Ghost Grrls!

Join Us for Meetup on February 18th

2012-01-24T12:26:00.000-08:00

Join us on Saturday night, 2/18/2012! Go to Charlotte Ghost Trackers Meetup Group or Charlotte Paranormal Believers Meetup Group at www.meetup.com for details.

Historic Christmas Celebrations

2011-11-29T07:24:00.000-08:00

On December 10th, both Brattonsville (3pm-9pm) and Latta Plantation (6pm-9pm)
will hold Christmas celebrations from days gone by.

Brattonsville will also hold the same event on December 17th (3pm-9pm).

Past participants in these events have captured some interesting photographs,
possibly of a paranormal nature.

You never know, if you go, take lots of pictures and be sure to check them
closely for any anomalies.

CAPS Wishes Everyone a Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-19T19:46:00.000-08:00

Best wishes for a safe and Happy Thanksgiving from CAPS.

CAPS Wishes to Honor Those Who Serve on Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T06:33:00.000-08:00

CAPS wishes to honor our Veteran's who served, those who are serving, and those who paid the ultimate price, as well as the families that support, love and miss them.

THANK YOU TO ALL!!

Tina R. McSwain,
Foundet & Director
CAPS

CAPS Founder & Director to Appear on Blog Talk Radio Show - Dead Air Thursday Nov. 11th from 9PM until 11PM

2011-11-09T21:15:00.000-08:00

Be sure and tune in!

www.blogtalkradio.com/dead-air

CAPS Investigates Old Crowell Memorial Hospital for the Lincoln Times-News

2011-10-31T21:20:00.001-07:00

CAPS Investigates Reports of Paranormal Activity at Kennedy's Premium Bar & Grill

2011-10-31T21:01:00.000-07:00

CAPS Investigates Historic Rosedale for Fox Charlotte

2011-10-31T18:35:00.001-07:00

CAPS Investigates Lake Todd Fish Camp for The Charlotte Today Show

2011-10-31T18:05:00.000-07:00

Historic Rosedale Midnight House Tour

2011-10-27T08:58:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 28, 2011

Historic Rosedale Plantation offer will “Midnight in House” on Saturday October 29 at 11:00pm. It will be held on the 9-acre grounds of Rosedale Plantation and in the house at 3427 North Tryon Street in Charlotte, NC from 11 p.m. until 1 a.m. Admission is $50. by online purchases only. Reservations are available on our web site at www.historicrosedale.org.

This experience is for those wishing to explore the real intimacies of the “spiritual” side of one of the oldest homes in Charlotte and not for the faint of heart. Hear first hand accounts of supernatural “incidents” while being there ONLY as the previous residents…..in the late hours of the night. See the presentation prepared by CAPS of actual video and audio documentation captured at the plantation. Will you be the next visitor to have an encounter? Every Midnight Tour has produced a new story to tell, maybe you will be the next tale. (Limited to 8). Please arrive @ 10:45pm at the front gate. No refunds under any circumstances. $50 per person, reservation should be made by Friday October 28 at4pm.

For further information call Rosedale at 704-335-0325.

Or visit the website @ www.historicrosedale.org

About Historic Rosedale Plantation

Rosedale was built in 1815 by Archibald Frew, a merchant, postmaster and tax collector. The home was locally known as “Frew’s Folly because he spared no expense constructing the plantation that became a jewel of the Carolinas. The extravagant 4600 square foot home once sat on 919 acres. Historic Rosedale Plantation is now the glistening focal point of the plantation’s remaining 8.5 acres. The home was owned and occupied by five generations of the family (Frew, Davidson , Caldwell) until it was sold in 1986 A 7-year $1 million restoration began through funding of a private foundation. Restoration, furnishing, and work on the historic gardens are continuing, but today it is possible for the public to have a glimpse into the timeless artistry of Rosedale Plantation.

Historic Rosedale Plantation is located at 3427 N. Tryon Street in Charlotte, NC. Trained docents conduct tours for drop-in visitors Thursday through Sunday between 1:30 and 3:00 p.m. Tours are $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for children 4 years old through 12th grade, and seniors (65 or older). Children 3 and under are free when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Tina McSwain and CAPS Featured in The Charlotte Observer

2011-10-26T19:36:00.001-07:00

CAPS and its Founder & Director, Tina R. McSwain, will be featured in the Thursday - October 27th edition of The Charlotte Observer. Check it out!

CAPS Founder & Director to Appear on ParaX Radio The Hive Sunday Oct. 16th at 7PM

2011-10-16T12:28:00.000-07:00

We are excited to announce that our Founder & Director, Tina R. McSwain, will be appearing on the nationally syndicated ParaX Radio Network show, The Hive from 7pm until 8pm tonight. Sunday - October 16th. Please tune in!!

Ghost Hunters on SyFy Tomorrow Night

2011-09-13T12:35:00.000-07:00

After seven years on TV, the Ghost Hunters have reportedly captured a full blown apparition on film! Check it out and see for yourself.

Scarowinds Opens This Friday

2011-09-13T12:27:00.001-07:00

For the kids (and Kids at Heart), Scarowinds opens this Friday. The haunted theme park is back, tickets are around $30.00. Open this weekend through Halloween.

Haunted Segway Tours Available in Charlotte

2011-09-13T12:26:00.001-07:00

How Cool...Haunted Segway Tours.

I have to say, I have ridden Segways and they are a blast!! Once you master the technique, you don't want to stop.

What a great idea and modern twist to combine the old fashioned ghost walk with the innovation of the seqway.

And, with Groupon, you save quite a bit on this adventure!
Tina

Subject: Charlotte NC Tours Deal of the Day | Groupon Charlotte

http://www.groupon.com/deals/charlotte-nc-tours-1?c=title&utm_content=al
l-deals_charlotte&date=20110910&division=charlotte&p=5&s=body&sid=109703
37&utm_campaign=charlotte-nc-tours-1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newslet
ter&user=547daf421cbba9d85af032044b37670f63be35507977b31514eef7ee88117ac
e

Paranormal Witness Premieres on SyFy Tonight

2011-09-07T18:28:00.000-07:00

A new foray into the world of Paranormal TV, Paranormal Witness will premiere on the SyFy Channel tonight at 10PM. If you watch it, let us know what you think!

Tragedy at Bostian Bridge - One Year Later

2011-08-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

As many of you may remember, a young man lost his life one year ago while attempting to see the infamous ghost train of Bostian Bridge.

CAPS takes its responsibility as stewards of the paranormal community very seriously. In that vein, it is our advice and admonishment to any would-be train seekers, to stay home. Norfolk Southern Security as well as Iredell County Sheriff Department officers will be patrolling the tracks and area of the tracks. This is private property belonging to the railroad and YOU WILL BE ARRESTED FOR TRESPASSING!!

AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, THIS IS AN URBAN LEGEND. THERE IS NOTHING TO SEE, THERE IS NO GHOST TRAIN.

The last reported "sighting" was well over 50 years ago (supposedly on the 50 year anniversary of the crash) by a local woman whose story of course cannot be substantiated. This would have been the year 1941.

There have been no sightings since, nor will there ever be. Hundreds of people have come out over the years in an effort to see this supposed phenomena.

THERE HAVE BEEN NO REPORTS OF ANY ACTIVITY IN ALL THESE YEARS NOR BY ANY OF THE HUNDREDS WHO HAVE MADE THIS USELESS JOURNEY AND STAYED UP ALL NIGHT FOR NAUGHT.

On the 100 Year Anniversary, the site took on a carnival atmosphere, complete with T-shirts! Again, it is only a local legend, much like The Mothman Festival being celebrated in Pt. Pleasant, WV, and nothing more!! Stay safe…stay home, and stay out of jail!!

July Meetup is This Friday

2011-07-27T07:56:00.001-07:00

This Month's Meetup is centered on the west side of Charlotte. Dinner and a Ghost Hunt. See www.meetup.com for details.

