Problematic Statements in the Paranormal Community

Alex Matsuo1 Comment

You don’t have to dim someone else’s light for yours to shine.

Recently, I was nominated for Best Blogger for a small paranormal-centric awards site. It’s one of many award movements that have happened over the last twelve months. You see some of the same names throughout the different ballots, while others have some new faces. Personally, I don’t see anything wrong with awards, especially when nominations are determined by votes. It gives people a chance to acknowledge someone whose work they enjoy. People nominate for their friends and then vote to determine the winner. No judgment from people on the side.

The Award Trend

Honestly, I’ve never been one to get too excited about award nominations since I usually don’t win. Just the acknowledgment of “Hey, someone thinks you’re doing a good job” is nice, especially when I lose motivation to continue The Spooky Stuff. There have also been times I haven’t been nominated. While disappointing, it isn’t the end of the world. Truly. The names I’ve seen on these various nominations lists have had people who are kicking butt in this field and working hard. There’s a time to bow out.

Of course, there have been some harsh criticisms with these paranormal awards. The whole idea of awards can invoke strong, emotional reactions. There are some fair questions to ask, like who is on the panel that decides who is nominated? Anyway, I think there is room for criticism and constructive feedback. But, some of the criticisms against these awards seem to stem from bitterness over being left out, or even feeling threatened (not sure by what). Sadly, it’s hurting the people who were nominated and now they are feeling less proud of their accomplishment, which is a shame. In this blog, I’m going to dissect some of the more problematic statements and offer a solution.

Problematic Statement #1: We’re All at the Same Level

I’ve seen this comment hundreds of times just this past year since Higgypop announced their award nominations. I vehemently disagree with this. Why? When I look at folks like Loyd Auerbach or Dr. Rachael Ironside, they are absolutely not at the same level as the rest of the paranormal community.

And some hard truths…the ones who most often say, “We’re all at the same level” are the ones who are floating by in the field. Sure, they’ve made friends and have great connections. But they’re not writing, they’re not researching, they’re not creating content, they’re not studying or experimenting, they’re not teaching, they’re not questioning data…should I stop now?

To say, “We’re all at the same level” greatly diminishes the amazing work that major contributors have put forth. Also, if we refuse to embrace the diversity in this field, we will continue to be stagnant and not make any progress in the field of anomalous research.

Solution: Acknowledgement

Instead of putting everyone at the same level, acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of others. It could be a degree, the discovery of a new investigation method that everyone has adapted, a new book, a new podcast, etc. There are folks in the paranormal field who are working harder than others. That’s truly a neutral statement.

Problematic Statement #2: We’re All the Same

Again, this is like saying, “I don’t see color.” We are not all the same. Everyone comes into this field with different experiences, different thoughts and ideas, and different motivations. This is a blatant refusal of embracing and acknowledging our differences. This mindset is exactly why people get so mad when someone disagrees with them. When someone has a differing opinion, differing method, differing thought process, people get so angry. This also might be why the paranormal community struggles with peer-reviewed studies and classes because of the lack of acknowledgement of expertise, background, and experience.

Solution: Embrace Differences

Embracing differences of opinions, thoughts, and backgrounds would really make the paranormal community thrive. Saying something as simple as “I disagree” seems to trigger such animosity. Not everyone is going to agree, and the best way to manage it is try to disagree with as much grace as possible. Even if the other person ends up burning that bridge with you, you can rest easy knowing you tried to embrace the difference instead of pushing back.

Problematic Statement #3: In the Field for the Wrong Reasons

Actors win awards, are they in it for the wrong reason? Scientists win awards, are they too in it for the wrong reason? I don’t think it’s a bad thing to get kudos for your work. This is especially true for researchers who want to get their work out there. Teachers get awards too! Are they in education for the wrong reasons? No. People get acknowledged for their work.

Do they get attention? Sure. Isn’t everyone on social media for some kind of attention? Do you not have a YouTube channel for views? Do you not have a website for views? Hey, guess what? When you post a status ranting and having your friends comment, that’s all attention. When you post an emotional status, you’re expecting a response, right? That’s attention-seeking behavior. Everyone does it to a certain extent. That’s just life. Seeking attention for your work (in a healthy way) isn’t a bad thing.

Solution: Check Your Motives

Why are you here? Ask yourself why you’re here in the paranormal community. Do you want to meet like-minded people? Do you want to find proof of spirits? Maybe you want to visit as many haunted locations as possible? Or, are you wanting to become famous? Write a New York Times bestseller? None of the things I listed here are bad things. Focusing on your motivation and what drives you in the field is a great way to keep yourself in check. It will help you evaluate what really matters and whether you’re getting upset over nothing.

Problematic Statement #4: It’s Not a Competition

Um…it absolutely is. Every day is a competition of some kind. This is based on my observations outside of the context of awards. But that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Also, I’m constantly in competition with myself to do better next time. A little competition and motivation to step it up as has never hurt anyone. Many facets of our lives include a competitive environment like work, volunteer organizations, family, etc.

I’ve seen so much back-biting, social media drama, and just high school level temper tantrums that all come from the fact that the paranormal community is a competition. It’s a competition for friendships, it’s a competition for likes and follows, it’s a competition for interviews, and it’s a competition for a television show. If someone hasn’t grown up in a competitive environment, they may not recognize the signs. Also, they won’t know how to handle it.

There’s even competition to be a speaker at a convention. Even in academic circles, there is competition. In the scientific world, there is competition. These other communities have managed to embrace it and use it to their advantage to further their respective field. Why can”t the paranormal community do that?

Solution: Embrace Abundancy

To counter myself, because that’s fun, competition can also be a toxic cesspool if people don’t know how to handle it. Which, let’s be honest, the paranormal community can’t handle it. I do believe that we can eliminate this thought of competition by replacing it with a mindset of abundance. There are enough likes, follows, TV opportunities, locations, book deals, etc. for everyone to have a piece of the pie. You can still believe in abundance AND competition. What does this mean? Celebrate others when they receive recognition. Know in your heart that your time will come because of abundance! There is plenty of room for everyone to succeed, whatever that means to them!

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the people who are getting hurt from these words are the folks who were nominated. There are many folks out there who are not part of the popular paranormal cliques on social media and they got nominated. Many of these folks often are underappreciated and not acknowledged nearly enough. Sadly, I’ve seen a few of them want to drop out because they’d rather not deal with the negativity and the hate. That’s incredibly disappointing.

