Articles

Wellington Tunnels

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 21:27:00 -0400

Bridgetown Ghost Hunters will be conducting an investigation of the Wellington Tunnels, along with ParaWa, Eastern Washington Paranormal and Northwest Paranormal Investigation Agency in August.

Wellington was the site of an avalanche that swept a passenger train in 1910, killing 96.

http://www3.gendisasters.com/washington/474/wellington%2C-wa-avalanche-train-wreck%2C-mar-1910?page=0%2C0

http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&File_Id=5127

Review: Sony DCR-DVD 610 Handycam

Sat, 22 May 2010 15:22:00 -0400

The Sony DCR-DVD 610 Handycam is an excellent 'starter tool' for paranormal investigations. It is relatively cheap and super easy to use (although it can be hard to come by these days, since Sony no longer sells them), lightweight and easy to manage because of the size. I have used mine on several investigations now and absolutely love it.

Obviously, you are going to want to buy this camcorder for the Super Nightshot which will allow you to record in low-light conditions. By itself, the Super Nightshot is okay if you are recording in a very small room; however, you will definitely want to buy an external infrared illuminator - such as the Sony HVL-IRM or the Sima SL-20IR. Just be aware of the charge time vs. usage time for these external infrared lights. Personally, I use three Sima SL-20IR lights, using one at a time while the other two charge (changing one out approximately every 40 minutes or so). To switch between regular and infrared, a small switch is located on the upper portion of the camcorder - simply switch it over and you are now utilizing the Super Nightshot.

The video quality is acceptable: 720x480 video resolution, very little pixelation when using an external infrared illuminator, and one of the features that I have come to appreciate is the eyepiece; close the touchscreen video monitor and rely on the eyepiece to view your surroundings. Push the eyepiece in, and you can view everything by putting your eye up to it; pull it out, and you can view everything through the eyepiece with a glance. Not only does this allow you to maintain better night vision, it also saves on battery power.

Here is a sample video of my own Sony DCR-DVD 610 when I first got it. The settings are all set on default:

Since there is no hard disk drive (HDD), the DCR-DVD 610 allows you to record directly onto mini-dvd (each dvd provides approximately 30 minutes of video), although the sound quality will suffer a bit because of the "grinding" noise that can be heard when doing so. I would suggest purchasing a Sony Pro Duo memory card; I have a 16GB memory card as well as an 8GB memory card for back up, and I have no problems recording a six-hour investigation onto the memory cards - obviously the more storage capability, the better.

The battery it comes with is limited, at best; I would recommend getting a long-life battery unless you plan on having the camcorder plugged in after about an hour and a half (at the most). Finding one isn't too hard, and if you are in a location where there is no power, an extended life battery is a must! A tip about 'focus issues' with this camera: when recording in low-light conditions, there may be some times when it will have a difficult time focusing. There is an easy remedy to this, however (and can be done with pretty much any camera): in 'automatic focus' zoom all the way out and get focused on an object, then - while still zoomed out - switch to 'manual focus' and zoom in. Problem solved. :)

One final comment is the software that comes with this camcorder: I wasn't too keen on it at first, but I have grown used to it and actually like the fact that it will manage your videos (and photos) and editing is a snap. You can upload directly to the internet, convert to WMV. files, or record directly to disc - all with relative ease.

United Paranormal

Sun, 02 May 2010 23:23:00 -0400

United Paranormal is a joint effort between three teams located in the Pacific Northwest.

The idea is simple:

"All three groups share the desire to learn and grow as paranormal researches as well as to help others learn and grow. We are open to idea sharing and working together. This forum is our attempt to bring the paranormal world together a little more and hopefully promote the belief in other teams that we do not have to compete in this field, we can work together and learn from one another."

- Jessica, ParaWa

All those who have a desire to discuss and learn about paranormal phenomena, would like to share their own experiences, or who are simply interested are welcome to register on the United Paranormal forums!

Ghosts as Plasma: a possibility?

Sat, 01 May 2010 12:29:00 -0400

We have all contemplated what ghosts may actually be, from silhouettes of those who have passed on, shadowy figures that don't have the ability to "manifest into a proper form yet," the soul of someone who has died and not been able to move on (or can transition between this plane and some unknown plane of existence)... Folklore and public opinion could probably offer up a few thousand more definitions, and the debate of whether ghosts even exist or are simply a figment of overactive imaginations has to be taken into account as well.