2011-07-01T04:57:00.001-07:00

On the road again…

This time to Ohio. My CAPS team members and I are off to our first haunted destination, Prospect Place in Trinway, OH. We should arrive for our investigation around 7pm Friday evening. This family mansion is quite imposing as it sits alone on a hilltop. A most foreboding and outright creepy place. It was built in the 1850′s and was used as part of the underground railroad, offering the escaping slaves a safe haven as they made their way to Canada and true freedom. It is reported to be the ghostly home of the lady of the house, as well as a young girl. The barn is said to harbor a more sinister presence, a bounty hunter who found himself on the end of a hangman’s noose in a mock trial followed by swift local justice. We’ll try our best to capture some evidence of the spirit world. Maybe the essence of a fleeing slave or an injured passenger from a horrible train wreck that occurred nearby.

We’ll then make our way on Saturday to Mansfield, OH and investigate the Bissman Building in downtown Mansfield. This family owned business has a few ghost stories of its own. A mysterious ghost girl named “Ruthie”, as well as an unfortunate gentleman who lost his life on his last day of work at the building. On the day of his retirement, he had forgotten an item and got back on the elevator to return to his office to retreive it. The elevator malfunctioned and fell, beheading him.

There’s an old theatre just across the street, and we’ve been told we’ll get a shot at it too. Almost every old theatre you hear of is said to be haunted. This one is no exception.

Finally, we’ll end our “Ghosts of Ohio” tour at the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield. OH. For some of us, this will be our second trip to this infamous prison. I for one, had an encounter in the Assistant Warden’s living quarters. I heard footsteps coming from the room to my left, then they walked right up to me. I also saw a series of lights near the ceiling of the room for which I have no explanation. This is the facility that was used in the filming of The Shawshank Redemption. Prisons are famous for their paranormal activity. Hopefully, we have a few new experiences of our own.

Stay tuned for our results…

WSOC-TV Summer Food Drive is TODAY!!

2011-06-22T06:18:00.000-07:00

WSOC-TV's Summer Food Drive is today. Please bring your non-perishable food donations to our studios between 10am and 7pm.

For the second year, we're also collecting pet food donations!

Channel 9 anchors and reporters will be on hand all day to help unload your donations.

The Summer Food Drive benefits Second Harvest Food Bank and helps feed kids in the summer when school meals aren't available.

Please help us make this year's food drive the most successful yet.

WSOC-TV is located at 1901 N. Tryon Street, just north of uptown Charlotte

CAPS Founder & Director to Appear on WSGE 91.7 FM

2011-06-10T22:52:00.000-07:00

Tina R. McSwain, CAPS Founder & Director, to appear on WSGE 91.7 FM The Gaston College Roundtable's Sunday edition this Sunday - June 12th at 9am.

Tune in.

Thank You to ConCarolinas

2011-06-06T07:31:00.000-07:00

CAPS wishes to thank the Con Committee of the 2011 ConCarolinas for their hospitality and the courtesies extended to us at this year's convention. We also want to thank the ConSuite on behalf of our charity partner, The Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, for their generous donation of the food items left over after the Con.

Again, a special thank you to Ron, Frank, Stephanie, Jada, Carol, and Donna for making our experience at ConCarolinas 2011 a great one!!

Sincerely,

Tina R,.McSwain, Founder and Director

The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society (CAPS)

ConCarolinas is This Weekend in Charlotte

2011-06-01T18:53:00.000-07:00

ConCarolinas is the area's premier Science Fiction/Gaming/Horror/Fantasy Convention held annually in Charlotte, NC. Located at the University Hilton, and lasting 3 days, the spectacle lasts from Friday June 3rd at 3pm until Sunday June 5th at 5pm.

Come meet the Special Guests of Honor, your favorite writers and gamers, have your picture taken with the Ghostbusters, StormTroopers, Darth Vader or a Jedi or two. Visit with Star Fleet Officers, Klingons, and characters of all types.

See www.concarolinas.org for more details.

CAPS Founder & Director, Tina R. McSwain, is a featured guest and will be speaking on several paranormal panels. Followong is the Paranormal Tract Schedule

Friday - 6/3/2011
03:00 pm Best Evidence of the Paranormal - University Ballroom B - Programming 2
05:00 pm The Paranormal in Other Cultures - Walden - Programming 4
06:00 pm Urban Legends - Walden - Programming 4

Saturday - 6/4/2011
9:00 am Ask a Ghost Hunter - Walden - Programming 4
11:00 am Too Much of a Good Thing? - Walden - Programming 4
12:00 pm Skeptics vs. Believers - Walden - Programming 4
07:00 pm Shawn Sellers - Walden - Programming 4
07:00 pm - The World Premier of Ghost Trek TV Pilot - University Ballroom D/E Programming 1

Sunday - 6/5/2011
12:00 pm Cryptozoology - Walden - Programming 4
01:00 pm Paranormal Then and Now - Walden - Programming 4

CAPS will have an information table at the Con. Drop by and say Hi!

Meetup is Tonight

2011-05-27T04:45:00.000-07:00

Join us at Meetup tonight at Caribou Coffee on East Blvd. in Charlotte, beginning at 7pm. We'll discuss our recent investigation of Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville, KY along with other paranormal topics. Come out and meet, greet and mingle with your fellow paranormal enthusiasts. All past, current and newest members are welcome to attend!

CAPS Investigates Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville, KY

2011-05-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

Eleven CAPS Core Team members investigated Waverly Hills on Sunday night - May 22nd. We just arrived home yesterday afternoon.

While personal experiences are not considered evidence, they are deemed important, and almost everyone in the group had at least one.

We used (8) Sony Hi8 night-shot cameras on tripods with IR illuminators, (3)roving Night Shot cameras with IR illuminators (these accompanied the teams as they investigated), (2) full spectrum HD video recorders on tripods with IR illuminators, (2) full spectrum digital cameras, (1) roving full spectrum video camera with IR Illuminator, and (1) roving FLIR thermal imaging camera. Of course, team members ran digital audio recorders the entire time, and used digital cameras as well.

With this much footage and audio to review, it will be some time before we can complete our analysis. We will post anything we find. In the meantime, we will discuss the investigation and relate our personal experiences at this month's Meetup on Friday - May 27th at 7pm at Caribou Coffee on East Blvd. Please plan
to join us.

On a personal note, I will say that if you ever get a chance to investigate Waverly, go for it! It has been the most active site I have ever seen (and I have been to many across the country). I know I speak for my fellow team members as well when I say that the place, the images and the experience stays with you.

Announcing CAPS May Paranormal Class

2011-05-10T08:17:00.000-07:00

We are excited to announce that renown local Psychic/Medium Mary Beth Wrenn will
be teaching our May Paranormal Class on Friday - May 20th at 7PM. Please see the details below:

Ghostly Investigations & Respect for the Dead

"Spirits are not entertainment. I repeat the spirit world is not entertainment." The spirit world is real and is to be respected. The spirit world is aware of your energy all the time. As soon as you enter a haunted location, your aura is being scanned. If your intention is for good and for understanding and you have a lot of patience - the spirit world will respond in kind. But if you go into a haunting with the intention to provoke 'remember garbage in... Garbage out!' The spirit world can react in a very negative and emotionally draining way. You could very possible be attached psychically,emotionally and physically and worst yet, you could be possessed by a spirit who won't let go".

Join Psychic/Medium Mary Beth Wrenn for an in-depth discussion about Ghostly Investigations and Respect for the Dead. Mary Beth is a full time professional Psychic/Medium who's been in practice for over 20 some years, having investigated hauntings in both NJ and in North Carolina. She resides in the Charlotte Metro reading clients in-person, on the phone and online. For more information just go to www.marybethwrenn.com

Class location will be in the north this month, returning to the classroom space donated to us by Organic Dyestuffs Corporation of Concord. This location is right across the street from the Lowe's Home Improvement Store. We meet upstairs, beginning at 7PM.