To me, this is worse than the awards themselves. It’s one thing to criticize the awards, but to devalue the nominees is awful. Frankly, it’s nearly crossing a line over to bullying. This is not “para unity”, and it is only creating more dissent in the community. Why not offer your own solution to the issue? Saying “No one gets a trophy” is just as bad as “Everyone gets a trophy.” If someone wants to start an awards page to acknowledge their favorite people or market their own platform, it’s okay. Live and let live. We can acknowledge folks in the community. Someone getting nominated for an award doesn’t devalue or diminish what you’re doing in the field.

What do you think?

10 Celebrities Who Live in a Haunted House

Alex Matsuo1 Comment

Celebrities are people too. Just like the rest of us regular folks, they too need a place to live. They need a place to settle down and rest their heads. Okay, maybe they have mansions and luxury accomodations. But they are just as vulnerable to experience a haunting like the rest of us. Spirits and ghosts don’t discriminate just because you’re a celebrity.

With this in mind, there are countless celebrities who have had paranormal experiences. Some have even encountered the supernatural in their own home. Here are ten celebrities who live (or have lived) in haunted houses.

Cate Blanchett

Actress Cate Blanchett is the latest celebrity who reportedly lives in a haunted house. The story is even in Vanity Fair, which isn’t known for covering spooky topics like this. However, the cottage isn’t going to be up for long. After Blanchett bought the property for $6 million, she plans on tearing it down. The Crowborough, East Sussex estate, known as Highwell House, was abandoned for years. Built in 1890, it is originally known as Potters Manor or Steep Park. You can imagine that tons of urban explorers and ghost hunters went to the property looking for spirits. Blanchett’s plans for demolition were initially put on hold because a rare colony of bats was found on the property. The situation has now been resolved, so the cottage will be knocked down. An office, studio, and meditation room will be built in its place.

Jennifer Aniston

Before Jennifer Aniston got her big break as Rachel Green in “Friends”, she was living in Los Angeles and trying to make it as an actress. In 2018, she told James Corden about how she lived with a ghost. The stereo would turn on at full volume, the coffee maker would start by itself, and the dishwasher would turn on. For Aniston, it was a terrifying experience. She hired a psychic to intervene. The psychic used frankincense and put it in a dish. Aniston said that the ghost apparently didn’t like her roommate. Instead of trying to get the ghost out, Aniston ended up moving out. She simply couldn’t handle the situation.

Miley Cyrus

It seems that the Cyrus family might be a magnet for the paranormal. In November 2020, her father Billy Ray Cyrus revealed that he believes in UFOs and had his own experiences. When it comes to the famous singer, she rented an apartment in London during her European tour. The apartment is across the street from Harrod’s, and it’s very haunted. Like Jennifer Aniston, Cyrus had a truly terrifying experience. Her entire family, even her beau Liam Hemsworth, had an experience. Her sister had the water switch to hot while in the shower, meaning the knob turned by itself. Cyrus said that she thought she was being watched by the little boy. Windows and doors were opening and closing by themselves. Cyrus found out that the apartment building was once a bakery, and it was owned by a father and son. They moved to the SoHo Hotel after that.

Kendall Jenner

Maybe this is more appropriate for Kris Jenner, but it was Kendall who is convinced that her mother’s house is haunted. Kylie Jenner has even reported hearing footsteps in her mother’s house while no one was walking. The shower in Kris’s house would also turn on by itself. What is also interesting to note is that the Kardashian daughters used an Ouija board at one point while they were growing up. So, one has to wonder if that gave them the impression that they opened a door to the supernatural in their lives.

Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Cage is the former owner of the LaLaurie House in New Orleans, Louisiana. The history of the LaLaurie House is one of the most disturbing and turbulent stories in history. Madame Delphine LaLaurie is known for torturing and killing the slaves that served her and her husband, Dr. Louis LaLaurie. When you have a history that includes the brutal torture and murder of an oppressed group, you have the recipe for a turbulent haunting. Nicola Cage, who is a big fan of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland, was thrilled to own the LaLaurie Mansion before he lost it due to foreclosure in 2009.

Bella Thorne

Bella Thorne seems to have had experiences with the supernatural. Her family home is built on a Native American burial ground. Thorne claims that her parents had some crazy experiences like hearing chains and shackles and other noises that couldn’t be explained. Her family would also hear stomping around the houses, including the second floor. The stomping would even go up and down the stairs. Her mother thought it was Thorne’s brother, but that was quickly debunked. Finally, Thorne alluded that the activity pushed her family out of the house because they couldn’t take it anymore.

Matthew McConaughey

Alright, alright, alright! Matthew McConaughey is no stranger to the paranormal. In fact, he claims his Los Angeles home is haunted by a spirit named Madame Bleu. What is funny is that he believes that Madame Bleu enjoys seeing him in his birthday suit, and that’s why they get along. McConaughey claims that he has seen his resident ghost and has sensed her ever since he first moved in. Madame Bleu didn’t seem to like Matthew at first. But he stood his ground and said he wasn’t going to leave. I mean, if seeing him in the buff is what keeps the supernatural peace in the home, I guess that’s more effective than a smoke cleansing!

Adele

Adele’s Sussex, England mansion is a former convent, and apparently very active. The 10-bedroom, 25-acre mansion is huge, and Adele said it gives her the creeps. She hired a bodyguard to stay with her in the mansion, as well as two additional security guards to stand at the gates. Adele claimed that she heard strange sounds at night that she couldn’t explain. If I were her, I wouldn’t want to sleep alone in such a big mansion, either…even if it did have two pools!

Demi Lovato

In 2013, Demi Lovato revealed that she goes ghost hunting. They also confessed that their home is Texas is haunted by a little girl. Lovato also grew up in this house and interacted with the little girl a bunch of times. Their mom reported that a young Lovato was often seen talking to themselves and saying that they were playing with their best friend. Lovato’s mom ended up hiring a psychic to take a look at the house, who believes that the little girl’s name is Emily.

Bella & Gigi Hadid

While supermodel sisters Bella and Gigi Hadid were growing up, they were sure that they had a ghost in their home. More specifically, they claim the spirit of an old woman was in one of their closets. They even brought tea to this spirit and talk to her as well.