Let's just assume that ghosts may actually be real for a minute. What exactly IS a ghost? Rather, what would a ghost be made up of? One definition seems to surface more than any other, which is that a ghost is made up of matter. If you consider that everything IS matter - if a ghost exists in any form, it has to be in the form of matter. Okay... Rather generic and open to interpretation, don't you think?

It is no big secret that I am not a fan of "theories" as they relate to paranormal phenomena, because they seem pulled from thin air most of the time, without any real thought put behind them and even less in the way of backing them up - other than by saying, "I think..." Such as "I think ghosts exist on a 6th dimension," or "my theory is that ghosts drink pink lemonade." However when taking matter into consideration, it may actually have some merit to lend to a theory or two.

For starters, what is matter? Simply put, matter is defined as:

the substance or substances of which any physical object consists or is composed.
physical or corporeal substance in general, whether solid, liquid, or gaseous, esp. as distinguished from incorporeal substance, as spirit or mind, or from qualities, actions, and the like.
something that occupies space.

So if a ghost is made up of matter, wouldn't the next logical question be: what type of matter? Here is where defining what a ghost is gets a little more complicated. If you consider that all things are made up of matter, then it would mean that ghosts are matter, too (haha). One question that I've contemplated for some time is whether ghosts may be plasma. Now before you roll your eyes, take a look at a picture of a free floating plasma orb that was created scientifically and consider if it could be plausible to make a similar connection; often times we read the argument that if it can't be reproduced in a laboratory, it can't be seriously considered, and I would submit that plasma is definitely able to fit that criteria.

No, it does not prove that ghosts are plasma - but that is not the objective here. The objective is to provide some backing to the idea that the physical make up of ghosts could be plasma. But we need to be clear what plasma is before we jump to any conclusion...

Plasma is the "fourth state of matter," and has unique physical properties distinct from solids, liquids and gases, and plasma densities and temperatures vary widely.(1) Plasmas are conductive assemblies of charged particles, neutrals and fields that exhibit collective effects. Further, plasmas carry electrical currents and generate magnetic fields. Plasmas are the most common form of matter, comprising more than 99% of the visible universe, and permeate the solar system, interstellar and intergalactic environments."(2)

In a past discussion I had about this very topic, the question of how a ghost would 'hold itself together' came up. I have recently read that plasma actually has its own 'outer skin' which would offer a reasonable explanation. If this is accurate, it may be why ghosts, shadow people, etc. have been reported in their 'forms' normally associated with them. I have also read that because EMF meters aren't constantly picking up an entity's presence (since plasma carries an electrical current), it is valid to assume that ghosts could not be plasma; but this statement suggests that ghosts are always present in the same location and never moving, which I find rather difficult to believe. Then there are places that just aren't haunted... The point is, we have no idea of knowing if ghosts are even present at any location in the first place, so how could we assume any EMF meter would - or should - detect them?

There have also been other articles that do an excellent job of describing some fascinating observations that suggested plasma could "mimic the functions of a primitive cell," such at this 2007 article from Unexplained Mysteries. This same article goes on to report that physicists were able to "create plasma spheres in the laboratory that could grow, replicate and communicate" (this article is an absolute suggestion to read, by the way). Another "theory" is that ghosts have the ability to manipulate energy to manifest, make their presence known and even communicate; Is it possible that what some of the article suggests could have something to do with this "theory?"

Learning more about the properties of plasma is needed before any type of study - or at the very least, observation - could be documented while on any paranormal investigation. A great place to learn more about plasma (that is not written in over-your-head science speak) is: http://www.plasmacoalition.org/publications.htm Scroll down to the "About Plasmas" section for some excellent PDFs.

But is there another explanation to consider when trying to connect the dots between ghosts and the laws of physics? Hmmm... There is something known as the "Dark Plasma Theory" which one may or may not believe to be credible - but it is there, nonetheless. If we are interested in learning more about what ghosts might actually be, the important thing is that we begin to look for explanations that can be backed up by plausible explanations, which must include science and not simply rely on the "convenient explanations" that are all too commonly accepted and repeated as fact - simply because they sound as good as any other thing out there.

(1) source: http://fusedweb.llnl.gov/cpep/chart_pages/5.plasma4statematter.html

(2) source: http://www.plasmas.org/basics.htm

What makes a good team member?

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:34:00 -0400

So you’ve taken your interest in the paranormal to the next level and decided to join a group: you’ve checked out a few local teams in your area, gone through the process of submitting an application and sat uncomfortably through an interview, and perhaps gone to a couple of meetings and met the people you intend to spend long, boring nights with in the dark while rummaging around old creaky homes or abandoned locations. Perhaps even invested some cash in a few nifty gadgets that you have seen or read about, and are now an official member of a paranormal team…

Now what?