Organic Dyestuffs Corporation
1015 Concord Parkway North (US Hwy 29)
Concord, NC 28027-5923

Please feel free to call 704-236-9678 should you have problems. We hope you'll
join us for this most interesting class!!

Best regards,
Tina R. McSwain,
Founder & Director,
The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society (CAPS)

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo the CAPS Way

2011-05-04T20:45:00.000-07:00

San Antonio's Modern Mexican Restaurant on Barclay Downs near SouthPark is doing a special event for Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina on the 5th of May.

They will be inviting the public out to sample food and listen to live music at their restaurant. Admission to this event is canned goods.

Please support CAPS Official Charity, and help the hungry in our area. Together, we can defeat hunger!

CAPS Founder & Director to Speak in Fort Mill, SC

2011-04-19T19:48:00.000-07:00

Tina R. McSwain, Founder & Director of The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society (CAPS) will speak to the Lifelong Learning Organization at Sun Cty in Fort Mill, SC on Monday - April 25th at 7pm.

CAPS Spirit Rescue Team

2011-03-27T17:14:00.000-07:00

CAPS maintains a Spirit Rescue Team. It is the purpose of these individuals to visit with concerned clients who know they have "something" in their home and are either frightened by it, or want it gone. If the above description fits you, please contact us for help!

22nd Annual Chef's Best

2011-03-21T07:28:00.000-07:00

Support CAPS Official Charity, The Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina by purchasing your tickets to the 22nd Annual Chef's Best Event featuring Wolfgang Puck. Friday - March 25th at the Convention Center Uptown Charlotte.

CAPS Appearing at The Schiele Museum's First Ever SciFiFest

2011-03-09T10:14:00.000-08:00

Come out this Saturday - March 12th from 10am until 4pm to The Schiele Museum in Gastonia, NC for their first ever SciFiFest!! Bring the kiddies!

CAPS will be on hand to greet patrons and answer questions about all things paranormal.

Visit their website at www.schielemuseum.org We hope to see you there!

Tina R. McSwain,

Founder & Director,

The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society (CAPS)

Join Us at Meetup This Friday

2011-02-21T08:22:00.000-08:00

Make your plans to join us for Paranormal Movie Night! We will show a well received paranormal documentary on the flat screen, and discuss the show afterwards. We'll also enjoy good food, thought provoking conversation, and great company.

Dinner will begin at 7pm, and the movie will begin at approximately 8pm. They are open late, so we'll have plenty of time to relax, mingle, and meet fellow paranormal enthusiasts.

CAPS Paranormal Class Friday 2/18/2011 at 7PM

2011-02-11T18:43:00.000-08:00

We are pleased to bring to you for this class, Mr. Steve Hill, an expert in the use of ghost box technology and EVP work. Steve is a local to our area, has authored a book about this subject, and has appeared on many internet radio and tv programs.

We encourage all to attend this class. The class is free. Steve will have copies of his book for purchase. He'll even sign them for you!

If you have a ghost box, we encourage you to bring it with you. Steve will give us some tips, dos and dont's, and then have a question and answer session following his presentation.

CLASS WILL BE HELD IN THE SOUTHPARK AREA OF CHARLOTTE

The Colony Apartments (Clubhouse)
3701 Roxborough Parkway
Charlotte, NC 28211

From Sharon Road, turn onto Morrison Blvd. (Southpark Mall will be on your left), then turn right onto Roxborough Road. Take a right onto Roxborough Parkway (the Marriott will be on your left). Clubhouse is down on your left.

We will have complimentary coffee, bottled water,
sodas and light snacks available.

If you have trouble finding it, please feel free to call 704/236-9678.

Again, we hope to see you in class on Friday!!
Tina R. McSwain,
Founder & Director,
The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society (CAPS)

2010-10-07T06:34:00.000-07:00

Looking for something different to do this Halloween? How about a visit to a REAL haunted house? Head on over to N. Tryon street for the Rosedale Plantation Ghost Walk.

Historic Rosedale plantation was built in 1815 and served as a private home for several prominent families.

The ghost walk takes place on ONE NIGHT ONLY...10/30/2010. Tickets are $10.00 each and the proceeds support the ongoing preservation of this historic treasure.

See press release below for additional details. Purchase tickets through the Rosedale website, here.

****************************************************************************************

5:30pm

Guests should gather around the tables under the Swamp Chestnut toward the rear of the home. This enchanted tree stands close to where the slave quarters and original smithy once existed. You will walk the same paths of those who worked, lived, and died at Rosedale. Some believe the former inhabitants still reside at Rosedale. Experience the energy of the plantation while hearing stories of those who have experienced strange encounters. What will you see, hear, smell... will someone tap your shoulder or tug your sleeve? Is it Elbert, the former “conjure man” or Archibald Frew, the ill-fated original owner, or Cherry the nurse and root healer? Advance reservations encouraged. We suggest participants bring a small flashlight. Tour approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
No refunds under any circumstances
$10.00 per person

Price Reduction for CAPS Special Yahoo Group Ghosthunt

2010-09-07T22:30:00.002-07:00

The owners have just announced a price reduction for the investigation of the Haunted Farmhouse in Dunn, NC. Cost will now be $25.00 per Person. Monies received will go directly to the property owner (who is disabled) for help with living expenses.

Please contact Tina McSwain of CAPS at gostwatchr@aol.com if interested in going. Let's get a group together and go support the efforts of these fine people who have opened their land and lives to the paranormal community!!

Several paranormal research teams have already visited this site and confirmed activity is present.

Price Reduction for CAPS Special Yahoo

2010-09-07T22:30:00.001-07:00

CAPS Special Yahoo Group Ghost Hunt Will Take Place on Saturday - September 18, 2010

2010-08-24T10:00:00.001-07:00

I am excited to make the following announcement...

For our September CAPS Yahoo Group Ghost Hunt, we are planning something entirely different. As you know if you have joined us in the past, our Yahoo Group Ghost Hunts are always the 3rd Saturday in the month. Accordingly, this event will be held on SATURDAY - SEPTEMBER 18, 2010! We will be investigating "The Haunted Farmhouse" in Dunn, NC. Please visit their Facebook page at Haunted FarmHouse for pictures and details. (If you are friends with me on Facebook, they are friends with me as well.)

There will be a COST OF $50.00 PER PERSON TO ATTEND THIS EVENT.

RESERVATIONS AND PREPAYMENT ARE REQUIRED IN ADVANCE, AND CAN BE MADE BY CONTACTING ME AT GOSTWATCHR@AOL.COM.

You will be able to arrive in the daylight hours to acclimate yourselves to the house and property. You will be able to investigate into the wee hours of the morning.

Do we have any campers out there? You may camp overnight if you like, but you must provide your own camping gear, i.e. tent, sleeping bag, whatever you normally use. However, there are no hookups. There are also hotels in the area if you do not want to spend the entire night on the property, or do not want to drive back to the Charlotte area late at night. It is an approximate 3 hour drive from Charlotte.

I will be available at the Charlotte Paranormal and Ghost Trackers Meetup event on Friday - August 27th to take reservations and payments.

(As a reminder, Meetup will be held at Acropolis Cafe on Catawba Avenue in Cornelius, NC beginning at 7pm)

Thank you and Happy Hauntings!

Tina R. McSwain,

Founder & Director,

The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society (CAPS)

Dr. T.G. Hamilton's Experiments in Ectoplasm

2010-06-29T10:37:00.001-07:00

In 1918, the Spiritualist movement was nearing its end in America and making its way up North. For decades, mediums and seances had been a national obsession. Posh folks even held such gatherings in their homes as a sort of pastime. Dr. Hamilton, a respected Canadian physician, was one of the last to board this bandwagon, spurred on by his wife's insistence after the death of his son.