12 Types of Hauntings You Need to Know About

Alex Matsuo

One of the most common questions I get is all about the types of hauntings. To be honest, I don’t really think about it that much because…ghost theory is shaky. I can’t prove any of these hauntings exist. Also, everyone has their own theories about ghosts, spirits, hauntings, demons, etc. There may be some consistent ideas across the board, but everyone will have their own thoughts on the details.

With that in mind, the hauntings I’m going to talk about are ones that I’ve either run into a lot on the field or something I read about in my research. This is seriously just my opinion, and I’m always open to ideas and feedback. And if you disagree, that’s okay too! I would love to hear your opinion as well.

Residual

This is a haunting that’s most misunderstood as a conscious ghost. I like to think of residual hauntings like a broken record player that replays a moment over and over again. In my opinion, residual hauntings are leftover energy from what was there before. Have you ever walked into a room after two people were fighting, and you can sense the tension? That’s kind of like what a residual haunting is. Residual hauntings are caused by an emotional imprint of a traumatic event in the area (like Gettysburg). It could also be something where someone has a set routine for so long that they’re energy just keeps flowing, like someone getting a midnight snack at 3 am for 50 years.

Intelligent/Interactive

This is the type of haunting where we interact with a spirit. I tend to use the word “intelligent” haunting over “interactive” haunting. In this situation, you’re able to interact with a spirit. They are aware that you’re there and they are responding to you. While they may or may not be aware of the current time period, they are responsive. These types of ghosts are able to answer questions, (maybe) interact with equipment, and tell you their story. This is the type of spirit that most paranormal investigators encounter in the field. It is the type of spirit you will most often see on television.

Spontaneous Apparitions

This one might be my favorite type of haunting because it comes from the living. That’s right. Spontaneous apparitions come from the living. This is sometimes associated with out-of-body experiences, astral projection, just to name a few. It usually involves a person leaving their body as a way to contact someone. From my research, spontaneous apparitions aren’t usually intentional, which means that this could happen due to extreme stress or extreme desire to contact someone.

Thoughtforms & Tulpas

Okay, maybe THIS is my favorite one. It’s a tie between spontaneous apparitions and thoughtforms/tulpas. What this means is that we create our own apparitions, so to speak. We create our own objects or beings through intense thought. There are theories that the hauntings we experience at more famous locations are thoughtforms because all these ghost hunters have created ghosts through their own collective thoughts. I’m actually on board with this theory since the same stories seem to circulate around. There have been experiments all over the world dedicated to testing out this idea, with the most famous one being the Phillip Experiment in 1972.

Crisis Apparitions

Crisis apparitions are truly fascinating. The person who appears as the apparition is usually going through some sort of stress or transition, like dying. When you see a loved one right when they die, it is a crisis apparition. For example, someone reports seeing their grandmother in their home at 4 pm. Then, they found out their grandmother passed at 4 pm. But crisis apparitions are also seen as the person is dying, in an accident, trapped somewhere, extremely ill, or badly injured…meaning they are still alive. I’ve only seen one crisis apparition in my life after my grandmother passed.

Guardian

Guardian hauntings are fascinating to me. This is when you have your spirit guides, relatives, ancestors, etc. visiting you not only often, but they are causing disturbances. This is merely my personal opinion based on experience. When you have a guardian spirit haunting you, it usually means that there is something in your life that you need to change as soon as possible. Or, something disturbing is happening around you. The only case we had that involved a guardian spirit was when the client’s daughter was being abused by a relative right under their nose. Afer the relative was removed and arrested, the haunting stopped.

Poltergeist

In case you’re wondering, the 1982 movie Poltergeist gets it all wrong. Most people don’t associate poltergeists with ghosts or spirits. Instead, poltergeists come from our own minds. This type of haunting usually happens around teenaged girls going through puberty or women going through menopause. It’s a combination of hormones and extreme stress that causes a psychokinetic phenomenon. Poltergeists have also occurred with teenaged boys as well. Basically, you have to have extreme emotional stress in the picture. This phenomenon can cause objects to move, electrical disturbances, phantom voices, and even apparitions. In case you’re wondering, yes, poltergeists are extremely difficult to diagnose.

Deathbed Visions

We hear about deathbed visions or deathbed phenomena most often from nurses, hospice care, etc. Basically, from those who care for the dying. It is believed that as someone gets closer to death, they are visited by deceased friends and loved ones. Some even report seeing angels or even Jesus Christ. The dying person may even rise from a comatose state to declare their long-passed spouse is in the room. Or, they see the dying person talking to someone who isn’t there.

Elementals

These hauntings are confusing. Can we really call them a haunting? Well, maybe. I guess? Elementals are inhuman spirits that have been around for….ever. When one hears elementals, they may think of faeries, elves, sprites, will-o-wisps, the list goes on. What is interesting is that during my investigation days in California, we ran into quite a few elementals. Many elementals are tied with Native American legends, which makes me believe they’ve been around since the dawn of time. During my investigations in heavily wooded areas, I’ve experienced what I believe were elemental experiences. Finally, we usually associate elementals with nature.

Shadow Person

Shadow people are a strange phenomenon that seems that everyone knows about. Mainly because they have seen them. Shadow people are humanoid figures seen as dark masses. You can’t see any features on them like eyes, nose, mouth, ears, etc. They can be seen in your peripheral vision as well. While we usually don’t see features of clothing on shadow people, there is the fascinating case of “Hat Man.” People have reported seeing a shadow man wearing a hat. There are thousands, if not millions, of shadow people cases. While these apparitions are seen often, not a lot is known about them. Are they human? Could they be aliens trying to study us? Or, are they demonic? Well, we don’t know. They can also be seen as shapeless masses. Shadow people have also been seen moving through walls. My favorite shadow sighting is shadow cat sightings because animal spirits are adorable. You could even say there aren’t any hardcore rules when it comes to this phenomenon.

Demonic

Before I go into details, I need to shout this from the rooftops; demonic activity is rare. Like, super rare. Sadly, with mainstream television making it seem like demons are around every corner, people greatly misunderstand demonic activity. I’ve always found it interesting that folks who don’t believe in demons don’t encounter demonic activity. I truly believe that this type of haunting all depends on the mindset of the person. You could say that a demonic haunting may even fall under elemental spirits. They are not human, and they seem to possess incredible strength. When it comes to possession, we honestly can’t say only demons possess, or if possession is even real. Depending on your religious beliefs, your perception of demons will be different. I’ve seen Christians name Greek gods and goddesses as demons, while another religion may consider something else for demons.