This all stemmed from a conversation earlier, basically about what made a good investigator and what made a good team member. There are a couple of ways to go about giving an opinion, so I am thinking along the lines of what I would tell someone joining a group for the first time, and also what I would expect from anyone in any group. It really seems quite simple. Food for thought.

I think it is important for any member of a team to realize that nobody is expecting them to instantly have the whole thing down pat. Knowing that someone is willing to learn a few basic techniques and follow a group’s protocols for starters can go a long way in determining whether or not someone is or will be a good fit in a group (or if the group is a good fit for them). Asking questions when they present themselves and listening to explanations offered is the first step in becoming an integral part of a paranormal team. Answers usually derive from experience.

The next step is learning as much as reasonably possible, in a reasonable amount of time. If the need to read and learn everything under the sun is a goal of any particular member – more power to them! There will always be something new to learn, whether it is about proper use of equipment, theory and ideas related to paranormal phenomena, or learning about methods to consider when analyzing documentation. Pace yourself! Setting a comfortable pace will keep from attempting to absorb too much information too quickly, which has a tendency to burn people out and cause them to lose interest - or confuse the information altogether. Recognize what your limits are whenever you study, browse the internet, read books, or whatever your choice of information gathering is. There will always be more to learn, regardless of how much you think you have already learned!

One of the most critical steps is having – and showing – a certain amount of initiative and motivation. It is absolutely vital to being an integral and appreciated member of a team, but that initiative and motivation must go way beyond simply clearing a schedule when it is investigation time. The investigation is the EASY part; what follows is what determines whether or not someone is a good team member or simply a burden on the team. Everyone MUST be willing to do their share in the analysis of everything that was collected, i.e. watching hours of video, listening to cut after cut of audio, analyzing documentation, etc. Otherwise, those who end up doing the majority of the work are going to become resentful and WILL eventually quit or demand that the person not holding up to the workload be kicked out. Either way – it promises to cause drama that nobody needs or wants.

Showing initiative is more than just being there for investigations and going over documentation, though - it also comes in the form of searching for the next opportunity to visit a location or offering to help other team members who may be overburdened. It can be as simple as remaining active on websites and forums, or taking the time and making the effort to organize team events. It is also NOT waiting to be told or reminded that something needs to be done, but stepping up and getting it done – the bottom line is that the key to a well-rounded, efficient and motivated team relies upon everybody pulling their own weight, completing tasks in a reasonable amount of time and showing that they are actually part of the team.

Another step to being a good member of a team would have to be communication, and I’d also have to say it is the easiest step of all – there’s really not much to learn (if you know how to use email and register on a forum, place a phone call or text, congratulations, you can communicate!). Nothing says more about a “team” member who can’t take the time to respond to messages or reply with a quick email. It takes all of a few minutes in most cases, and if someone can’t (or won’t) take that amount of time out of their day to take care of team business… it tells the other team members that they are unreliable. Remember – you joined a team to be a part of something, so the least you can do is act like you’re a part of something and communicate on a regular basis!

Finally – have fun! If it isn’t fun, what’s the point? I have talked with many paranormal investigators who seem to leave little or no room for this simple line of thought; everything is dead-on serious and must be taken that way, from start to finish. If that is the way someone wants to go about it, I have no problem with that – but it isn’t for me. It is possible to take pride in what you do, and be able to enjoy it at the same time. After all, there is no set “right way” or “wrong way” to go about researching or investigating paranormal claims. I would agree that trying to be part of a paranormal team will not be for everybody, and that’s perfectly fine... but it should never be decided that is the case due to the lack of enjoyment.

So while these few steps are nowhere near all that makes up a good team member, I do believe that they are all imperative steps that every team member has to keep in mind. Because no matter which team they are on or what their role in their respective team is, without taking time to learn what they can, taking the initiative to be an active member, being able to effectively communicate with the rest of their team, and most importantly being able to have fun, I believe that it will only lead to an exhausting, miserable experience for everyone. And nobody wants that. .

The Importance of Objectivity

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 11:40:00 -0400

If you were to ask a dozen people what they thought was the most important aspect of paranormal investigating, you would probably get a dozen different answers. Everyone has a particular aspect that they consider the backbone of the entire process: for some, it may be the research done prior to stepping one foot into a location that may be haunted, and for others it may be the actual evidence collection itself - the video, audio, photographs, and other readings that are recorded on or from a multitude of gadgets. Still others may find that it is the process of eliminating claims with logical solutions - after all, only when there are things that cannot be explained or rationalized can there be room for paranormal activity, right?