Eventually, an entire room of their Winnipeg home was devoted solely to paranormal research. They studied telekinesis, trance states, automatic writing and most extensively, ectoplasm.

In those days, ectoplasm was believed to be the by-product of communing with the other side. The unexplained material was said to emanate from the bodies of mediums; oftentimes taking the shape or displaying the countenance of a deceased individual.

The appearance of ectoplasm seemed to decline after Harry Houdini's campaign to expose fraudulent mediums. The possibility of fraud did not deter Dr. Hamilton. His special room was reportedly locked at all times unless a "circle" was in session. He claims to have taken strict scientific measures to warrant against fakery. He even installed a bank of cameras that could be activated to simultaneously photograph the proceedings. Despite these claims, many dismiss his large photo archive as nothing more than evidence of the ongoing practice of fraudulent mediums.

His efforts did not go unnoticed. The Winnipeg Society for Psychical Research elected him their first president in 1931.

Dr. Hamilton remains an important figure in the field of Parapsychology. He was one of the first investigators to apply scientific method to the study of the unknown. His collection of photos and experiment archives can be found at the University of Manitoba.

Back By Popular Demand...The Hunt For the Hound of Goshen: a re-enactment

2010-06-23T15:53:00.000-07:00

June Paranormal Meetup Special Event

2010-06-14T13:01:00.000-07:00

You are invited to join Boo and the Charlotte Area Paranormal Society "Ghost Trackers Meet-up Group" for a buffet-style dinner and a special Salisbury Ghost Walk. We will meet at the "haunted" Wrenn House Grill & Pub for a private group dinner at 7:30. During dinner, we will be entertained by a presentation on the history of the house, listen to stories from the staff about their own paranormal experiences (Yes! The house is haunted!), learn the sordid details that may account for the haunting, and finally, watch a short film made about the home. We'll also discuss the findings of a paranormal investigation held at this location. After dinner, we'll head on over to begin The Downtown Salisbury Ghost Walk. We will walk through the downtown Salisbury area with knowledgeable guides who will show us the locations of the haunted buildings found there, along with the stories behind the hauntings.

Come on out and join in the adventure!

RESERVATIONS AND PRE-PAYMENT ARE REQUIRED! ! !

DINNER WILL BEGIN AT 7:45PM

FOR RESERVATIONS AND TO ARRANGE PAYMENT, E-MAIL GOSTWATCHR@AOL.COM

WE WILL ALSO BE TAKING RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT AT THE CAPS PARANORMAL INVESTIGATION CLASS ON FRIDAY - JUNE 18TH, AND THE CAPS GROUP GHOST HUNT ON SATURDAY - JUNE 19TH.

I look forward to seeing everyone there!
Best regards,
Tina R. McSwain,
Founder & Director
The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society (CAPS)
Meetup Organizer

The New Daughter-Paranormal Movie Review

2010-06-14T12:19:00.000-07:00

As a recent graduate, I have more free time this summer than I'm used to. Between games of Family Feud on Facebook, I try and catch up on recent movies. Thanks to the fantabulous Redbox machine, I came across this interesting film: The New Daughter starring Kevin Costner.

Right off the bat just let me say that I am not a huge Costner fan; he's a little too Alan Alda for my tastes. Between that and the fact that this was a straight to DVD release, I was a little hesitant to drop a buck for some cheap entertainment.

The overall story is very interesting. It revolves around a recently-divorced man (Costner) starting over with his kids in South Carolina. Unbeknownst to him, his new property contains an ancient Indian burial mound and has been the location of some strange mumbo jumbo.

They could easily have gone all Poltergeist on this one, but I'll give the writers credit for having an original take. The special effects aren't bad and overall it didn't seem like the low budget waste of time I'd imagined.

On the negative side, this movie is slow...achingly slow. In fact I had to fast forward past the first thirty minutes to get to the interesting bit. I enjoy suspense as much as the next person, but shots that linger on and on for no justifiable reason are a waste!

Surprisingly, this film is nearly gore free. A plus in my book.

I would give it 3 out of 5 orbs

Haunted Real Estate

2010-05-24T07:03:00.000-07:00

A great post on the topic of haunted real estate, better known as "stigmatized property". Click here to read the whole story.

Check Out Shadows in the Dark 24 Hour Radio Bash at Ripley's in St. Augustine, FL this weekend!

2010-04-16T07:02:00.000-07:00

Check Out Shadows in the Dark 24 Hour Radio Bash at Ripley's in St. Augustine, FL this weekend!

http://www.shadows24.com/

Tina R. McSwain, Founder & Director of The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society will be on the air at 7am on Saturday - April 17th!

CAPS Kicks Off 2010 Volunteer Efforts

2010-02-12T13:22:00.000-08:00

We here at CAPS are as committed to community service as we are to ghost hunting. Recently, our members have volunteered for Second Harvest Food Bank; a wonderful organization that vows to eliminate hunger in the US.

Tina McSwain, CAPS founder, would like to thank all of our members and associates who have volunteered their time to the Second Harvest Food Bank. Your efforts are much appreciated. She would also like to share the following note from Second Harvest's own, Matt Nooe:

Tina,
I wanted to a say a special thanks to Nicci and Nancy for donating 16 hours of their time and volunteering at the food bank!

Thanks!
Matt

Matt Nooe, AIGA, ACSA
Creative Services
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
500-B Spratt Street
Charlotte, NC 28206

If you would like to donate to Second Harvest or volunteer for upcoming events, please click here for futher information.

Tina McSwain Interview- WSGE

2010-02-05T06:37:00.000-08:00

We at CAPS are very excited to announce that founder Tina McSwain will be appearing on WSGE radio this coming Monday February 8th. Tina will be live on air from 6-6:30 pm during the Public Affairs programming block. Click the WSGE banner to listen to the live stream.

6 Questions With Tina McSwain

2010-02-05T06:24:00.000-08:00

CAPS founder Tina McSwain was recently interviewed for the Phasma Ex Machina Blog. "6 Questions With..." is an ongoing series featuring interviews with the best educators and researchers the paranormal field has to offer. Click here to visit the site and read the full interview.

Children Hear Voices That Aren't There

2010-01-25T13:58:00.000-08:00

A new study by the British Journal of Psychiatry confirms that almost 1 in 10 children ages 7-8 suffer from auditory hallucinations.

Are these "hallucinations" communications from the other side, or evidence of underlying psychiatric disorders?

Read the full article here.

Astrophysicist Michio Kaku Discusses The Physics of Aliens

2010-01-09T07:45:00.000-08:00

The Top Paranormal News Stories of 2009

2010-01-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

About.com's list of the top paranormal events of 2009. An interesting list of the scary and not so scary things that went down last year. Have a favorite that didn't make the list? Let us know and we'll post it!

The Thing on The Trail Cam

2010-01-05T10:07:00.001-08:00

Yours truly has had a bit of down time between semesters. Using that time wisely, I've been scouting You Tube for interesting paranormal videos. After a couple of hours I came across this one. Don't be frightened by the fabu deer hunting theme song that opens the show. What did these guys capture on video? An insect hanging from a spider web? An alien drone? You be the judge.

Season Premiere of GHI Airs This Wednesday

2010-01-05T09:50:00.000-08:00

Catch the season premiere of Ghost Hunters International this Wednesday January 6th at 9pm EST on SyFy. The first episode of the season features the hunt for Hitler's ghost.

The Demon at The Wedding

2010-01-04T10:55:00.000-08:00

New Years Happenings

2009-12-27T05:20:00.000-08:00

Looking for a different way to ring in 2010? Here's a list of some unique activities in our area:

December 31st, 2009

The Unity Church of Charlotte hosts its annual New Year's Eve Burning Bowl /Letters to God service on Thursday Dec 31st. If you've never been to a "burning bowl", the basic principle is that you write down all the things that have troubled you over the past year or bad habits you want to get rid of etc, and burn them away in the fire. Unity is a nondenominational church, so people of every faith are welcome. I have personally been to this church and let me tell you, they are the most welcoming and non-judgemental group you'll ever meet!