Portal

This one is the least believable for me. Maybe it’s because I don’t really understand it? There are so many theories as to what opens a portal, how to close a portal, and all of that info is inconsistent. But I digress. A portal is basically an open door to some sort of spirit world where spirits are coming in and out as they please. You can imagine this is problematic for the person living with the portal haunting. When this happens, the urgency to close that portal is high. Many believe that portals are associated with sacred ground or places of religious worship. Either way, it’s interesting.

What other types of hauntings have you heard of? Feel free to share in the comments!

9 Things You Should Know About New Paranormal Investigators

Alex Matsuo

This blog is for my fellow veterans out there who been out in the paranormal world for years. We’ve learned the ropes and we have the field experience. Over the years, we’ve chiseled our skills and gained incredible knowledge and experience.

But there are always new paranormal investigators out there who don’t know better. When I’m on social media, I’m constantly sad to see that the next generation of the field is often humiliated for not knowing something. Or, they get blasted with someone being condescending towards them because they don’t know better. There’s a lot of gatekeeping in the paranormal community. Frankly, this needs to stop. We will start losing what makes the paranormal field great if we’re not cultivating the next generation.

So, here are nine things you should know about new paranormal investigators.

They Will Ask Obvious Questions

Yes, they may ask those obvious questions like, “How do I get an EMF meter” or “What apps should I use while ghost hunting?” Dare I say that some of us may think these are “stupid” questions? But we can’t be like this towards new people in the field. It will either turn them off to the field completely, or they will be so closed off that they won’t be open to learning anything new. We need to be respectful when addressing questions that may seem obvious to us. Not everyone has walked in our shoes.

They Have Experience

Before we start going off and saying that newbie paranormal investigators are lacking experience, they do have something to offer. They may have experience in something that you know nothing about. When I was first starting out in the field, I didn’t know much. But I was a working photographer and I knew photography. I was able to offer that much to the team I was working with at the time. Don’t assume that just because someone is new that they don’t have anything to offer.

They Have Untapped Skills & Abilities

While their ghost hunting skills may be developing, they may have skills in communicating with people. And…ghosts/spirits are people! They may also have psychic abilities that they are trying to harness. I like to these of these folks like bulls in a zero-gravity china shop trying to find their bearings while trying not to float away. These are the rockstars. All they need is for one of us to reach out our hands and bring them back down to the ground.

They Watched the TV Shows

Most of the new people I’ve worked with have watched paranormal reality shows. This means that their investigation technique will likely emulate what they saw on TV. It also means that their paranormal knowledge may have come from the television shows. And that’s okay! It is up to us to validate their knowledge and praise them for what they’re doing right and then redirect and guide where they still need support.

They Have Connections

I’ve always said that just because someone is new to the field, it doesn’t mean they don’t have connections. They may know someone who owns a haunted hotel, or they went to school with a famous ghost hunter. I’ve basically used several bullet points to bring home the fact that new paranormal investigators have value and they have something to offer the world. This is especially true for the investigators that have been doing this for a while.

They Are Curious

Just as we are still curious about the paranormal, new investigators are just as curious as we are, if not more. They are navigating a new world and a new community. This means they will be asking a lot of questions. Some questions will be easy to answer while other questions may have you scratching your head. And it’s okay if you don’t have all the answers too! It doesn’t make you any less valid in your experience and skills.

They May Not Know Better

New people will make mistakes while investigating. It’s going to happen. Even the most seasoned investigator still makes misakes. But new people don’t know any better. They are still learning, finding their balance in this new world, and figuring out what style fits them best. It doesn’t mean they’re ignorant or less-intelligent. Just like you had on-the-job training when you started with a new job, new paranormal investigators are learning the ropes.

They Have a Fresh Perspective

To go along with a few previous points, new paranormal investigators are a fresh set of eyes on the current way we do things in the field. They are able to look at current methods and practices and offer their feedback. There may be something worth changing! Or there’s a glaring error in a certain investigative practice that we’ve never noticed because we are so set in our ways. New paranormal investigators give us the opportunity to change what we’ve been doing and make it better!

They Are Excited

Finally, new paranormal investigators are so excited to join the community! I will admit that I get desensitized sometimes and feel like that grumpy neighbor because I’ve been doing this for so long. It can be a little disheartening. But let me tell you, I love working with new paranormal investigators because they have this LIGHT about them. I get to see the paranormal world through their eyes, and their excitement is contagious. It is my duty to make sure that light keeps burning and I don’t do anything to snuff it out.

What do you appreciate about new investigators to the paranormal field?

5 Creepy Photos That Have Been Debunked

Alex Matsuo2 Comments

There’s nothing that brings in the clicks, views, and follows more than creepy photos. Since the dawn of photography, there have been anomalies that have made even the smartest of men scratch their heads. While Photoshop wouldn’t be invented until 1987, the art of photo editing is as old as the camera. Just because the photo didn’t exist while Photoshop became the norm, it doesn’t mean that there were no other ways to edit a photo. The history of photography and what people did to edit photos by hand back then is truly fascinating.

Yet, some photos managed to slip through the cracks of scrutiny…until now. Here are some of the most famous creepy photos that have been debunked.

Wem Town Hall Ghost

This is my favorite ghost photo, even though it has been debunked. This photo came into prominence in the nineties after the building burnt down in 1995. Tony O’Rahilly took the photo while standing across the street, and didn’t seem to notice the girl until after he developed the film. In the photo, we can see the girl standing amongst the flames. It’s both fascinating and unsettling. Andrew Homer, along with ASSAP and Parasearch did further analysis on the photo, including finding the original photo (with no ghost girl), and declared it fake. It was also determined that O’Rahilly had fabricated the photo. The girl seen in the blaze is the same girl seen in a 1922 postcard for Wem. Since O’Rahilly died in 2005, so he was unable to speak of the accusations.