The proper use of equipment is absolutely vital to any successful investigation, and being able to analyze the surroundings in a rational manner (in other words not grasping at straws in order to 'explain away' claims of activity) is without a doubt very important. But an often overlooked area is the ability of the investigator to compile evidence in a way that is both respectful of the claims being made and by relying on casual observance that is not impeded by conjecture.

While being respectful of claims has many layers to it (and can be discussed at a later time), Objectivity is perhaps the most important aspect of casual observance. Simply stated, it is striving to reduce & eliminate any bias and not forming any subjective evaluations about the location OR the people who live or work there.

If a team is focused on documenting claims of paranormal phenomena, it only makes sense that it does everything it can to remain focused on that goal instead of jumping to conclusions or casting judgment because it will have no effect on the physical documentation that is collected. This documentation will either support the claims made... or it will not. Everything else is merely conjecture and has no relevance in determining if there is any paranormal activity recorded or captured. While the best of intentions may be behind any assumptions - the actions of any team which is not objective will give them away to the very person they are there to help, and will be taken as a sign of mistrust. Once any trust is lost - the team may as well pack it up and head on home because the entire investigation will be a wash. It will be obvious to everyone: the person who invited the team will feel insulted and the team will most likely fail to remain effective due to the fact that they will be contemplating the person's reasons for believing their own claims rather than analyzing their surroundings.

One might argue that there could be a legitimate cause for suspecting ulterior motives or the mental state of anyone who invites a team to investigate a location, and I would not attempt to refute those points. However, I would submit that these suspicions usually have plenty of time to manifest themselves through interviews, phone calls and meetings prior to the actual investigation, where these concerns should become apparent.

As paranormal investigators, we must remember that those who invite us to search for paranormal activity are not the subject of our investigation; they are merely the ones presenting us with an opportunity to conduct the search.

Paranormal v. Perception

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 11:49:00 -0400

In preparation for this entry, I have been intentionally paying close attention to the everyday things around me that could be misinterpreted. I have to say that I am actually somewhat surprised by all the things around me, that under different circumstances, even I could perceive as paranormal.

We use our five senses to interpret our surroundings based on our brain's response. Sometimes, what our brains first interpret may not be what actually occurred, rather a "trick of the eyes" or another of our senses. An example would be something I initially thought I saw the other day but was actually not quite the case. I was flossing my teeth and right at the time I pulled it out from between my front teeth, my eyes saw a white spot suddenly appear on the mirror. Yeah, gross! or so I thought. I focused more closely on that white spot and saw that it was dry and had obviously been there for a while, meaning it hadn't come from my teeth at all (at least not that time). However, my initial impression was that something from my teeth had landed on the mirror at that point in time, right as I was pulling the floss out.

A more paranormal example would be this: When I go to bed at night, I face the open doorway to our bedroom. Just outside is the stairway and I can see about 6 inches of the top of the handrail. I wear glasses or contacts and can't see well without them, so add that to the darkness and what do I see? Sometimes, it's a head peeking around the corner. Sometimes a very short person walking up the stairs. Other times, it's a black shadow stood at the top of the stairs. If I had a fear there was paranormal activity in my home, I can guarantee this would be one of my main claims. But at the end of the day, it is the handrail to the stairs combined with my lack of clear sight combined with the darkness creating this illusion.

My most paranormal example: A few months ago I stayed at The Stanley Hotel, a well-known reputedly haunted location. While I am pretty sure I had an actual paranormal experience there (an experience I could not explain no matter how hard I tried), one of my perceived experiences was at first unsettling. The bed in this room was so high off the floor it came to about mid-abdomen on a person 5'7" and you felt like a little toddler trying to climb into bed. That said, I was in a dead sleep on the second night (after having been quite sleep deprived the first night) and suddenly awakened to see a woman at the foot of my side of the bed. She had to be floating because her head was as high as it would have been at standing had the bed been at a normal height. I closed my eyes and when I opened them, there was a gray smoke/mist in her place. I again closed my eyes and when I opened them there was nothing there. Thinking through this experience, I was at a place said to be haunted for a paranormal convention (listed as one of the top 7 most haunted locations in the US). Couple that with the fact that I had been sleep deprived, in a deep sleep, the scientific theory that we can remain in a dreaming state for up to 2 minutes after waking up, and my sight issues, you've got a good recipe for a "paranormal experience" that was probably my brain's perception.