The Burning Bowl ceremony starts at 7pm at their Arrowood rd. location. Click here for more details/directions.

January 1st, 2010

Rural Hill Plantation hosts its 13th annual New Year's Day First Footin' starting at 11am. "First Footin'" is the centuries old Scottish tradition of walking the boundaries of your property on the first day of the New Year to restate your claim on the land.

This excursion is part of the traditional Hogmanay or Scottish New Year celebration.

For more info, check out the Rural Hill website.

Merry Christmas from CAPS

2009-12-23T07:08:00.000-08:00

Paranormal State: Season Premiere 12/15/09

2009-12-15T04:31:00.000-08:00

The new season of Paranormal State premieres tonight at 10pm on A&E. Get a sneak peak of tonight's episode here

Just In Time For Xmas...

2009-11-30T13:58:00.000-08:00

Bigfoot and Yeti Christmas ornaments, LOL!!! Check these out.

Death at Dyatlov Pass

2009-11-13T06:48:00.000-08:00

Read the intriguing story of hikers who mysteriously met their demise in the snowy Ural mountains. The eerie description of the scene is 1 part Blair Witch Project and 1 part Fourth Kind. Is the Dyatlov Pass incident a hoax or the real deal? Read it here and judge for yourself.

A Special Thanks to Steve and Tango

2009-11-10T17:14:00.000-08:00

CAPS wishes to thank TAPS Steve Gonsalves and Dave Tango of The SyFy Channel's Ghost Hunters TV show for all their help this weekend on the Ghost Hunts for the Paranormal Investigator's Convention held in Charlotte, NC. We appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience with us. It was a pleasure to meet and investigate with you both! Good luck on the new Ghost Hunters Academy (premiering Wednesday night 11/11/2009 at 10pm) We'll be watching!

http://www.foxcharlotte.com/dpp/news/paranormal_convention_110809

Paranormal Investigator's Convention This Weekend!

2009-11-05T11:22:00.000-08:00

Day tickets for Saturday or Sunday are now available. Student and Teacher discount tickets available as well. You may purchase your tickets at the door. Friday November 6 through Sunday November 8. Ramada Inn Airport Conference Center on Woodlawn at I77 Charlotte, NC

Spirit Walk at Historic Rosedale

2009-10-30T19:31:00.000-07:00

North Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC

Spirit Walk October 31st at 6pm
Listen to tales documented from staff, visitors and docents about experiences with Rosedale’s past of a very different sort – is there another realm? The tour begins under the Swamp Chestnut near the area where the slave quarters stood. Walk through the mist and ancient boxwoods where those now long-departed once worked, toiled, played, lived and died, visit “our ladies” in the basement kitchen What will you see . . . or hear and from whom?
$5.00 per person

Join CAPS In Gold Hill, NC on Halloween Night

2009-10-26T19:32:00.000-07:00

The CAPS Team will act as your guide for the Historic Gold Hill Ghost Tour. We'll be in the Village. Come by and say hi! We'll be showcasing our best paranormal evidence captured during our many investigations of Gold Hill.

Brain Waves Surge Moments Before Death: Discovery News

2009-10-06T14:11:00.001-07:00

Brain Waves Surge Moments Before Death: Discovery News

Posted using ShareThis

CAPS to Appear at the Historic Town of Gold Hill's Ghost Hunt

2009-10-05T15:14:00.000-07:00

Saturday - October 31, 2009 6:00pm til 9:00 pm in the Historic Town of Gold Hill, NC. Come join us for ghost stories, haunted history, and a walk to some of Gold Hill's scariest locations. We'll be stationed
in the village, come by and say hi. Be sure to visit our information table and chat with our staff. We will showcase some of the best paranormal evidence we have captured over the years during our many investigations of Gold Hill.

The GhostTour is not the typical Halloween Haunted Trail with chain saws and ghouls wanting to scare your pants off. It’s all about the Ghost Stories. We are stressing that folks do not come in Halloween Costumes and/or Masks. This creates a potential falling hazard and we don’t want anyone to get hurt. We also stress that visitors wear comfortable walking shoes/tennis shoes. No sandals or flip-flops. The tour is not suitable for small tikes that have to be carried. We suggest that visitors bring a camera and if you get a ghost photo let us know!!

The Village Shops will be open, so please stop by and support the local merchants of Gold Hill!
Affordable family fun for all ages!

For Ghost Tour info click here.

This week in Paranormal TV

2009-09-27T12:46:00.000-07:00

Some exciting news for paranormal junkies, a new TV show is coming to a set near you. On Tuesday Oct 6th, the Discovery Channel premieres "Ghost Lab". The premise is this: The investigators from "Everyday Paranormal" hit the road in their state-of-the-art pimped out ghostmobile. With the aid of experts in scientific measurement, they'll hunt ghosts and put some of the oldest ghost hunting theories to the test. Check out this link for more info. Additional info found here. Ghost Lab premieres at 10pm on the Discovery Channel.

In even crazier paranormal news, the adventurous host of Destination Truth drags his team to Chernobyl (yes, THAT Chernobyl) to hunt for radioactive (?) ghosts. As the saying goes, "I would do anything for love, but I won't do THAT." Watch Josh Gates and friends go where no ghost hunters have gone before...this Wednesday Sept 30th at 10pm on SyFy.

For a sneak peek of this episode click here.

EMF Sensitivity, Real or Imagined?

2009-09-24T09:32:00.000-07:00

As the use of Wi-Fi networks and cell phones increases, more individuals are coming forward claiming sensitivity to EMF. Electromagnetic fields are all around us, they power and seep from virtually everything in our lives from computers to cars. If humans truly are sensitive to EMF, why hasn't there been an epidemic of unexplained or idopathic illness to accompany increasing use of EMF, even in the most rural of areas?

The electromagnetic energy in question here is the non-ionizing low frequency energy which encompasses everything from TV signals to visible light. Unlike gamma and x-rays, this energy lacks the power to break down atomic bonds, therefore it is considered safe.

EMF sensitivity isn't a new concern. For decades, various studies have been conducted on proximity to power lines and increased risk for cancer. There seems to be no concrete evidence that EMF can cause long term physical harm, however.

As ghost hunters, it is important to educate ourselves about EMF and the studies that have been done.

Here is a Wired magazine article debating EMF sensitivity as nothing more than a psychotic issue. For comparison, here is a report from the National Cancer Institute regarding EMF exposure and various studies on the effects.

Paranormal Investigator's Convention Charlotte, NC Nov 6-8, 2009

2009-09-24T08:31:00.000-07:00

Ghost or Carbon Monoxide?

2009-09-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

An brief, interesting article on the correlation between CO and ghostly activity. Read the full article here. For more info on Carbon Dioxide Poisoning, click here.

Damn Nature, You Scary

2009-09-19T05:30:00.000-07:00

Any ghost hunter worth their salt knows that nature is far scarier than any paranormal thing. To drive that point home, please check out this article from wired.com that features some freaky-deaky creatures.

Panama Teens Claimed to Have Killed an ET

2009-09-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

The Momento 24 website reports that a group of teens encountered a strange creature while hiking. The creature approached them as they explored a cave. The group was so frightened that they stoned the poor thing to death. The pics are certainly creepy, but if this was a real creature and not just a set of photoshopped pics, I vote for it being a sloth of some kind. Read the full story and judge for yourself.