The Brown Lady of Raynham Hall

The Brown Lady Raynham Hall is one of the first ghost photos that really makes people start to wonder about the existence of the afterlife. I covered this photo as a Christmas ghost story, and its origins are truly sad. If you want to read the details of the backstory, check out my Christmas blog. Short version is that in the 1700’s, a husband became suspicious and jealous that his wife may have been cheating. He locked her away and told her friends and family she died. The poor wife never saw the outside again. The wife’s ghost was spotted on Christmas 1835 and this photo was snapped. Skeptics have analyzed this photo and proclaimed it cannot be debunked, which is why this photo rose to such prominence.

However, Alan Murdie found out that the Brown Lady in the photograph was caused by light leaking on the photographic plate. He managed to find the information from an old dusty manuscript in the Cambridge University library.

Cooper Family Photo

The Cooper Family Photo was one of the first spooky photos that actually freaked me out. When I first saw it in 2013, I really didn’t know what to make of it. The way that the family is sitting smiling and happy, unaware of the terrifying image to their right. Then, you have what looks like a body hanging upside down. The story behind this photo is that it the Cooper family was celebrating moving into their new home in Texas. However, we have to look at this photo with a critical eye, as it shows signs of being digitally altered. The symmetrical vignette is the biggest red flag. Plus the pixelation of the body is much different from the family, showing that there are layers in the photo. Here’s a more extensive breakdown of the debunking of this photo.

Patterson-Gimlin Film

This particular photo is truly the granddaddy of creepy photos. You could say this is the photo that started it all when it comes to conspiracy theories and cryptids. This photo of Bigfoot is tied to the Patterson-Gimlin film from 1967. The story goes that filmmaker Roger Patterson signed a contract to make a film about Bigfoot near Bluff Creek. This still is from frame 352, while others say it was shot by a hunter nearby. I still know folks today who swear that the footage is real.

Solway Spaceman

There are so many paranormal photos out there that seem…weird. I know, it’s weird to say this about this area of photography. So, to say this is weird about something already weird means something. I was never convinced that some hidden spaceman photobombed this picture. Taken in 1964 by Jim Templeton, this photo was of Templeton’s daughter while on a family picnic. When the family developed the film, they were shocked to see a spaceman-like person in the background. As I love to say, if it’s too good to be true, it usually is. It turns out that it’s Templeton’s wife in the background. The exposure made her blue dress look white.

What famous paranormal photos are your favorites? Has it been debunked? Tell us more in the comments!

Copyright Infringement in the Paranormal Community

Alex Matsuo1 Comment

Social media has played a huge role in bringing the paranormal community together. It’s amazing. Sharing images with discussion questions is also pretty dang popular now.

However, most of the images you’re seeing are being shared without the creator’s permission. This is problematic. It’s more than problematic. It’s illegal. Yes, that’s right. It’s illegal to share someone else’s artwork without their permission, credit, or reimbursement.

This is an ongoing issue for photographers, artists, and creators. But, now it’s easier than ever to file a copyright claim on social media. This means that not only will social media venues like Facebook will take the artwork down, but they will ding the user, group, or page that shares the content. There’s no way you’re going to appeal this.

This has happened to me numerous times between my work with The Spooky Stuff, and my team, Association of Paranormal Study. Chances are, you’ve seen one of my images shared by someone else.

What is Copyright Infringement?

I don’t want to dive too deep into the legalese of copyright infringement since it can get confusing. Basically, if you see an image or artwork you like, and you repost it to your social media page or website, you could get in trouble if you don’t have permission from the owner. Any artwork you design, or photos that you take yourself, belongs to YOU. If you see that someone is sharing your image or using your image without your permission, you can report them, take them to court, and even sue them.

As a blogger and content creator myself, I have to be super careful with this because, well, I can get sued. I have subscriptions to Canva and Shutterstock so I can use the images you see legally. Also, I’ve used Flickr as another source for images, and I have to read the copyright ownership terms very carefully. I didn’t always use to do this, and now that I’m more aware, I’m going through my websites and social media accounts to fix it.

How it Affects the Paranormal Community

A lot of paranormal teams on Facebook are posting images created by other teams and individuals without credit. Or worse, they will remove the team’s watermark and logo and repost. Paranormal community, stop this. It’s not okay.

Creators have been accused of being selfish and creating bad morale for reporting their art as stolen, and that’s not fair. Paranormal pages and groups that are sharing this content without permission, let alone crediting the artist, are building their platform on the hard work of others. It’s the same as stealing someone else’s work and crediting it as your own. You would get a failing grade in school, and you would be penalized if this was higher education. You would lose your job if you were working for a publication.

Sharing content without crediting the artist, team, or creator creates bad morale in the paranormal community. Not only that, it is hurtful.

When I asked one team why they removed my logo and watermark, it was because they thought *I* lifted the image and slapped on my logo. It’s a sad state of affairs when people do that and they think it’s okay. By the way, removing someone else’s logo/watermark and replacing it with your own is super illegal.

Consequences of Copyright Infringement

There is a movement where creators are now reporting these posts as stolen and copyright infringement. And they’re winning, as they should. The creator has receipts and can prove whether or not these images belong to them. Facebook is one of the major platforms that will immediately side with creators, and Instagram is owned by them.

On Facebook, if your page or group gets hit with too many copyright violations, it will be removed. End of story. Is it worth potentially losing your platform over something preventable like copyright infringement?

Creators such as myself now include tags and our logos in our images. If a page just reposts it without tagging, it’s not enough. There needs to be a tag, a name, or something. A simple, “Thanks to ___________ for creating this image! Be sure to check them out and like their page for more” is enough for a lot of creators. I don’t want to speak for all creators, so you need to check in with them.

What Needs to Be Done

I can’t speak for all creators, but for me, I’m totally fine with you reposting my images and art as long as you tag my page in the original post. Not every creator is okay with this though, just to warn you.

Believe it or not, this simple request has resulted in me being ignored or even blocked. Or, the team, page, or group will just delete the image. Tagging and giving credit is such a simple fix, and the fact that this is such a huge issue is mindblowing.

“Everyone else is doing it” isn’t a valid excuse either.

What If I Don’t Care If People Share My Work?

That’s fine. Move on. But, there are creators who do care, and they’re getting pressured to stay quiet for the sake of “para unity.” Just because a photographer shoots weddings for free doesn’t mean every photographer has to follow suit.