All of this isn't to share my experiences but to illustrate the need to completely analyze the situation prior to concluding it is paranormal activity. As an average person who believes there may be a ghost in your house or at your place of employment, remember to do this with each experience as it is so easy to just place it in the paranormal column before thinking it through. Even as an investigator, on one investigation I felt like someone had been playing with my hair. It happened 3 times on that one investigation. After a few days, I realized that either I have something weird about my nerve endings on that part of my head that I hadn't noticed until I was on full alert, or a ghost follows me around and every so often plays with my hair. I'm inclined to believe the prior over the latter.

Paranormal? or Perception? Analyze or run experiences by an analytical person and you may find perception wins out at least 80% of the time. In my case, it is almost 100% of the time (except that one time....).

Jaime,

Bridgetown Ghost Hunters

BGH welcomes another member

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 22:35:00 -0500

Bridgetown Ghost Hunters officially welcomed on board a new member at our last group meeting on Saturday, February 20th, 2010. With our calendar quickly filling up, it couldn't have come at a better time!

There are still a couple of positions open - experience is not necessary, only the motivation! One requirement is that you live in the Portland, Oregon / Vancouver, Washington area. All applicants must pass a background check. If you are interested, please send an email with the title "application" to:

bridgetownghosthunters@gmail.com

Rolling in 2010

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 07:33:00 -0500

Bridgetown Ghost Hunters is gearing up for 2010 after a much needed vacation! Our first official meeting for the new year is planned for February 6th. This meeting will be a member's only meeting, held privately (don't worry - we'll be planning on some public meetings throughout the year). We already have a number of cases lined up, as well as some local charity events that we will be participating in. 2010 is promising to be a very busy and challenging year for us! Some changes will be taking place very soon - our website will be updated for starters. We had several discussions last year about the type of goals we wanted to set for ourselves for this year, and as a result, our website will be updated to show the changes and point out those goals. Another change that will be occurring in the first part of the year will be additional members to the group; while nothing has been set in stone yet, we plan on opening up at least two slots for investigators to allow for more flexibility for everyone. We like being a small group as we work well together - but having a couple of additional people will help with the growing workload. Finally, we will be placing more of an emphasis on sharing documentation on our forums. We will be adding a new section that will allow us to share our findings with you, and for you to share your findings and opinions with everyone else. We here at Bridgetown Ghost Hunters believe that the best way to be objective about any paranormal documentation is to allow others to view, listen, and comment openly; while we are not in the business of trying to change anyone's mind on the paranormal, the more our documentation is shared and studied - regardless of the conclusion about it - the more it will lend to our research goals. So here we go!

What matters most?

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:54:00 -0500

Let's say you're a paranormal team just received an email or phone call by a person asking for help. They have told you there is activity that it has been occurring for quite some time, and everyone has finally reached a breaking point - they are asking your team to come in to investigate and get rid of whatever it is that they feel is haunting them.

What your team does next should depend on what type of team you are and the type of team you are striving to be. Is this the right type of case for your team to even take on? This question isn't always taken into consideration when the opportunity - or plea - to investigate a possible haunting presents itself - perhaps it is too tempting to take a case rather than pass it up, even if there may be moments where you know you'll find yourself "winging it."

This is something that a lot of groups don't consider when they form, but it is something that most groups will eventually have to come to terms with. A paranormal team may only figure out what type of team they are as a result of being called into a situation, because it is easy to want to help someone who is asking for assistance before contemplating what type of assistance they may need in the first place. Its human nature for most to want to help someone who is reaching out and asking for it, and many people who are involved in the paranormal have faced their own situations - so they have empathy for the person on the other end, who doesn't know who to turn to or what to do.

Is your team one that offers advice, who will try to help someone rid their place of a supposed entity so that they (the living) can continue on in peace? Offering advice or giving information to a person seeking help can do a lot of positive things: it can empower them, let them know that they are not alone, and can give them some basic insight - not only about what has worked for others, but also what has not. Being aware that there are things that have worked for others (and those things might work for them too) may help a person enough to be able to face their situation with authority and no fear. If a team offers some information about a similar situation and it does not work, no self-respecting team just shrugs and says, "sorry." They approach the situation from another angle and try something else. It may be a period of trial and error, but it is a commitment that a team must be willing to make - to put their toes on the line, to give it their best effort, to stick through the thick and thin with a person or family from start to finish.