"Ghost Hunter" falls to her death

2009-09-12T22:09:00.000-07:00

The Vancouver Sun relays a story about a 29 year old woman who died while exploring an abandoned building. There seems to be some confusion as to whether she actually was ghost hunting. Either way, this story points out the dangers that many of us take for granted. Her death illustrates why you should NOT go tresspassing onto unfamiliar property at night, a safety tip that many inexperienced and eager ghost hunters ignore. Read the full story here

Chad Austin, noted speaker on EVP, passes away

2009-09-01T11:40:00.000-07:00

Chad Austin, founder of Ghost Finders US and a noted speaker on EVP, passed away on Sunday - August 30, 2009.

Tina R. McSwain and the members of CAPS wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to Chad's wife and family, his friends, and fellow colleagues in the paranormal field.

The Ghost Train of Bostian Bridge

2009-08-28T13:12:00.000-07:00

Click on the link to view a local TV station's story on Bostian Bridge:

http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/travel/video/5882924/

Four Basic Rules of Debunkers by Stanton Friedman

2009-08-06T06:50:00.000-07:00

I came across this list courtesy of my "CoastZone Newsletter". In case you aren't familiar with Mr. Friedman, he his a nuclear physicist and a respected member of the "UFO community". Mr. Friedman has spent decades researching and sometimes debunking UFO reports. His "Four Basic Rules of Debunkers" was written in regards to the anti-UFO set, but after reading the list, I think you'll agree that they work for ghost-hunting skeptics as well.

1. What the public doesn't know, I'm not going to tell.
2. Don't bother me with the facts, my mind is made up.
3. If you can't attack the data, attack the people, it's easier.
4. Do your research by proclamation--investigation is too much trouble, and nobody will notice the difference anyway.

Debunkers and skeptics are always welcome in the paranormal community. They keep us on our toes, force us to review our evidence more thoroughly, and drive us to perfect our investigative techniques. There will always be extremists on either side of this debate. While skeptics can sometimes be frustrating to encounter, in my opinion, it's those folks who proclaim EVERYTHING a ghost or demon that do the most damage to our cause.

Octomom...Haunted?

2009-07-13T13:39:00.001-07:00

videos | RadarOnline.com

Shared via AddThis

Click on the link above for video of "Octomom" recounting the ghostly happenings around her home. Without knowing the history of the property, and the ability to do a full investigation, it's hard to say if she has a ghost problem. But, the ruckus and energy of all those potential playmates is sure to draw any stray child spirits to the "Octo home"!

You Never Know When This Might Come in Handy

2009-07-06T16:01:00.000-07:00

An Exclusive Offer from CAPS

2009-06-04T16:08:00.000-07:00

You've seen the KII EMF detector in action on Ghost Hunters. Since their TV debut, these beauties have been hard to come by. Ghost groups and paranormal buffs worldwide are swiping them up!

Prices of KII's have increased exponentially and some dealers won't even sell without a minimum bulk order.

CAPS is pleased to offer a special deal on this popular device.

Not only will you get the famous KII--the very same model used by Jason & Grant, you will also receive instructions on how to use your new meter for paranormal investigations. These instructions were personally penned by CAPS Founder Tina McSwain. Tina has many years of paranormal research under her belt and a great deal of experience with the KII.

CAPS has used this tool with much success. In fact, the KII meter is now part of THE standard equipment we take to every investigation!

As you can see in the photo, there is a flat button in the middle of the device that must be depressed to take readings. Obviously this becomes tedious during long sessions and can lead to inaccurate readings as one instinctively flexes their thumb. This became a real problem for our crew and then Tech Manager Jeff had a brilliant idea. He added a simple toggle switch on the side to turn the meter on and off! This tiny modification has made a world of difference in our investigations. After using my modified KII, I couldn't imagine going back to the old cumbersome thumb method!

Now you can own the very same modified KII that we use in the field! This is a CAPS exclusive. These modified KII's even have the option of using the middle button, if switches aren't your thing.

Interested in owning your own high tech KII meter? Contact Tina for pricing and details.

Ghost Research Society Archives

2009-06-02T04:41:00.000-07:00

This group does an awesome job of explaining some common photo anomalies. Click on the post title to browse their archives which include debunked pics as well as some amazing photos that appear to be the real deal.

Museum Ghost

2009-05-18T04:54:00.000-07:00

On a visit to a "haunted" museum, a BBC journalist snapped this intriguing pic which allegedly shows a ghostly apparition.
Click on the post title for the full story at BBC News and an enlargeable version of the pic.

To me it looks like a shirtless dude with his pants belted above his belly and a rag on his head. Why my deceased uncle is apparating (to use Harry Potter jargon) at a museum in the UK ? That's the real mystery.

CAPS at ConCarolinas

2009-05-17T04:32:00.000-07:00

May 29-31st 2009

CAPs is proud to announce our participation in ConCarolinas 2009! This year, Tina McSwain and Kimberly Raines will speak on many paranormally themed panels throughout the three-day Con. Click the posst title or the ConCarolinas banner on the sidebar for tickets and schedules.

Think cons are just nerd conventions? Think again! This will be my third Con and each one has been a blast!

You don't have to be a diehard Trekkie to enjoy the festivities. The people are wonderful, the costumes are insane, and the atmosphere is happy, positive, and family-friendly. No kiddies? No worries? After dark is grown-up time with Karaoke, parties and all sorts of festivities.

Visit our fan table at the Con! We'd love to meet you and hear your favorite ghost story!

DIY Genetic Engineering-Coming to a Dorm Room Near You

2009-05-16T15:36:00.000-07:00

The Wall Street Journal reports on the growing (pardon the pun) trend of at home genetic experimentation. Turns out that anyone crafty enough to Macguyver a lab and get ahold of random samples can have hours of fun hacking DNA.

If that's not enough to give you nightmares, click on the post title to read about the plucky "researcher" experimenting with E.Coli. YIPES!

The Ghost of Croxteth Hall

2009-04-12T17:05:00.000-07:00

The City Council of Liverpool has called in paranormal experts after capturing an alleged apparition on security cam.

Click the post title to read the full story, including the supposed identity of the spook.

Personal I think this ghost is made of the same thing as so many others...a stray bug crawling across the lens. Check out the footage and judge for yourself.

No Paranormal Investigator Classes or Yahoo Group Ghost Hunt This Month

2009-04-11T10:25:00.000-07:00

Due to the fact that CAPS is mentoring several local high school students on their Project Graduation requirements, we will not hold our regularly scheduled Paranormal Investigator Classes or Yahoo Group Ghost Hunt this mont. Our students projects are due in May.
Both of these CAPS acitivites will resume in May.
Thanks!
Tina

Latta Plantation Ghost Hunt April 3 & 4, 9pm - 2am

2009-04-03T06:28:00.000-07:00

The historic Latta Plantation in Huntersville, NC will be holding a ghost hunt Friday night April 3 and Saturday night April 4 from 9PM until 2AM.

Cost is $50.00 per Person, and reservations are required.

Click on link for more information.

FYI,
Tina

The Google Ghost

2009-03-28T01:00:00.000-07:00

Google Street View is a service whereby a user can literally see a street view of any given area, including residential areas. This service has caused concern among many who wonder exactly what this information could be used for; stalking, planning criminal activity. etc. Along with property views, many unexpected images have been captured, including pics of a man urinating on the side of the road and an unsuspecting strip club patron exiting said establishment.

Street view utilizes vans with specially installed panoramic cameras. Every 20 feet or so, the automatic cameras snap 360 degree views of the surroundings. These images are then uploaded to Google servers for the world's viewing pleasure.

Just as Google Earth experienced a strange flap of "UFO sightings", Street View is now taking its stab at paranormal research.

Click on the post title for the story of the "Google Ghost"; a mysterious image of an ethereal Victorian woman captured in Cardiff. Is this proof of spirits among us, or some Google geek's idea of a practical joke? Apparently the experts are baffled by the pic and have no explanation for how it could have occurred.