Honestly, you should care because you put in the work. If these pages and groups are getting new likes, followers, and members because of YOUR work, you should absolutely be able to enjoy those same benefits and grow your platform.

“Para unity” doesn’t mean that people should shut up and just accept it. Especially when giving credit takes just a few seconds. Literally, a few seconds. It’s an easy fix.

If someone puts in the work, and you think it’s great enough to share it, then credit the person in the post. Tag their page. Direct your followers to show them some para-love.

What If There’s No Watermark or Logo?

Share at your own risk. There are millions, if not billions, of memes and images that don’t have a logo, tag, or watermark. I’ve shared that content after making sure I couldn’t find the original artist. Google image search is great for this, by the way. Memes are harder to prove ownership if that makes sense.

I’m not perfect, and this has gotten me in trouble. Luckily, the creators were more than cool with the snafu after I apologized and asked them what I can do to make it right. Usually, this means a reshare of the original image or just a tag in the caption.

If the creator does approach you and says, “Hey I made this image” and they ask you to either credit them, link their page, remove it, etc., just do it. You don’t want to potentially find yourself in court, or lose your group or page due to a copyright violation.

What Can I Do as a Member of the Paranormal Community?

If you see an image shared by a page or group, and you like it, look for the watermark, logo, or tag. If it’s not there, ask who made the image. That holds the page accountable. Credit as much as you can. Let’s support each other!

I tag all of my photos with @thespookystuff or APS with @parastudync so people can type it in the search bar on Facebook. Look for that group or artist and like/follow them. Or, tag them in the comments of the shared image. Not only will you alert them that someone is using their content, but you’ll give a shoutout to the original artist and bring it to people’s attention. Or, even contact the creator and ask them to send you the link to the original post so you can share it from the creator instead of the page or group that lifted the image in the first place.

Please don’t reshare knowingly stolen content either. Or, at the very least, tag the creator in the caption when you share. If this is on Instagram, then type, “Repost: @(username).” It makes a big difference.

If you have any questions about this topic, feel free to comment on this blog or send me an email.

The Shocking Differences Between Real Life Ghost Hunting And TV

Alex Matsuo1 Comment

One of the most popular panels I participate in at cons is the differences between real-life paranormal investigating and what we see on television. From my time hosting public investigations and working with new folks in the paranormal world, I’m often put in positions where I have to explain that what we see on television isn’t accurate to what happens in real life.

Simply put, paranormal reality television isn’t a reflection of what it’s like in real life. Here are some of the major differences between what you see on TV and what you may experience out in the field.

You May Not Have an Experience for Several Hours

Paranormal television shows show the best 30-45 minutes of an investigation that took place over the course of several hours, days, if not weeks. The clips you see on paranormal television shows may not have even been filmed on the same day. Usually, the first ghostly interactions happen within 15-minutes of the show’s start. This doesn’t happen in real life. And yet, I’m often asked within 30 minutes of a public ghost hunt where the ghosts are and why aren’t they talking? Well, it’s because these shows are very much a snip of a petal from a much larger flower.

It Might Be Boring

Ghost hunting television shows are exciting to watch. There’s music, dramatic clips, voiceovers, and more. This makes paranormal investigations look glamorous and dramatic. It’s not surprising that these television shows have managed to recruit most of the people in the paranormal community. But the real-life paranormal investigation isn’t nearly as interesting as what you see on TV. It’s much quieter, but it’s just as fulfilling if you set your expectations realistically.

Not Everything is Out to Get You

Paranormal reality television makes it seem like the spirits and entities are out to get the stars. But, in most scenarios I’ve encountered, the spirits are merely people. One of my favorite moments in a TV show was when the star is demanding that the spirits show themselves, and they respond with, “Do we have to?” How delightfully human is that? All in all, the entities that reside at a location are merely trying to get by in the afterlife. They aren’t the monsters you see on Scooby-Doo where they’re trying to get the stars.

Provocation Isn’t the First Thing to Do

Provocation is a jerk move, plain and simple. Yes, it’s great television and it’s entertaining. But have you seen what happens to television stars when they provoke? They get hit, bit, scratched, pushed, the list goes on. You wouldn’t walk into someone’s home and start provoking them, so how is it okay to do so during a paranormal investigation? While provoking is often used on TV, it is not the preference of most respected paranormal investigators. The only reason one provokes is to get a response. It’s not acceptable to do when one is alive, let alone doing it to someone who has since passed.

Television is Entertainment

Finally, you must remember that paranormal reality television is part of the entertainment business. Their goal is to entertain and maintain ratings. You will never see the ENTIRE story played out on camera. You’ll see snippets instead. While there may be some truth to some shows, that’s not the case with every show on TV. They have a storyboard. There are writers. A story needs to be told. What you see on a television show is the result of hundreds of pieces being put together. It’s the result of a team of dedicated filmmakers, all contributing something to the table.

Before you think I’m a complete hater of paranormal television, I’m not. Paranormal television has played a tremendous role in growing awareness of the paranormal and recruiting more people to the community. Therefore, it has value. As long as people know the difference between what they see on television and what is real-life, we’re going to be okay.

Weird Things to Consider Before Buying a Haunted Doll

Alex Matsuo

When we hear about haunted dolls, visions of Annabelle immediately come to mind. It seems that all the rage right now is haunted dolls. Whether it’s YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook, having a haunted doll is the “thing” to do. I’ve read some really compelling journeys with haunted dolls, as well as fascinating videos with haunted dolls. I believe haunted dolls are great research tools and a way to study the paranormal without needing to go out for field work. In the age of COVID-19 and lockdowns, it’s an effective way to bring the paranormal home.

But there is more to buying a haunted doll than owning something spooky. I think there are things that one needs to consider before deciding to buy a haunted doll. While I haven’t owned a haunted doll myself, there is a specific reason for this. I’ve advised folks on dealing with their own haunted dolls and worked with other people with haunted dolls. Two of my favorite people on Instagram, Amanda Paulson and Cherise Williams, even conducted experiments with a haunted doll. You can check out one of the videos here.

Because I’m a skeptical believer, I must include this disclosure: There is no way to prove these considerations. This was written purely out of interviews and experiences with folks I know who own haunted dolls.