Or is your team more concerned with attempting to capture evidence to verify a place might be haunted or not? There are many people who feel the best help is to not offer any advice at all, because it may make matters worse for the very people who are experiencing something. By simply verifying or "debunking" their home as haunted, this is as far as they are willing to go. This way, the people who asked a team to come in cannot hold it against them if "it" doesn't simply vanish after their investigation. Indeed, if having something substantial to show someone they aren't crazy is all they are after, or simply showing them what is actually creating the bumps and knocks will end their sleepless nights because it proves it isn't the spirit of Great-Aunt Mildred (upset because her house has been remodeled recently), then that is a good thing.

There can be some issues between those who believe the former way is the best way, and those who think the latter is always more appropriate. On the one hand, teams from one viewpoint have already had their turning point and for them, offering advice is not an option. On the other hand, there are teams who feel their responsibility lies beyond simply coming to a conclusion about whether they feel a place is haunted or not. And let's face it - it really doesn't matter if there is any such thing as ghosts or haunted houses, but whether the people who believe they live with them or in them come away from the experience empowered and feeling better off after they've contacted you than they did before.

What is at the heart of this controversy should not be whether someone feels it is taking an easy way out to offer no advice at all beyond agreeing that a place is haunted (or giving reasons why they feel it is not), nor should it be about giving advice that may not work because it could have an adverse reaction. It should be about what is best for those asking for help, and whether your team is the right team to help them. Neither approach is wrong; sometimes, the best help can be not trying to find a solution at all, and sometimes the best help can be giving it your all to find a solution.

Either way, every team ought to realize that once they pack up and head on out, there are still going to be people left dealing with the situation. If your team's goals or ideals are not best suited for the needs of those who called upon you, then passing up a case is not a bad thing. But there should not be any animosity toward a team who has an opposite viewpoint, nor should it mean that two teams with opposing viewpoints couldn't work together. In retrospect, it could be the best help you can give without even trying.

Para-Elitism

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:37:00 -0500

Will Durant said: "A civilization is not conquered from without until it is destroyed from within." This statement is a simple testament to the destructive behavior caused by a society upon itself, inevitably bringing about its own demise. If history teaches us anything, it is that the greatest enemy is often ourselves.

What is becoming more abrasive in the paranormal community is this herd-like mentality to cast suspicion and judgement upon those who do not subscribe to a common standard put forth by those who are doing the condemning.

This in itself is not much of an issue - one can simply choose to look elsewhere to find those who agree with them. The larger issue is that when there are several areas within the confines of the paranormal community - all with their own standards and ideals - the process threatens to become a prison of sorts: speak up, and you may find yourself an outcast; go with the flow, and you may find yourself being untrue to your own personal goals and opinions. A common theme seems to be more about acknowledging what their way is and who is NOT on board with it, rather than the fact that there really is NO correct way until there is some genuine proof to show something substantial to make it so. Until that time is reached, all of it should be considered relevant.

Yes, there are obvious things that are not paranormal that are put out there claiming to be so. And yes, there are those who would scam and cheat the ones who are either looking for help or who want to learn how to help. The rocks go with the farm, as the saying goes. However, giving any more attention to these things than they deserve only solidifies their involvement within the community instead of causing them to dissipate. It is not to suggest that frauds shouldn't be exposed, or that there is no room for criticism; this is healthy and necessary to a point. But if spending all day pouring over pages of Google links to weed out the "instigators" does anything for the "paranormal cause," I am at a loss for what the paranormal cause is supposed to be.

Some individuals that I have respect for view it as an obligation to call out groups that have questionable "evidence" posted on their website, or to do whatever it takes to eradicate the things in which they view as casting a bad light on the community as a whole. While I can appreciate the opinions, I cannot agree with the fundamentals; once we as a community begin to put so much of our efforts into making sure that those who do not adhere to our opinions are exposed, we become oppressive and leave little room for advancement. Those things in which we put no stock in or find as frivolous eventually fall by the way-side, and it is better to allow them to fade away rather than give them the power to wreak unwanted havoc due to excessive attention.

It is arrogant and presumptuous to self-appoint one to a role of deciding what is and is not acceptable in the paranormal community if it goes beyond casually glimpsing at a photograph and explaining your opinion on it, or offering advice to someone asking for it. When anyone begins to suggest that they are to be counted among the people who have worked tirelessly to build a positive image for the paranormal community, and take it upon themselves to "clean up" after those who have come in with reckless abandon, it becomes elitist.