Mexican Farmer Reportedly Captures Tiny Alien

2009-03-06T13:25:00.000-08:00

The video above allegedly shows a tiny "alien" captured by a Mexican farmer. I don't speak Spanish, but another source tells the following tale regarding the strange carcass:

The farmer found the creature one night caught in a trap. The thing was making quite a bit of noise and the farmer decided to kill it. He threw it in a bucket of water (trap and all) and after several unsuccessful drowning attempts, decided to leave it overnight. When he returned in the morning, it was dead.

That's all I know about the thing. You can see its small size in the video and the fact that it had a tail. The farmer's description matched that of your garden variety "Gray" except for its small stature and the tail that reportedly ended in a point.

To be honest, it looks like some kind of mummified monkey. Watch the video and judge for yourself.

The Mysterious Red Rain Cells of Kerala

2009-03-04T07:19:00.000-08:00

In 2001 in Kerala, India, a red rain fell for the first time; staining clothes and alarming those caught in the deluge. Dr Godfrey Louis of Mahatma Ghandi University collected vials of the rain and was shocked to find what appeared to be biological cells under the microscope.

The red rain fell again in 2006 & 2007 and Dr. Louis continues researching what he believes is biological extraterrestrial material contained in the fluid.

Linda Moulton Howe's Earthfiles features an in depth report on Dr. Louis's research including pictures of these mysterious cells. Click on the post title above to check out the latest findings.

PSI Con - Lake Lure Inn & Spa - February 27 through March 1, 2009

2009-03-02T11:52:00.000-08:00

The 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa

Site of the scenes from the movie, Dirty Dancing and Last of the Mohicans, and reportedly haunted hotel.

Members of CAPS with Barry Fitzgerald of The Sci Fi Channel's Ghost Hunters International. From left, Tina McSwain, Founder & President of CAPS, Barry Fitzgerald, Kathy Crowley, CAPS Case Manager, and Kendra Showalter, CAPS Investigator.

CAPS members with Keith Age of Louisville Ghost Hunters Society

The CAPSters with Jonathan Watts of United Skeptics and Believers, and After Twilight Radio

The CAPS Crew with Joe Wright, Founder of PSI

Hearse belonging to "Sparky" of PSI. You can see the Pavilion in the background. This is where Saturday night's VIP Celebrity Ghost Hunt was held. This was the first time anyone had investigated this location, which at one point in its history, had been a hospital.

CAPS would like to thank PSI, the Lake Lure Inn and Spa Staff, and all the celebrity guests for such a great weekend! We had a blast! We met many fellow investigators and have formed bonds and lasting friendships. It was a great opportunity to network, meet people famous in the paranormal world, and do a little ghost hunting as well. We want to thank the following people personally in that they were so approachable, knowledgeable and friendly. Keith Age of Louisville Ghost Hunters Society (thanks for letting me test drive the Paranormal Puck), Chad Austin of Ghost Finders International (thanks for the advice on EVP), Jeremiah Greer of Shadows in the Dark Radio (thanks for our discussion on UFO's, I enjoyed it), Barry Fitzgerald of Sci Fi's Ghost Hunters International (A special thanks to Barry for being such a good sport and so accommodating for a special picture that will be displayed very soon:-)It was a true pleasure to meet and talk with you!), Scott Nicholson of Haunted Computer (thanks for our discussion on Sunday. I look forward to seeing you again in November!), Jonathan Watts of United Skeptics and Believers Paranormal Research Society and After Twilight Radio (thanks for the information on cameras and our EVP session at the Pavilion.........what cool equipment you have), and finally Joe Wright of PSI and all his team members (thank you for putting together such a great event!!)Tina R.McSwain,Founder & President CAPS - Charlotte Area Paranormal Society

Nancy is Home

2009-02-18T08:21:00.000-08:00

I am delighted to report that our Lead Investigator, Nancy, has been discharged from the hospital and is recouperating nicely at home. We wish her well, and hope she can join us soon.
Tina

Get Better Soon Nancy!

2009-02-03T13:44:00.000-08:00

The Ghost Grrls would like to wish a complete and speedy recovery to our friend, Nancy, who is in the hospital recovering from a recent surgery. Hurry and get well Nancy! We have Ghosties to hunt!
Tina

Monsterquest Marathon Today on the History Channel

2009-01-31T08:22:00.000-08:00

Monsterquest, one of the best cryptid shows on TV, is airing a mini-marathon tonight at 8pm. The episodes shown will include: "Killer Russian Apemen" and the "Sasquatch Attack" episode, which I believe is from last season. The Sasquatch episode is extremely interesting as the investigators recover actual DNA evidence from an alleged Sasquatch attack that took place in Canada.

The marathon also advertises the NEW SEASON (YAY!) that premieres next Wednesday Feb 4th a@ 9pm!

South Jersey Ghost Research Captures Curious Pic

2009-01-25T07:57:00.000-08:00

Does this pic show the silhouette of a ghostly
prisoner? SJGR captured this image during a recent
investigation at the Burlington County Prison
Museum in Mount Holly, New Jersey.

The place has been plagued by paranormal activity
since the 1830's when a young inmate was hanged for murder.

Read the whole story by clicking on the post title or
follow this link to check out SJGR's website:
http://southjerseyghostresearch.org/

Did a UFO buzz the Inauguration?

2009-01-24T07:36:00.000-08:00

News1800.com claims that CNN captured a UFO fly-by during its coverage of Obama's inauguration. Click on the post title to read the full story and check out video analysis of the "craft".

Test Your PSI Online

2009-01-23T07:34:00.000-08:00

The Institute of Noetic Sciences conducts ongoing research into human consciousness. These computer games, created by scientist Dean Radin, are said to test your ability to influence (through paranormal or psychic means) the outcomes of certain events.

Tired of boring old Solitaire? Click on the post title to try one of ION's psychic games.

Chinese Firefighters Video Strange UFO

2009-01-22T07:57:00.000-08:00

A squadron of firemen in Guizhou province have recorded over 20 minutes of footage that they claim is a "rotating, spinning, top-shaped craft".

The footage has caused an uproar in China, where such reports are normally quelled before reaching the Western world.

Click on the post title to read the whole story on AllNewsWeb.com

Why Coffee & Ghost Hunting Might Not Mix

2009-01-21T07:42:00.000-08:00

A Durham University study links coffee intake with hallucinations, including hearing false voices.
The experiment could not prove a definite cause and effect, but there was evidence that increased coffee intake can effect perception.

Click on the post title to read the full story on the Scientific American website.

Is this the face of a Sea Monster?

2009-01-20T07:32:00.000-08:00

Click on the post title to read the full article on Cryptomundo.com.

This pic allegedly shows an Argentinian lake monster known as "Nahuelito". Along with the story of the pics, there is a history of the legend and a lively debate on the veracity of this photo.

In case you don't know, Cryptomundo, Loren Coleman's website, is one of the best sites on the Internet for news and skeptical analysis of cryptozoological reports.

New Season of Paranormal State Starts Tonight.

2009-01-19T07:10:00.000-08:00

Tune into A&E tonight at 10pm to catch the season premiere of Paranormal State!

New Season of GHI Premieres This Wednesday

2009-01-04T17:28:00.000-08:00

January 7th, 2009-- SciFi Channel rolls out the new season of Ghost Hunters International. The team journeys to Callao, Peru to investigate the Real Felipe Fortress. Originally built in colonial times as a defense against pirates, the structure now serves as the Peruvian Army museum; housing weapons and uniforms from the country's military past.

Top Ten Paranormal Events of 2008

2009-01-01T17:57:00.001-08:00

Click on the post title to check out last year's most interesting paranormal stories from About.com. I managed to miss some of these...including the one featuring this amazing pic.