The Doll May Not Be Haunted

Depending on where you stand on the line between skeptic and believer, you may be making a risky purchase if you’re looking for a guaranteed haunted item. As you may know, we don’t have an exact science that can prove the existence of the paranormal. Therefore, “Buyer beware” resonates strongly in this area. Whether you pay $5 or $500 on a haunted object, the price is not a promise that you’re taking in a ghost.

Inviting Someone to Live with You

Okay, so let’s assume that the haunted IS indeed haunted. Have you ever had a roommate? Unless you’re in college and your roommate is assigned to you, usually you go through a process to choose your roommate. You interview people, do credit checks, and get to know the person as much as you can before they move in with you. There has to be a reassurance that there is some compatibility so that everyone who lives in the household can live in harmony. If you’ve ever been in a situation where you didn’t get to choose your roommate, then you know it’s like rolling dice. This is the situation that you will find yourself in when you purchase a haunted doll. It’s like inviting a roommate to come live with you and you don’t know whether or not you’ll get along.

It Might Not Be That Interesting

Once you have a haunted doll, it may not be haunted. Or, it might be haunted by an old woman who just wants to sit in silence. I’ve noticed a lot of people buy haunted dolls seem to want some adventure or something interesting in their lives.

Think About Your Why

You need to consider why you want to buy a haunted doll in the first place. Is it because you want to do some experiments? Are you looking for companionship? Are you simply wanting to add to your haunted collection? You need

You Have to Take Care of It

So, you have your haunted doll. Most people assume that it’s haunted child. So, let’s assume it’s a ghost child. If you have children, been a caregiver, or even just babysat kids, then you know they can be high maintenance. One of my friends who has a haunted doll treats her companion like a mother to a child. Sure, I guess you don’t have to be that intensively invested in your haunted doll as my friend. But at what cost? Is it possible that neglect might cause the spirit to feel restless and ignored? Who knows. But maintenance might be something to consider.

You Aren’t in Control

Anytime you are dealing with another person, conscious being, etc. you should understand that you’re not in control of the situation. It’s not a “master-squire” relationship where you are able to control the spirit that comes with your doll. Just like a parent isn’t in full control of their child, a friend with another friend, or a spouse with their partner, you aren’t in full control of the situation. Honestly, this is why I get skeptical of folks who say they can control the spirit in their own haunted doll. I don’t want to declare it’s not possible because this is very much a pseudoscience and nothing can be proven. But this is where my eyebrows raise.

Have a Plan

Finally, before you make your purchase, think about what your contingency plan will be. If you eventually want to part with your doll, what will you do? Will you give the doll away? Try to sell it? If you believe that the doll is causing unwanted supernatural activity, what will you do if the activity doesn’t stop once the call is gone? I don’t write this to scare anyone, but just some things to think about as you plan on making the purchase. Always have a plan.

Do you have a haunted doll? Do you want to obtain a haunted doll? What has your experience been like?

4 of the Youngest Paranormal Investigators You Should Watch

Alex Matsuo

The paranormal community has mixed feelings when it comes to children and investigating. Many say that you should wait until you’re 18 before you start communicating with spirits. But many folks have their first paranormal encounters when they’re children. Also, it is commonly believed that children are more sensitive to the paranormal since they’re young and haven’t built up those walls over the years like adults. For me, I think that as long as the kids are safe, both spiritually and physically, I don’t see anything wrong with them investigating. Of course, as long as they have supervision.

We also need to remember that these kids are the future of the paranormal community. I think following and supporting the young ones in the paranormal community is especially important because they are our future. Thanks to social media, I’ve found myself interacting with a lot of kids lately (with their parents’ supervision of course) and offering them advice, answering questions, etc. They are truly a delight to talk to. I honestly wish I had this when I was a kid. I think it would have made me feel less alone.

Here are a few kids out there in the paranormal investigating world who are making a splash, kicking butt, and taking names.

Madison Smith

Madison Smith has been investigating since she was 10yrs old. Her first investigation was at the Renwick Mansion in Davenport Iowa. She first got interested in the paranormal when she was 5 yrs old by watching shows on YouTube. She has investigated some pretty awesome locations in the three years she has been investigating. Locations include Malvern Manor, Villisca Axe Murder House, Edinburg Manor, Farrah School House, Mineral Springs, Eloise Asylum, and many more. She is definitely making waves in the field and on social media. Madison has already been to some of the most famous locations in the United States. She also does a podcast called Spoopy Talk, which is a true delight to listen to! She has had guests like Elizabeth Saint, Nick Groff, Daniel Klaes, Ashley Godwin, Richard Estep, Megan Deputy, Brandon Alvis, and many more. You can listen on Paranormal Buzz Radio.

Madison has caught the attention of some of the most famous paranormal investigators around the world. Between her podcast and her paranormal adventures, she’s doing some fantastic work already at such a young age. She is definitely going places in this field! 2021 is promising to be a good year for Madison, as she has some events happening, and a big event happening at the Hinsdale House.

Ghosty Girlz – Grace & Vivi

Grace and Vivi make up the Ghosty Girlz team. They are totally rocking it on Instagram too with over 7,000 followers! Another reason why I follow them is that they focus on the Southern California area. As you all know, I grew up in San Diego and lived there until I was 27. SoCal has a special place in my heart. I love following their paranormal adventures around the area and seeing where they go. They’ve managed to grab the attention of thousands on social media, and they are already great at networking. These girls are definitely GOALS!

Go Kiko TV

I recently met Kiko on Instagram when he sent me a message. At 13 years old, he just starting out with his YouTube channel and I’ve really enjoyed watching him in action. He’s from across the pond and has access to some AMAZING locations. What really impressed me with Kiko is that he has such a calm about him while investigating. His social media presence is still new, but it doesn’t mean he isn’t kicking butt. I look forward to seeing what his future holds in the field.

The list is short for now. A lot of it had to do with whether I had permission to spotlight these amazing kids by the time I published this article. I hope this won’t be the last time I write about children in the paranormal. They are definitely out there. Some need mentoring, some need a boost, and some are already doing so well that we should be taking notes and learning from them!

11 Fascinating New Year’s Eve Traditions from Around the World

Alex Matsuo

Counting down from ten, kissing at midnight, watching the ball drop…these are all your typical New Year’s Eve traditions. We’ve all adopted these traditions as normal, and it almost feels strange to not do them. However, many of us ring in the New Year while fast asleep in our beds because we’re too old to stay up until midnight. This is also a very “American” thing to do these days. So, I was inspired to see how other parts of the world ring in the new year, and I was not disappointed. Some countries and cultures even ring in the new year in a spooky way, which always excites me. For some people, these traditions are going to seem pretty strange, and I’m here for all of it.

