his life investigating the ghost phenomenon throughout the world. Hans was the first academically trained researcher to define ghosts and ghostly activity for Parapsychology and his book, The Ghost Hunter (published in 1963), set the standard for understanding and investigating that area of the paranormal. Holzer earned his Phd from the London College of Applied Science and has helped establish many of the protocols used by Parapsychologists today. He’s taught Parapsychology at the New York Institute of Technology and has a wealth of hands-on experience when it comes to ghost hunting. After attending one of his lectures back in the 1970s, I found Hans to be fair, objective and serious about the investigation of paranormal events. More importantly, he’s a wonderful Mentor that has helped many people interested in ghost research to get started on the right path.

Holzer is one of the first paranormal researchers to appear on television and create a positive impression. I recall seeing him in a number of specials, shows and news documentaries aired during the 1960s. This was a time when the media was especially skeptical about anything involving ghosts. His work on the paranormal investigation of historical sites in New York City, for example, was filmed, shown on television and received an excellent response from viewing audiences and the news media alike.

Anyone that is a fan of Leonard Nimoy’s ‘In Search Of’ series of the 1970s will recall seeing Hans on the show. Holzer’s book, The Ghosts That Walk in Washington, became a classic read on Washington, D.C. ghosts and an excellent written account of his famous Woodrow Wilson House ghost hunt. Hans frequently works with Mediums and isn’t afraid to embrace alternative ideas and methodologies. His book, Ghosts, has sold hundreds of thousands of copies and become a definitive work on the subject. Hans says of that book, “It’s an encyclopedia of all the ghost cases that I have been involved in.”

Beyond the fact that Hans Holzer stepped up and made the investigation of ghostly activity a legitimate area of study, I appreciated his work because we both have something in common. Hans became interested in the paranormal when he was eight years of age. I became interested in UFOs, ghosts and the paranormal when I was nine years of age. That makes a difference. It gives you time to formulate ideas, study the work of others and develop a healthy respect for objectivity, as opposed to becoming a true believer, skeptic or debunker.

I am happy to see that Alexandra Holzer, daughter to Hans Holzer and Artist, Countess Catherine Buxhoeveden, has taken on the task of writing about what it was like growing up in that family. Her book, Growing Up Haunted: A Ghostly Memoir, is a delightful collection of stories and behind the scenes facts about her famous dad and mom, as well as their children. Among other things, the book delves into what it was like for Hans to take on a world set against the belief that ghosts were anything more than loose floorboards, overactive imaginations and drug induced or psychotic fantasies.

It’s easy for anyone to enter an allegedly haunted environment with a camera crew in town, check a few meters, run a digital recorder for possible EVPs and try and debunk the place. It’s another thing to take on the same task armed with the knowledge, well-rounded skills and a serious desire to objectively unlock the secrets of the unseen world. Hans Holzer has set the standard for ghost investigation and provided an excellent example for the rest of us to follow. For more, visit http://www.UFOguy.com

http://www.ufoguy.com

Bill Knell is a popular Speaker, Author and Consultant with eclectic interests. Best known for his Paranormal Research and Seminars, Bill also excels in the area of personal, business and financial advice and management. Featured in the Wall Street Journal, Omni, the L.A. Times, Toronto Star and NY Times; seen on CNN, NBC Nightly News, Fox Television and many Cable Networks; heard on Mancow, Bob and Tom and Howard Stern; consultant to films like Independence Day, Men in Black, the Fifth Element and World of the Worlds.

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Finally an interesting article about a former North York man, originally from Peterborough, that experienced the paranormal first hand and is now hot for hauntings and ghosts! He’s a 9-5′er like myself and doesn’t charge to assist people in ridding their paranormal problems. I give him props for that! There should not be any costs involved at all when it comes to science! To be honest it should all be funded by the government, as would any research. I know it would be very valuable to mankind if we could find out the answers that seem to haunt us when it comes to the metaphysical world. Imagine the peace our society would feel if we knew exactly what was going on and maybe even what our purpose on this earth was. Instead they pump gazillions into bs research. Please! They have a cure for AIDS and cancer, I bet. They don’t disclose it because the pharmaceutical business is big business. Anyways, please check out the article below. .