Finally--Green Park Conference Day 2

2008-12-30T10:00:00.000-08:00

After a near sleepless night in a haunted room, Tina had to be bushy-eyed for the 2pm panel on “The Nature of Spirits”. PSI’s Joe Wright and Spanky were in attendance; the bleary-eyed ghost hunters were in for a treat.

The audience asked lots of thought-provoking questions which the panelists answered using their combined decades of experience.

That night we were treated to a delicious BBQ dinner as the dining room filled with raucous paranormal camaraderie. This is where we met Brandi & Sheera, each with a daughter in tow. We chatted with the ladies until the dining room was almost empty. The wonderful hotel staff scurried about clearing away the remnants of the buffet as we talked and laughed about all things ghost-hunting.

The hunting hour was fast approaching and we excused ourselves to prepare, making note to add our new friends to our roster that night.

As expected, the assembly room was packed with the hum and chatter of excited ghost hunters. We clamored to get a clipboard and sign up our new team; which basically consisted of the previous night’s team plus Brandi, Sheera and their girls. It soon became clear that we wouldn’t get a team to ourselves and eventually we headed out with 11 people in tow.

Miraculously, we all managed to file into room 318 without any drama. Our leader explained the reported activity of the room and then we sat in relative silence in the dark for several minutes; a silence broken only by occasional shout outs from our anonymous crew. Calls to any spirit present to “tell us your name” or “give us a sign”. There was occasional ruckus in the hall; laughing, exuberant hunters, shuffling on to their next room.

Suddenly the door popped open and shadowy figures began entering our space. Four stragglers who were separated from their original group; accidentally or on purpose, I’m not sure. Now it was beginning to get crowded. The uneasiness of the other hunters filled the room as our new guests shuffled and settled into the first available space. During the uncomfortable rustling of these strangers, Tina; sitting across from me, got several spikes on her EMF detector. At the same time, what I thought was a flashlight hanging from her vest came on by itself. On , off and on again, I motioned to her that her flashlight was on as she looked at me strangely, groping for the offending device. “Your light…” I mouthed..trying not to interfere with anyone’s EVP session. She grabbed onto the thing and I nodded that yes that was the light in question. At this point, the hallway light…streaming under the huge gap in the door…revealed that the flashlight in question was actually an old 35mm camera. As we discovered later, the light was a function of the red eye reduction, not the flash, which is probably why it looked like a flashlight from across the room. To turn on this feature you have to depress the button, almost like taking a picture. Tina’s hands were nowhere near this camera when the light came on. She was too busy holding on to the EMF detector. There was nothing on her person that could have held down the button in such a way. Did a spirit child’s ghostly hands cause this phenomenon?

All too soon our adventures in 318 came to an end. As the lights came on and the crowd filtered out the door, Tina leaned over and said:”Let’s go back to HQ and see if we can split off into our own team. I do believe there are way too many people on this one to do a proper investigation.”
With that we gathered our associates and traipsed down the meeting room. Before we knew it, Scott Nicholson himself was unlocking doors for us. Could this night get any better?!
We checked out a few rooms that weren’t officially haunted and then went down to Brandi & Sheera’s to investigate. Turns out they had a strange night as well, and wanted us to check it out. After hearing our story of terror and hilarity, they wanted to hunt in our room as well. Thus we journeyed off the “official ghost hunt” for awhile.

Our adventurous spirit was rewarded with nothing more than a few EMF spikes. Mr. Grabby Hands from the night before didn’t bother to make the scene. Still trying to avoid the noisy throngs of fellow hunters, we decided to creep down to the dining room; the place we’d gotten the most activity on night one. Our perseverance would be well rewarded.

Shadows, Orbs & Waiters, OH MY!

We found unexpected sanctuary in the dining hall; the other hunters we concentrating on the “haunted” hotel rooms, oblivious to the hot spot right under their noses!
Our team gathered around one of the large tables on the upper platform of the dining hall; the same table from the first night. Soon after we settled in, we became aware that we were not alone.

Periodically we saw a small shadow moving up and down a brief set of stairs across the room. Each of us saw this thing at least once. It was barely 3 feet tall and quite like a child, it scurried up and down and up the stairs; repetitive, obvious, and solid black. Our expert debunker Tori, searched for obvious causes (the shadows of folks walking by, car lights bouncing off of chandelier crystals), none of which explained what we; what all of us, had seen. Kendra even journeyed over the table nearest our little shadow friend, in an attempt at interaction. She asked “it” to move a glass on the table. Our friend never complied, but continued to tromp up and down the stairs.

I was most enthralled with this little shadow when Tina called my name from across the table. I instinctively turned towards her and was quite literally taken aback by a tall shadowy mass standing behind her. She later revealed that she felt the presence there and my reaction simply confirmed what she was feeling.

At this point let me say that shadowpeople are NOT my favorite things. I’ve had bad experiences with them in the past and to me they are unreadable; meaning they are able to get quite close without me sensing them. Their form and their intentions are a mystery, although I assume negativity. Some folks don’t view these as “evil” entities at all. Interpretation is relative and my run-ins with these forms have been negative for the most part. Even the small shadow playing on the stairs sent a chill down my spine.

This crazy active investigation was only to get stranger. We witnessed strange green orbs on one of the dining room tables. So bright and intermittent were these lights that I assumed they were a product of someone’s equipment. Eventually the others witness these orbs and checked the area for the device that was creating them. No equipment was located on the table or near it; neither were there any reflective surfaces like a spoon or glass. These lights, which were witness by everyone in attendance are still a mystery.

In addition to the green lights, we also witnessed a pale pink shimmering orb right above the area where the shadowperson romped. Several people witnessed it and we set about trying to debunk it. There were glass panels on the doors and crystals on the chandeliers; we imagined that this was some funny trick of light. After shining flashlights on crystals and through the glass from every conceivable angle we were unable to replicate the orb. We even sat quietly at one point, watching closely to see if the movement of people in the lobby or cars in the parking lot could be the culprit. We never saw anything like this pink orb again.
The girls were exhausted and soon both moms dragged them off to bed. We were beginning to feel the accumulation of sleepless hours ourselves and slowly began packing up our gear. As it turns out, the ghosties had other plans.

In the shuffle of chairs and feet, Kendra asked:”Tina, have you taken the thing out of your EMF yet?” Tina shoves a coin or a guitar pick into the button of the EMF detector to hold it down. This cuts down on false positive and crampy thumbs. As we strained to followed Kendra’s pointing hand in the dark, we realized that T’s EMF detector was lit up full tilt!

This seemed to snap the sleepiness right out of us and we took our seats around the table much quicker than we’d vacated them. We began an amazing EMF session…getting what seemed to be answers to our questions from some unseen force. Through the course of nearly half an hour, we discovered that we were talking to a former waiter at the hotel. Through yes and no questions,

he indicated that he’d loved his job and was quite good

at it. Most of all he enjoyed meeting all the famous people that made their way through the Green Park over the years. He did not tell us when he worked there…we were too excited with our progress to go year by year! He seemed to be most excited when Annie Oakley was mentioned. At one point, he wanted to ask us questions rather than answer ours. “How’s that gonna work?” Tina laughed.

Our waiter friend seemed to fade out when other people entered the room. Some of the PSI folks came through looking for missing equipment. Each time, “the waiter” stopped responding and started up again only when they’d left. We asked if it was draining for him to answer all these questions to which he replied yes. Eventually the responses stopped and we finally called it a night.

The next day there was talk that someone from PSI had captured an amazing FLIR image of a little girl jumping on the bed in Rm 318. Unfortunately, the guy with the footage was already gone by the time we dragged ourselves downstairs. Scott Nicholson interviewed Tina for his upcoming book and we had a wonderful chat with the PSI guys.

All in all the experience was wonderful! The Green Park staff were awesome, the organizers did a fabulous job of shuffling around all the eager ghost hunters. I highly recommend this event for novice and experienced ghost hunters alike.