Herd mentalities consume people, and the paranormal community is no different It is not immune to this irrational behavior. Instead of open debate, there is open hostility. Instead of learning from peers, it is about gaining their approval. Instead of cooperation, there is obstinance. Sadly, much of the paranormal community seems to be digging out a nice little niche for itself and leaving very little room at the bottom of the hole for opinions that don't mesh with their own. The worst part about it is that the opinions that are out there at this time have very little - if any - actual thought put behind them other than to say "I think, therefore it is."

What does it say about ourselves if we expend too much of our energy focusing on the mundane? Once we become comfortable with our surroundings - be it a paranormal forum or a paranormal group - it becomes easier to expose ourselves to what we really stand for and who we really are. The question is, who do we want to expose ourselves as being?

Another great Will Durant quote: "A wise man can learn from another man's experience; a fool cannot learn even from his own."

December = Vacation!

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:59:00 -0500

2009 has been a long year for the members of Bridgetown Ghost Hunters, to say the least! We have had many ups & downs, and finally, it is that time of year when we put our ghost hunting aside so we can focus on a different type of paranormal acitivty: the Christmas shopping and holiday insanity! :tongue:

All of us at BGH hope everyone has a relaxing and joyful time during the holiday season; we have a lot in store for 2010, and plan on hitting the ground running come January...

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Portland Investigation

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:38:00 -0500

Bridgetown Ghost Hunters conducted a private residence investigation in our hometown of Portland, Oregon. The claims were that a small shadow figure had been seen in two of the rooms, among others. It was also made known (and verified) that the previous resident had died in the residence.

We attempted to recreate the claims of activity, but had nothing on video, audio, or in photographs. While we normally don't include personal experiences as part of our documentation process, no member present even felt the slightest change in atmosphere. While this does not mean the activity doesn't take place, it also doesn't show that it is.

There are always other possibilities when it comes to the reasons for people witnessing paranormal activity, and we're exploring some of those with the client at the moment.

Think before you repeat

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:50:00 -0500

I am not a scientist - I am just a guy with a video camera who tries to document places that are supposedly haunted. I use the tools that I have available to record the environment around me and when I capture something that I cannot explain - something that could potentially be paranormal in my eyes - I put it out there for others to view and give opinions on. This is the only way I can know for certain that what I am witnessing is actual footage and not a hoax.

It may not be scientific enough for some, but I'm cool with that. I'm not out to gain approval or acceptance from anyone in the paranormal community, so I really don't mind if my methods aren't adding to some mystical burden of communal proof; at least I know my methods are honest and I'm not trying to pretend to know any more than I do. When something is documented for all the world to see, paranormal or not - it is what it is. I can accept that.

There is a lot of reiteration on theories and dialogue without trying to figure out if there is any truth to it (or at the very least some supporting evidence to back it up). It may be a theory being repeated by someone that wants to be taken seriously, or someone who takes everything they read at face value, and that is understandable - to a point. But for all we may know, that golden "theory" could've come directly from a flying elephant at the Neverland Ranch... Giving people the benefit of the doubt is often an overlooked quality, but it can get frustrating when people who came up with an idea without anything to back it up (also known as an OPINION) state it as if they are an authority in all things paranormal. When they get called on it, they either get defensive, derogatory, or simply choose not to allow any conversation about it. Simply put, if you make a claim that something has apparently been reported, you should be able to provide that report! Because it should have been documented somewhere. Otherwise, it's just an idea or an opinion or a story - and should be labeled as such. Because those who actually DO know what they are talking about ARE going to call you out on it - every time.

In short - if you want to be taken seriously, do your homework. In advance. It will be appreciated that much more.

Tom,

Bridgetown Ghost Hunters

TAPS event at the Stanley Hotel

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:48:00 -0500

Bridgetown Ghost Hunters member and case manager, Jaime, just returned from the TAPS event at the Stanley Hotel, and it sounds like it was a wild time. She's still going over her own documentation, but we hope to see some good stuff soon!

Knowing when to say No

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:02:00 -0400

From the perspective of someone who wants to visit as many places as possible in search of paranormal activity, it's a hard thing to turn down an opportunity; sometimes it has to be left alone due to safety concerns, other times it is just too far away to be realistically viable. Then still other times, it's because your group holds itself up to a set of rules that - while it's tempting to make an exception from time to time - must be adhered to in order to uphold the integrity of the group.

There inevitably comes a time when a group has to know when to say no. While there may be legitimate claims of activity that have been documented (even well-publicized), or the claims from a resident may seem to be truthful and practically promise that you'll get the best capture ever - if a group is willing to ignore it's own set of standards just to say they've been to a place or be able to show some video or other form of evidence... Does it mean that group is willing to compromise for the sake of the hunt, or compromise for the sake of a sliver of notoriety?