Ghostbuster shares haunting stories at city workshop; Spooked? Who are you gonna cal?

Posted By Kovach, Joelle

Posted 2 days ago

There’s something spooky about the way Cameron Bagg introduces himself to people.

“Hi – I’m the ghost guy,” he says.

Bagg means he investigates haunted buildings. It’s a passion for him, something he does in his spare time.

If you suspect you’ve got a haunting, he says, he’s the guy you should call.

Do you want evidence there are ghosts in your house? Want someone to chase them away? Bagg is your man.

He doesn’t do any of this for money. He loves ghostbusting so much, he does it for free. He’s no johnny-come-lately. Bagg has been doing this for 20 years, and feels he’s pretty good at it.

“I think I may be at the front of the pack of ghosthunters,” he says.

On Saturday, Bagg is prepared to reveal some tricks of his trade at a four-hour workshop at the Peterborough Public Library.

Bagg will discuss his encounters, the history of ghost hunting and the basics on how to conduct your own haunt scene investigation.

He’s conducted similar workshops in Toronto, over the last two years. This is his first in Peterborough. Later this month, he’ll be repeating the workshop in Port Hope, Port Perry and Lindsay.

He’s doing it because he wants to encourage people to fearlessly investigate haunt scenes.

Bagg, 44, grew up in North York and has family in Peterborough. About a year ago he moved to Arndon Avenue, in the city’s south end, with his 11-year-old son.

He’s an employment counsellor who assists adults with special needs. But that’s his nine-to-five work. His ghost-hunting hobby started when he was 23 and moved into a haunted apartment in North York with his new wife.

He didn’t believe in ghosts. That was to change when Bagg and his wife were confronted with the unexplained.

For example, Bagg would hear a woman’s voice calling his name – or he’d hear footsteps in the next room – when he was alone.

He asked whether anyone had died in his apartment. The building superintendent said an elderly woman had died suddenly, of a stroke, in the kitchen.

Bagg figured it was her ghost and meant him no harm.

Instead of fearing her and trying to get rid of her, Bagg started reading about other hauntings and asking people to share their ghost stories.

After about two years, he moved but had developed an obsession with haunt scenes.

Soon, people would learn of Bagg’s interest through word of mouth. He started getting telephone calls from people living or working in haunted buildings. He gets these calls all the time.

Sometimes, people just want to talk to someone about their encounters with ghosts to reassure themselves that they aren’t crazy. Others want him to gather evidence.

Bagg says it’s possible to capture ghost images on video if you use an infrared camera designed to take footage in the dark.

Once it’s been determined the house is haunted, Bagg can offer tips on encouraging the ghost to leave.

For example, you can tell the ghosts, in a firm tone, that they’re not welcome.

“If you don’t want them, tell them to go,” he says. “I know it sounds New Agey. But even though it seems like hooey, it works.”

In more than two decades, Bagg has investigated about 25 hauntings, many in the Toronto area, and some in Peterborough.

Bagg has investigated two Toronto area schools where ghost children appear to janitors or scribble on the blackboards at night.

He’s also investigated haunted houses and restaurants. He keeps the locations confidential, not everyone wants it publicized that their house or business is haunted.

Bagg is investigating some local haunt scenes. He’s been in touch with some Peterborough homeowners who are concerned about a ghostly cat prowling the house.

He plans to go investigate a cemetery near Bowmanville where he’s heard a woman’s ghost has been wandering. Apparently she wasn’t buried in the same plot with her husband, and she’s looking for him. Bagg’s been living here and hasn’t had time yet to investigate many haunted places.

He wants to check out the most spook-infested buildings in the city, the ones that have sent other people fleeing in fear.

“I want to see the scariest places in town,” he says. “Send me your ghosts.”

Bagg’s kept in touch with some of the ghost hunters he’s met. Some go with him on investigations, an informal group that he calls The Haunt Club.

If that interests you, he says, he’d like to see you at his workshop. He’d love to see more local people getting involved in ghosthunting as a hobby.

Every spooky building in town should be checked out thoroughly; and he wants to recruit people to help.

“I want to put Peterborough on the map as the ghost capital of the world,” he says with a smile.