Here are eleven New Year’s traditions from around the world! For some people, these traditions are strange. For others, it’s normal. If you’re looking for a way to really shake off the bad energy that encompasses 2020, you might want to give a few of these traditions a try!

Romania – Animal Dances to Ward Off Evil Spirits

Photo 72824541 © Kutizoltan – Dreamstime.com

I had heard about this tradition while I was in Romania during the summer of 2004. Full disclosure: I was there for a mission trip and the tradition was disclosed to me like it was some evil Satanic ritual. I know better now. I actually had to do a little digging to find more information. This tradition is so fascinating! This isn’t the only tradition that Romanians do for New Year’s Eve, but it is certainly the most interesting. Romania has so much rich tradition that pre-dates Christianity. This tradition involves animal masks, bears, and dancing. People wear animal masks like goats, horses, and bears, and dance in their houses to ward off evil spirits, many going house to house. The “Dance of the Bear” is the most popular. These animal dances symbolize death, rebirth, and prosperity.

Germany – Lead Pouring

This is some witchy, fortune-telling business and I am here for it. In some parts of Germany, people participate in a practice called bleigiessen, also known as lead pouring. They will melt a dollop of lead, and then drop it in cold water. Whatever shape the lead forms, that is what may come your way in the new year. A heart obviously means love, a crown means wealth and prosperity, a ball or star means happiness. But if a cross forms, it means that you may experience death.

Ireland – Open Doors

A few days ago, I saw a meme floating around Facebook that said that according to Irish tradition, you open your door at midnight. Upon further investigating, there’s actually much more to this tradition. You have to open your front door and your back door! Just before midnight, you open your back door to let the “Olde year out.” Then, you open the front door to let the “new year in.” While doing this, you would also greet your neighbors (since they have their doors open too) and wish them a happy new year! I have a feeling people are going to open every door and cupboard in their house to show 2020 its way out.

Ecuador – Scarecrow Burning

I read this and immediately yelled, “YAS!” Basically, to banish anything bad like unfortunate events, bad luck, ill-fortunes, etc. Ecuadorians fill scarecrows with paper and light them on fire at midnight. But these scarecrows don’t just look like scarecrows. They can look like effigies of pop culture figures, politicians, and other icons of the year. You could say they are burning all of the bad stuff from the year and cleansing it so they can start the new year anew. For extra bonus points, you can jump through the flames 12 times. I also read that men will dress in drag as the widows of the burnt effigies and ask for small change. Something tells me Ecuador will have a LOT to light on fire for 2020.

Chile – Party with the Dead

In Chile, a small town called Talca celebrates the end of the year with the dead. Meaning, they have a cemetery sleepover. It’s customary to spend the night in a cemetery during the last night of the year. It is believed that the spirits of lost loved ones are waiting for their living relatives and ready to spend time with them.

Japan – 108 Rings

If you think the traditional New Year’s Eve countdown from ten is too much, imagine counting from 108! Before the stroke of midnight, Buddhist temples will ring their bells 107 times, and then ring once more when it’s midnight. This tradition is called joyanokane. It is believed that the ringing of these bells will cleanse us from the impurities and sins from the previous year. Why 108? According to Buddhist and Japanese traditions, there are 108 evil passions that all human beings possess. Japanese folks will also enjoy a dish of toshikoshi soba noodles that are said to bring good luck and wish for long life.

Cuba – Tossing Buckets of Water

If you’re looking for a way to get rid of all that negative energy from the year, then this next one might be the answer to your prayer. In Cuba, it is customary to throw out buckets of dirty water on New Year’s Eve. The dirty water represents bad omens and negativity, thus washing away bad energy. This is all for the sake of beginning the New Year with a fresh start.

Peru – Annual Fighting Festival

This tradition technically takes place on December 25th, but it is a tradition for the new year. Each December 25th, the Peruvian province of Chumbivilcas hosts a day of fist-fighting known as Takanakuy. There’s a sporting arena all set up for fistfights between children, teenagers, adults, and the elderly. Along with that, there’s music, food, drinking, celebrations, just like a holiday festival. The idea behind Takanakuy is to “put all grievances behind” before entering the New Year. This may have been used as a form of the justice system back in the day. Basically, it’s your chance to settle disputes or let out all your rage before the clock strikes midnight on January 1st. You can punch out your frustrations and start the new year with a clean slate.

Italy – Kissing Fest

In Venice, Italy, sharing a kiss with someone you love on New Year’s Eve in Piazza San Marco is tradition. In 2008, Venice hosted over 60,000 people in Piazza San Marco for the world’s largest “kiss in.” The event included concerts, fireworks, and even lessons on how to achieve the perfect kiss.

Scotland – First Footing

Scotland is very passionate about the New Year, also known as Hogmanay! The song we sing at the stroke of midnight, “Auld Lang Syne” comes from Scotland. The Scottish New Year’s tradition is believed to date back to the 8th or 9th century and brought about by none other than the Vikings. Before midnight on the night of the 31st, you had to have all of your ashes taken out, clean the house, and clear your debts before the bells toll midnight. Then there’s the tradition of “first foot” or “first footing”, meaning the first person to cross the threshold into your home after midnight. If it’s a dark-haired person with gifts like bread, coins, coal, etc. is good luck. Otherwise, a light-haired man was thought to be bad luck. I almost forgot to mention that Hogmanay also has fireball festivals to ring in the new year, which is pretty awesome.

Denmark – Breaking Plates

If you want to show your friend that you love them, smash all of your chipped plates on their front door. The more broken plates you have at your front door, the more good luck you’ll have for the upcoming year. You could say it’s like a big popularity contest with broken china.

Sources

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/new-years-effigies-ecuador

https://www.italymagazine.com/italy/life-style/venice-seals-romantic-reputation-new-years-mass-kiss

https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofScotland/The-History-of-Hogmanay/

Takanakuy: Boiling Blood and Healing Wounds in Peru

https://www.uncover-romania.com/attractions/history-culture/traditions/new-year-traditions-in-romania/

New Year’s Traditions from Ireland