In the case of the former, Bridgetown Ghost Hunters may have the opportunity to perform an investigation at a very well-known place, one which I suspect groups would just love to have the option to check out. However, there may be a bit of an issue with documentation, and what we may or may not be able to use. Whether you agree or disagree, we decided long ago that if we perform an investigation, anything that we document belongs to the group and the individual who did the documenting, and the discretion of what we share or do not share is ours (with exception to a person's private information - which we never share publicly).

In the case of the latter, while private residences can offer a myriad of activity, there is always an issue of safety and legality. We won't put any client in jeopardy, and we definitely won't accept an invitation if it means any of the team could possibly be put in a bad situation! These are the hardest cases to say no to - because while you want to help, or at least try to offer some validation or logical explanation for what they are going through... putting a team in possible harm's way just isn't worth it.

In the end, the only thing you can remind yourself is that there will always be other places to visit and other people who invite you to perform a paranormal investigation. However, you will only have your group's integrity once.

Tom,

Bridgetown Ghost Hunters

Lakeview Residence Reveal

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:49:00 -0400

This afternoon, Bridgetown Ghost Hunters gave their reveal for the Lakeview Residence case that took place on 17-18 October 2009. It was by far our longest investigation (approximately 20 hours). BGH will have some documentation posted shortly - just a few little things to tie up.

Special thanks to the people who invited us in their home for this one!

BGH is looking for new members

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:11:00 -0400

Are you interested in the paranormal, work well with others, live in the Portland - Vancouver area and are at least 21 years old?

Bridgetown Ghost Hunters will be looking for a couple of new members after the holidays are over... If you're interested in the possibility of joining us, please visit our forums!

Keep in mind that there's no guarantees, and you will be expected to fulfill some obligations...

BGH on Facebook

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:09:00 -0400

Now you can keep up with Bridgetown Ghost Hunters on Facebook! We have just launched our official Facebook page, and will be adding to it regularly, so if you're a member of Facebook, be sure to add our site to your fan pages!

What is in a name?

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:17:00 -0400

Until recently, Bridgetown Ghost Hunters was known by another name - and had been since 2007. Changing it was not taken lightly, and it was a group decision that was discussed for quite some time; changing everything around, updating sites, letting contacts know - these can be quite daunting tasks... It was a minor issue that could have been lived with, but in the end it was necessary due to the fact that the previous name was so very similar to many other paranormal groups. The goal is to stand out from other groups, not blend in with them. Moving forward must always take precedence - or the team, quite simply, will fail.

When it was first made public about our name change, someone had made the comment: "...Just don't let it kill any good reputation you have; paranormal research is far more reputable than ghost hunting..." Oh really? Considering that every start-up group out there who throws up a website coins themselves as a "paranormal research society," I hardly think that the title in and of itself offers any instant reputation, nor do I think that it gives any credibility, assuming the person who made that statement was implying that paranormal researchers use scientific methods while they sit around in the dark and demand that an entity make its presence known, and any group who doesn't title themselves as such just can't be taken seriously. My reply is that it isn't the name of a group that determines its reputation, but its history.

The exception to the above statement - admittedly - is that there is a certain... stigma (for a lack of a better term) when looking back. It is almost as if the prior negativity and concerns are tossed out with the old name, giving way to a clean slate and a fresh start; it replenished the people affected and brought with it a new determination and a breath of motivation.

Anyone who ever got involved with a paranormal group had to start somewhere. That beginning was probably not fueled by some egotistical desire to become famous or because they were worried about what others think. It was probably because of a desire to confirm their own nagging questions concerning the paranormal, and to do so as part of a team of people who shared those sentiments. Being afforded the opportunity to help people along the way is an added bonus that we take very seriously. So it doesn't matter if others approve or not - no matter how long they have been watching spook shows, or how many hours they spend browsing websites, or even if they consider themselves to be bonafide"paranormal researchers."

If someone is only interested in seeking the acceptance of others who have websites and videos of themselves plastered all over the internet, or a television show or podcast... they are in this for the wrong reasons in my opinion, and this will become apparent all too quickly. And if they are going to judge a group by whether they call themselves paranormal researchers or ghost hunters, well... So be it; because quite honestly, I don't think a person who asks for help really cares what a group calls themselves if they are able to help and give them some peace of mind in the end.

Tom,

Bridgetown Ghost Hunters