Ghost facts:

- What: The Haunt Club’s Travelling Ghost Show is a lecture by a ghost researcher with 20 years of experience. It covers topics such as the history of the ghost and how to conduct your own haunt scene investigation.

- Researcher: Cameron Bagg, a local ghost-buster, (877) 745-5588

- Who’s it intended for: Skeptics and believers alike. Bagg says this is meant for anyone over the age of about 12 who is curious about ghosts.

- When: Saturday, April 5, from noon to 4 p.m.

- Where: The Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. N.

- Admission: $25 at the door.

Article ID# 969631

By Hank Hayseed, Esq.
BayToday.ca
Wednesday, March 26, 2008

The first house I bought was a cute little old farmhouse in the Caledon Hills, north of Toronto. The missus and I moved there a mere week after our daughter was born.

Everything was roses: I had an exciting career, we increasingly enjoyed our new place and our daughter was an absolute joy to be with.

Until…things started to … subtly change.

The neighbours had advised us to lock up when we left the house due to some recent hooliganisms in the area. Upon our return from shopping, as one of us would reach for the front door with our keys, the door would slowly open!

“Um, okay, I guess we didn’t lock it properly, eh honey?” After the second occurrence, we gave that door a thorough inspection. Yes, we could definitely hear the locking mechanism engage. Next time we came home, same thing…the door was unlocked and partially open.

Okay, we tried coming home via the back door. Same thing.
Oh boy!

I was raised in a family with several women. Guess how many times I left the toilet seat up? Right, once! In this new home, every time I went to do a stand-up procedure, the lid was up when I walked into the bathroom!

For the first few times, I just assumed that I had left it up after my previous visit. But, NO! I never leave a seat up! And there was no way that the missus would’ve.

But wait…there’s more!

I had bought a rocking chair for the nursery, for the missus and I to feed and rock our daughter. One day, the missus went upstairs to see the chair rocking! Exactly as if someone was in it! The window wasn’t open for any wind to be moving it.

We finally asked our neighbours if they knew the history of the house. Previous to the young couple we bought if from, there were two spinster sisters that had lived there for several decades. Their family had once owned several hundred acres in the area. As their parents and siblings had passed away or moved on, they sold off the property to be left with the wee house on an acre and half.

One of the sisters had died in her sleep. In my daughter’s room! After her passing the other sister moved away.

The missus and I discussed it. Outside, in case the Ghost was listening. We agreed that at least it appeared benevolent and certainly not worthy of any concerns of poltergeist-like activities.

The five of us, daughter, missus, dog, our Ghost and myself, spent a most enjoyable time living there.

Especially, as a man, to find the toilet seat already raised for me.
 

If you read the following article you may believe that the fellow featured may have had some sort of sleep disorder.  It is possible.  I, however, know for a fact that my experiences are 100% because when I experienced a similar paralysis it was post my blankets being pulled down 3x!  I will never forget that for as long as I live, and beyond! 

For the Gray brothers, terror has turned out to be a good thing.

Two years ago in the middle of the night, Adam Gray saw a figure in a white shroud at the foot of his bed.

“I was quite terrified and I was trying to scream or move,” said the Belleville resident, now 35. “I was completely paralyzed, except for my eyes.”

The figure raised a hand, and Gray said he felt as though his soul was being pulled out of his body.

Gray’s wife, Jacqui, was alerted by muffled noise coming from her husband. She saw nothing unusual in the room, and shook him.

“As she shook me, it vanished,” said Gray, who added the experience was so frightening he was content to believe it had been a nightmare, as Jacqui had suggested.

But it became a recurring scare, and Gray was so shaken that he began researching its symptoms.

He learned about sleep paralysis, a condition experienced by an estimated 20 per cent of the world’s population.

One scientific theory says the mind and eyes wake up before the sleeping body, leaving the limbs still immobilized from sleep. In some cases, scientists say, the victim’s mind may produce some sort of ghost or creature as a way of explaining the paralysis.

Some people feel as though they’re being suffocated; others have many more symptoms.

Gray wanted to learn more, and since he was already in partnership with his brother Andrew in Graymatters Video Productions, a documentary seemed the best route.

When Andrew Gray first heard his brother’s story, he had a typical brotherly reaction: “that he was nuts.

“It took some convincing,” Andrew, 32, said this week.

But in time, the pair developed a solid proposal for The Nightmare, a film exploring the subject.

They recruited Canadian producer Paul Stephens, whose work includes Beowulf & Grendel, Ordinary Magic, and TV’s Torso: The Evelyn Dick Story. They’d met earlier when Stephens, a frequent visitor to the Quinte region, wandered into their former Pinnacle Street office out of curiosity.

The Grays made their pitch to VisionTV at Toronto’s Hot Docs film festival.

“From the first few words of their pitch, it was exactly what we were looking for,” said Joan Jenkinson, VisionTV’s director of independent productions and The Nightmare’s executive producer.

“It was a fresh perspective,” she said. “Their vision was also big. “I took a chance with them because I didn’t really know anything about them,” she told The Intelligencer.

Jenkinson said once work was underway, however, “They blew me away.” Together, VisionTV and Space: The Imagination Station gave The Nightmare the green light.

“In order to pull off such an ambitious project on the budget we had, we really had to get our hands dirty,” Adam said.

For the next two years, the Grays travelled from Japan to the African island of Zanzibar, filming interviews with people who’d had sleep paralysis and scientists who have studied it.

“I’d never left the continent before, so it was all new and strange,” said Andrew.

Every culture they visited had a different name for the nightmarish experience.

But in each, a strange creature visited victims in the night, terrorizing the person and sometimes creating the sensations of being choked or, in Zanzibar, physical signs of rape.

Newfoundlanders spoke of “the hag,” a witch who attacked sleepers. In Japan, one woman said the face of her father on the figure choking her. And in Zanzibar, a witch doctor told Gray he had been possessed by evil spirits, then performed an exorcism on him.

In California, a Hmong shaman from southeast Asia performed another ceremony on him, ending his recurring experiences.

Scientists, meanwhile, offered theories on whether or not the experience was a hallucination or something else entirely.

Some of the evidence seen in The Nightmare seems to indicate it may be much more than a bad dream, at least in some instances.

So far, Adam said, “They can’t really explain something as bizarre as this.”

And after two years of work on the project, Andrew still isn’t convinced one way or the other.

“It can’t be explained by science, but supernatural theories don’t make a lot of sense either. I think there’s a lot to the mind and body that we don’t understand.”

Adam said he was reassured by their investigation, if only because he learned just how common his experience was.

“When you talk to so many people who are obviously completely normal, healthy people who’ve had the same experience, it’s comforting.”

The brothers’ roughly 43-minute film aired on VisionTV’s Enigma March 5. It’s expected to repeat and air on Space as well, though no dates have been set.

The brothers are hoping it could lead to much more, and that may be happening.

The Nightmare was the first broadcast project written and directed by the Grays. VisionTV’s Jenkinson liked what she saw.

“They are my best find of the year,” Jenkinson said without hesitation.

“Throughout the whole process they were very, very professional and very creative, and the product we got at the end was fantastic.

“The writing was also very dramatic; they told a very good story.”

Jenkinson has already agreed to use a new half-hour cut of The Nightmare in her new series, “Do You Believe In…?” It’s a rebranding of Enigma, and aims to explain paranormal and supernatural phenomena.

The brothers from Belleville have a place in the new brand, she said.

“We have full intention on moving forward with them on at least a couple of projects.”

The Grays have pitched her ideas for four new documentaries covering everything from clairvoyance to black magic.

If they’re accepted, Andrew said dryly, “We’re going to be quite busy this year talking to a lot of strange people in foreign countries,” Andrew said dryly.

“It feels great,” he said of the prospect of more work. “It feels like everything I’ve been working for is starting to take off and I’ll be able to explore the kinds of topics I want to in film.”

They said they’re mindful of the possibility of being labelled as makers of only spooky projects, but aren’t yet concerned by it.

“I don’t think that’s our lifelong goal – to make supernatural films – but it’s a fun place to start,” Adam said.

He added regardless of whether the strange phenomena are real or imagined doesn’t matter: people are experiencing them, and whatever the cause, it’s worth investigating.

“We’d like to make films that open people’s minds to the possibility that it’s a genuine experience – this is something that’s real and happening, and people should think about it.”

lhendry@intelligencer.ca

Article ID# 944280